MJM has picked up on the fast growth of the outboard market and launches the MJM 43z powered by triple 350-hp Mercury Verados. It combines the comforts of an all-weather offshore express cruiser with the many advantages of outboard power: sporty handling, low maintenance, higher speeds, and shoal draft.
Compared to the popular MJM 40z (with IPS power), the 43z goes nine miles per hour faster (53 mph) and draws 13.5 inches less with outboards up (26 inches). Joystick piloting and Skyhook station-keeping are nice bonuses.
The bridge deck can utilize climate control or fill with fresh air by opening the windshield, windows, and hatches. Below deck, the cabin, designed in classic Herreshoff style, has an island berth and full galley.
The Back Cove 34O rides on a hull designed to optimize her outboard performance and is the builder’s first outboard-powered vessel. Powered by twin Yamaha 300-hp outboard engines (or optional 350-hp Yamahas or Suzukis), the 34O (O for outboard) runs to a top speed of 37.5 knots. Equipped with twin Suzuki 350-hp outboards, she runs to 40 knots. Her cockpit and helm deck are designed for entertaining with a full galley and an aft-facing seat that converts into a U-shaped helm deck dinette.
Her layout below features a varnished cherry interior with an island double berth. The head situated to port and a separate shower to starboard optimizes both space and comfort. Below deck air conditioning with reverse cycle heat and the standard 5kW diesel generator makes the Back Cove 34O a comfortable cruiser.
The new Riviera Belize 66 offers a choice of layout options: a single-level lifestyle sedan or a day-bridge vessel with classic Bimini top or hardtop. The swim platform is submersible to assist in launching and retrieving the tender from the garage. Additionally, the large cockpit features a dinette with L-shape seating.
The accommodations deck offers many layout options with three or four staterooms, including a midship master and three heads. Power for the Riviera Belize 66 comes from the Volvo Penta 1350 IPS3 pod drive system with joystick control. Three other premiers at FLIBS include the 72 Sports Motor Yacht, the 39 Sports Motor Yacht, and the sporty and adventurous 395 SUV.
SeaVee’s new 322Z center console has some innovation up its sleeve. The hull, stringers and bulkhead construction is a vacuum-assisted resin transfer infusion that is not only a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process, but it also leaves the design light and strong for better handling and fuel economy.
The cross-ventilated, twin-stepped hull has a four-port air induction system. It uses a central air reservoir to produce and maintain the necessary airstream that reduces the power-robbing drag of water flow. The new design replaces the 320Z and is powered by twin Mercury Verado 300-hp outboards.
The 322Z is offered in two configurations: the Open and Luxury Editions (LE). The Open is a tournament fishing machine with a wide deck layout and options such as four live wells, additional fishboxes, an upper station with full controls, and a range of leaning post designs. The LE adds molded-in forward seating and optional rear benches, loungers with electric backrests, an oversized hardtop for more shade, a freshwater shower, and a head. A side boarding door for divers is optional. With many standard features, this is a worthy replacement for a popular predecessor.
The new Grady-White Canyon 456 center console is spacious, technically sophisticated and richly appointed. The SeaV2 hull design offers performance and seaworthy reliability.
Ease of use and technical achievement aboard the Grady White Canyon 456 starts with Grady’s exclusive Sea Command Center that includes the capacity to comfortably seat seven people under the T-top. The 456 is equipped with a Seakeeper stabilizer, and Yamaha’s Helm Master system with Set Point is standard. Powered by four Yamaha 425-hp outboards, the boat runs to a top speed of 58 mph and cruises 388 miles at 23.8 mph.
The BRABUS Shadow 800 by Axopar is the result of an exclusive alliance between award-winning Finnish boat builder, Axopar Boats, and German Tuning Company BRABUS.
The Brabus Shadow 800 uses twin Mercury Verado 400R supercharged racing engines. Additionally, the boat runs to a top speed of 60 mph and has a cruising range of 287 miles at 40 mph. Mercury’s Joystick Piloting offers easy control, while the steering wheel has an intelligent steering module with push-button controls.
