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I remember when a run to the offshore fishing grounds went something like this: Get to the boat the night before to load up gear, bait and tackle. Once we cleared the breakwater, we’d settle in for a long, slow chug through the inky darkness. If there was any weather, the inability to see approaching waves meant slowing down even more. After eight or 10 hours of creeping along and taking turns at the helm, a faint horizon would materialize along the hem of the purple-gray sky, and our fishing day would officially begin.

Today a new breed of high-speed fishing boats has created a new paradigm for serious offshore anglers coast to coast. Owners of these powerful fishing machines are likely to hop on board in the morning, fire up the four or five high-­performance outboards sitting shoulder-­to-shoulder across the ample transom, and motor out of the harbor to the oohs and aahs of onlookers and envious anglers. 

When the captain reaches open water and opens the throttles on up to 3,000 hp of outboard power, the true appeal of these speed machines becomes apparent. With a jaw-dropping amount of available horsepower, high-tech mono- or multihulls rocket to the offshore destinations in a fraction of the time required in yesteryears. The concept of comfortably running 100 miles or more, catching a load of fish, and returning home on the same day is not just possible but also common. 

Fishing-boat brands such as Contender, Freeman, Invincible, Regulator, Scout, SeaVee, Yellowfin and others have broken the mold on what a ­center-console outboard-­powered fishing boat can achieve, blasting through size and performance barriers. This new crop of boats offers the dimensions and seaworthiness of old-fashioned sport-fishing yachts, but can also reach 60 mph and cruise all day at 40 to 50 mph without breaking a sweat. And they do this with surprisingly good fuel economy, providing the range to go long and fish hard all day.

However, there’s a lot more to this new class of boats than just size and speed. Boatbuilders are competing to introduce more comfortable and capable offshore machines, adding new features, ­interior comfort and amenities without compromising on the open layout and unfettered fishing access that define the breed. Owners are attracted by these vessels’ versatility as well. These boats can be supersize (with corresponding price tags well over $1 million), but a center-console is still a center-console. If the mood strikes, owners want the ability to pull up on a sandbar with everybody else, kick back with a drink, and enjoy the party with their smaller cousins.

When you first see one of these sleek and stylish boats, your eyes are inevitably drawn to the gleaming engine ­cowlings seemingly filling every inch of transom space. It’s clear that the entire class of vessels couldn’t exist without quantum leaps in outboard motor power and ­technology from builders like Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha. There are different theories about which came first, this growing number of high-powered outboards from 350 to 600 hp, or the ever-­larger hulls designed for outboard power. Conventional wisdom is that the evolution of more-powerful outboards led to the development of wider, longer and more-advanced hulls. However, there are also those who believe that evolving consumer demand for simplicity and ease of use was simultaneously pushing builders to redefine the center-console and walkaround fishing-boat classes. 

Perhaps we should call it a tie. “The evolution of outboard motors has resulted in even more-powerful, reliable and feature-­rich powerplants, enabling boat sizes in this popular segment to grow to overall lengths of 40 feet and beyond,” says John Caballero, sales and marketing director for SeaVee Boats. At the same time, he acknowledges an existing preference for simpler boats. “The market discovered long ago how practical a center-console boat is in terms of its utility and ­generally lower maintenance requirements.” He highlights the company’s 42-foot 420Z and 45-foot 450Z as ideal models for meeting this need, providing the amenities to enhance the fishing experience and the safety and comfort for all on board. Additionally, both models can be highly customized to suit the owner’s needs and preferences. 

“While supersize center-consoles are by no means simple machines, they are undoubtedly less complex than multi­stateroom sport-fishing yachts,” says Rob Sabin, southeast sales manager for Contender Boats. “This typically translates to lower maintenance bills and less time in the yard. It also gives owners the ability to run and maintain their own vessel.” 

Contender considers its 44-foot 44FA (Fisharound) the perfect fishing platform for extended adventures. Built on the center-­console 44ST hull, the 44FA features a large berth, enclosed head and kitchenette. It carries 575 gallons of fuel along with 70 gallons of fresh water and can be equipped with a generator, air conditioning, ice makers, water heaters and gyrostabilization.

“Boats are getting bigger and more powerful, but that’s not all,” says Matt Arnholt, marketing manager for Yellowfin Yachts. They have been able to maximize efficiency and fishability while incorporating various features, electronics in particular, Arnholt points out. 

While the 36 Offshore continues as Yellowfin’s most popular model, anglers are also turning to the 39 Offshore, 42 Offshore and 54 Offshore, Arnholt ­observes. The 54 delivers the brand’s styling, stepped hull, fuel efficiency and construction with features like a fully equipped galley, queen berth and a ­diesel generator. Its long list of available options includes a bow thruster, a Quick dynamic stabilizer, and a range of hardtop and tower possibilities.

