Discover the Grady-White Freedom 415: Unmatched Value in Modern Boating

Grady-White’s New Freedom 415 Is A Considerable Value.

Sometimes it’s tough to find the silver lining in bad things. For example, take the pandemic we experienced earlier this decade. Most everyone was impacted in a negative way. But the silver lining here was found in a most unexpected place—and to your benefit. This is the story of the Grady-White Freedom 415.

Grady-White had the prototype of the new Freedom 415 when the pandemic hit. Realizing it wasn’t an optimal time for a new model, the boatbuilder pulled back on the announcement. Instead of just throwing a cover over it until the pandemic abated, the engineers at Grady-White opted to re-examine and tweak the 415 with extensive use that resulted in a “new and improved” boat. “Nothing was left to chance on this new model,” says Christian Carraway, product designer at Grady-White. “Every inch has been examined to ensure the highest marks. A lot of little things were addressed, but they collectively added up to make a big difference.”

What does that mean to you? It’s that you have a finely tuned boat to maximize the efficiencies and squeeze out the most enjoyment possible when cruising, fishing, or just staying on board.

Sure, there are other dual console boats on the market, but look at the 415 deeper. Grady-White has added many touches that bring a raised level of elegance.

The new Freedom 415 tops out Grady-White’s Dual Console line of 10 models and joins a slew of other Grady-White series, including Coastal Explorer, Express Cabin, Walkaround, and Center Console.

Freedom For All

The 415 gives an owner the “freedom” to utilize the platform in a variety of ways. With a dual console layout, there are cabins for the head and living space so you don’t have to be outside all the time and it can be used as a weekender. Add in a very roomy bow and ample cockpit seating for enhanced cruising pleasure. Or spend the day fishing, thanks to multiple rod holders, bait wells, rocket launchers, and side hull doors to pull in the catch. If enjoying the water toys, the cabin allows for cleanup and changing so you’re ready to pull up to a restaurant for dinner.

Spotlight: Grady-White 281 CE — Family, Fishing, and Extra Fun

Multifunctional Main Deck

With port and starboard-side boarding gates with removable ladder, access to the cockpit is easy. When fishing, the cockpit is a cleared dance floor waiting for the next bite. Crew can watch the lines from the elevated aft-facing padded bench seat that is in an air-conditioned area and under the hardtop, protecting what’s underneath from the sun. When cruising, a transom seat easily folds out.

The transom also holds a fridge/freezer box and dual 35-gallon insulated livewells. In the bow, 59-quart insulated boxes will keep the catch cold.

The wet bar that doubles as a bait prep station is very stylish. A Dekton stone countertop conceals the grill and sink. Behind a roll-down facade is storage for glassware and beverage containers. Undercounter is an Isotherm fridge, three storage drawers, and a trash bin. Roll out the Sureshade to cover the cockpit for those sunny days.

Grady-White did its homework with the port-side lounge that can be configured as fore- or aft-facing, as bench seats, in a U-shaped config, or as a dining area with two adjustable wood tables. Enjoy the cruise, be a second set of eyes for the captain, or relax watching the drop-down 24-inch TV that pivots.

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Across to starboard is the helm with everything you need for safe operation. Twin contoured electric captain seats have bolsters and armrests. Manage the boat’s electrical needs by the CZone DC digital switching system. The dash includes flush-mounting space for dual multifunction displays, switches, Zipwake dynamic trim monitor, Helm Master EX steering, and more. There’s an overhead console for additional electronics.

From the center walkway is access to the open bow. Probably one of the most luxurious bow setups you will ever see, there are diamond-stitched cushions, bench and lounge-style seating, thick coaming backrests, recessed cup holders, USB ports, and storage under each seat.

A nice touch are the grab rails that surround the area. Two teak tables raise or lower electrically. This creates an elegant dining area or a large sunpad with filler cushions. Beat the sun back with the four-pole sunshade.

