Given the enormity of the annual Miami event, a gallery showing every fishing boat up to 30 feet would be a bit unwieldy, but here are 14 boats to take a look at — and drool a bit over.
Tidewater 210 SUV
The South Carolina-based manufacturer says the 210 SUV is a family-friendly fishing boat. It’s rated for up to 200 horsepower, has a transom deadrise of 17 degrees and draws about 13 inches.
Bluewater 23t
The 23t is designed for one thing: serious fishing. The Florida-based manufacturer says it comes with most of the options that tournament-level anglers seek. It has a deep-V transom deadrise of 24 degrees and is rated for up to 400 horses.
Century 2301
Though rated for 300 horsepower, the 2301 tested at more than 47 mph with a Yamaha 250XCA. The boat weighs 4,150 (without engine), draws 16 inches and features a 20-degree transom deadrise.
Carolina Skiff 24 Ultra Elite
Designed, according to the manufacturer, to be at home on any inshore water or offshore, the 24 weighs in at 3,168 pounds, has a 78-gallon fuel capacity and manages to draw only 9 inches.
The Ultra Elite 24 comes with a T-top option.
Sailfish 236
With an 8 1/2-foot beam, this Sailfish boasts a substantial amount of deck space for a 23-footer, as well as a particularly high freeboard. The Georgia-based manufacturer says the 236, designed for a single outboard, can handle up to 300 horsepower.
Sea Chaser 24 HFC
Sea Chaser’s HFC series — for hybrid fish and cruise — is designed with both fishing and families in mind. The 24 features a beam just under 8 1/2 feet and holds 100 gallons of fuel. The boat (without power) weighs in at 3,165 pounds.
Wellcraft Tournament 241
The 241 offers a moderate 15-degree deadrise and draws 14 inches. It can handle up to 300 horses and carries 87 gallons of fuel.
Chris Craft Catalina 26
The Catalina 26 is replete with seating options for passengers, anglers or not. The boat has an 8 1/2-foot beam, weighs 6,850 pounds dry and features a deadrise of 21 degrees at the transom.
Yellowfin 26 Hybrid
It “may be the most versatile boat Yellowfin builds,” according to the manufacturer. One boat to do it all, in waters shallow or blue. The 26 draws 16 inches and weighs 5,000 pounds without power. It’s rated for up to 400 horsepower.
This optional second station on the 26 Hybrid enhances the chances of spotting fish, from tails on the flats to cobia off the beaches to spotting sargassum weedlines offshore.
Boston Whaler 270 Dauntless
The 270 offers a generous 9 feet of beam and a dry weight of 4,800 pounds. It has an 18-degree transom deadrise and draws 17 inches. The 270 will carry up to 450 horses.
Helm and cockpit seating for four in the 270 Dauntless.
Sea Chaser 27 HFC
Carolina Skiff’s Sea Chaser 27 HFC is touted as a go-anywhere boat for fishing or cruising. Its 20-degree transom deadrise will help tame seas. The 27 has a fuel capacity of 181 gallons and a max-horsepower rating of 500.
The 27 HFC’s bow seating is bound to make this a popular spot with families and friends.
Sportsman 267 Masters
With a full 9-foot, 2-inch beam, the 267, bulit in South Carolina, can take 350 horses. Its transom deadrise is a moderate 16 degrees, and it draws just under 15 inches; its fuel capacity is 71 gallons.
Everglades 273 Center Console
With an actual 29 feet of LOA, the unsinkable 273 is rated for up to 500 horses on its transom and carries 157 gallons of fuel. The inshore/offshore boat is designed for sport fishermen serious about their sport.
ProNautica Open Sport 880
Built in Venezuela, the 880 (centimeters which makes this approximately a 29-footer) incorporates Euro styling in its design. The 8,200-pound boat with 10-foot beam is designed for twin outboards, up to 350-horsepower each. It offers a 220-gallon fuel capacity.