“Many of our customers used to own large sport-fishermen,” says Alan Lang, director of sales and marketing for Scout Boats. “They are ready to move to a center-­console for the ease of operation and the ability to drive it themselves and take care of it themselves. Outboard power not only makes our boats fast and ­agile, it also makes maintenance much ­easier.” Multiple high-horsepower engines also provide owners with peace of mind. According to Lang, Scout’s current flagship—the 530 LXF—will easily get on plane and get you home at 50 mph, even with one engine down. 

Scout raised eyebrows across the industry when it first previewed its 670 LXF, a 67-foot LOA cross between a center-­console and a superyacht due for launch in 2024. Scout’s 530 LXF (Luxury Fish) is a 53-footer built almost entirely of lightweight yet strong carbon fiber and epoxy resin, and it’s packed with amenities like dual hydraulic beach platforms that lower for family water play, heated helm seats, a standard Seakeeper gyrostabilizer and luxurious interior options.

“The biggest things driving these supersize center-consoles are high horsepower, along with the great weight-to-horsepower ratio,” says Dan Freer, senior director of engineering for Invincible, which offers both monohull and catamaran models. 

Invincible’s 46-foot cat is offered in both a center-console and pilothouse configuration. Even with the added comforts of two sleeping berths, interior seating, air conditioning and a generator, the 46 Pilothouse stays true to the brand with 360-degree fishability. The new flagship of Invincible’s monohull fleet is the 43 Open Fisherman. While the cockpit layout emphasizes all-around fishing room, the design includes a cabin with a full sleeping berth, a vanity sink and a head for ­extended angling journeys.   

Builders pretty much agree that the trend will continue, even if the overall size of the boats eventually tops out. Consumer demand and outboard engine development will continue to drive future innovation. What this future will look like is anyone’s guess, but it will certainly be a hell of a ride. 

Outboard Muscle

Powerful and efficient outboards are helping drive the trend for larger boats. Here are the top dogs in horsepower from three manufacturers.

Mercury: The Mercury V-12 600 hp and Mercury Racing 450R and new 500R are popular choices for twin, triple, quad and even quintuple installations.

Suzuki: Suzuki’s V-6 DF350 pioneered twin contra-rotating propellers for the added torque to push heavy loads, making this 350 a solid and efficient choice for catamarans in quad applications.

Yamaha: Yamaha’s new V-8 450 XTO Offshore outboard is a popular power option for the new breed of XL-size open fishing boats.

The post Supersize Center-Consoles Expand Angling Horizons appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

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Making its debut at the 2023 Miami International Boat Show, the long-awaited SeaVee 420z features an innovative cross-ventilated step-hull design to enhance efficiency and handling. This center-console fishing boat is built with high-tech cored unibody construction and vacuum-assisted resin transfer infusion. The 420z is available with a captain’s edition hardtop, aluminum pipework and a clear polycarbonate enclosure. You can also choose a hardtop with a built-in kite box and molded fiberglass windshield frame with laminated safety glass. The console has a forward lounge. A sliding aft door leads to an immense console interior with a berth, mini galley and enclosed head. The spacious aft cockpit sports a 40-gallon pressurized livewell in each corner of the transom and twin 100-gallon insulated in-sole fish boxes. In the bow is a 161-gallon fish box, a 71-gallon dry storage compartment, and port and starboard rod lockers. A starboard hullside door makes it easy to haul in a big swordfish or tuna. The 420z can be rigged with triple or quad outboards. Its horsepower rating is unlimited.

SeaVee Boats – seaveeboats.com

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SeaVee is synonymous with top-notch, fishing-focused center-consoles, and the 450Z, the builder’s latest addition—based on its proven stepped hull—is destined to be another winner. We got the chance to test the ride, performance and numerous features while pre-fishing for a sailfish tournament in South Florida, and the boat did not disappoint.

Our survey began in front, where the forward deck features an in-floor storage bin that serves as an optional livewell and a large insulated fish box on the centerline, bookended by full-length rod lockers, a great feature for traveling and overnighting away from home. An anchor-locker hatch affords access to the through-hull anchor shoot and windlass. A plush, two-person lounge rests at the front of the console, with seven vertical rod holders on each side. But rod storage is considerably more extensive. In fact, our test boat sported 34 flush-mounted holders spread along the outboard deck, and two rows of vertical holders for 15 rods on the transom.

The one-piece, resin-infused console has no visible fasteners for a clean, stylish look. The center-aligned helm is protected by a safety-glass windshield integrated into the hardtop frame and has only corner posts, offering an unobstructed line of sight. Ergonomically designed, with every switch and control interface at arm’s length of the skipper, the test boat’s helm featured two 24-inch Furuno multifunction displays, a 12-inch display in the center, Mercury engine control, JL Audio control, generator control, autopilot interface, and VHF radio with remote mics, plus a Vetus bow-thruster control and an Optimus steering joystick.

