The new Albemarle 29 Express (28’5″ LOA, 10’6″ beam) offers the ultimate in hardcore fishing amenities and comfort in a compact package. Serious anglers will appreciate its offshore ability, exceptional handling in rough seas and fuel economy. Featuring a modern helm area with forward-facing seating for three, mezzanine-style seating aft, dual in-deck fishboxes, baitwell, oversized tackle center, a standard transom door, and folding cockpit seat, the Albemarle 29 Express is designed to be comfortable even on the most unpleasant of days. The Lou Codega hull design cuts through head seas and lands softly in the troughs. A full-beam windshield provides unobstructed views keeping the pilot and co-pilot warm and dry at the helm. Below you’ll find a separate head, full galley and sleeping capacity for four. albemarleboats.com
Tag: sportfish
Scout 195 Sportfish
The Scout 195 Sportfish (19’5″ LOA, 8’6″ beam) runs on the builder’s revolutionary NuV3 fuel-efficient, high-performance hull design. The Scout 195 Sportfish has extra-wide gunwales and hull depth help make the boat a truly seaworthy vessel. Stainless steel hardware and cup holders, ample rod and tackle storage, a leaning post aerated bait well, and a convenient removable 94-quart cooler in front of the console complete with cushions are among the standard features available. Four stainless steel, flush-mount rod holders, rod storage under the gunwale, and room for four more rods at the console offer plenty of rod storage for you and your crew. An optional T-top comes with rocket launchers as well. In addition, other standard features include two stern jump seats, a 12-volt plug, compass, glove box, console storage compartment, and swim platform for easy boarding from the water. Optional equipment on the 195 SF includes a JBL AM/FM stereo with iPod jacks, hydraulic steering, Bimini top, bow cushion, leaning post backrest, a folding back rest seat with ski tow, and choice of four hull colors. Powered by a Yamaha 150-hp F150 outboard engine, the 195 Sportfish runs to a top speed of 49.1 mph and cruises at 25 mph.
An optional T-top comes with rocket launchers as well. In addition, other standard features include two stern jump seats, a 12-volt plug, compass, glove box, console storage compartment, and swim platform for easy boarding from the water. Optional equipment on the 195 SF includes a JBL AM/FM stereo with iPod jacks, hydraulic steering, Bimini top, bow cushion, leaning post backrest, a folding back rest seat with ski tow, and choice of four hull colors. Powered by a Yamaha 150-hp F150 outboard engine, the 195 Sportfish runs to a top speed of 49.1 mph and cruises at 25 mph.
Four stainless steel, flush-mount rod holders, rod storage under the gunwale, and room for four more rods at the console offer plenty of rod storage for you and your crew. An optional T-top comes with rocket launchers as well.
In addition, other standard features include two stern jump seats, a 12-volt plug, compass, glove box, console storage compartment, and swim platform for easy boarding from the water. Optional equipment on the 195 SF includes a JBL AM/FM stereo with iPod jacks, hydraulic steering, Bimini top, bow cushion, leaning post backrest, a folding back rest seat with ski tow, and choice of four hull colors. Powered by a Yamaha 150-hp F150 outboard engine, the 195 Sportfish runs to a top speed of 49.1 mph and cruises at 25 mph.
scoutboats.com; (843) 821-0068
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2016
Promarine 400 SFS
The Promarine 400 SFS (39’11” LOA, 10’11” beam) is offered with a max propulsion package of triple 557-hp Seven Marine engines. That’s more than enough muscle to power the boat on a twin-step ventilated hull bottom and get anglers to their favorite fishing grounds for an early morning bite. The Fort Lauderdale-based builder constructs the hull of hand-laid fiberglass with high-tech composites throughout. To add to the construction strength, the hull and deck are chemically bonded, mechanically fastened and fiberglassed together for a superior ride in rough water. Anglers will enjoy two large fish boxes built into the 400 SFS to store their catch of the day, and can utilize two 50-gallon oval
Anglers will enjoy two large fish boxes built into the 400 SFS to store their catch of the day, and can utilize two 50-gallon oval livewells (colored blue inside with LED lighting). For convenience, one livewell is located near the tackle station and the other is in the center of the transom. The center console cabin is composed of a fiberglass inner liner that offers 6’6″ of headroom with a sofa, convertible bed, storage, sink, countertop, and head. To add to the fishing features, the Promarine 400 SFS comes with a self-bailing cockpit, fiberglass hardtop with spreaders and LED lights and rocket launchers. The 400 is also built in a Grand Touring Series for families and a Sport Cabin Cruiser series for overnighting.
