Based on the proven platform of the Southport 33, the new Southport 33 DC (Dual Console) adds amenities for the family-focused owner. Loads of seating means even the extended family is accommodated, including deep forward cockpit seating with a convertible sun pad, fold-away seats in the aft cockpit and a co-pilot lounge with fore- and aft-facing backrests under the protection of the hardtop. The port console hosts a twin berth cabin with the head on the starboard side.
Southport’s fishing heritage is not forgotten as the hull delivers an exceptionally dry and safe ride, and a 35-gallon transom livewell comes standard. Also standard is a retractable sunroof in the hardtop and a dive door.
With thousands of sea miles behind him, Bluegame’s designer, Olympic sailor Luca Santella knows that safety concerns for any boat. He took a fresh approach to boat design and created what he calls “sports utility boats.”
With a flexible platform, the Bluegame 42 and Bluegame 62 can be whatever you want them to be—an open, sportfisherman, fast commuter, tender, or day cruiser. Both new models feature interiors by Italian firm Zuccon International Project, which, like the exterior, is highly customizable. They can reach 35 knots with low fuel consumption thanks to Volvo Penta IPS drives.
The nearly 150-year-old builder launched a new luxury performance division in 2018—CL Yachts— and unveiled the CLB72 and CLA76f. The new offerings tap into current trends and take a different approach to design, materials, and innovation.
Careful engineering and extensive use of carbon fiber in the hull structure make for an exceptionally lightweight boat, which eases handling and gives a top speed of around 30 knots. The layout varies greatly between each, but both boast a full-beam amidships master and a particularly spacious engine room. The priority is given to comfort and user-friendliness is seen in the gyrostabilization, active interceptor system, and floating interior that minimizes vibration.
G Marine, as the exclusive U.S. dealer for the Spanish shipyard Astondoa, brings Mediterranean boating to America but with some modifications. The dealer has completely redesigned the Astondoa 52 Flybridge for tropical cruising and replaced the crew cabin with a garage that holds a PWC and a paddleboard or kayak.
The galley and bar were moved to the main deck aft to be close to the cockpit action. There are also ice chests on the top deck for an icy-cold beer. In addition, G Marine exhibits Astondoa’s new 377 Coupe, the little sister to the popular 655. While small and sporty, the Coupe shows the shipyard’s megayacht expertise with two stylish oak-finished cabins that rival the big boats.
Marking Everglades’ reentry into the dual console market, the Everglades 340DC is a versatile boat with three distinct social areas and some creative extras, such as the windshield that opens with a push of a button and the companion seat that folds down into a chaise lounge.
For anglers, its cockpit with two livewells is one of the largest in its class at 96 square feet. An outdoor galley, a berth in the port console and a shower in the starboard console make it possible to overnight; add the optional generator, berth A/C,
grill, and Seakeeper stabilizer, and you have a weekend getaway.
The company says this model is paving the way for an extended line of coastal explorers, so keep a watchful eye.
Chris-Craft calls its newest addition to the Launch series the 35 GT, its most innovative model yet. Classic design, reverse transom, large rear sunpad, and touches of elegant
varnished mahogany throughout unmistakably belong to the Chris-Craft Launch family, yet several options make the Chris-Craft 35 GT quite customizable.
Propulsion is sterndrive or outboard, a painted hardtop is another option and SureShade can further extend the shelter at the push of a button. Owners can also pick their preference to board through a dive door or walk-through transom.
A new catamaran joins Invincible’s fleet, a sibling to the 40 for those who prefer a smaller footprint. The Invincible 37 Catamaran has 360-degree walkaround fishability on a single level atop the inherently stable double-hull platform.
It shares its seakeeping ability with the 40 as Invincible worked with the multihull experts at Morelli & Melvin to create the boats it says can tear through seas and turn at high speeds. The 37’s deck layout di ers a bit with a flat transom and longer fish boxes forward. With a 550-gallon fuel tank, it’s possible to fish far and wide.
Italian style comes to Miami in the form of the Azimut S6 & Azimut Atlantis 51.