Grady-White Freedom 415 Belowdecks

As mentioned, the 415 is a dual console setup, and Grady-White has certainly sharpened its design pencils when it comes to utilization of these spaces. The starboard cabin under the helm has a roomy head with an L-shaped sliding door that gives ample headroom when entering, shower with 11-gallon heater, VacuFlush toilet with 20-gallon tank, fold-down teak seat, hand-hammered nickel sink, and teak flooring. There’s a deep well in the quartz counter to hold shampoo, toothpaste, etc., so they don’t go flying all over while underway. Great idea! It’s evident that Grady-White went the extra mile to add elegance to a service room that usually never sees teak finishes or mirrored cabinet doors.

To port is a guest cabin, also with an L-shaped sliding door, teak wood flooring, oak cabinets, woven seagrass wall coverings, plush L-shaped settee that doubles as a sleep area, aft amidships berth, 24-inch LCD TV, skylight, and fold-down table. Grady-White did not skimp on the elegance.

Both cabins are cooled or heated by the 18,000 BTU air conditioning system.

If Looks Could Kill

All the amidships areas are located under a massive AV2 (AirView) hardtop, which includes a built-in electric sunroof with shades, storage netting, and space for top-mounted electronics and antennas. The integrated hardtop is a solid structure with a painted aluminum frame and not just an add-on. It houses the large, curved, forward windshields as well as the long side windows that have electric vents for improved air flow. Add in aft curtains and you have an all-weather fishing machine. From the profile, the lines of the 415 are sharply styled, well-proportioned, and blend in so well that this all looks like a one-piece boat.

The Unsung Hero

Many people don’t know how a hull is designed. Grady-White incorporates its hand-laid fiberglass SeaV2 hull design to maximize efficiency while offering a soft and stable ride. On the 415, deadrise at the transom is 21 degrees. Moving forward, the deadrise increases to around 30 degrees amidships, and sharpens to a tight V at the bow. This allows the bow to do its job of slicing through waves and not just bouncing over them. In calmer waters, the bow can lift, thanks to dual running strakes that extend from the bow aft, and the boat runs on the flatter hull surface aft, increasing speed while maintaining control. Additionally, the hard chine gives stability and reduces side rolling. Generous bow flare throws bigger waves outward while adding buoyancy, resulting in a very dry boat. Boaters don’t usually head out when conditions are rough, but the weather changes and you know the hull is working to get you back to port safely.

Additional control comes from the Lewmar bow thruster and stability from the Seakeeper 6 stabilization system. Other niceties include Glendinning retractable shore cord, 12 kW diesel generator with 30-gallon fuel tank, 25 stainless drink holders, and more.

As this is a very new model, we did not get a chance to spec out the speed and fuel burn. But I think it’s safe to say that with the quad outboards, you’ll get the speed you need and range when pulled back.

Grady-White gets it that at this level of offering, buyers would not want to toil over which options to choose. That’s why the Standard Features list is long and Optional Features list is short. Sure, you can choose the hull color, canvas, and curtain components, even the outriggers. But pretty much everything else comes packaged standard, making the 415 a true turn-key boat.

Get on the Grady-White Freedom 415 and feel the freedom of boating. Sometimes silver is worth more than gold.

-by Tom Serio

SPECIFICATIONS

Centerline Length (w/o engines): 40′ 7″

Beam: 13′ 8″
Draft (hull): 2′ 10″

Displacement (w/o engines): 22,950 lbs.
Fuel/Water: 536/50 U.S. gals.

Power: 4x Yamaha 5.6L V8 @ 450-hp

Contact: Grady-White Boats

gradywhite.com

MIBS Preview – World Cat’s 260DC-X Dual Console

World Cat

World Cat’s 260DC-X dual console is the next-generation replacement to World Cat’s most-popular model ever, the 255DC. Innovations on the 260DC-X (25′ 6″ LOA, 9′ beam) include a swivel cooler seat with cushion that stows under the captain’s seat and swings out for a convenient starboard-side seat. A 50-inch transom bench seat folds down for a wide aft deck space and an expanded casting deck. The stern allows for easy on-and-off boarding. Versatile seating features include an optional bow table that can be removed, converting the area to a lounge space with an optional filler cushion. Standard power is twin 150-hp Yamaha outboards. worldcat.com

Blackfin 302 DC

Dual Purpose

Blackfin’s 302 DC can fish or cruise with equal aplomb.

