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13 Best Sport Fishing Yachts of 2023

• By Patrick Sciacca
• August 30, 2023

It is possible to fish from any type of boat, but a sportfishing yacht is purpose-built for angling aficionados to chase fish of all sizes and species, whether it’s fun fishing for mahi-mahi off the beach in South Florida or campaigning a pro-level crew from the Bahamas to Bermuda and back pursuing billfish during tournament season. The best sport-fishing yachts combine rugged, blue-water construction with performance, range, agile handling, and the comforts of luxury-yacht living. On the outside, sportfish yachts are notable for their dance-floor size cockpits for fish fighting; livewells to keep baits fresh; in-deck fish boxes to keep the catch stowed and cold; and an armada of rod holders for drift fishing, kite fishing or trolling. They also are known for big diesel horsepower and speed, sometimes north of 40-plus knots. Sportfish yachts are also known for luxurious interiors with supple leathers, granite countertops, high-end galley appliances and en suite staterooms. These are highly self-sufficient angling platforms geared for life beyond the horizon where the water is deep and the fish are big.

Top Luxury Fishing Boats

The following 13 sportfish yachts are all vessels we’ve reviewed. They are listed in no particular order.

• Hatteras GT65 Carolina : A customizable sportfish yacht with Caterpillar diesels
• Viking Yachts 64C : An eye-watering 42 knots of fish-chasing speed boat 
• Royal Huisman Project 406 : The biggest sportfish yacht ever built
• Rybovich 94 : A superyacht-sized angler’s dream
• Viking 38 Open : A family-sized express sportfisherman loaded for offshore fishing
• Bertram 61 Convertible : A tournament-ready battlewagon with a distinct look 
• Hatteras Yachts 45EX : Entry-level sportfish yacht with all the angling amenities of its larger siblings
• Huckins 45 Sportfisherman : Built for bluewater angling with the patented and sea-taming Quadraconic hull form 
• Jarrett Bay 46 : A mid-size custom-Carolina sportfisherman with a yacht-level finish
• Viking Yachts 92 : Designed to travel the world’s oceans chasing behemoth billfish
• Merritt 72 : An iconic Florida boatbuilder’s high-end fishing boat
• Bertram 35 : This 35-foot flybridge sportfish pays homage to the builder’s legendary roots.
• Viking 54 Open : This express-style fish boat also comes in a Sport Tower and Coupe version

Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina

The Hatteras Yachts GT65 Carolina falls in the middle of the New Bern, North Carolina, boatbuilder’s three-model GT lineup, which also includes a GT59 and GT70 . This sportfish yacht has a solid-fiberglass hull bottom built for blue-water duty and comes with a variety of diesel engine options, which starts with twin 1,622 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels.

Like all Hatteras GT models, the GT65 has notable bow flare to beat back tempestuous seas as well as a high freeboard to keep decks dry in the slop. The Hatteras GT65 also represent a design evolution for the series with a “stepped-back flybridge” an element found on in earlier Hatteras models, as well as a new window treatment and hull-side vents. With yacht-level luxury on the inside and a fishing-mission design on the outside, the Hatteras Yachts GT65 is a formidable sportfish boat.

Quick Specifications

Viking yachts 64c.

With its 180-square-foot, dance-floor-size, teak cockpit, options for a fighting chair or rocket launcher, a mezzanine perched perfectly for spotting prey in the spread and enough livewell space to keep a gaggle of goggle-eye baits frisky, the 42-knot Viking Yachts 64C is built for battle with big fish.Its impressive speed, which comes via optional 2,022 hp MTU M96X V-12 diesels , ensures that the Viking 64C is likely to be first boat with lines in the water. Cruise speed: 36 knots at 80 percent engine load. (Base powerplants are twin 1,550 hp MAN V-12 diesels.) For the traveling tournament crew, the Viking 64C has four staterooms, including three en suite guest staterooms, plus a crew cabin with upper and lower bunks.

Royal Huisman Project 406

A 171-foot sportfisherman? Yes. That’s exactly what the six-deck, Royal Huisman’s Project 406 is. The interior and exterior design of Project 406 is from noted Dutch yacht-design firm Vripack . Vripack calls the vessel a “sportfisher on steroids.” The hull and superstructure of the supersize sportfish is Alustar aluminum, a material known for its strength and relatively light weight.

Even with six decks, Vripack has managed to create sleek lines for Project 406. It starts with a high freeboard forward that seemingly dares the ocean to approach. Transitioning from the bow, the sheerline slopes downwards in a steady cadence. The flowing sheerline resolves seamlessly at the cockpit. The vessel’s raked house and stacked deck are juxtaposed against the long profile, creating a sinewy aesthetic, which is no simple feat in this 171-footer. Add in all of the expected angling accouterments and 30-knot speed, and you have a sportfish yacht ready to chase fish around the world.

Rybovich 94

Size, speed and agility is a unique trifecta in a sportfish boat, but the 94-foot, 41-knot III Amigos from Michael Rybovich checks all those boxes as well as a few more too. The sportfish boat , designed by Patrick Knowles with naval architecture from Dusty Rybovich, is built in cold-molded mahogany. Prop pockets help keep the boat’s half-load draft down to a Bahamas-friendly 5 feet. The Rybovich 94’s impressive speed is helped by a pair of beefy 2,600 hp MTU diesels . 