In downtown Miami, the S6 has a fresh, refined interior design by Francesco Guida. It employs carbon tech construction and triple Volvo Penta IPS drives to maximize fuel effciency, reduce noise and propel it to 36 knots. The extra space aorded by the IPS’s compact engine room goes to a huge garage that comes with a personalized tender, a Tecnorib Pirelli J33-Azimut Special Edition.
On Virginia Key, the Atlantis 51, shown, is pure open—the main deck is one big open-air lounge. Below, a generous beam and vertical bow work together to maximize volume for three very comfortable cabins plus a large below-deck dinette.
Everything old is new again, and new means better when you add a gyrostabilizer and near military-grade windows. Based on the 1980s Bertram 54, the Bertram 61 took design cues from the past while taking advantage of modern technology. The company’s new flagship, with hull design by Michael Peters, o ers countless layout, tower, and hull color configurations.
One feature that remains consistent, though, is the spectacular frameless wraparound windows that give a 360-degree view from the open galley/salon. Fully equipped for tournament fishing, the spacious 188-square-foot cockpit allows anglers to maneuver easily when the bite is on.
Viking’s 38 Billfish is the builder’s latest innovation in versatility, comfort, and performance.
Viking’s 38 Billfish exemplifies the builder’s evolutionary strategy to build a better boat every day. Already leaving its predecessor, the 37 Billfish, in its wake, this new model
is longer, wider and sports a refined running surface. A new hull design with foam encapsulated stringers, a raked stem, double chines and a pair of running strakes delivers performance and maximizes speed and efficiency with two 550-hp Cummins QSB 6.7 diesels.
Aimed at bluewater anglers and young families, the 38 Billfish appeals to the upward moving owner/operator as well as those looking for an easy-to-handle and maintain convertible that’s ideal for mastering inshore and offshore assignments.
Small and Mighty
Perhaps more than anything, this new Billfish model demonstrates how much boat Viking is able to build in 38 feet. There’s no mistaking the Viking DNA with its eye-pleasing, unbroken sheer, the finely proportioned deckhouse and the spacious cockpit. A full-feature convertible in a mid-size package, the boat checks every box for practicality and fun.
Underway, with full fuel and water and five people aboard, the 38 Billfish ripped to a top speed of 35 knots drinking 56 gallons per hour on my Lake Worth, Florida, test run. Throttled back to 31 knots for a swift cruise, the turbocharged, after-cooled Cummins consumed 41 gallons per hour.
At a moderate 26 knots, figure on 31 gallons per hour. With a capacity of 460 gallons, the boat has more than ample range wherever you decide to set the throttles. Pick the spot, and the 38 Billfish performs and handles with the enthusiasm of a student on the last day of school thanks to the Cummins Inboard Joystick matched to the DC bow thruster. Both acceleration and throttle response are swift with virtually no diesel exhaust.
Runs in the Family
Sharing the popular style and traits of its larger brothers, the flybridge utilizes a center console command station. Visibility throughout 32 points of the compass is excellent.
The fiberglass helm pod painted to mimic teak adds a custom touch and is augmented with single lever controls with thruster buttons and power-assisted hydraulic steering.
Viking subsidiary Atlantic Marine Electronics provided the electronics that are well-organized and stowed in the console for all-weather navigation. Additional instrumentation is mounted overhead in the fiberglass hardtop as are the 24VDC Miya
Epoch electric teaser reels favored by offshore tuna and billfish anglers, and a rocket launcher is built into the aft aluminum rail. A single Release helm seat is standard and a second seat is optional.
Lounges to port and starboard ahead of the console offer plenty of seating and room to stretch. A Costa Clear three-sided enclosure provides comfort and protection. Viking’s legacy in building tournament contenders is obvious in the many features found in the 109-square-foot cockpit starting with the molded, non-skid deck with a 29-inch reach to the waterline. It was raining on test day and the surefootedness was appreciated.
Fish on, friends
A transom livewell, port and starboard insulated fish wells measuring 46 inches by 18
inches by 16 inches and fresh and raw-water wash-down systems are standard fare. The coaming is rounded and is comfortable when leaning against it during stand-up battles with sails, mahi and cobia. A walk-through transom door with a lift gate complements a swim step.
