Buddy Davis 28 Center Console

The Buddy Davis 28 Center Console (LOA: 28′, Beam: 9′ 6″) from Buddy Davis is filled with luxurious appointments. However, make no mistake, the 28 CC was bred to fish. Heritage and technology meet, and all the hulls are vacuum-infused with vinylester resin and Dyvinacell-cored, making them strong, quiet and solid. Standard options include a forward fish box (large enough to fit two bigeye tuna), rocket launcher rod holders, livewell, plenty of storage, and a rear insulated fish box/cooler. The huge helm dash can accommodate two 16-inch Raymarine glass bridge displays, autopilot and two VHF radios.

The Buddy Davis 28 is powered by twin 300-hp Yamaha engines, the boat has a top speed of nearly 60 knots and achieves 1.4 miles per gallon at 30 knots. That provides a range of 360 miles at a cruising speed of 30 knots.

buddydavisboats.com

Return to the Center Console Roundup.

Midnight Express 43 Open

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.

midnightboats.com; (954) 745-8284

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2016

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