While the pandemic still affected the overall size of this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — held Oct. 27-31 — many fishing boat builders as well as engine, electronics and gear makers introduced new products and displayed popular models to crowds of eager buyers.
As we combed the docks at the Bahia Mar Yachting Center and the displays at the Broward County Convention Center, we found these 10 new center console and dual console boat models. (Note: Though some of these display models appear to showcase fewer fishing features, they can be customized for an angler’s needs.)
Albemarle 30 Express
Featuring 64 square feet of cockpit space, this express boat gives anglers plenty of room to work lines and fight fish. The transom features a 30-gallon livewell, and two 56-gallon fish boxes reside in the cockpit sole.
The 30 carries 320 gallons of fuel and comes with two berths for longer, overnight trips.
LOA: 30 ft. 10 in.; Beam: 10 ft. 6 in.; Transom Deadrise: 24 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 4 in.; Dry Weight: 13,000 lb.; Fuel: 320 gal.; Max HP: 900 hp
Blackfin 232DC
This crossover boat delivers fishing features such as a broad cockpit, an insulated 18-gallon livewell with cutting board lid and lights, seven rod holders and three storage boxes, but also delivers U-shaped bow seating, a full transom bench, a Fusion stereo and a telescoping swim ladder.
Options include a pressurized washdown faucet/transom shower, and a bow filler and casting platform.
LOA: 21 ft. 6 in.; Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.; Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.; Draft: N/A; Dry Weight: N/A; Fuel: 92 gal.; Max HP: 300 hp
Contender 44 CB
Inspired by the Northeast’s diehard anglers, Contender’s new 44 Canyon Berth combines fishability with speed and performance. It can carry outboards producing as much as 2,000 hp and features a console berth for overnighting.
Capable of carrying 600 gallons of fuel, the 44 CB can be customized to meet an angler’s needs.
LOA: 43 ft. 10 in.; Beam: 12 ft.; Transom Deadrise: 22.7 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 3 in.; Weight (loaded): 22,300 lb.; Fuel: 600 gal.; Max HP: 2,000 hp
Dusky 227 XFV
Dusky’s 227 XFV comes standard with a livewell forward of the console, fold-down transom seating, saltwater washdown and a 9-inch Lowrance display. Equipped with the Dusky Drive (outboard bracket/swim platform), the 22-footer can fish all day or focus on family fun.
LOA: 22 ft. 7 in.; Beam: 8 ft. 2 in.; Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.; Draft (hull only): 1 ft.; Hull weight: 3,100 lb.; Fuel: 60 gal.; Max HP: 225 hp
Everglades 455cc
Born with fishability and luxury in mind, the new quad-powered Everglades flagship 455cc comes with twin 50-gallon livewells, and multiple fish boxes. Built in cooperation with Garmin engineers, the big beamy fish boat features a proprietary digital helm system that includes three 22-inch displays. Everglades also says its 455cc delivers a competition-inspired deck design that promotes tournament success.
LOA: 45 ft.; Beam: 13 ft. 3 in.; Transom Deadrise: 25 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 11 in.; Dry weight: 28,000 lb. (w/ engines); Fuel: 683 gal.; Max HP: 1,800 hp
Intrepid 427 Nomad FE
Intrepid says its new 427 Nomad FE and its stepped-hull design offer performance, comfort and versatility. The 42-footer accommodates twin, triple or quad outboards and can be customized to add fishing features such as livewells and a tackle station.
LOA: 42 ft. 7 in.; Beam: 12 ft. 8 in.; Transom Deadrise: N/A; Draft: N/A.; Dry weight: N/A; Fuel: 700 gal.; Max HP: N/A
Pursuit S 358
Filling a niche between Pursuit’s S 328 and S 378 models, the new S 358 features fishing amenities such as 12 flush-mount rod holders, padded horizontal rod racks, a tackle center, a 32-gallon livewell and twin 27-gallon fish boxes, as well as generous seating and a cabin with a berth and an enclosed head compartment.
Twin Yamaha 425 XTOs propel this boat to speeds topping 51 mph. At cruise, the S 358 delivers 1.06 mpg.
LOA: 37 ft. 4 in.; Beam: 11 ft. 4 in.; Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 5 in.; Dry weight: 15,600 lb. (w/ twin Yamaha 425 XTOs) Fuel: 343 gal.; Max HP: 850 hp
Scout 231 XSB
Scout’s third XS model — the 231 XSB bay boat — complements the popular 231 XS and 251 XSS models. XSB options include up to five removable backrests, a new and innovative through-hull bow anchor pole, and two 26-gallon recirculating livewells/release wells. Anglers can also choose from three leaning-post options and add additional rod holders.
LOA: 23 ft. 2 in.; Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.; Transom Deadrise: 14 deg.; Draft: 1 ft. 2.5 in.; Dry weight: 2,800 lb. (w/o engine) Fuel: 65 gal.; Max HP: 400 hp
Solace 415 CS
Solace Boats partnered with Volvo Penta to introduce a new center console with a diesel Aquamatic DPI Inboard System. With the twin diesels, this boat gains extended range — up to 490 miles with the standard 444-gallon tank. The 415CS package includes Volvo Penta interceptors and active ride control as well as automatic trim and list.
While this boat immediately appeals to family cruisers, it also comes with plenty of fishing options including a 60-gallon livewell and three fish boxes.
LOA: 45 ft. (including swim platform); Beam: 12 ft. 3 in.; Transom Deadrise: 23 deg.; Draft: 2 ft. 3 in.; Dry weight: 18,500 lb.; Fuel: 444 gal.; Max HP: 880 hp
World Cat 400CC-X
With its trademark wide catamaran beam, the 400CC-X offers more than 200 square feet of usable deck space. The 40-footer can be equipped with multiple fishing options such as a 60-gallon aquarium livewell or a below-deck 80-gallon well, oversize fish boxes, outriggers or a hard-top rocket launcher. In addition, numerous transom modules are available with bait-prep areas and smaller livewells.
LOA: 39 ft. 8 in.; Beam: 12 ft. 8 in.; Transom Deadrise: N/A (cat); Draft: 1 ft. 9 in.; Dry weight: 14,500 lb. (w/ power); Fuel: 604 gal.; Max HP: 1,200 hp