Central Florida’s Blackfin Boats has been turning out fast, rugged, and high-quality fishing boats to ply the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and beyond for 50 years. The Blackfin 302 DC is just that! Founded by Carl Herndon back in 1973, Blackfin has remained a stalwart in a business famous for seeing even iconic brands fizzle and fade into history.

So what makes Blackfin tick? A steady and clear-eyed focus on seaworthiness and usability helps for sure. But there is something else at play here that goes a long way for longevity. Blackfin knows its market. And while it has made its bones as a fishing boat company, the builder also knows that lots of times, there is a fine line between hardcore fishermen and weekend sandbar hoppers. People simply love to cruise, and if there is one fisherman in a family of five, that leaves four more people who are likely pleased to simply take the boat out for a spin. And thus was born the Blackfin 302 DC—a boat that is eminently fishable, but which also has the requisite creature comforts to keep the whole squad happy and coming back for more.

Fishability

It’s best to start in the unusually large cockpit, which is bigger than the DC’s sistership, the 302 CC (center console). The cockpit has two compression-molded, in-sole fish boxes, plus another in-sole compartment aft for extra stowage that also offers access to shut-off valves and the livewell pumps. A sturdy, beefily hinged, inward-opening dive door to port pulls double duty, both for hauling aboard large game fish and for acting as a conduit to the water for snorkelers and swimmers. Combo cupholder/rodholder openings line the gunwales, and four more dedicated rodholders are at the ready along the transom above a foldout bench seat. (The hardtop has six built-in rocket launchers as well, and there are two more rodholders at the bow, which will be a boon for bottom fishermen.)

There’s also a handy ruler along the top of the transom to help determine what to keep and what to toss back to swim another day. A second sea-level opening is at the transom in the form of a starboard-side boarding door with access to the small but usable swim platform and its fold-up swim ladder.

Opposite of that door is a port-side, 30-gallon livewell with rounded corners to help keep baitfish alive and, um, well. The cockpit also has a raw-water washdown for cleaning off fishy viscera, or for a less gnarly job, simply giving yourself a spritz when you climb back in after a swim. And there are rod stowage compartments to both port and starboard, so you’re never at a loss for your weapon of choice.

Creature Comforts

The DC has twin YETI 45 coolers that stow to port and starboard forward in the cockpit. The port-side cooler slips neatly below a galley station with a sink, refrigerator, cutting board, and pull-out electric grill. To starboard, the cooler slides below an aft-facing seat that’s excellent for watching trolling lines or waterskiers. One cool feature that shows Blackfin’s experience with building boats where space is at a premium is that this aft-facing seat can fold out into a sunpad—equally adept at helping a guest catch some rays or some Zs.

At the starboard-side helm, the captain has a comfortable double-wide seat with well-crafted stitching. A mirroring seat to port makes for an excellent spot for a mate to keep the captain company and perhaps learn some tricks of the trade. Each seat, as well as all pull-out and lounge seating on board, is covered with a tough and durable fabric weave called Ultrafabric, which has the bonus of being easy to clean and cool to the touch even when the sun beats down on it. The steering wheel is power-assisted and adjustable and is protected by a head-high windshield. Lines of sight are fully unobstructed—a hallmark of smart design.

The foredeck lounge is accessed through a wide passageway that is set off from the helm station by a movable section of the windshield. A heavy-duty, stainless steel latch locks the glass section in place to ensure that there is no bouncing or jostling as this boat peels across the swells at high speeds.

The lounge is a really laudable feature on this boat and one that bolsters her qualities as a cruising vessel. First, and perhaps most important, the seating is very deep which is excellent for safety—of particular concern if you have kids on board. The twin, forward-facing lounge seats with folding armrests are super-ergonomic and also covered with Ultrafabric. Requisite phone-charging ports and cupholders are a nice touch as is the cocktail table in the center of the space.

Versatility in Design

The 302 does have a bit of a transformer quality to her though, as would be necessary for a boat of this size to be equally adept at fishing and cruising. The bow lounge can convert into a casting deck. The lounge cushions stow neatly inside the boat’s console, and the hi-lo cocktail table can drop down even with the seat supports to create a clean and uncluttered space to reel in grouper and snapper.

But the 302 really shines when lines are pulled in, and it’s time to take off to the next honeyhole or waterside eatery. The boat has a twin-stepped hull designed by Michael Peters that offers not only grippy control when running through slop, but also a reassuringly soft entry off the tops of bigger waves.

