Southport 33 DC

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.

32′ 6″ LOA, 10′ 8″ beam

southportboats.com

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Southport 33 ST Center Console

The Southport 33 ST (Sport Tower) builds upon the heritage of Southport as a stable, dry and seaworthy offshore boat, and now adds the advantage of the performance of triple engines and extra fishing capability of the Sport Tower. The 33 ST (LOA: 32′ 6″, Beam: 10′ 8″) is a variant of the 33 FE (Family Edition), which shows the versatility of the Southport 33 platform. Powered by triple Yamaha or Suzuki 300-hp engines, the Southport 33 ST reaches 63 mph and cruises comfortably anywhere between 25 and 40 mph, with no added motion from the all-aluminum and fiberglass fully customizable sport tower.

Like all Southport models, she corners like on rails and never shows any signs of confusion or uncertainty no matter the sea conditions. Once you arrive on the fi sh, the massive forward and aft cockpits leave plenty of room for setting up gear and working fish, with the helmsman high above it all.

southportboats.com

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Southport 33 LX

The solid ride of the Southport 33 LX is now available with all of the features and creature comforts of a megayacht tender. The new Southport 33 LX (32’6″ LOA, 10’8″ beam) features a wraparound forward seating area for a comfortable lounge space. This new arrangement features more tender-like amenities, including extra refrigeration, a microwave, coffeemaker, food and beverage storage, and preparation areas.

The aft cockpit, a space once reserved for fishing, now becomes a far more inviting place to entertain and relax. With the addition of an L-shaped wraparound lounge in the aft port corner and wet bar with refrigerator and bottle and glass storage in the leaning post, the aft cockpit rivals the front of the boat for comfort and social amenities. southportboats.com

The Southport 272

The new Southport 272 (26’6″ LOA, 9’6″ beam) was designed to be a soft-riding and dry offshore center console from the builder’s facility in Augusta, Maine.

Improvements on the Southport 272 include fit and finish, layout and usability of the original Southport hull with value engineering that has become more affordable than ever. The 272 marks the second generation of the 26’6″ Southport hull and continues to be an able offshore performer. When equipped with twin 250-hp Yamaha F250 outboard engines, the 272 runs to a top speed of 55 mph and cruises at 26.7 mph. That’s enough speed to reach bluewater fishing spots and even outpace a few bigger boats on the way. The 272 combines the benefit of a beamy hull with

The Southport 272 combines the benefit of a beamy hull with sharp entry forward, a modest deep-V at the transom and lots of flare to ensure a stable and dry ride. On deck, the 272 series takes advantage of the beam by creating wide-open cockpit spaces, wide side passages and ample storage for fish and gear, all with the creature comforts and yacht-like finishes Southport is known for.

In its Tournament Edition (TE) layout, the 272 includes all the features needed including macerated and insulated coffin box, large livewell and rod storage.

southportboats.com; (207) 620-7998

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 201

Southport 33FE

Southport’s new 33 is available in both a family cruising model (FE) and Tournament Edition (TE) for the hardcore fisherman. Like her smaller sisters in the Southport line (the 27 and 29), the 33FE combines a beamy, variable deep-V with the classic Carolina flare to deliver a dry, stable and level ride at all throttle settings. The 33FE (32’6″ LOA, 10’8″ beam) is a crossover model offering the luxury and amenities of a family cruiser without sacrificing fishability and offshore performance. Luxury appointments include an adjustable-height table for cocktails and alfresco dining that lowers to create a spacious forward sunpad; comfortable forward and aft seating arrangements, and a six-foot-long berth below the forward deck. A large coffin box and dance-floor-sized foredeck on the TE replace the forward FE seating. Both models deliver a leaning post with optional second 45-gallon live baitwell on the TE, or an entertainment center with grill and refrigerator on the FE. The lockable stand-up head enclosure includes a shower, faux granite sink and countertop. Standard twin Yamaha F300-horsepower outboards (optional twin F350 outboards are available) deliver good fuel economy and responsive handling with a top speed of over 50 mph. (207) 620-7998; southportboats.com

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2015

North Carolina’s coast reveals World War II battlefield

A team from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) discovered a World War II (WWII) German U-boat and a freighter in August 2014 off the coast of North Carolina. Unseen for over 70 years, the German U-576 was sunk in 1942 by aircraft fire after it damaged two boats and downed American merchant ship Bluefields. According to NOAA maritime archeologist Joe Hart, the location is “a WWII battlefield that’s literally right in our back yard.” The two vessels lay only a few hundred yards apart and highlight a time when 90 vessels sank off of the Atlantic coast during World War II. A war grave, the U-boat seals 45 deceased German sailors within. Still owned by the German government, it is protected by the U.S. at Germany’s request.

Southport, North Carolina, welcomes transients with extended time at their city dock. Visiting boats may now stay 48 hours, not just 24, permitting more time for provisioning and exploration. Check-in at the police station the Southport Marina. The marina gives free weather and navigation briefings at 6:00PM during fall and spring migrations. southport-nc.com

The new Customs entryway at the Marathon, Florida, airport is delayed. Renovations began in late fall 2014 and completion is expected in spring 2015. Law enforcement will meet mariners entering the U.S. from international waters at local docks and await the arrival of an airport Customs agent.

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The Miami-Dade County Mayor wants three coastal cities and the City of Miami to share fireboats and crews. The use of land-based fire crews to staff boats may have created longer response times to a disastrous boating accident, which left four dead last summer. County boats would serve the northern and southern reaches of Biscayne Bay, and Miami would use its boat in the downtown area.

Faro Blanco Marina Resort in Marathon, Florida, opened its new docks last month following repairs from 2005 Hurricane Wilma to make Marathon a Florida Keys yachting destination. Faro Blanco Resort was a ‘70s and ‘80s icon. Its beloved white lighthouse still guides mariners into the harbor, but a new Hyatt Place hotel with two pools, waterside restaurants and a fitness center replaces original structures. The new state-of-the-art 74-slip Faro Blanco Marina & Yacht Club accommodates megayachts and offers extensive amenities. Fishing, dolphin watching and the Turtle Hospital and Dolphin Research Center provide local diversions, and rental cars at the Marathon Airport are just 10 minutes away. faroblancoresort.com

By Nancy Spraker, Southern Boating January 2015