Dual-row seating features three plush helm-style chairs in each row, with flip-up armrests and seat bolsters. The aft row is slightly elevated to provide unimpeded visibility forward, and both ends of the forward row house tackle storage.

Access to the console interior is on the starboard side, and entrance is gained by pushing a button to operate the computer-controlled, helical drive system that opens and closes the fiberglass door. Inside, the console has an air-conditioned private head and shower with integral shelving and a mirrored vanity with sink and storage, as well as a galley complete with countertop, sink, Vitrifrigo refrigerator, microwave oven and storage.

The U-shaped lounge with a high-low, expanding teak table converts into a queen berth. The interior is lit by near-full-length acrylic windows on the console sides. Soft wall coverings offer yachtlike refinement while dampening noise. The main electric distribution panel is on the aft bulkhead, just inside the door for easy access, even without entering the cabin. A hanging locker rounds out the ample weekend-living quarters.

The SeaVee’s cockpit is also set up for easy access, with three in-deck hatches at the transom to reach the bilge, an optional in-deck livewell or storage boxes, a 200-gallon fish box on each side, and a centerline compartment for the 9 kW Onan generator and Seakeeper gyrostabilizer. Side doors to both port and starboard add convenience when boarding, snorkeling and diving, and boating large fish.

Suspending surface baits from kites is a key sailfish tactic that requires a substantial amount of live bait such as goggle-eyes, threadfin herring, sardines or pilchards, all of which demand ample livewell capacity, as well as the proper water flow to remain healthy and frisky. The 450Z has five livewells totaling 200 gallons, including a 40-gallon well—with clear lid and window to monitor the baits— in both cockpit corners, all fed by two Best Marine sump boxes with three pumps each.

We tested the boat in normal offshore fishing conditions, with a considerable load: 12 people and their gear, full livewells, 450 gallons of fuel and 100 gallons of water. Powered by quad Mercury 450Rs, the boat ran -smoothly, comfortably and remarkably quiet.

The 450Z’s cross-ventilated, twin-stepped hull utilizes a four-port air-induction system with a central air reservoir to provide the airstream to minimize speed-robbing drag. The proof was certainly in the pudding as we cruised easily and efficiently at 3,500 rpm, making 34 mph while burning just 47.8 gph, and taking no spray despite the 15- to 20-knot winds encountered throughout the day. At day’s end, we hit 70 mph at wide-open throttle, burning 183 gph.

All weighed and measured, the stunning looks and superb ride, coupled with a host of standard amenities, comfortable overnighting accommodations and built-in fishing features all integrated into a tight, well-executed package, are bound to make the SeaVee 450Z a highly coveted fishing machine.

Test Conditions

• Weather: Partly cloudy
• Location: Palm Beach, Florida
• Wind: Northwest 15 to 20 knots Sea State: 4 to 6 feet Test Load: 12 adults, 450 gallons of fuel, 100 gallons of water

Specifications

SeaVee Boats – seaveeboats.com

The post SeaVee 450Z Fishability Test appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

SeaVee is a semicustom manufacturer of high–performance center-console, bay, fish-around and sport-express boats. It sells its boats factory-direct, each boat built to the specifications of its owner.

SeaVee’s proprietary vacuum-assisted resin-transfer molding technology infuses the fully cored hull, stringers and bulkheads simultaneously, creating a stronger, lighter and more durable laminate. Translation: The boat is faster, more fuel-efficient, and quieter. And it lasts longer.

Construction details include high-quality 316 stainless-steel hardware; overgauged anodized or powder-coated aluminum components; and yacht-quality electrical materials and installation, with wiring you can follow from source to destination.

SeaVee 290B

Available in Open Fisherman and Luxury Edition versions—the SeaVee’s prismatic deep-V hull, with an aggressive 25-degree deadrise and keel pad give superior sea-handling capabilities.

The hull facilitates smooth and stable drifts, impressive hole shots, and a more comfortable ride in rough sea conditions.

Standard features include an integrated engine platform with transom door, underdeck dry storage, dual marine AGM batteries, high-performance trim tabs, hydraulic steering, and dual automatic bilge pumps.

Choose from options including hardtop, second station, fixed or removable seating, and the latest marine-electronics equipment from all major brands. Choose your brand of power too, in twins up to 400 hp each; new, larger epoxy-coated aluminum fuel tanks team up with them to make for long-range adventure.

Dual in-deck aft compartments are topped by molded-fiberglass storage hatches with deep gutters and coamings, providing a solid seal to keep compartments dry.

Fishermen will appreciate the massive, insulated fish box, and the 50-gallon livewell system. Additional livewells can be added for capacity and/or species separation; 33 percent of our CC survey respondents said they need two livewells.

Choose between a simpler Coastal leaning post and a Captains Edition, which includes a tackle station, eight Plano boxes, five rod holders, four cup holders and a handrail.