Wide flare in the bow also helps to bat down the seas and keep everyone aboard dry, while a 23-degree deadrise at the transom means the hull can dice up waves with extreme prejudice. With twin 300-hp Mercury V8s, this model has some real zip. She tops out at a very sporty 55 mph and cruises happily at 38 mph burning 1.45 mpg. The captain can track all his vitals on two easy-to-read Garmin screens while he is manning the boat using a confidence-inducing tri-spoke wheel. At docking speeds, a combination of a joystick and a bow thruster make this boat a dream to handle when docking, even in close quarters.

The Blackfin 302 DC packs a wallop. She is jam-packed with features that both fishermen and cruisers will like, and it’s all encompassed in a package that puts the emphasis on ergonomics, functionality, fit, and finish. This is the kind of boat that should put the fear of God in her competitors because there is very little she can’t do and do well. With build quality like that seen on the 302 DC, you can expect Blackfin to still be popular come 2073. BlackfinBoats.com

– by Kevin Koenig

Southern Boating & Regal Boats Trip to the Bahamas

A Regal Crossing

A trip to the Bahamas was the perfect way for Regal Boats to introduce its latest models.

When Regal Marine Industries thought about where to do a photo shoot to introduce its latest models, it didn’t take long to decide on a location that would stir all the senses for its new LX36 dual console outboard and the new 38 FXO yacht—the Bahamas. The water’s colors, the billowing cloud formations, the pastel houses, remote beaches, limestone formations and caves, it all makes this archipelago the perfect place, one that depicts the lifestyle and beauty of Regal’s new designs.

Powered by twin Yamaha 425 V8 5.6L XTO Offshore outboards on the LX36 and triple Yamaha 300 V6 4.2L Offshores on the 38 FXO, the crossing from Palm Beach to the Bahamas was a great opportunity to see how the boats performed in real-time conditions.

Losing the Horizon

Any crossing is an adventure, so it’s key to be prepared—working communication equipment (preferably with GPS capability), navigation charts and displays, safety gear, and spare parts for the engine as well as plenty of water and food. Don’t forget to check the weather, winds, and tide—a north wind on the Gulf Stream will make you regret leaving the dock.

Fortunately, it was a beautiful day for a crossing with winds holding around 10-15 mph from the east-southeast that produced small chop atop two- to four-foot swells. Regal’s new 38 FXO cruises comfortably in that sea at around 25 mph, and the 36 easily kept pace.

“The number one thing we care about is ‘let’s get a soft ride,’” says Jake Kuck, vice president of North American sales and marketing, about the hull’s design. “The hull has a forty-five-degree entry that flattens out to seventeen degrees in the back; that variable deadrise gives you a soft ride that lets it eat up the waves.”

Even with the occasional steep wave set, overall conditions allowed for both boats to power along in the low 30s.

“The hull is optimized for its power,” adds Jeff Littlefield, Regal’s marketing manager. “Although the LS36 has the same layout forward of the swim platform, the LX36 benefits from more storage without the Volvo sterndrive engines. What’s unique about Regal is that while these boats seem very similar, they don’t just slap on outboards or sterndrives to the same hull. Each hull is specifically designed to optimize the power used for the best ride possible.”

Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour

As you approach the northernmost tip of Grand Bahama, look for the water tower that identifies West End. Be aware that there’s a stronger current (and more chop) caused by the steep shallowing of the ocean floor as you approach the Bahama Bank.

The entrance to Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour (oldbahamabayresorts.com) is marked with two jetties; the portside jetty has a 30-foot weather monitoring tower. The full-service marina not only has high-octane gas and diesel with 63 slips, it also has an onsite Customs and Immigration office.

Old Bahama Bay’s lodging has the quintessential Bahamian look: well-appointed, West Indies colonial-style rooms with luxury amenities within colorful pastel buildings and manicured grounds. The resort sits between the marina and a palm-fringed, powder-sand beach. An infinity pool with bar along the beach is the centerpiece of the resort’s activities, which include kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, and more. The marina restaurant and bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner…and sunsets.

