You want boats? We got boats! From classic cruising boats to flashy center consoles boats, Southern Boating is your go-to place for the latest and greatest boats on the market. From center consoles to motoryachts, Southern Boating is the authority on warm-water cruising.
Tartan Marine relaunched the Legacy brand 18 months ago with the original Legacy 32 and Legacy 38. Now Tartan has just finished the new Legacy 36, the first Legacy built in Tartan’s Ohio factory. The new 36 was designed by Mark Ellis, who designed the original Legacy, Tim Jackett, Tartan’s COO and designer and the Tartan design team. The Legacy 36 uses Ellis’ modified deep-V hull with wide chine flats running aft so the boat comes up on plane at low speeds. The V entry helps produce a dry and stable ride. A running keel and skeg protect the prop and the skeg-hung rudder. The Downeast appeal shows in the Legacy’s traditional shear line, raked transom, bow flare, and graceful tumblehome.
The Legacy 36 has a large, self-bailing cockpit with an aft settee and two other seats flanking the entrance to the helmdeck, which is enclosed aft with curved plexiglass and a Sapelle-framed sliding door. The captain and mate have pedestal-mounted swivel chairs; the settees convert to a berth.
Owners can choose a galley down and one cabin arrangement or galley up with a second cabin below. The private master stateroom is forward with a large queen-sized island berth. The head is to starboard with a stall shower. Standard power is a Cummins 480-hp diesel.
When Grand Banks acquired Palm Beach, the luxury Australian builder, two years ago, it named Mark Richards, the Palm Beach president, and world-class sailor, to run the two companies. Richards, in turn, promised to build high-quality, high-tech cruising boats under the proud Grand Banks brand. The gorgeous new 44 Eastbay SX with IPS 600 pod drives is the direct result of that effort. The 44 Eastbay, with its low profile, long sweeping shear and gentle tumblehome, has softer lines and more curves than the traditional Grand Banks. It somehow manages to keep its Downeast heritage yet looks like one of the most modern boats on the planet.
Entering the boat from the large teak swim platform, the cockpit has an L-shaped settee and aft-facing bench. In the salon, the aft and side windows open for a fresh-air environment. The galley to starboard boasts beautiful quartz countertops. A large U-shaped settee with hi-low table is to port. The helm, with two 16-inch Volvo displays, is wrapped in leather. The master stateroom is forward, then there’s a guest stateroom with twin berths and one with a single berth; you can also opt for two staterooms plus a utility room. They’re all finished in teak; fit and finish is excellent. The Grand Banks 44 Eastbay SX has two heads with showers.
It’s been ten years since Back Cove launched its first boat, a 29-foot single-engine diesel designed to make cruising easy. Since then, Back Cove, a sister company to Sabre Yachts, has built 700 boats ranging from 26 to 41 feet long, but all still single-diesel, fuel-efficient, low-maintenance, Maine-built cruising boats.The latest, the Back Cove 32, is scheduled to launch this summer and remains true to the company’s core values.
The Back Cove 32 combines traditional Downeast looks with comfort, functionality and smart use of space. A centerline transom door leads from the swim platform to the cockpit, and it’s all one level from there to the companionway. Matching L-shaped settees are in the corners of the cockpit, and a generous-sized optional hardtop protects the helm deck.
A galley with an electric, two-burner cooktop, fridge/freezer, stainless sink, and microwave is to starboard. To port, a U-shaped settee can be used as a dinette with a table or converted to a sleeping area. The cabin has an elegant cherry interior with satin varnish, and a large island berth is located in the bow. A head with toilet is to port; a separate shower stall is to starboard. Standard power is either a 370-hp Volvo or 370-hp Yanmar diesel. Base price $320,000.
The newest model from Hinckley, a 34-foot runabout, (Hinckley 34R) is the newest in the iconic builder’s line of elegant, classic, Maine-built boats that almost define the Downeast aesthetic. Over the years, Hinckley has managed to blend the latest in hull design and performance with its boats’ gorgeous lines to create an American boating success story.
Indeed, Hinckley just launched its 1,000th jet-powered boat, a trend that started with the often-imitated Picnic Boat in 1994. In looks and in performance, the new Hinckley 34R, with twin 320-hp Yanmar diesels and Alamarin jetdrives, lives up to its heritage. The Hinckley 34R (for runabout) is designed as a dayboat. Board the boat via the integrated swim platform and a boarding door to the sunpad, and a centerline walkway.