Comforts and convenience options include an integrated forward console seat and door, retractable cooler, electrically operated forward lounge seat backrests, freshwater shower and toilet facilities.

Survey Says: On Target

⋅Speed, fuel-efficiency and comfortable ride check the boxes for performance

⋅Pump box keeps livewell refreshed and bait lively

⋅Raw and fresh water are conveniently located

⋅Storage for up to 21 rods

Owners Say

⋅Open fishability and storage

⋅Big enough to go offshore and small enough to fish inshore

⋅Love the setup

Brand Says

⋅Economical to run and easy to trailer

⋅The kind of affordability that makes offshore adventures happen

⋅A diverse lineup of high-performance – sport-fishing boats designed with the whole family in mind

More Info: seaveeboats.com

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SeaVee Boats, Florida-based builder of hardcore fishing machines, recently added another center-console to its popular Z series, the 322Z, an impeccable marriage of beauty and substance that loudly makes its argument to be considered among the best boats in its class.

The new 32-footer is available in two configurations: the Open Fisherman and the Luxury Edition. The brand’s fishing pedigree is evident in both, but the latter is more family-friendly, with extra seating and conveniences for lounging and entertaining.

We tested the Luxury Edition, and once on board, were instantly drawn to the twin aquarium-style livewells on opposite transom corners, each with 40-gallon capacity of aerated water supplied by a sea chest.

A bench on the transom, between the livewells, seats three comfortably and, along with the backrest, is ­easily removed to access the bilge or when ­fishing demands maximum cockpit space. The cockpit deck incorporates six hatches. One opens to the bilge and five to storage compartments, two of which are designed to hold a 5-gallon bucket, while another can be plumbed as an 88-gallon livewell.

An aft-facing seat for two — with a large cooler underneath — and a full-width compartment above the backrest are part of the Captain’s Edition helm seat on a large fiberglass module with storage for tackle bags or other gear. Other leaning-post-style helm seats are available for those who prefer a ­tackle center, rigging station, or slide-out cooler in back.

The console permits unhindered transit along both sides. The console seat includes a backrest, integrated with a forward door that slides open to port for entry into a step-down head compartment with sink, freshwater faucet/shower, mirror, storage for toiletries, and an optional marine toilet.

The dash has enough mounting ­surface for dual 12-inch MFDs, plus multifunction gauges, stereo, VHF radio, trim-tab switches and more. There’s an acrylic tray and USB ports for mobile devices, a panel with some two dozen waterproof switches, and a splash cover to protect the electronics.

The test boat sported a Key West-style hardtop with openings on both sides for the tips of rods stored upright in the console holders, leaving enough real estate for outriggers and a radar dome. Stereo speakers were mounted on the underside, along with spreader lights for the cockpit and bow.

No serious fishing boat would be complete without insulated fish ­boxes. The SeaVee has three, all forward of the console. The center in-floor fish box has a 129-gallon capacity and the ­dimensions to fit several big wahoo, tuna or dolphin. The other two are in the molded, raised seats with electric backrests, which replace the 51-gallon in-floor wing boxes that double as rod lockers on the Open Fisherman model.

Rod storage on the 322Z is extensive. Twelve flush-mount holders lie on both sides of the console, 12 in the covering boards, and another four on the transom, plus a rocket launcher for six more rods on the hardtop.

Other features of note include an ­integrated swim platform/outboard bracket, anchor locker with windlass, trim tabs, dual-card compass, coaming pads, plus an optional portside door with telescoping ladder, raw- and freshwater washdowns, and a pull-out swim ladder. A coffin box, various tops and towers, Bahama shade, and outriggers are some of the many other options.

Our performance test took place outside of Tampa Bay, Florida. It began with shuttle runs to experience the hole shot of the cross-ventilated, twin-stepped hull, and to clock the 10.3 seconds it took to go from still to 30 mph.

Multiple lifting elements on SeaVee’s patented Z series high-performance hulls help the 32-footer get up and go. With twin Mercury 350 Verados, top speed was 59.5 mph. But the max horsepower rating is 1,000, music to the ears of tournament anglers and those who prefer life in the fast lane.

Outstanding maneuverability and sports-car responsiveness made our customary slalom test around crab-­trap floats a lot of fun. Speed rails incorporated in the hull let us take full advantage of the boat’s terrific turning radius, keeping the SeaVee tracking smoothly through the turns.

The hull’s reverse chines push down the spray, which at planing speed begins at midship, and at wide-open throttle starts 3 to 4 feet aft. Even as we cut through the waves, a piece of cake with the SeaVee’s deep-V and sharp entry angle at the bow, spray rarely blew over the gunwales, something anglers who fish in winter and colder climes should consider.

Hard-pressed to find anything the 322Z lacks, and impressed with its agility and performance, we came away convinced that anyone looking for a top-notch center-console under 35 feet ought to add this SeaVee to the list of top candidates.