The ergonomic dashboard features two standard 16-inch chartplotters and Mercury’s latest VesselView 903 that pairs a mobile phone via Bluetooth to the engines for accessing boat data. The boat is built according to BRABUS’ exclusive engineering principles. Each boat is part of a group of 20 handmade models.
The Grand Banks 60 Skylounge offers versatile cruising in both cold and warm climates because of the ability to operate from an enclosed upper pilothouse. The layout expands the living area on the main deck as well as provides additional living area up top with unobstructed 360-degree views.
This is all achieved without compromising the graceful lines or performance. The standard version is equipped with twin Volvo Penta D13 diesel engines that produce a 31-knot top speed. At 10 knots, the range is 2,000 nm. The layout includes three cabins with a large master stateroom that benefits from natural light and ventilation.
The classic boat builder makes a strategic move with the Albemarle 27 DC.
Conventional marketing wisdom has often espoused the idea of “do what you know” and you’ll succeed. It was an idea popularized in the 1980s with the publishing of the book In Search of Excellence that quickly became a business bible of sorts. With changing tastes and business models, however, more companies are choosing another tack, one that says “diversify and sustain the brand.”
This is the path taken by Albemarle Sportfishing Boats as they roll out their first dual console express cruiser, the Albemarle 27 DC. Focused on family fun, the new model embraces the multi-tool approach and delivers a boat that, in addition to fishing, aptly handles waterskiing, diving, cruising, and happy hour entertaining.
With hand-laid, solid fiberglass construction, the deep-V hull has wide inverted chines and a 24-degree deadrise. A heavy-duty vinyl rub rail with a stainless-steel insert ensures those docking mishaps won’t result in expensive damage, and the encapsulated fiberglass stringer system adds strength and rigidity. Like her Albemarle siblings, the 27 DC is built for a fast, soft, dry ride on open water. But unlike her sisters, the 27 DC is configured to do double and triple duty while she’s out.
More is Mighty
The differences start right at the helm. The single-seat with a bolster allows the driver to sit or stand and because the windshield is raised, visibility forward is quite good either way. The compass sits at eye level so it’s easy to take bearings, and a molded footrest keeps the driver comfortable. (There’s one at the companion seat as well.) The dash is well equipped with twin Garmin multifunction displays and a Fusion stereo head. On the shelf below, you’ll find a cup holder and two arrays of rocker switches.
Beneath that is the Yamaha Command Link engine display to the left of the wheel, with the engine controls outboard to the right. The 27 DC is powered by twin Yamaha F200 4-stroke, 200-hp outboards. (A pair of 250-hp F250s is an option.) The top end with the base engines is about 41 knots, so the upgrade may not be necessary.
From overhead, the Albemarle 27 DC is surprisingly roomy.
The helm offers plenty of gadgets and controls.
With plenty of cockpit space, the boat does double duty as a party platform or fishing machine.
The features list on the Albemarle 27 DC is long and runs throughout the vessel. To port is companion seating for two tucked behind a console that hides an electric head and sink. This nicely finished area has a solid-surface counter, a medicine cabinet and a mirror. Unlike many heads shoehorned into consoles, this is actually quite a usable space that women and kids will appreciate.
The Albemarle 27 DC carries 23 gallons of water and since there are a freshwater cockpit shower and a berth hidden behind the helm console, one or two people could conceivably weekend on this versatile model with all the necessities. If that sounds too much like camping for you, the cavernous cabin space also makes a great place to stash wakeboards and water skis. Plus, there is lockable storage for up to 24 eight-foot fishing rods. That’s not too shabby for 27’4″ LOA!
A little bit of everything
With a nearly nine-foot beam, the Albemarle 27 DC offers a 58-square-foot cockpit that has some tricks up its sleeve, including two double foldaway seats—one to port and one at the transom. This means you can host a harbor cocktail cruise for eight or more, or fold the seats away when it’s time to fish.
