This crossover model offers the luxury and amenities of a family cruiser without sacrificing the fishability and offshore performance of a high-quality center console fishing boat. Designed around Southport’s proven, safe and efficient Hunt deep-V hull design, the 29 FE has unique layout and design features. Luxury appointments include an adjustable-height table for cocktails and alfresco dining that folds down to create a spacious forward sunpad, comfortable forward and aft seating arrangements. A forward-facing loveseat-style cushion under the console with suede-like plush vinyl comes in three color palettes. To shift from entertaining to fishing, the plush three-quarter aft lounge seat across from the stern seat folds down, and the area aft of the lounge seat is a fully equipped bait-rigging station with a freshwater sink, insulated bait storage area and cutting boards. For added convenience with a hint of luxury, the lockable stand-up head enclosure includes a faux granite sink and countertop with durable nonskid, easy-to-clean Marinedeck® on the cabin sole. Deluxe helm chairs with flip-up bolsters are standard, as is a leaning post tackle station with waist-high access to a fresh/saltwater sink, insulated bait box and a lighted 45-gallon oval livewell—an entertainment center is an option as well as a quarter-berth beneath the console front seat. Twin 300-hp outboards deliver good fuel economy and responsive handling up to top speeds over 55 mph. Families will enjoy this multi-purpose boat with a safe, soft, dry ride and easy handling. (207) 620-7998; southportboats.com
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2014