Specifications
Length: 32’9″
Beam: 9’6″
Draft: 20″
Deadrise: 22 degrees
Fuel: 325 gal.
Water: 34 gal.
Weight: 6,800 lb. (plus power)
Max HP: 1,000
Price:  $199,200 w/ twin Mercury 300 Verados
Seavee Boats: seaveeboats.com

Test Conditions
Weather: Sunny
Location: Tierra Verde, Florida
Wind: South 9 knots
Sea State: 2- to 3-foot chop
Test Load: Two adults, 140 gallons of fuel, 30 gallons of water

The post Boat Test: SeaVee 322Z appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

SeaVee Boats, a heralded Miami builder, again hits it out of the park with the new revamped version of its popular 29-foot center-console, an easy-to-trailer offshore and nearshore performer with an impressive list of standard features and a wide range of available options.

Undoubtedly, the 290B has been designed to meet the demands of competitive anglers, and its manageable size and shallow draft afford access to narrow tidal creeks and skinny water, further adding to the boat’s versatility. Meanwhile, the ergonomic layout ensures everything is where one expects it to be and offers ample room to move about while tending lines or following hooked fish, with uncluttered, flush decks and a grippy, nonskid finish for safer footing.

Storage on the SeaVee is quite generous. It starts with a dedicated anchor locker complete with windlass at the bow, followed by twin forward compartments, each with a 45-gallon capacity, that double as in-deck lockable rod storage. Between them, a massive ­100-gallon insulated fish box has the dimensions to keep big pelagics on ice. The console also offers considerable storage; in fact, the space makes it more than suitable as a head compartment complemented by the optional electric toilet.

Moving aft, two hatches provide in-floor storage in the cockpit, bookending a third hatch that provides bilge access, and a fourth that hides a 60-gallon in-deck livewell, insulated to function as an additional fish box when necessary.

On the transom, there’s a 50-gallon livewell in the center and a smaller one — perfect for holding live shrimp or crabs — to starboard.

Seating aboard the 290B is available in various configurations, ranging from the minimalist to plush lounging.

This 29-footer, by the way, is offered in two configurations: the Open Fisherman, a hardcore-fishing platform with maximum cockpit space and easy access to fish boxes and storage compartments, and the Luxury Edition (LE) upgrade package that adds molded-in forward seats with electronically adjustable backrests and storage underneath. You lower the backrests and add a removable table to create a comfortable seating area to enjoy beverages or lunch alfresco.

Several leaning posts with different configurations and features are available for helm seating. The test boat came with the Captain’s Edition, which incorporates a tackle station complete with eight tackle boxes, a fold-down bait-rigging tray, five rod holders, four cup holders and handrail, plus an optional cooler with a pneumatic actuator to extend and retract at the base of the fiberglass module.

For aft seating, the Open Fisherman offers a fold-down aft bench that uses the transom coaming pad as the backrest, while the LE comes with a wider, more comfortable deluxe bench with a removable backrest that stows away when it comes time to fish.

The dash on the large center console accepts two 12-inch displays side by side, with room to spare for a VHF, stereo, and an array of switches that controls onboard accessories. A splash cover safeguards the electronics from the elements.

A console door, located on the front, incorporates a cooler/storage compartment and allows the console sides to house vertical rod racks, which, combined with the in-deck lockers, the holders on the leaning post, and the rocket launcher in back of the hardtop, let you carry up to 21 rods rigged and ready.

Other standard features include an integrated swim platform/outboard bracket with a portside transom door, hydraulic steering, high-performance trim tabs, and a large dual-card compass atop the console.

Available options include raw- and freshwater washdowns, electric head with macerated pump-out, Armstrong removable ladder, pull-out dive ladder with freshwater flush system, Mercury K planes (an upgrade over trim tabs), kingfish-style rod holders for trolling, Bahama shade, a couple of T-top and hardtop options, and a tower for those who desire a higher vantage point.

The high-performance, composite-core hull is now lighter, quieter, more rigid and more efficient. Its deep-V with a sharp entry at the bow and 25 degrees of deadrise at the transom tame choppy seas and make for a stable, smooth-riding platform that proved surprisingly dry, even under the windy conditions encountered during our test.

Rigged with twin 300 hp Mercury Verados, our test boat reached a top speed of 61.4 mph at wide-open throttle and went from zero to 30 mph in an average time of 8.25 seconds. While that’s plenty fast for most anglers, those who feel the need for more speed will be happy to know the 290B was built to accept up to a pair of 400 hp outboards sure to make 70 mph an attainable mark.

Despite the bumpy waters inside Stuart Inlet, the ­SeaVee handled tight turns and sudden changes in course with ease.

A brief stint oceanside, first navigating the treacherous, narrow inlet where 6-foot waves stacked up, proved a fitting test for this 29-footer touted as a serious offshore fishing boat, a test it passed with flying colors, without uncomfortable pounding, or any rattling or creaking.