Across the Bank

Puffy clouds scattered the sky, and the sandy colors of the shallow bank kept most eyes on the depth gauge as the boats headed toward Abaco. The clear waters made 10-foot depths look like three feet.

The islands create their own weather patterns at times, and it wasn’t a surprise to see towering cumulus clouds form in our path with curtains of rain beneath. It was a perfect time to really look at the boats’ interior setup and see the advantages of the open layouts.

One big advantage of the LX36’s coupe style and the 38 FXO’s main deck is the protection from the elements. Rain or shine, the captain and guests can stay out of the weather. As a rainstorm approached, the switch from the upper to lower helm on the 38 was simple: put it in neutral, step below, push the station command button, and take the helm.

The enclosed cabin is also a benefit in the north because it extends the boating season. Air-conditioning and heating provide comfort for any time of the year.

When it’s time to let the outdoors in, the LX36 opens from bow to stern with a walk-through windshield and a full-width retractable hardtop. Besides opening up the salon and galley to the cockpit on the 38 FXO, one of the best features is the flybridge. Nothing beats feeling the sun’s warmth, the fresh air, and a nice breeze, all with a 360-degree elevated view. A bimini top will provide shade if the sun’s heat is too much. For the ultimate in lounging, the 38’s bow has an enormous sunpad to enjoy any perfect moment.

Sights to See

There are many places to sightsee and stop for a swim along the way to Abaco Beach Resort. There’s a sunken twin-engine plane just off the end of the runway on Spanish Cay. Position the boat near the end of the runway within 100 feet from shore off the end of a private dock. You can anchor close enough to snorkel from the swim platform. The top of the plane is about five-and-a-half feet below the surface.

A beautiful half-moon beach on Nunjack Cay with good anchorage was a great stop for grilled fajita lunch. That’s where the salon, galley, and cockpit on both boats really shine.

Brandon Ferris of Southern Boating cooking up some Fajitas on the 38FXO

Regal’s Midwest sales manager, Lysle Spangler, and Brandon Ferris, Southern Boating’s marketing manager, put together quite a spread across the 38’s interior galley and cockpit entertainment center counters. The aft salon window lowers to bring the two together and with the sliding door open, the salon and aft deck seamlessly meld as one large entertainment area. The exterior grill, interior cooktop, sink, and refrigerators inside and out offer lots of room for food prep, cooking, and serving meals, including the fajita spread put on by the boys. Abundant seating throughout allows guests to enjoy luxurious comfort in a beautiful setting.

Abaco Beach Resort

The final leg of the day took us to Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina (abacobeachresort.com). The resort has rebuilt from the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

The marina accommodates yachts to 200 feet in length and offers potable water, low-sulfur diesel, single and three-phase power, 24-hour security, and more. The marina pool at the foot of the docks is a welcome sight for those who spent the day in the sun, and a swim-up bar adds plenty of smiles.

The Pool Bar & Terrace serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a local twist, including cracked conch and lobster burgers, and is a perfect spot to refresh and recharge. You’ll find fine dining at the Bistro in the main building featuring fresh seafood as well as prime cuts of beef while taking in the view. The main accommodations overlook an expansive lawn and beach area and the marina.

The resort and marina are in a central location for island hopping, sportfishing, diving, and many other land- and water-based activities.

Rest Easy

The LX36 is an exceptional day boat that provides comfort for sunning and entertaining. A starboard quarter berth is air-conditioned for naptime or to store gear, and a portside console slides open to reveal a spacious head.

Those on the 38 FXO will find roomy accommodations below with a pedestal queen berth forward and a queen berth aft. Another Regal innovative design feature is separating the head and shower: a full head to starboard and a full shower to port.

“You can use both facilities at once,” says Kuck. “It makes the layout so much more usable if you can’t have multiple heads.”

The LX36 and the 38 FXO were launched this fall, and both new styles expand Regal’s bowrider and yacht series. The LX36 is the largest bowrider in the fleet, available with outboards or as a sterndrive, and the 38 FXO adds a flybridge to the popular 38 XO model, which makes piloting and cruising much more fun. With either boat, luxury, innovation, and comfort combine to give the family a perfect place to enjoy time on the water…together.

-by Steve Davis

2021 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show Preview

The boating boom is alive and well. Ask any of the boatbuilders attending the 62nd Annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) set for October 27-31 at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center.