A 60-gallon insulated deck box can be used for storage or to hold your catch and has a macerator pump-out system. The insulated multi-purpose transom box is also plumbed as an 18-gallon livewell that is painted a calming blue to keep the bait fresh. A 64-quart cooler is beneath the aft-facing seat to port to keep happy hour snacks cold, and there are cup holders and USB ports throughout to keep everyone’s iPads and smartphones charged.
There is additional rod storage below the starboard gunwale and a raw water wash-down to get any blood and fish guts out of the self-bailing cockpit. A convenient transom door leads to the integrated swim platform and ladder. It’s a nice way to get in and out of the water or dinghy since you can walk the width of the boat at water level and never have to tangle with the engines.
Albemarle offers an optional hardtop with side curtains to keep you dry and comfortable when the weather changes. Cockpit and bow sunshades are also available. Speaking of the bow, there’s plenty of seating there as well. Both port and starboard sides have extended lounge seats with angled backrests that will be favorite places to relax.
High and Dry
Insulated dry storage is under the port bench seat and stainless steel handrails are on both sides. An integrated anchor locker holds the electric windlass with a through-stem anchor roller so a muddy anchor never has to mar the deck. With the anchor locker closed, this bow platform is just large enough for one person to stand on and cast from, and since the Albemarle has pop-up cleats, there won’t be anything on which to snag your line.
The walk-through has been offset to port so both the tempered glass windshield and the composite bow door can be open when running and the wind is funneled away from the helmsman. Indirect lighting throughout creates a soft glow for perfect evening ambiance.
All the wiring is color-coded, electronics are prewired, the whole electrical system is bonded, and LED lights are used throughout to keep the power requirements to a minimum. All the thru-bolted deck hardware is stainless and of good quality. The 190-gallon aluminum fuel tank has a cold tar epoxy coating, and hoses below the waterline have double stainless steel clamps. Seacocks below the waterline are bronze and thru-hull fittings above are stainless steel.
Attention to detail
These kinds of details show Albemarle’s dedication to quality and how they value the needs of their customers. Because this new model is a departure for the builder, it must meet many expectations and may possibly become a harbinger of the future for the brand.
Albemarle Sportfishing Boats joined with Carolina Classics in 2015 and together the companies have built more than 3,600 hulls from 25 to 41 feet. The North Carolina builder is family owned and says that customer feedback created the 27 DC along with market trends. Sure, there will be those who can’t wrap their heads around an Albemarle bowrider, but it’s a good bet there will be more who will rejoice that their favorite fishing machine is now a family-friendly boating SUV.
By Zuzana Prochazka, Southern Boating January 2019
Two new EdgeWater launches, the EdgeWater 230CC and the EdgeWater 230CX, feature single-piece infusion construction and a fully finished grid system. Class-leading standard features include a bow table with sun pad, freshwater wash down and gelcoat hull color. This is a great compromise between the hardcore fisherman and the family boater. Great ergonomics around the helm, coupled with Yamaha outboard power, make them a joy for the captain.
The performance of the EdgeWater 230CC is unmatched in its competitive set with either the Yamaha F250- or F300-hp engines. With the F300, she runs to a top speed of 52 mph and a cruising speed of 29 mph. The 230CC’s feature-rich cockpit boasts more seating and cockpit space than its competitors, which allows great flexibility no matter the activity on the water. A forward entry head with a standard pump out, allows for spacious accommodations not normally found on a boat of this size.
The Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT is an entirely new hull design. She features a walk-through transom and reversible sunpad. The sunpad moves forward and backward for lounging or additional seating while under way.
When reboarding from the water, swimmers can choose to board from the transom, dive door or one of the three swim ladders.
The Chris-Craft Launch 28 GT is available with a sterndrive or outboard power option. When equipped with a Yamaha 350-hp outboard, the Launch 28 GT runs to a top speed of 47.7 mph and cruises at 31.7 mph. Customers can choose between an elegantly designed tower that can be folded forward, a fiberglass painted hardtop to match the hull (shown) or a Bimini top.
Princess Yachts introduces two new vessels: The Princess Yachts 55 and the Princess V65. The 55’s elegant exterior profile is fused to an ingenious interior layout that results in a spaciously proportioned flybridge yacht.