There’s a lot to like about the 290B, a versatile center-console brimming with fishability. Anglers looking for a highly customizable open fisherman under 30 feet should definitely take a close look at this one.

The post Boat Test SeaVee 290B appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

When designing bay or hybrid boats, most builders focus on inshore performance first, then implement features to enable a model to tackle deep water. But SeaVee approached its 270Z differently. This multifaceted center console has all the requisites for the inshore game, but with only minor tweaks and twin outboards, the brand’s offshore pedigree really shines.

The vacuum-resin-infusion process used to build both the hull and deck ensures only the necessary amount of resin and eliminates air pockets, yielding a higher modulus per square inch, which translates into lighter weight and superior strength. To maximize integrity and rigidity, the stringers and bulkheads are all laminated at once.

SeaVee’s fit and finish match the quality of the components and construction. All surfaces are smooth, hardware is perfectly aligned and through-bolted, and hatch seals deliver true dry storage. Well-organized wiring makes any repairs and electronics installations a cinch, while their protected location minimizes the corrosive effects of the marine environment on connectors and fuses.

According to SeaVee, the patented two-step hull produces a fixed running angle that eliminates unwanted bow rise. A number of runs and maneuvers proved that to be the case and revealed the twin-powered 270Z takes only 9 seconds to go from zero to 30 mph.

The hull stability is evident at anchor, adrift and underway, with speed rails ensuring steadiness and proper tracking during high-speed ­turns. Meanwhile, the sweeping sheer line and substantial bow flare keep spray down as the boat takes full advantage of its 27-foot length to bridge the gaps between waves, and its 17 degrees of deadrise provides a cushy ride.

The twin outboards on the transom provide insurance when venturing miles from the coast, and a fuel ­capacity of 125 gallons affords the range to make long runs to find the hot bite.

For peak performance, SeaVee extends both outboard shafts to 30 inches — using authorized conversion kits that won’t void manufacturer warranties — and mounts the motors on a Bob’s Machine Shop double hydraulic jack plate, which also improves the boat’s shallow-water access.

Biscayne Bay waters, turned mighty bumpy by stiff frontal winds, gave me a true sense of what the twin-powered 270Z is capable of, and I found the boat’s layout, numerous amenities and ample storage equally impressive. A cleverly designed step, housing a 24-gallon livewell, provides a comfortable transition to the front casting deck, which, in turn, ­accommodates an anchor locker, plus 75-gallon fish boxes and rod lockers — with foldaway racks and tubes long enough for 9-foot rods — to port and starboard. A center compartment stows large items such as tackle bags, dock bumpers and, under a false floor, trolling-motor batteries.

Between the step and the console, beneath an in-floor hatch, hides a chamber tailor-made for a 5-gallon bucket and a cast net, or other wet items that require draining. The forward ­console seat lifts to access a generous 68-quart drink cooler, and the backrest is attached to the door ­affording access to wiring, breakers, batteries and electronics inside the console. Flush-mounted rod holders line both sides of the console, forming dual vertical racks for up to 10 outfits.

The dash has space for a pair of 12-inch displays, digital multifunction gauges, a stereo, a large switch panel, plus a VHF, trim-tab and Power-Pole switches, and more. A leaning-post-style bench with backrest sits two comfortably at the helm. In back, a rocket launcher keeps four rigged rods at arm’s length while a molded-fiberglass tackle center holds tackle trays, leader spools and a fillet knife. The hatch (made of Starboard) folds down to double as a cutting board, which comes to rests on top of a sizable Frigid Rigid pull-out cooler.

Seating at the rear comes via a large, comfortable bench-style seat that hides under its fold-up backrest, which remains part of the aft casting deck when not in use. The bench also lifts up for bilge access. Behind it sits a 30-gallon livewell that, like the smaller well up front, gets its constant supply of water from the same type of sea-chest system used in SeaVee’s larger models. Outboard, to port and starboard, identical, insulated compartments provide additional dry storage, convert to supplemental fish boxes, or may also be plumbed to serve as release wells.

SeaVee rigged the twin-powered 270Z we tested with a 36-volt trolling motor, raw- and freshwater washdowns with coiled hoses under the gunwales, twin Power-Pole Blades (on angled blocks molded in the transom), and a half-tower with spreader lights, multicolor cockpit lighting, six aft-facing vertical rod tubes, and a nifty electric actuator that opens the fiberglass top to access a second helm station above, which are just some of the many custom options to choose from.

The clean, sleek lines of this hybrid SeaVee, its somewhat unusual array of compartments, and the fact that convenience and performance are clearly behind every design element left an indelible impression. If you’re in the market for a dual-threat kind of boat that won’t limit your fishing to protected waters when the weather turns ugly, don’t leave the twin-powered 270Z off your short list.

The post SeaVee 270Z Twin-Powered Boat Review appeared first on Salt Water Sportsman.