There’s plenty of seating all around, with a U-shaped settee in the middle of the boat surrounding a teak table on a pedestal. The helm features an array of classic analog gauges. A folding teak door leads to the cabin, with small facing settees on each side and a head with toilet, sink and shower in the bow. The Hinckley 34R’s tumblehome is classic Hinckley, as are the flowing lines of the teak-capped, wraparound windshield. It cruises at 31 knots and tops out at 34. Jetstick controls make maneuvering fingertip easy. hinckleyyachts.com
Never ones to rest on their laurels, Grady-White Boats introduced two new models at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show. The crowds took notice as both models attract all members of the family. While one model is tweaked from an existing favorite fish boat, the other is a party platform guaranteed to entice the kids to abandon their PlayStations and beg to go out on the boat. Versatility is the order of the day with Grady-White, and their attention to detail impresses newcomers and old salts alike.
Grady-White Canyon 271 FS
Taking cues from their customers, Grady-White realizes that today’s boats have to handle double duty and appeal to the needs of the hardcore fisherperson as well as the family. But instead of reinventing the wheel, the company modified a popular model to give it more flexibility so that non-fishing kids and spouses will have fun, too, ensuring the boat is used more often for a variety of watersports.
The existing Canyon 271 (which is still being built) received a makeover, specifically on the bow as it was dubbed the 2016 “FS” (Forwarding Seating) model. Gone is the single forward fishbox, replaced by port and starboard built-in seats and backrests that hinge inward to create forward-facing lounges. An optional fiberglass insert in between the seats extends and locks into place, and with a cushion the entire bow becomes a large sunpad. With the table base option, this same insert can become a table as well. Insulated 85-quart, overboard-draining fish boxes or stowage lockers rest below the seats, and if you want to fish off the bow, simply remove the cushions to reveal an elevated casting platform. An additional forward console seat boasts a cooler underneath, and altogether the bow accommodates five additional people.
Better ergonomics at the reworked helm of the Freedom 275 DC enables enhanced functionality for the skipper.
The sharp entry and multiple strakes on the Grady-White Canyon 271 FS ensure a soft, dry and comfortable ride. Photo: Charles P Adams
A dual console and multiple seating areas on the Freedom 275 DC ensure family and guests have their choice of views while cruising.
The forward seating area on the 271 FS offers multiple options and additional seating for five persons.
PFDs are located within easy reach under the hardtop on the Freedom 275 DC.
The center console was redesigned with a wraparound windshield integrated with the T-top, which encapsulates LED recessed lighting in the overhead. The lean bar still holds a 42-gallon livewell as well as a sink and tackle storage space built in behind the double seat with a flip-up bolster. The console brings switches and throttles within reach of the helmsman, and there is room for twin 16-inch multi-function displays and a place to mount a VHF and autopilot control. Aft is a 198-quart fish box that’s equipped to carry up to 14 rods in rod holders and rocket launchers—not bad for a 27-foot boat.
Like all Grady-White vessels, the 271 FS has the Hunt-designed SeaV2® hull built of hand-laid fiberglass filled with unsinkable foam flotation. The sharp entry continuously varies all along the keel ending in a 20-degree deadrise at the transom, and there are plenty of strakes to minimize spray. Grady-White touts their hulls as the best ride on the water—soft, dry and with terrific tracking.
Grady-White Freedom 275 Dual Console
If fishing is still important but takes a back seat to overall family enjoyment, Grady-White’s redesigned Freedom 275 Dual Console model does just about everything a 27-foot boat could possibly do.
The new design tucks right into the middle of the 10-model line of Freedom Dual Console hulls between 19 and 37 feet. An integrated anchor locker with optional electric windlass is at the bow, and a chute through the hull allows you to launch and retrieve the anchor without ever baring the chain on deck.
Moreover, the bow is now more versatile, larger and wider than previous versions. The table in between the settees is a great place to enjoy dinner, and removing the table and inserting cushions reveals a sizeable lounging sunpad. Remove the cushions altogether for an elevated casting platform. To starboard is an insulated 96-quart fishbox or cooler for drinks, and the seat to port hides a gear compartment that also holds the tips of rods inserted via the head, which is aft.
The walk-through tempered-glass windshield and composite door protects the driver and companions from spray and wind. The T-top’s shelter keeps folks dry and shielded from the sun, and its overhead zip-in storage holds PFDs or clothing. To port, a wide seat with a small storage pocket holds devices such as iPads, smartphones and controls for the stereo, and there is also a door that leads to the large head compartment with extensive storage space.
The helm to starboard has been reworked for better ergonomics and safety. The single multi-function display now sits slightly higher making it easier for the driver to check the plotter without diverting their focus from the horizon for too long. All switches have been shifted lower and closer for easier reach from the helm seat. And there is room for a VHF radio as well as a Command Link LCD Display to manage information from the twin Yamaha outboards.