Belowdecks, expansive hull windows create a sense of constant forward motion while generously flooding the interior with light. The 55 tops out at a speed approaching 33 knots powered by twin Volvo Penta D13 800-hp diesel engines. The V65 is powered by twin MAN 1,400-hp diesel engines, and she represents the future of the Princess V Class range.
Her spacious cockpit inspires relaxation with a sunpad and well-equipped dining area that leads to the fully equipped aft galley. Belowdecks, eight guests enjoy four well-appointed cabins bathed in natural light.
Sporty, sleek, and you could even say aggressive, Predator boats are fast and fun. Sunseeker brings two new ones to Miami: the 32-knot 50 and the 40-knot Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht. Both have transformative powers and go from an enclosed cockpit boat with superb all-around views into an “open” by opening the hardtop roof and glass bulkhead aft to blend the salon and cockpit.
The 74 even features an innovative mechanism that lowers the cockpit door into the sole. Customization below deck allows each yacht to accommodate an extra couple of guests if wanted, up to six on the 50 and eight on the 74. Both also feature a vast foredeck sunbathing area and a tender garage and beach club amenities aft.
Sunseeker has two debuts: the 74 Sport Yacht and the Predator 50. Sporty and sleek, the new Sunseeker 74 Sport Yacht offers a 38-knot top end and boasts the latest Sunseeker design cues and sporting prowess. The exterior features windows that extend down to the side deck and a helm sunroof, which flood the interior with light and provide exceptional views from the salon in all directions. Belowdecks, there is a generous galley and three spacious ensuite cabins.
In addition, the Predator family is joined by the Predator 50, the new entry point for this definitive range. The Predator 50 runs to a top speed of 32 knots when powered by twin Volvo Penta D8 engines mated to shaft drives. The 50 can be equipped with optional electric steering and joystick control. The design is enhanced by the addition of a fully opening hardtop roof and complemented by forward and aft cockpit seating that can be folded down to create an enlarged sunbathing area.
The first U.S.-launched Sirena 58 has already proven to be very popular with five units sold worldwide.
In addition to her star designers, naval architecture by German Frers and interior design by Tommaso Spadolini, the Sirena 58 offers a lightweight, semi-displacement hull that can achieve speeds around 35 percent higher than a full-displacement hull with the same installed power.
At 10 knots, the yacht has a range of 850 nm. A shallow draft combined with protective prop pockets makes the yacht ideal for cruising in South Florida and The Bahamas. The Sirena 58 offers three distinct accommodation layouts on the lower deck, including a double master bedroom
version.
Regal launches two new models: the Regal 33 SAV and the REgal26 XO. The 33 SAV (Sport Activity Vessel) is a collaboration of features and options dedicated for an outboard day-yacht with overnight capabilities.
Designers used every inch in the cabin to offer full standing headroom, a convenience center, a spacious head with separate shower, a convertible forward queen bed, and an aft California queen. The side-entry door allows for easy dock access and provides the perfect place to dive in. Choose outboard power from twin Yamaha 300- to 350-hp outboard engines.
The 26 XO offers versatility and is powered by a Yamaha 300-hp outboard engine. The uniquely shaped salon provides most-in-class space with an expansive seating layout and berth for overnight stays. Options such as air-conditioning, bow thruster, and electric head increase comfort and usability.
For a family fun boat at an affordable price, you really can’t go wrong with the new Tahoe 2150 CC.
This is a boat that wears many hats and is chock-full of features. At the bow of the Tahoe 2150 CC, you’ll find a four-step telescoping ladder, an anchor locker, wraparound seating, 84-quart insulated fishboxes, an aerated livewell, and a casting platform.
Amidships to port and starboard are rod racks, and below the sole is wakeboard and trolling motor stowage. Additionally, the aft lounge offers two more stowage compartments as well as a 36-quart cooler. Overhead, the Bimini hides a drop-down changing curtain, and the console has a small windshield to keep spray off the driver.
Furthermore, a swim platform is aft with another boarding ladder that will help swimmers and skiers get out of the water. This is the toy that will become the family glue on outings for years to come.