True to the SeaVee reputation, the 37-foot center-console offshore fishing machine brings it all together, especially when powered by a trio of Mercury Verado 300s, as was our tester.

The aft cockpit offers nearly 78 square feet of deck space, resulting in plenty of room to fish. You’ll also find an amazing amount of locker space below deck, including four for storage and two to access the bilge. The forward-most locker can be insulated for a fish box or plumbed as a livewell.

Below the forward deck is a monstrous main insulated fish box, and you can order an optional coffin box that tilts up on an electric lift to access the lockers under it.

All deck hatches on the 370Z have 1-inch gutters that drain overboard. Unobtrusive piano hinges, compression latches and gasket seals keep the lockers watertight. Contoured racks under each gunwale hold coil hoses for saltwater and freshwater spigots.

There’s no shortage of live-bait capacity. Standard 40-gallon pressurized livewells reside in the stern quarters, fed by a sea chest containing four Rule 2000 pumps, which also serve the forward 60-gallon livewell.

While the SeaVee 370Z is a serious fishing machine, creature comforts include a removable bench across the transom. A 170-quart Frigid Rigid cooler on tracks slides out from under the seating module, which does double duty as an aft-facing seat.

Tuck the cooler away, and the same area becomes a tackle prep station with a rigging table that folds out over a cabinet with trays and drawers. Above, angled stowage hold five rods and four drink holders.

Forward of the center console, the seat slides to port for access to the cavernous console interior, where you find a counter-top, a sink and a freshwater faucet with pull-out shower head. A 12-volt fan in the console bulkhead helps keep the electronics cool and dry. Convenient tilt-out storage lockers for dock lines and life jackets reside within the forward inwales.

Each SeaVee is built to order, allowing every buyer to customize a boat to his particular needs, with features such as a transom door or a portside dive door. SeaVee designed the voluminous anchor locker on the 370Z to secure the crossbars of a fluke-style anchor with pipe below to receive the anchor shank and prevent it swinging. Just forward of the anchor locker, there’s a second locker perfect to stow fenders.

The center console features nine gunwale-style rod holders on each side. The Key West-style hardtop accommodates longer rods, and cored-fiberglass construction allows it to serve as the base for an elevated second station.

The 45-inch-wide helm station with the wheel in the center provides plenty of space for the pair of Simrad multifunction displays stored behind an acrylic door for protection. Two tiers of angled footrests allow you to brace yourself while perched on the helm seat or using it as a leaning post. This came in handy on test day, as seas off the Florida Keys were running 3 to 4 feet. Yet the Z-hull running surface took the chop in stride, even when pushing the mph 
into the high-50s, easily bridging the wave tops.

The solid feel of the boat as we challenged the seas is the result of a new cored-hull design that not only improves strength and durability, it also reduces weight to save on fuel and increase speed.

In our acceleration tests, there was very little bow rise, thanks to the hull’s multiple lifting bodies. Our time to plane was a swift 3.6 seconds. And in our tests, the 370Z held on plane at speeds as low as 18 mph.

But once we mashed the throttles, the triple Merc 300s pushed the new SeaVee to a top speed of 60 mph at 6,000 rpm. We found the most economical cruising speed at 4,000 rpm and 37.3 mph, where the trio of 300s burned 38.8 gallons per hour for .97 mpg. That yields a cruising range of 465 miles based on the 480-gallon fuel tank.

The 370Z tracked smoothly and -predictably, even when cornering sharply while underway. Credit the design’s speed rails that help ensure directional stability at any speed. Ultimately, the SeaVee 370Z meets every criteria for a great boat, including abundant deck space, solid construction, top-notch fit and finish, and superb performance, even in nasty seas. About the only thing I didn’t like about this new SeaVee is that it didn’t belong to me.

SeaVee Boats: seaveeboats.com

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All SeaVee boats are factory direct, built to the owner’s specifications: You can add multiple, lighted baitwells; additional engines; a hardtop; a tuna tower; even a cuddy cabin. SeaVee says it is the only maker to offer an engine-under-center-console option for a diesel with -traditional running gear.

Still offering its proven prismatic hulls, SeaVee made real news with its Z Series of stepped high-performance hulls for outboard power, inspired by offshore racing, realized through a fruitful marriage of cutting-edge computer modeling and on-water testing.

The company says that stepped hulls are faster and more fuel efficient than standard deep-Vs, but many need high speeds to stay on plane. Sometimes weather and sea conditions just don’t allow that — handling can suffer, and air beneath running surfaces can interfere with transducer or baitwell-pickup operation. The Z hull overcomes those challenges.

340Z

Newest in SeaVee’s Z hull High Performance line, the 340Z is a twin- or triple-outboard boat ready for far-off fishing locations.