The cockpit is also a delight. To port is a wide aft-facing electric seat that extends to form a short lounge. A table may be fitted in between the aft-facing seat and lift-up doublewide transom seat for comfortable dining. Behind the helm to starboard is an optional galley module with a sink, fridge, trash bin, and a grill (hidden under a cover), which cleverly hinges up and outboard providing a preparation station to maximize the limited counter space.
The transom is a wonder on its own with its 29.5-gallon livewell and 165-quart insulated box, not to mention the integrated swim ladder and a super-strong walkthrough door. And extending from below is a ski pole to tow the kids on their favorite water toys.
If either of the above models seems a bit challenging to understand and/or run, download Grady-White’s Captain Grady App. Today’s systems-laden vessels are more integrated and complex making it easy to become overwhelmed by the ample equipment on board. That’s why all Grady-White models produced after 2013 come with the Captain Grady App, which provides systems and operations guides to aid any new or seasoned cruiser through all the onboard systems. Instructions include startup and shutdown checklists, troubleshooting tips, emergency procedures, and ways to decipher onboard alarms. The app is not just a simple electronic manual but a comprehensive boat systems’ guide that includes information on critical systems such as electrical, generator and load management among others to ensure safe operation and timely maintenance. The user-friendly app is model specific and features step-by-step instructions, photos and even video tutorials. With this amount of guidance available at your fingertips, there’s no excuse to stay home.
They don’t come much more traditional—or much better looking—than the Bruckmann Abaco 40, a single-diesel, straightforward, solid Downeast boat with elegant fit and finish. Built by Bruckmann Yachts near Toronto, Canada, and designed by Mark Ellis, the Abaco 40 is a single-stateroom cruiser with a Herreshoff interior and flowing lines that turns heads anywhere she goes. From the cockpit, you enter the fully enclosed salon/helm deck through two sliding doors.
Bruckmann is a traditional sailboat builder, and the sailing lineage shows in the Abaco 40’s simplicity. The salon has two bench-type settees facing each other with a table in the middle—they convert to berths if needed. Matching Stidd helm and passenger seats are forward, and large windows provide excellent visibility all around. All the wood is exquisitely joined mahogany. There are no frills here, just seven coats of varnish. Down three steps a U-shaped galley is to port, with a large head and shower to starboard. A centerline berth is forward. Ellis designed the hull with fairly flat aft sections and broad chine flats for stability. A sizable skeg and rudder protect the single prop and help with tracking. Bow and stern thrusters are optional. A 670-hp Cummins produces a cruising speed of 24 knots and a top speed of about 28 knots.
With classic Chesapeake Bay deadrise lines, the new Eastport 32 OBX (outboard express) traces its heritage to a waterman’s working boat. But Eastport, an Annapolis-based company, uses modern composite materials and an innovative design to produce a performance that would set a waterman’s head spinning. Indeed, with twin 250-hp outboards, the Eastport 32 cruises at a steady 33 knots and tops out at 40 knots. And with a deep-V entry, a soft flare in the bow, a transom deadrise of just 12 degrees, and hard chines and lifting strakes, the Eastport 32 OBX gives a comfortable, dry ride whether you’re fishing in the bay or heading for a cruise off shore.
The Eastport 32 OBX has a large open cockpit for fishing, diving or entertaining. Originally designed with inboard diesel engines, a 300-gallon fuel tank now occupies that space, while under the cockpit sole aft, there’s room for a genset. An extended hardtop protects the pilothouse; an Eisenglass roll-down curtain can complete the enclosure aft. Eastport specializes in customizing each boat, but in this model there’s a settee on the port side; the galley to starboard comes with stainless sink, fridge, microwave, Corian countertop, and storage. Below, the cabin has a head with shower, sink and storage, and a V-berth with a filler cushion. eastportyacht.com
The Wellcraft 242 Fisherman (24’4″ LOA, 8’6″ beam) is available with three distinct packages and seven color schemes to meet any fisherman’s tastes and needs. Built in Cadillac, Michigan, the base 242F includes a host of standard features, including six gunwale-mounted rod holders, aft rod holders, gunwale rod storage, leaning post, and port and starboard bluecoat baitwells/livewells with lights and timers.
Ample storage in the 242F’s bow includes port and starboard fish boxes. There is an enclosed changing room with a head in the console pod for convenience. Add an optional fiberglass T-Top or deluxe T-Top to complete the package. For comfort and enjoyment for the entire family, opt for the Family Package: a bow table, forward facing backrests, bow backrests and cushions, bow fill-in cushion, and aft backrests.