Underneath the coaming, tricolor LED lighting illuminates the cockpit. An aluminum mounting plate is laminated in the deck to accommodate a fishing chair or rocket launcher, and flush-mounted rod holders are conveniently placed. To port is a bait freezer inside a molded console with a removable fiberglass tray to handle a day’s worth of rigged
balao and mullet, which not only keeps the baits ready but also eliminates the clutter of a portable cooler on deck.
To starboard, lifting the molded console lid reveals a sink with a freshwater spigot and a board for cutting bait or rigging while underneath, a door opens to access four tackle drawers and accessory switches, including a temperature gauge for the freezer. Cushions atop the consoles make ideal perches for keeping out of the weather, watching baits in the wake and relaxing underway or at the dock.
A spacious master suite makes the most of storage space.
Plenty of space to fight the big one.
Make a great boat for families too.
Day Boat Vibes
With its traditional day-boat layout, the salon door is replaced by a Costa Clear curtain, but it opens the cockpit to the air-conditioned salon/command deck with 80 inches of
headroom and the option to install a lower helm station. For early season starts in the north or late season cruising and fishing, the lower helm station is a popular choice, especially with fishermen that go shorthanded.
The open salon design is a reminder of the style so well propagated by Palm Beach
Ryboviches and Pompano Beach Merritt boats way back when. To maximize the comfort and usefulness of the space, Viking has added a refrigerator, a U-shaped lounge and a
fiberglass hi-lo table to port that can convert to a berth and a starboard-side, 88-inch-long lounge with rod and tackle stowage below.
The command deck is especially inviting after returning to the dock and serves as a social area that makes the boat very flexible in its mission as both a capable hardcore fishing boat and family cruiser.
Peek Underneath
Electrically actuated rams lift the sole to expose each engine compartment, but a center hatch also provides access for quick daily checks. Viking’s attention to detail in the mechanical space is outstanding. The bright white Awlgrip-painted bilge lights up the area, and the slender, inline six-cylinder Cummins engines are accessible for routine maintenance and service. Racor fuel/water separators, seacocks, sea valves, and strainers are labeled and painted with white Awlgrip. Wire and plumbing runs are neat and chafe-protected.
Our test boat had a 13.5 kW Onan generator, a Seakeeper SK6 gyrostabilizer, accessible engine and house batteries in fiberglass boxes, a voltage stabilizer isolation transformer,
Dometic air conditioning, a Dolphin Pro battery charger, an oil exchanger system for draining and filling the engines, transmissions and the generator, a freshwater outlet for
keeping the machinery space clean, and a Delta-T ventilation system that provides fresh air supply and water intrusion suppression. Each diesel is equipped with a Y-valve to function as emergency bilge pumps.
‘Reel’ Living Space
Unlike big center console boats of similar length with a cuddy cabin, the 38 Billfish has actual overnight living accommodations three steps down from the salon deck. The
L-shape galley features a stainless steel sink, Corian countertop, Kenyon electric cooktop, Samsung microwave, and an Isotherm refrigerator and freezer. Teak cabinetry is abundant, and the electrical panel is eye level for ease of use. The spacious head
to port has a Dometic MSD, Corian countertop, teak vanity, and a better than full-size fiberglass shower stall with a glass door.
The master stateroom is forward with a bi-fold door for privacy, an island double berth with an innerspring mattress and stowage underneath, a pair of maple-lined hanging lockers, rod locker, TV and stereo. The air conditioning system services the lower accommodations, and the flooring throughout the area is custom Amtico vinyl. Hatches in the sole provide access to bilge pumps, shower sump, plumbing, and the like.
High Pedigree
This is the smallest Viking, but noting that even the sole hatches are framed with teak showcases its pedigree to its larger siblings.
The Ocean Alexander Divergence 45 is a welcome contrast from the big boat brand.
When the assignment came in for this sea trial, I thought there was a typo in the email. Sure, it said the boat to test was the Divergence 45, but it also said the builder was Ocean Alexander.
Was this American magazine going metric and specified the size in meters? That wouldn’t be too far off because Ocean Alexander (OA) is capable of building a 147-foot yacht. But no, the 45 designation represented feet, and it was an OA. Wait! What? Yup. Ocean Alexander is now building in the 45-foot range with a new center console “yacht” with
outboard power and true OA craftmanship.