The SeaVee 390Z won 25- to 60-foot boat honors from the NMMA and Boating Writers International at the 2014 Miami International Boat Show. An NMMA news release said it, “… pops up on plane with minimal bow rise, turns like a ski boat and delivers higher -top-ends than conventional hulls.” The 340Z nimbly follows its bigger sibling’s example; it can remain on plane down to 18 knots, avoiding the clumsy water plowing of some stepped hulls, and it comes on and off plane without bow drama.

Patent-pending “Speed Rails” provide counterforce to hard maneuvering, avoiding hooking or control loss. The 340Z’s transducer pad enables the clearest sonar returns.

Like all SeaVee boats, the 340Z boasts of yacht-like fit and finish; abundant rod holders plumbed to drain overboard; flush-mounted hatches that are gas-shock assisted and finished on both sides; and a variety of seating and configuration options.

MORE INFO: seaveeboats.com

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Back in the ’90s, I frequently remarked that steps had a purpose: to get to the second floor. They didn’t belong on a fishing boat. Stepped hulls then ­— racing bottoms with fishing decks — were fast, but there were handling issues. SeaVee can take a bow for eliminating these and boosting overall performance, not just top-end speed. SeaVee developed the Z line in a lengthy process of evaluation, proprietary computer design, and fluid-dynamics modeling of the hull surface, previously used only by NASA and the U.S. Navy. Countless hours running, fishing and testing ultimately produced this patent-pending stepped hull.

We test-drove the new 390Z out of Baker’s Haulover Inlet, Florida, and as expected, the boat was wholly impressive from stem to stern. These guys work hard to build a boat that gets the details right, so the whole boat is tight and focused, and everywhere you turn, useful. The solid build starts with Corecell M130, vacuum-bagged in the hull sides and bottom to keep things light and strong.

The boat has so many practical features, it’s easy to see why the company is successful. The anchor locker is accessed from on deck as well as under the gunwale through a door on the forward bulkhead. Our test boat had a through-hull anchor, chute and windlass, as well as a slam latch so you can’t forget to latch the hatch before you take off. Both sides of the bow hold molded-in under-gunwale storage shelves and recesses for speakers.

A split hatch on the 200-gallon in-deck locker on the ­centerline in the bow makes it easy to reach all or part of the storage. Our test boat had optional forward seating along the sides that maintains full access to the bow for ­fishing. The seats have electric flip-up backrests and storage ­underneath. Pullout bins along each side provide storage for towels, day bags — you name it.

Forward of the console, an 80-gallon in-deck storage bin can be plumbed as a livewell. The console is well laid out, with access to the inside through the air-assist sliding door. The console interior is fully molded, with a counter and sink, breaker panel, full head with black-water system, and ready access to the batteries and wiring. Wiring is tightly combed and fastened, and labeled and color-coded for purpose. There had to be 10 different shades of brown, which makes it nice when you are chasing down a problem. Even the acrylic doors, panels and windows are color matched to the gelcoat.

Vertical rod storage lines both sides of the console with cutouts for rod tips in the hardtop. The business end of the console is well thought out with centerline steering, with switches under a Plexiglas cover under the helm. Electronics are within reach and in front of the operator, and the roomy panel accommodates 18-inch MFDs. The console is easy to see over, with clear all-around ­visibility. Our test boat was rigged with the new Captain’s ­Edition helm and tackle center, with storage under the large seat.

Doors on either side of the unit open to space belowdecks for more big-bag storage. The aft end of the tackle center has a comfortable two-person seat with a split cooler below and tackle storage behind the backrest cushion, complete with a leader-dispenser drawer. A 120-gallon storage bin in-deck on the centerline converts to an optional livewell. The lazarette access hatch is large, and opens up to the fuel-tank valves and custom stainless-steel livewell sump box, as well as the bilge pumps and other gear, organized for easy service.

The freshwater and saltwater washdown hoses store ­under-gunwale alongside the tackle center. The 390Z has fold-out jump seats in each corner of the transom that can be swapped out for 30-gallon livewells. A 65-gallon livewell with a clear Plexiglas lid sits center in the transom.

We ran the boat out of Haulover in calm conditions with three people and 400 gallons of fuel. Its triple F-350 hp Yamaha outboards, just one of many power options, lifted it to plane quickly with negligible bow lift, and I never lost sight of the horizon. The boat blistered along at 60 mph as if on rails. Put through its paces, the boat turned tightly without sliding on SeaVee’s proprietary Speed Rails. The 390Z was stable drifting, trolled nicely and backed to both sides, atypical of stepped hulls, which usually back only one way. At 50 mph we got a mile to the gallon. With its 500-gallon capacity, we joked we could be in Isla Mujeres from Key West in about seven hours, and still have fuel to fish!

Once again, the guys at SeaVee set out to make a finely tuned, fast, feature-appropriate, stepped-hull performance boat. From where I stand, they succeeded. The attention to detail, engineering, execution, and overall package are first class and worthy of a look if you are thinking of a quality center console between 34 and 40 feet

SeaVee 390Z

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