To add to the construction strength, the hull and deck are chemically bonded, mechanically fastened and fiberglassed together for a superior ride in rough water. Anglers will enjoy two large fish boxes built into the 400 SFS to store their catch of the day, and can utilize two 50-gallon oval livewells (colored blue inside with LED lighting). For convenience, one livewell is located near the tackle station and the other is in the center of the transom. The center console cabin is composed of a fiberglass inner liner that offers 6’6″ of headroom with a sofa, convertible bed, storage, sink, countertop, and head. To add to the fishing features, Promarine builds the 400 SFS with a self-bailing cockpit, fiberglass hardtop with spreaders and LED lights and rocket launchers. The 400 is also built in a Grand Touring Series for families and a Sport Cabin Cruiser series for overnighting.
promarineboatsusa.com; (954) 769-1807.
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2016
Nor-Tech 340 Sport Open
The newly redesigned Nor-Tech 340 Sport Open (34′ LOA, 10′ beam) debuted in late 2015 with even more new features than her wildly successful 2012 predecessor, the 34 Sport. Starting at the bow, forward seating has been added and redesigned with improved storage access. The sun lounge has been shortened to accommodate new seating and has a fold-down armrest and grab rails built in, and steps are built in along the midship gunwales. The console dash panel is now designed to accommodate two 17-inch screens or multi-function displays, a 7-inch engine monitor and stereo on the dash panel.
A Garmin 7616 electronics package is commonly installed. Nor-Tech utilizes the C-Zone system that eliminates most of the standard toggle switches, and the functions can be controlled electronically on the Garmin displays. Under the console, a spacious cabin is equipped standard with a double berth, lighting, and sink, and options can be added such as head and shower and air conditioning. A new, stylish port light has been added along with a skylight over the head compartment, while the T-top frame has a new swept-back look with fewer pipe obstructions. Triple 350-hp Mercury Verado outboard engines power the 340 Sport Open to top speeds over 80 mph.
sofloperformanceboats.com; (954) 232-6389.
By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2016
Hatteras 45 EX
Hatteras’ new entry-level launch injects the brand with new life—and new possibilities.
Let me be honest right from the start—I sea trialed the new Hatteras 45 Express Cruiser (45 EX) soon after it was launched, and I was also fortunate enough to view it from another boat as she ran at speed in the ocean. I studied the layout of the helm and cockpit, and, of course, I put my paws all over the interior—opened doors and drawers, and peered into nooks and crannies. My verdict? Hatteras has created a fun, easy to operate, great handling boat with the 45 EX.
Cruise with the family, drop a fishing line with the guys or gals, or just lie at anchor with your favorite book/movie/sunset view (you fill in the blank)—the 45 EX delivers and adapts. The large cockpit, for example, is a great place for the kids to play, accommodates a few lounge chairs for sunning, or suitably fits cocktail party guests with foldout side bench seating topped with padded coaming. Mezzanine seating adds a vantage point for watching the kids play in the water or spotting the next fish on. With armrests and cup holders, you may never move.
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The built-in transom baitwell keeps the live ones swimming. Use it, instead, as a cooler filled with ice and bevvies or let the kids use it to store their day’s treasures—thanks to the well’s window they’ll have a field day watching the crabs or snappers they caught meandering about. Under the hardtop, the helm deck’s forward and side windows become part of the structure, with clear panels closing off the aft opening. Side vent windows and an overhead hatch let the breeze in, or opt for climate control with your air conditioning or heating system and boat all year round.
Hatteras designed the 45 EX with optimum visibility, which includes the single pane forward windshield. That’s right, it’s one piece of glass—a panoramic view with no mullions to get in the way—a much preferable setup to split windows. Expect the crowd to hang here, as there’s a large L-shaped settee along the aft side and to port, and has a lounger backrest. As witnessed by my portly frame taking a load off, the cushions are well padded and a very comfortable spot from which to enjoy a meal or cocktails on the double-posted table. A molded-in cabinet on the starboard side serves multiple functions. The forward end has a helm companion seat mounted on top—a high perch to see it all—while in the cabinet below is a fridge and freezer and air conditioning/heat vent. Further aft is a flip-up cover where the electric grill is located.