For the ultimate fishing machine, there’s the Scarab Offshore Package: an upgraded leaning post and interior, helm floor pad, eye-catching Scarab Offshore graphics, and an aggressive Tri-Tone Gel Coat scheme. Powered by engine packages ranging from a single 250-hp to twin 200-hp outboards, the 242F reaches top speeds of 53-56 mph and cruises at 32 mph with a range of 400 miles.
The new Stuart Boatworks 27 Center Console was built after the success of the improved Stuart 26. After building 22 of the company’s 26 models, the design team went back to the drawing board, combined customer feedback with its own research, added new features and developed a new, larger head console with plenty of storage.
Based in Stuart, Florida, the builder added two rod locker hatches in the rear with more than 10 feet of optional storage outboard of the stringers. Stuart Boatworks can custom design the space for different needs, ranging from rod storage, pole spears, gaffs, mops, and dive tanks.
All the way forward, the new 27 design adds nearly a foot to the overall inside area, which provides more room in the bow and forward seating area. Moreover, about five inches was added to the overall shear from midship to the bow area resulting in a more attractive profile. The 27 Center Console achieves a top speed of 45 mph with a single 300-hp outboard engine but can be outfitted with twin 150- to 300-hp outboard engines.
The new Striper 270 CC (27’2″ LOA, 9′ beam) is a center console that takes its shape, lines and contours the brand introduced in 2012 from the launch of the popular 22-foot series, including an aggressive bow flair, deep freeboard, tall gunwale cap, and a broad and assertive stance.
Built with the Little Falls, Minnesota-builder’s one-piece Fibercore™ hand-laid composite stringer system, the 270 CC runs solid on the V-Trac™ hull design. This allows for maximum steering control while minimizing shaking or porpoising. The 270 CC is powered by twin engines ranging from 300-500 horsepower in total—enough muscle to take anglers offshore.
The 270 CC was designed to fish. Large port and starboard 34-gallon in-floor fish boxes come standard and are flanked by two 12-gallon, blue-painted, aerated livewells found in each corner of the cockpit. The cockpit can be rigged for comfort and the possible long cruise to the “spot” with optional fold-down bench seats port and starboard. The helm is protected from the weather with a standard fiberglass T-Top with rocket launchers, spreader lights and flat spots to add optional outriggers. The center console pod offers 73 inches of standing room, a lockable storage compartment and room for a porcelain head.
The new Southport 272 (26’6″ LOA, 9’6″ beam) was designed to be a soft-riding and dry offshore center console from the builder’s facility in Augusta, Maine.
Improvements on the Southport 272 include fit and finish, layout and usability of the original Southport hull with value engineering that has become more affordable than ever. The 272 marks the second generation of the 26’6″ Southport hull and continues to be an able offshore performer. When equipped with twin 250-hp Yamaha F250 outboard engines, the 272 runs to a top speed of 55 mph and cruises at 26.7 mph. That’s enough speed to reach bluewater fishing spots and even outpace a few bigger boats on the way. The 272 combines the benefit of a beamy hull with
The Southport 272 combines the benefit of a beamy hull with sharp entry forward, a modest deep-V at the transom and lots of flare to ensure a stable and dry ride. On deck, the 272 series takes advantage of the beam by creating wide-open cockpit spaces, wide side passages and ample storage for fish and gear, all with the creature comforts and yacht-like finishes Southport is known for.
In its Tournament Edition (TE) layout, the 272 includes all the features needed including macerated and insulated coffin box, large livewell and rod storage.
The new SeaVee 340Z (34’9″ LOA, 10′ beam) features the patented twin-stepped, cross-ventilated hull incorporating multiple lifting bodies and unique geometry for a fixed trim angle throughout a wide range of speeds. That provides the captain a clear view of the horizon, maximum fuel efficiency, more speed, and safe predictable handling when making hard turns.
Capable of planing at only 16 mph, the 340Z handles rough seas with ease. The Miami-based builder offers the 340Z with twin or triple outboards ranging from 600 hp to 1,050 hp, which enables the 340Z to run more than 70 mph at top end. A newly designed larger bow with reverse chines redirects ocean spray downward for a dry ride. For fishing, the 340Z can carry up to 42 fishing rods neatly tucked away under the deck, on the sides of the console, in the T-top, and on the back of the leaning post. Up to three pressurized livewells facilitate the fishing experience.