Trying to keep up with unprecedented demand over the past 18 months, boat and yacht builders can be forgiven for not having the capacity or time to add new models. Yet, there are plenty of builders introducing a new boat or two at the world’s largest in-water boat show.

For tickets, hospitality packages including the popular Windward VIP Club, parking, and more, visit flibs.com.

Intrepid 427 Nomad FE

After debuting at an Intrepid Rendezvous in July, the new 427 Nomad FE is making an encore appearance in Fort Lauderdale, powered by triple 600-hp Mercury Verado V12s. Highlights of this roomier, more powerful center console (42′ 7″ LOA, 12′ 8″ beam) include a full-height glass windshield with wiper for maximum protection from the elements. The customizable aft cockpit features a hullside swing-in dive door on one side and a hydraulic hullside platform on the other, each with fold-out ladder and grab bars. Forward seating includes dual sun loungers and a hi-lo table that converts bow seating to another expansive sunpad. The spacious hideaway head with shower completes a package that delivers Intrepid’s signature brand of custom comfort and performance. intrepidpowerboats.com

MJM Yachts 3z

Designed in a Carolina Downeast style, the 3z is MJM Yachts’ first entry into the dayboat market. The 38-footer with an 11-foot beam is built upon the 35z hull designed by naval architect Doug Zurn. The epoxy-infused cored composite hull is light enough that MJM Yachts went with twin 300-hp Mercury Verado XL outboards. The pilothouse offers 360-degree views and can be used for overnighting as port and starboard settees can sleep two or seat six. A full head and shower are in the port console. The builder loaded the MJM 3z with electronic goodies, including Garmin displays, Mercury’s digital fly-by-wire with joystick control, and Skyhook digital anchor. mjmyachts.com

Tiara Yachts 48 LS

The largest outboard-powered Tiara Yachts has ever built, the 48 LS, builds on the legacy of the LS Series. Forward, the bow features wraparound seating and a chaise lounge. Aft, the rotating lounge boasts multiple locking positions and electrically adjustable backrests. Deploy the terrace and expand the cockpit. At the helm, sliding doors provide a retreat from the elements. The 48 LS (48′ 4″ LOA, 14′ 2″ beam) features the new 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 engines that deliver the ultimate outboard-driving experience. tiarayachts.com

Maritimo M55

As part of an ongoing new model development program, Australian luxury motoryacht manufacturer, Maritimo, will unveil the new M55 and S55 in Fort Lauderdale. The M55 (56′ 8″ LOA, 17′ 2″ beam) is the latest evolution of the iconic flybridge motoryacht series. Defining its striking new exterior form are the molded bridge overhangs, which are a legacy feature of Maritimo flybridge motoryachts past. The overhangs not only provide space aboard, they also protect the walkaround side decks. The S55 (56′ 8″ LOA, 17′ 2″ beam, right) is designed to meet the lifestyle expectations of a dedicated group of express motoryacht enthusiasts seeking space, comfort, and luxury with an emphasis on long-range offshore cruising and adventuring. maritimoamericas.com

Formula 500 SSC

The Formula 500 Super Sport Crossover is the latest in the popular line featuring the surefooted FAS3Tech hull. The 53-foot bowrider (14′ 6″ beam) comes with a full cockpit galley and bar, an entertainment system featuring a 65-inch power-lift LED TV, and a hardtop with sun and moon roofs. For overnighting, the 500 SSC has a separate stateroom with a queen-size berth, sofa, and entertainment suite, a full head, and a stocked galley. From the spacious bow to the expansive extended swim platform, sun lovers will rejoice. The 500 SSC has a 290-mile range running 42 knots with its quad Mercury Verado 600 outboards. formulaboats.com

Regal LX 36 | 38 FXO

Following the positive response and success surrounding Regal’s LX Series and Yacht Series, Regal has introduced two all-new models that will make an appearance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. The LX36 (37’ 2” LOA, 11’ 4” beam) brings the luxury of its yacht series and marries it with the performance of its sport boats to create an unparalleled premium bowrider. Meanwhile, the all-new 38 FXO (38’ 10” LOA, 11’ 11” beam) expands Regal’s Flybridge segment as a one-of-a-kind luxury outboard-powered sport yacht providing unbelievable views and an unrivaled boating experience. Regal will offer both new models with outboard or sterndrive power. regalboats.com