Standing at the elevated helm, there’s perfect vision fore and aft courtesy of the downslope of the forward deck and minimal bow rise during acceleration. Functionally, Hatteras worked the console and dash where they are not overbearing in size. With a pod-style helm, destroyer steering and Palm Beach single-lever shift controls, there’s room forward for the bank of switches to be housed in a plate, with names etched into the metal. CAT engine displays are installed here for easy viewing. Twin Garmin plotter/radar displays are mounted in the console, one directly in front and the other off to the left. Stereo, VHF, autopilot, and engine sync are mounted off to the left but easily within arm’s reach.
It’s easy to see the demographics that Hatteras is targeting with the 45 EX—an entry-level boat for newbies, couples and families inclusive, or doubles as a tender for large yachts. It also keeps Hatteras lovers in the brand as they downsize from larger sportfishers and motoryachts. The 45 EX is based on the former CABO 44 EX—a brand owned by Hatteras—and was produced side-by-side with the Hatteras yachts at their facility in New Bern, North Carolina. When the CABO line ceased production, Hatteras pulled the molds over and “Hatterized” the 44 EX by enhancing the model and injecting it with the Hatteras level of quality and support.
The 45 EX is powered by CAT C18s—good-sized engines sporting 1,150 horsepower each, which easily handled the chop as we took off from Port Everglades, Florida, for the high seas. (Offshore they were only really about two-footers). A burn rate of about 50 gallons an hour (combined total) at 1,500 RPM produced over 22 knots, but when we pushed the throttles up to 2100 RPM the 45 EX zoomed up to 37.5 knots drinking 95 gallons per hour. It’s good to know that if you need a little more go, there’s more to get. We pushed her to wide open and a speed of 40.7 knots. It’s an exhilaration that gets the blood flowing but with the confidence that the resin-infused solid fiberglass hull knows how to handle the rush. Back at the dock I checked out the engine room and although the access size of the entrance was fine—via a floor hatch just behind the helm seat—it was a bit cumbersome getting in and out around the seat. Thanks in part to owner feedback, I’m told they will be changing the location of the entrance, likely through the cockpit mezzanine.
Suitable for a day trip, weekend getaway or extended cruise, the 45 EX has full amenities below deck for comfortable living. Galley features include wood flooring, four Jenn-Air fridge/freezer drawers, Kenyon two-burner cooktop, KitchenAid microwave, Blanco sink and faucet, and quartz countertops. There’s storage under the dinette seating, and a large wood table. Forward is a stateroom with center berth, private head access and 32″ TV. An optional second stateroom can be fitted at the forward area of the dinette.
To entice the fishermen to this model, Hatteras has made the 45 Express Sportfish fitted with tuna tower, outriggers, cockpit fighting chair or leaning post, tackle center, and fish boxes. Built on the same hull configuration and engine packages, it will deliver the same results while maintaining the Hatteras quality.
It must have been a good decision by Hatteras to create the niche size, as they have sold a number of them since its debut, which is understandable. The size is right, the handling works, the accommodations are suitable, and it’s the kind of boat that keeps boating fun. Hatterasexpress.com
By Tom Serio, Southern Boating March 2015
Viking 92EB
The Viking 92 EB is the culmination of the family-owned company’s 50-year history.
Four or so years ago, Patrick Healey, President, and CEO of Viking Yachts, was in Ocean City, Maryland, aboard a customer’s 115-foot motoryacht. “He owned one of our sportfishing boats as well, and I really enjoyed the spaciousness of being on the kind of yacht that allowed a large group to hang in the country kitchen, entertain others in the main salon, and allow the owners to sit outside with more guests on the aft deck area.” the idea for the Viking 92 EB was born.
The concept impressed Healey so much that he and Viking’s Design Manager, Dave Wilson, and Capt. Ryan Higgins, Viking’s South East Sales Manager, and demo skipper, also along on the visit, had a shared moment. There the Viking 92 EB was first conceived.
