Nor-Tech 340 Crossfish

The new Nor-Tech 340 Crossfish Sport is an all-around family boat that comfortably hosts 12 or more guests for a day of leisurely cruising or serious fishing activity on the water. Underwater lighting, a large sunpad forward and an aft jet boat seat with stunning finishes set this boat apart as a luxury center console, but a serious fishing machine is designed into the heart of this 34-foot boat that draws 2 feet, 6 inches. A 65-gallon livewell, carbon fiber Tigress outriggers, under-gunnel rod holders, twin 8215 Garmin screens, Garmin autopilot, and high-power transducer add to the 340 Crossfish’s fishability and super-sleek design. The center console houses a large double berth with seven-foot headroom, sink and a head for a quick overnighter.
Powered by twin Yamaha 350-hp outboards, the 340 Crossfish tops speeds of 70 mph, eases onto plane with little or no bow rise and stays on plane at 12-15 mph. In addition to extreme speeds and high fuel capacity, this boat provides a dry ride and performs at a high level with exceptional rough water handling and stability. (239) 567-5030; nor-techboats.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2014

Glasstream 280 ZS

Built at the Glasstream yard in Panama City, Florida, the 280 ZS is a combination angling and pleasure center console that offers high-end performance with fishing amenities. The boat’s stepped-bottom hull offers more deadrise at the transom and runs more than 70 mph when equipped with twin Suzuki DF300AP 300-horsepower engines. Power options range from the big Suzuki engines down to smaller 150-hp outboards, which still offer good performance and provide the safety of twin engines. Measuring 27-feet, 8-inch long, the Glasstream 280 ZS on display at the 2014 Miami International Boat Show was rigged with Suzuki Precision Maneuvering that allows the driver to dock with ease thanks to joystick control.
Expert craftsmanship and a host of amenities give the Glasstream 280 ZS a high-end feel. For cruising, the boat features a sunpad in the bow, aft bench seat and high-end audio speakers strategically placed for the best sound. Anglers will appreciate the large livewell on the transom and padding on the interior of the gunwales, along with rod storage under the gunwales. The helm features a dash loaded with electronics, lighted accessory toggles and Garmin 7212 multi-function display. Drop-out bolsters provide a sturdy place for the pilot and co-pilot to stand or sit, and a substantial T-top offers plenty of handholds. There’s plenty of storage under the center console pod with room for an optional portable head. (850) 873-6205; glasstream.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2014

SeaVee 37 0Z

SeaVee unveiled the 370Z at the 2015 Miami Boat Show, the latest new center console boat in its Z performance line. Like the other Z models, the 370Z features a cross-ventilated twin-step hull that produces greater speed and fuel efficiency. The patent-pending hull features Speed Rails™ that improve directional stability to keep the boat safely tracking in the desired direction during high-speed maneuvering. Designed as an offshore fishing machine, the 370Z has the facilities to impress the most demanding of anglers, including large insulated fish boxes forward with the option for two additional insulated fish boxes in the aft cockpit. Twin 40-gallon, longitudinal transom live wells, one on each corner of the transom, provide ample bait capacity while making room for additional aft cockpit space. A live-well pump system keeps bait alive and healthy by virtually eliminating the aeration problem typically found with stepped-hull boats. The dedicated transducer pad allows for flush mounting large commercially rated transducers that can mark the bottom in very deep water while underway. Creature comforts include an optional retractable forward bench seats or twin loungers, aft cockpit seating, and freshwater shower and head. Powered by triple Yamaha F350-horsepower engines, the boat runs more than 70 mph at top speed and cruises at 45 mph. (305) 759-6419; seaveeboats.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2015