Boston Whaler 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition

To celebrate 50 years of exceptional boatbuilding, Boston Whaler released the 420 Outrage Anniversary Edition. The boat (42′ 6″ LOA, 13′ beam) is equipped with triple 600-hp Mercury Verado V12 engines and will be available for testing during the Fort Lauderdale show. The Anniversary Edition comes with upgraded interior and exterior upholstery, a teak accent package, black hardtop frame package, Seakeeper gyrostabilization system, joystick piloting, and custom engine paint. Cruising at 38 knots, the 420 Outrage has a range of 338 nautical miles, and top speed with the 1,800-hp engines is 51.5 knots at 6,000 rpm. bostonwhaler.com

Hinckley 35

Hinckley Yachts and renowned yacht designer Michael Peters teamed up for the Hinckley 35, a twin outboard boat that reflects the company’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. From stem to stern, the 38-foot vessel (11′ beam) was designed with the user experience in mind. The ClearView single-pane windshield—a Hinckley innovation—provides the driver with undistorted, unobstructed visibility in all directions. The open-air cockpit and cozy salon offer room to spread out and enjoy the surroundings. Below, the 35-foot teak-and-holly-appointed cabin invites friends and family to enjoy a cool drink or even grab a quick nap on the comfortable V-berth. hinckleyyachts.com

Everglades 455CC

Every new model launch is important, but this is one of the most significant in Everglades’ history with the 455CC. The boat is a testament to the company’s 20-year history of unyielding innovation, time-honored design, and uncompromising fishability. The 455CC (47′ 2″ LOA, 13′ 3″ beam) is a flagship of technology with the largest command center to date. The helm allows the operator to control everything. Integrated into the vessel’s central nervous system with the assistance of Garmin’s advanced electronics engineers, three massive Garmin touchscreen monitors provide continuous access to a full array of information and control features. evergladesboats.com

Pursuit S 358

Pursuit’s all-new S 358 is the highly anticipated addition to the popular Sport family. Pivotal to its purpose is functional versatility, like the split mezzanine seat and transom seats that fold away to allow wide open cockpit space for fishing and access to amenities for entertaining. The S 358 (37′ 4″ LOA, 11′ 4″ beam) is ready to fish with plenty of rod holders and storage, a hull-side door, livewell, and multiple fish boxes. It’s the only center console in the 34- to 35-foot market with an enclosed head. With many different social zone configurations, each space can be adjusted to maximize your comfort level. pursuitboats.com

Regal Boats introduces the LS36 and LX36

Enhancing the Day Yachting Experience

Regal Boats debuts two new models LS36 and LX36

The LS36 and LX36 bring the luxury of a yacht into a bowrider package. Featuring dynamic comfort, technology advancements, and new ways of thinking, they truly are game-changers.

No matter how the skies look, the versatility at your fingertips has you covered. If the forecast calls for a hot and sunny summer day, simply open the expansive retractable hardtop, windshield walk-thru, and side windows for a fully open-air day yachting experience. Do you think you might encounter a rain shower? No problem. Close everything back up, crank up the cockpit air conditioning or heat, then sit back and relax.

Providing your passenger with the right tools to be an expert co-captain or playlist-chooser is easy thanks to the 16” Companion Screen. All navigation, system information, media controls, HDMI input, and more are available at your passenger’s fingertips.

Ergonomics and comfort were at the top of the list of priorities when designing these models. The foam density, angle of the seatbacks, how the corner seating will be used, and even the measurements of where your thighs rest were all thought-through and rigorously tested by boaters to ensure maximum comfort.

Flip open the starboard bow seat to reveal a large quarterberth area with available mattress and StoreMore storage racks. Not only is this area washable but it’s also air-conditioned, making it the perfect area for storing large items or putting the kids down for a quick nap.

The Regal LS36 and LX36 feature everything you need to entertain the entire family. Thanks to a full-service galley made with premium materials and conveniences such as stainless gas rams, hidden Yeti storage with sliding access, and more, these 36’ bowriders are unmatched entertaining capabilities.