Design and engineering took cues from the highly successful Viking 82C. With a $7+ million per year investment in R&D, the two and a half year project culminated in a nine-month build schedule. The Viking 92 EB was the dockside crown jewel in Viking’s recent 50th Anniversary celebration and dealer meeting held in Atlantic City this past September.
The first thing I noticed about the 92 EB is how well proportioned she looks. “It was one of the primary directives, to make her look as good and well balanced whether dockside or out at sea,” says Wilson. Fantastic is a more apt description.
“With the 92 EB we can attract some folks from the larger yachts who also owned a smaller sportfishing boat and want to scale down to just one,” says Higgins. Scaling down to this 92-foot yacht, however, is hardly a sacrifice.
The Viking 92 EB incorporates large yacht features yet keeps intact the successful fish amenities found on all Viking open convertibles and enclosed bridge models. Standard features include an impressive full-service galley, free-standing dining table space, six-stateroom layout, full-beam master with his-and-her heads, walk-in closets, separate crew quarters aft with lounge and galley, a bridge deck that is as good as it gets, and the kind of storage spaces throughout that accommodate long trips away from home. Layout options are flexible.
For example, the pantry on the main deck’s starboard side can be converted into another stateroom. Indeed, on Hull #2, the owner is eliminating the free-standing dining table and reworking the salon layout along with the his-and-her heads by making one side a walk-in closet with the other a special locker design. The owner of Hull #3 included a dinette area inside.
To say the least, the interior fit and finish along with the décor package is as tastefully and well done as I’ve seen on any vessel of her class—and then some. The team paid special attention to the aft deck for an outdoor dining area. The variation on the theme incorporated the mezzanine area and created two levels—a yacht aft deck and a separate fishing mezzanine with seating, livewell, and refrigeration for the massive business end of the 92 EB, the lower cockpit. Fishing crews will utilize this space to be serious competitors in any tournament event.
Aiding that ability is her amazing performance—Captain Higgins had her up and running at a cruise speed of 30 knots with a fast cruise of 32, and she topped out at an impressive 37.2 knots at 2450 rpm in troubling four-to-six foot seas, and into the wind and current. During backing down maneuvers she pirouetted like a prima ballerina. In fact, I actually had to look out at the conditions to remind me we were in this kind of turbulent water. Of course, the Seakeeper M35 Gyro was of great help in keeping us rock steady.
“We’re 200,000+ pounds with full fuel and water,” explains Higgins in the noticeable quiet of the enclosed bridge. “But that all goes to our design and engineering teams with our resin-infused hull and deckhouse reinforced with carbon fiber, Nomex honeycomb in many of the interior panels for weight saving, and along with the hull bottom featuring flush and recessed engine pickups. To help further eliminate drag reduction, we eliminated the keel resulting in a straight V.”
Equal attention was given to the engine room space, which allows total access to every piece of equipment, pump, valve, connection, switch, filter, and any other critical area that needs attention and maintenance. On the Viking 92 EB the components normally found in an engine room that sometimes make for a rather tight space have been allocated to a dedicated space known as the mechanical room. Here one finds—again with complete access and serviceability—the ice chipper, AC power converter system, refrigeration units, compressors, cable masters, centralized water system, and generators. And, of course, access to the mains is accommodated in order to perform total critical engine maintenance with complete ease and accessibility. Another big yacht feature is that aforementioned AC power converter system. It gives the 92 EB complete and worldwide dockside abilities with single-phase, three-phase, 50Hz, 60Hz plug-in abilities.
“We’re a big team and along with our design and engineering folks, we left nothing to chance with this boat,” comments Higgins. “I get to see a lot of reactions when we introduce a new model, and the response to this one has been nothing but spectacular. Once you take the wheel and realize how maneuverable she is, I notice a feeling of complete confidence quickly settles in over whoever is at the helm, whether around the dock or heading out to sea.”
With all the advances Viking has incorporated in its past designs and all the developments integrated into the 92 EB, she will be sure to influence the next yacht, which is, assuredly, already on the drawing board at the New Gretna, New Jersey, headquarters. “It’s been that way for 50 years,” says Healey. “And there is no reason to change that at all. It’s something my father and my uncle, the founders of the company, always held true: We’ll build a better boat every day.”
By Ken Kreisler, Southern Boating November 2014