The Midnight Express 43 Open (43′ LOA, 12’6″ beam) features a true twin-stepped hull that produces minimal bow rise while getting on plane. Built with Midnight Express’ exclusive infusion-molded and cored structure across the entire boat, it allows for a lighter and faster yet stronger and more fuel-efficient vessel. Enhanced by an Integrated Spray Reduction system, the 43 Open stays drier because the new shape at the bow catches spray and pushes it back down. Power options range from quad 300- to 667-hp outboards and even up to five 400-hp outboards with top speeds between 72 and 100 mph depending upon the power.
The Miami-based builder’s innovative design extends beyond the performance to the accessories and usability as well, with a 100-percent carbon-fiber infused hardtop and side dive door with an integrated ladder, and a cabin loaded with comfort features and a fully digital control system powered with Garmin touchscreens. The entire digital control system is operated with wireless remotes to allow the user to select different lighting modes or to turn the battery switches on and off without climbing into a tight space.
The Paragon (28′ LOA, 8’4″ beam) is the first fully exposed carbon fiber center console delivered by Carbon Marine Inc., a Canadian boatbuilder based in Stouffville, Ontario. Its 4,500-pound weight (with engine), makes the power-to-weight ratio excellent for speed and efficiency. Powered by a 627-hp Seven Marine outboard, the Paragon hits a top speed of 81 mph with a cruising speed of 51 mph. With her 25-degree entry deep-V hull, the Paragon runs well in rough water, and its architecture sculpts an unforgettably sleek silhouette. The dash is modern and uncluttered with two large MFDs.
The helm features LED illuminated switches and an Italian-designed tilt steering wheel with paddle shifters for the tilt and trim of the engine. An angled radar arch with a Bimini top provides shelter from the sun. The spacious bow converts from comfortable bench seating with storage space to a full sunpad, and the console houses a porcelain head. Anglers will appreciate the three large in-deck coolers (a livewell, baitwell and cooler) and the flush-mount rod holders and rod locker. Other details include ample storage, LED lighting throughout, retractable boarding steps, Armstrong engine bracket with swim platform, and integrated 3-step swim ladder as well as a freshwater transom shower.
Canadian custom yacht tender builder Carbon Marine’s new Paragon Super Sport 28 made its debut at the 2016 Palm Beach International Boat Show. Carbon Marine’s use of carbon fiber creates a hull that is stunning in appearance, lighter, faster, and stronger than a conventional fiberglass hull for top speed and superior fuel economy and range. A high efficiency Seven Marine 627-hp supercharged V8 outboard powers the Paragon Super Sport 28 to a top speed of more than 75 mph., and the profile changes the game for rough water handling in boats under 30 feet.
Outriggers are used to increase the width of the trolling spread of bait and lures. When considering what type of outriggers and poles to purchase, the biggest factors are price, convenience and presentation of the bait. Options generally include either aluminum or carbon fiber poles, and simple gunnel-mounted outriggers or convenient T-top mounts.
Gunnel-mounted outriggers are the simplest and least expensive outrigger option. They can be set in a variety of positions—straight up for running, angled out for trolling and straight back for navigating under bridges. They are also the easiest to install since only an angled hole, saw and a drill are required for installation. A pair of gunnel-mounted outriggers ranges from less than $400 up to $700 depending on the features. Simplicity, however, is not always the best option. Captain Mark Henderson of the Liquid Fire Fishing Team advises, “A disadvantage of gunnel-mounted outriggers is [that] there is more line in the water because the angle from the release clip where the line is held is lower. Therefore, to let a lure or bait out the same distance as an outrigger from the T-top, there will be more monofilament in the water, which increases drag pressure and diminishes the action of the lure.” The most popular option for center console boats is top-mounted outriggers. Their position from above the top provides both a cleaner presentation of the bait and complete fish-fighting ability around the boat with no obstructions from a gunnel outrigger. If your boat does not already have outriggers installed or is not equipped with outrigger mounting plates, aftermarket mounting plates can be added for about $300 a pair.
Adjusting the rigger from the underside. Photo: Liquid Fire Fishing Team.
The installation of outriggers can be simple and easily done by almost any boat owner. Photo: Liquid Fire Fishing Team.
Captain Henderson checking the rigger. Photo: Liquid Fire Fishing Team.
There are two types of top-mounted outriggers. The first are top-mount models that require someone to climb up on the gunnel to raise or lower the poles. These types of mounts start around $600 for a pair or come complete with poles and a rigging kit for about $1,300. The second type of mounted outrigger is much safer and very convenient and allows a fisherman to change the direction and angle of the outrigger by using an elevation crank under the top. This provides a much safer way to change angles and lower poles when in rough seas. These outriggers may require mounting plates or wedges that don’t come in the box, and prices range from about $1,300 up to $2,500 for a pair of mounts. The great benefit is that you can install these yourself.
Outrigger pole options are not as readily available as the mounts—your choices involve length and material (aluminum or carbon fiber). For most boat owners aluminum poles cover their needs. For vessels under 30 feet, a pole length of 15 feet eliminates the additional weight and length of 18-foot poles, as there is less “bouncing” of the poles when extended while running offshore. This means less stress is placed on the T-top and bases. Boats 30 feet and larger tend to have a softer ride, which allows the vessels to easily handle the additional length and weight of the 18-foot poles. “The added length of the 18-foot poles provides the opportunity to add an additional line on each side and also increases the width of the trolling spread by 6 feet. This increases the surface area to make a wider and fuller bait presentation,” says Henderson.
Aluminum outrigger poles are far less expensive than carbon fiber poles, however, they are much heavier. Because aluminum is more flexible it may not allow the bait, lures or dredges to swim as true through the water. Also, aluminum poles do not hold as well under heavy loads when trolling large lures or pulling heavy dredges, especially in rough seas.
Carbon fiber poles are rising in popularity. These poles are much lighter, create less stress on the outrigger mounts and allow easy maneuvering when swinging them out to their fishing and running positions. Carbon fiber poles are also stiffer and create less whipping movement, which allows the bait to run truer for a natural display under water. That said, carbon fiber poles are at least four to five times more expensive than aluminum outrigger poles. They can also be more sensitive to nicks and scratches—a major dent or scratch can weaken the strength of the pole, and the repairs can be more costly than those on aluminum poles.
Whether you select gunnel or T-top mounts, aluminum or carbon fiber poles, there are many affordable choices that will fit your budget and increase your sport fishing fun.
The Edgewater 368 CC is unique in design and in execution and features a twin-step hull design using the latest Single Piece Infusion Technology.
Advanced technology is integrated throughout the 368 CC (36’8″ LOA 11’4″ beam). The hardtop is built with carbon fiber and infused to create a lighter hardtop that is stronger than a traditional hardtop.
The engines, navigation, steering, and switching are managed through the NMEA 2000 and C-Zone switching systems. Family and fishing features are found throughout this center console. The walk-in console cabin provides generous room and comes complete with many amenities such as a berth, head, and galley.
Comfortable seating is found throughout the boat from the three-across helm and mezzanine seating all the way to the bow wraparound seating. The standard dive door to port and walk-through transom provide added comfort and convenience for your days on the water. The Edgewater 368 CC serves many different boating styles and needs whether you want to run to The Bahamas or cruise to your local sandbar in style.
When powered by triple Yamaha F300 outboard engines, the 368CC runs to a top speed of 65.2 mph and cruises at 36.5 mph.