Large Yacht Goes Small
It is not a typical center console, but a center console on steroids. Everywhere you look, there are components and features that are built to large yacht standards; from the deck seating to the cabin layout to the space-age console, it has the ability to be a family platform for diving or fishing as well as for entertaining.
The coolness quotient is high when you realize that both the port and starboard aft bulwarks can fold down to create mini balconies.
Noticeable at first is the single level, full walkaround deck. Transiting from fore to aft is painless thanks to the recessed cabinet pulls and low-profile drawer handles. Cleats are mounted at the top of the gunwales and recessed when not in use to maintain a sleek profile. This is critical when fishing as access around the boat is essential in maintaining the proper line angle to minimize any contact with the boat or motors.
The coolness quotient is high when you realize that both the port and starboard aft bulwarks can fold down to create mini balconies. It adds to the size of the cockpit by extending the beam from 13 feet, 9 inches to 19 feet, 1 inch. When the bulwarks are up, the patented door-within-a-door aids in boarding from either side and thanks to the extended swim platform, boarding is accessible via the stern too.
Plenty of Seats
If you’re concerned about having all your friends on board, you may run out of friends before you run out of seats. OA built ample seating into this model and each one has a
commanding vantage point. Forward is an artfully curved, three-section settee in the bow with cushioned backrests supported on each end by an extension of the coaming structure to the deck.
You’ll run out of friends before you run out of places to sit!
Many center consoles have a seat at the front of the helm, but OA went the extra mile and created a two- to three-person, full-length, forward-facing lounge settee—a voluminous area with grab rails and speakers that will be a favorite with owners and guests alike. Between the bow seating is a hi-lo dining table perfect for drinks at sunset. Lower the table and filler cushions, and this area transforms into a large sunpad lounge.
Midship, triple Llebroc helm seats adorned with thick padding, beefy bolsters, fold-down armrests, and contoured backrests keep captain and crew well positioned regardless
of the seas. The cockpit is centered with a forward and aft bench seat big enough for three each. Well-padded like all the others, the forward seat has a reversible backrest so guests can face forward during the ride out to the fishing grounds or aft when the lines are in the water. The transom seat folds out and can neatly tuck away when it’s time to fish. There’s designated seating for at least 14 of your friends.
On Deck
Entertain guests on deck with the outdoor galley cabinet between the helm seats and the cockpit. This large cabinet houses a retractable flatscreen TV as well as a Scandvik stainless steel sink and faucet, two-burner Kenyon cooktop, Kenyon grill, and U-Line fridge.
Four Fusion speakers pump out music, recessed lighting and forward/aft spreader lights illuminate in the hardtop and a retractable, motorized SureShade cockpit awning extends all the way aft to protect guests from the elements. The standard Kohler 11kW diesel generator keeps those at the helm and in the cabin cool. Options include a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, KVH Tracvision satellite TV, FLIR thermal night vision, and a host of other choices to personalize your 45.
Down Below
Designer Evan K. Marshall’s focus on the interior layout was to enhance the owner’s experience. To that end, Marshall starts with six-foot, six-inch headroom in the cabin accessible from a staircase to port of the helm console. Adding side and forward windows in the hull along with a skylight creates an open feel. There’s a mini galley to port equipped with a GE microwave, Isotherm fridge drawer and Scandvik sink and storage installed in a solid, satin-finished wooden cabinet.
Doing double duty is the forward dinette with U-shaped settee and center hi-lo table for dining. With the table lowered, filler cushions in place and forward seat backrest dropped, the settee becomes a queen-size berth.
There’s a separate, standup head (just over six feet) to starboard. A clear Ambassador basin sink complements the Cambria Berwyn counters and wood finish. There’s a Tecma
toilet system, and a glass door keeps the shower stall separate. A Dometic reverse cycle, extreme tropical climate, 10,000 BTU air conditioning system cools the entire cabin area.