Accelerate quickly and take tight turns with sportboat-like handling without compromising yacht-like comfort.

Chris-Craft Calypso 35 – FLIBS 2020 Preview

Chris-Craft Calypso 35

Chris-Craft is bringing the newest member of the Calypso family to FLIBS, the 35 (35’ 11” LOA, 11’ beam). The dual console’s hallmark innovation is the full glass windshield that gives all-around protection from the weather and its power-actuated walk-through where the center section of the windshield rises up into the hard top (so the captain’s view remains unobstructed) and the door below slides open to provide access to the foredeck. The bow features a table that raises with the push of a button, and a versatile cockpit with ample fold-down seating is aft. Optional helm air conditioning and heat further add to the many comforts on board. Choose Mercury Verados or Yamaha outboards, and walnut, silver oak, or whitewashed oak for the cabin. chriscraft.com

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Boston Whaler 240 Vantage – FLIBS 2020 Preview

Boston Whaler 240 Vantage

Boston Whaler will be debuting their new 240 Vantage at the show. With versatility and comfort the top priorities, the 24-foot, two-inch dual console (8’ 6” beam) has an array of amenities enabling fishing, cruising, beaching, watersports, and entertaining. It joins the Vantage series with a new flared hull for sharper entry and a redesigned bow available with both windlass and boarding ladder. Convertible port-side lounge seating adjusts to multiple configurations, and the port console hides a head and sink. Fishing features include rod storage accessible via the bow, a centerline fishbox, and an optional aft livewell. A cockpit prep center is another option as is the integrated hardtop. Power is courtesy of a Mercury Verado engine ranging from the standard 250 horsepower up to 400. bostonwhaler.com

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World Cat CC/DC Series – FLIBS 2020 Preview

World Cat Center / Dual Console Series

As any cat enthusiast will tell you, two hulls are better than one—certainly they’re more stable. World Cat, the world’s largest maker of power catamarans, understands this, and turns out boats that offer an enviably smooth ride. It has three such new models to show off at FLIBS this year. The 325CC (32’ 2” LOA, 10’ 6” beam) is an evolved, re-tooled version of the 320CC, featuring numerous enhancements, such as an improved removable transom seating arrangement, increased insulated storage, and elevated styling. The 235CC (22’ 7” LOA, 8’ 6” beam) also joins the center console family. Its ample beam allows for an oversized cockpit with 30-gallon livewell, fishboxes forward, and plenty of storage. Finally, the 325DC (32’ 2” LOA, 10’ 6” beam) is a new dual console with space for the whole family and sporty 45-mph WOT (wide-open throttle) performance to boot. worldcat.com

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Albemarle 31 DC

Following the success of this sportfishing guru’s first dual console model last year, the 27 DC, Albemarle is unveiling the next in the line, the 31 DC (33′ 8″ LOA, 10′ 8″ beam). According to General Manager Burch Perry, this new direction comes from its clients, who were looking for more versatility and family-friendly features to augment their fish chasing. The ride is pure Albemarle with a Carolina hull built of hand-laid solid fiberglass with 24-degree deadrise and powered by Yamaha outboards. With more space than the 27, there is plenty of seating from the bow to the cockpit and room for an optional outdoor galley. Below is a full-beam berth that makes this dual console capable of comfortable overnighting. albemarleboats.com

31 DC: 33′ 8″ LOA, 10′ 8″ beam

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Pursuit DC 326

First introduced in 2010, Pursuit’s dual console range is now the builder’s biggest with six models. The newest addition is the DC 326 (34’ 6” LOA, 10’ 10” beam), which builds on the success of the DC 325. The versatile boat offers plenty of places on board to enjoy the ride—from the bow lounge to the foldaway cockpit seating. In between is a portside wraparound lounge under the protection of the fully integrated fiberglass hardtop with a tempered glass windshield. Fishing features include gunwale and transom rod holders, insulated fish boxes, a 26-gallon recirculating livewell, and dedicated tackle storage. With twin Yamaha F300 outboards, the DC 326 can top 48 mph, hitting its sweet spot for fuel efficiency at 27.8 mph, burning 25.3 gallons per hour. pursuitboats.com

DC 326: 34′ 6″ LOA, 10′ 10″ beam