The SeaVee 340Z features a dedicated console designed to maximize deck space and plenty of interior room. Sea Vee also offers a variety of towers, cold storage, and rod holder configurations. Families seeking additional amenities can choose from a variety of comfortable forward and aft seating, sunpad options as well as shower and head. seaveeboats.com; (305) 759-6419
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2016
The Scout 195 Sportfish (19’5″ LOA, 8’6″ beam) runs on the builder’s revolutionary NuV3 fuel-efficient, high-performance hull design. The Scout 195 Sportfish has extra-wide gunwales and hull depth help make the boat a truly seaworthy vessel. Stainless steel hardware and cup holders, ample rod and tackle storage, a leaning post aerated bait well, and a convenient removable 94-quart cooler in front of the console complete with cushions are among the standard features available. Four stainless steel, flush-mount rod holders, rod storage under the gunwale, and room for four more rods at the console offer plenty of rod storage for you and your crew. An optional T-top comes with rocket launchers as well. In addition, other standard features include two stern jump seats, a 12-volt plug, compass, glove box, console storage compartment, and swim platform for easy boarding from the water. Optional equipment on the 195 SF includes a JBL AM/FM stereo with iPod jacks, hydraulic steering, Bimini top, bow cushion, leaning post backrest, a folding back rest seat with ski tow, and choice of four hull colors. Powered by a Yamaha 150-hp F150 outboard engine, the 195 Sportfish runs to a top speed of 49.1 mph and cruises at 25 mph.
An optional T-top comes with rocket launchers as well. In addition, other standard features include two stern jump seats, a 12-volt plug, compass, glove box, console storage compartment, and swim platform for easy boarding from the water. Optional equipment on the 195 SF includes a JBL AM/FM stereo with iPod jacks, hydraulic steering, Bimini top, bow cushion, leaning post backrest, a folding back rest seat with ski tow, and choice of four hull colors. Powered by a Yamaha 150-hp F150 outboard engine, the 195 Sportfish runs to a top speed of 49.1 mph and cruises at 25 mph.
Four stainless steel, flush-mount rod holders, rod storage under the gunwale, and room for four more rods at the console offer plenty of rod storage for you and your crew. An optional T-top comes with rocket launchers as well.
In addition, other standard features include two stern jump seats, a 12-volt plug, compass, glove box, console storage compartment, and swim platform for easy boarding from the water. Optional equipment on the 195 SF includes a JBL AM/FM stereo with iPod jacks, hydraulic steering, Bimini top, bow cushion, leaning post backrest, a folding back rest seat with ski tow, and choice of four hull colors. Powered by a Yamaha 150-hp F150 outboard engine, the 195 Sportfish runs to a top speed of 49.1 mph and cruises at 25 mph.
Whether the plan is for an offshore run or a casual day closer to shore with family and friends, the Regulator 23 offers unbelievable stability and comfort with the fit, finish and ride that Regulator is known for. Boasting an overall length of 27’6″ with Armstrong bracket and engine (8’6″ beam), the Regulator 23 fishes and rides like a much larger boat with its deep-V entry and 24 degrees of deadrise at the transom. Regulator’s soft ride is a direct result of how the hull was designed using Regulator’s signature grillage system and a rugged molded fiberglass stringer system that adds an enormous amount of strength to the hull.
The Regulator 23 is built in Edenton, North Carolina, powered by a single Yamaha 300-hp F300 outboard engine, runs to a top speed of 46.9 mph, and has a cruising speed of 29.8 mph. Big-game fishing benefits include a 23-gallon livewell, 120-quart transom fishbox and 350-quart in-deck fishbox, along with a convenient rigging station and plenty of storage. Luxuries include abundant forward seating, a built-in 55-quart insulated cooler in the console seat and an optional head with holding tank.
The Pursuit S 408 has a new power package featuring triple Yamaha F425 outboards with Yamaha Command Link Plus display.
Three captain’s seats face a Garmin-equipped helm with two MFDs, sonar, open array radar, autopilot, and more. The bow includes wraparound seating with a pop-up table and a full sunpad.
Anglers have 12-rod holders, lighted Oceana Blue 44-gallon recirculating livewell, in-deck fishboxes with overboard discharge, reinforcement plates and wiring for downriggers, aft cockpit prep center with sink, transom freezer box, and electric grill and plenty of tackle storage.
The Pursuit S 408’s stout helm, rugged hardtop, large cabin space, and varied seating choices around the cockpit deliver utility and comfort. The cabin has forward seating that converts to a V-berth, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, refrigerator, microwave, and an enclosed head.
A rugged hardtop with windshield offers protection. The S 408 is an all-around boat for overnights or weekend getaways.