Power at the Helm
Four 350-hp Mercury Verado outboards power the Divergence 45, and all I can say is when they light up, hold on. We screamed out of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, into a confused chop of more than four feet. The 45 skimmed across the top thanks to the sharp entry and 18-degree deadrise at the transom. My wheelman put us into a few tight turns barely pulling back on the throttles.
With a lean into the seas, the 45 came around as expected with assured footing. Although it was too choppy to get clean running specs, I did see that we were clocking more than 40 mph at one point. If it could do this speed in these conditions, then I’m confident it
can hit the 48 mph mark that OA publishes.
The helm is fully loaded with electronics and controls.
Controls for the 45 are at the space-age, carbon fiber helm console that is loaded with Garmin electronics, including three 17-inch multifunction displays for charts and radar,
VHF and more. There’s also Sirius XM, Lenco tabs, Mercury throttles and joystick with Skyhook, Mercury VesselView 5-inch display, Maxwell windlass controller, and other components. Electrical system controls are through the OctoPlex NMEA monitor.
In Style
The 45 comes in two styles: a cruising/dive model and a fishing version for the serious tourney crowd. For the latter, the galley can be converted to a tackle and prep area with
storage drawers for lures, hooks and gear. Additional rod holders are accessible around the boat including six built into the transom, convenient when fishing off the swim platform, as well as a transom livewell. Fish box freezer plates and outriggers are also available.
Owners can choose from a multitude of wood options, paint schemes and even matching engine cowling colors. From Marshall’s prolific pen, the Divergence 45 has a sleek yet aggressive style and design that amplifies the functions of the yacht. The broken sheer that sweeps from the high freeboard forward, the raked windshield and the low-profile
hardtop says this machine means business for both cruising and fishing in style.
Ocean Alexander knows there is a good market for center consoles and outboard-driven vessels and why they’ve taken the bold step with the Divergence 45. It’s not a typo.
A departure for the Italian yard, the new SX line is a fusion of the classic flybridge yacht and the growing trend of explorers. The latest addition, the SX76 makes its U.S. debut in Miami. The high bow and reverse-raked main deck windows give a hint of ruggedness, while the interior is characterized by open spaces and large windows.
Placing the helm exclusively on the flybridge, which can fully enclose with side windows and aft panels, gives more social space to the main deck. Just four steps below
the main deck level, the swim platform carries a tender of up to 13 feet and a
personal watercraft.
When these are offloaded, the area becomes a vast beach club of nearly 200 square feet.
With a blue sapphire exterior—a first for Riva—and stainless steel and mahogany accents, the Riva 66 Ribelle makes a statement in keeping with the storied Italian brand. As the newest addition to the sportsfly range, a low-profile flybridge crowns the boat and gives another spot to sunbathe and drive.
The main deck interior boasts six-foot, nine-inch headroom enveloped by huge windows, and below deck, a three-stateroom layout is standard, including a midship owner’s cabin. A 75-square-foot sunpad with built-in backrest makes full use of the foredeck, while aft is a garage that can accommodate a Williams 345 tender and a Seabob. Twin 1,550-hp MAN V12s propel the 66-foot Ribelle to a 33-knot cruise.
The addition of a “sportsfly” top deck turns the Numarine 78 HTS into a sportster for her first hull in a Miami world debut.
Another change was to move the galley below deck to give extra room to the main deck, which is bathed in light from the oversized windows. The first hull’s owner chose the more powerful engine package (twin 1,550-hp MAN V12s) that allow a 37-knot top speed and 27-knot cruise. A very cool feature is the Silent Package, which brings a new level of peace and quiet to anchorages.
A combination of lithium-ion batteries, a smart energy management system and multi-stage air conditioning allow all house systems, including air conditioning, to run all day with only a short charge by the generator at midday.
High performance, efficient and elegant are the words that Palm Beach had in mind when designing the new Palm Beach GT50 Open. The Open version of these makes its world debut in Miami. Low resistance is the key to the hull design, which is meant to slice through the water rather than plane.
Coupled with the lightweight construction, including a 100-percent carbon fiber deck and superstructure, the GT50 has the ability to reach 42 knots. Efficiency is achieved with the 600- hp Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, which burns 40 gallons per hour at 35 knots. All of this is wrapped up in a very elegant package as befits the Palm Beach name.