The owner of II Amigos also owns a 196-foot Feadship superyacht and, while he wanted the sportfish to be all business on the outside, he wanted luxury-yacht finishes on the inside.  “Subtle but telling touches are the solid doors to the staterooms; each mimics the owner’s Feadship with ¾-inch thickness. The doors close flush (each has hidden hinges), and the sound is of a Rolls-Royce door closing.”

Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish

The Viking Yachts 38 Open Billfish is the builder’s entry point to its diesel-propelled sportfish boats. An owner-operator-size angling platform, the 38 Open is powered with twin 550 hp Cummins QSB6.7 diesels, which gives the sportfish boat 36-knot speed. Notable angling features on board the 38 Open include a 109-swqure-foot cockpit, complete with a mezzanine seating flanking the centerline stairs to the bridge deck as well as a laminated backing plate foe either a fighting chair or a rocket launcher. For overnight canyon trips, there is a forepeak stateroom with a double bunk as well as a single above it. Additionally, the salon’s sofa converts to a berth for guests or crew. The galley is outfitted with Corian countertops, two-burner electric cooktop, microwave/convection oven and drawer-style refrigerators and freezers. Some options include a Palm Beach Towers tuna tower and electronics packages from Atlantic Marine Electronics , both are Viking Yachts’ subsidiaries.

Bertram 61 Convertible

Bertram’s 61 Convertible leads the builder’s offshore series, which also includes a 35 Convertible and the express-style 50 Sport . Like its 50 Sport sistership, the 61 Convertible has a stepped sheerline, a nod to the legendary boatbuilder’s earlier designs. It also creates an instantly recognizable profile. The 61 Convertible is ready to run out of the box thanks to its twin 1,925 hp Caterpillar C-32A diesels. Top hop is 44 knots.

When it comes to chasing fish, the 61 Convertible has 188 square feet of fish-fighting space. A 100-gallon in-transom livewell is accompanied by twin in-sole fish boxes as well as rod stowage to port and starboard. A tuna door to starboard makes bringing in that bigeye on board a breeze. (Fish not included.) The accommodations layout belowdecks includes three staterooms. There is a full-beam master stateroom amidships.

Hatteras Yachts GT45X

The Hatteras Yachts GT45X express sports twin 1,150-horsepower Cat C18 ACERT diesel engines that deliver 40-plus-knot speeds. During our sea trial, the GT45X showcased remarkable handling, gracefully leaning into turns without any loss of power from the props. Hatteras has equipped the GT45X with a custom-engineered, sound-deadening system. This feature reduces noise and vibration, ensuring a relatively quiet ride for all aboard. Inside, the yacht has a luxe sensibility with its wood sole, sumptuous leather seating, a fully equipped galley and a spacious forward stateroom. On deck, there are two comfortable helm seats, an undercounter fridge, an ice maker, an inviting L-shaped settee and a table, creating the perfect entertainment area for relaxing after a successful day of fishing. The integrated hardtop enhances visibility with its one-piece windshield and large side windows, offering optimal views of the surrounding waters. To adapt to changing weather conditions, simply install clear curtains across the bridge deck aft, transforming the GT45X into an all-season sport-fisherman. Personalization is key with Hatteras Yachts, and the GT45X offers a variety of optional features. From a bow thruster and additional stateroom to teak accents and a flybridge option, you can customize your yacht to meet your specific needs. With a simple ala carte ordering process, just select your must-have options, start the engines and have your next angling adventure.

Huckins 45 Sportfisherman

The Huckins 45 Sportfisherman starts with the Florida boatbuilder’s patented Quadraconic hull . The Huckins’ Quadraconic name derives from four conical projections that make up the bottom surface shape. The sport-fisher has a deep forefoot and some measurable flare above the waterline for good buoyancy and dry running. A single chine rises from the waterline and then descends quickly to optimize spray control. The deep-V shape forward warps to a flat running surface far aft for efficient planing and excellent roll resistance.

Power is twin 480 hp Cummins diesels, which give this sportfish boat an easy 28-knot cruise. Top speed is 35 knots, so a 30-knot cruise is easily an option. The owner of the 45 Sportfisherman we got aboard is an avid stand-up angler and set up his boat with three flush-deck insulated fish boxes with macerators, a Dometic ice maker, two 28-foot Rupp outriggers, six gunwale rod holders, saltwater and freshwater washdowns, and a four-rod rocket launcher in lieu of a fighting chair.

Jarrett Bay 46

Originally named Persistence, this Jarrett Bay 46 was built for fishing enthusiast and NASCAR driver Jeff Burton. When creating his fully custom sportfish boat, Burton noted that his vessel would be both a fishing boat and a family boat. Fishing features include an in-transom fish box, a sailfish pod, insulated fish boxes and a tuna door (sans bridge) in the cockpit. Jarrett Bay installed three rod holders in each gunwale and six more across the flybridge rail, plenty of rod room for setting up a trolling spread. With upper and lower helm stations (the latter being an owner request), the Jarrett Bay 46 also gives the skipper options if the weather goes south. The Jarrett Bay 46 has ZF pod drives with underwater exhaust paired to twin 575 hp Caterpillar C9 diesels. At a comfortable 2,000-rpm cruise, this sport-fisher makes about 26 knots while those diesels consume 41 gallons per hour. Dial it up to a top-end speed of 35 knots and consumption goes up to 58.3 gph.

Viking Yachts 92

The Viking Yachts 92 is the largest sport-fisher the New Gretna, New Jersey-based boatbuilder has ever constructed. Offered with an open- or enclosed-bridge setup, the hefty sportfish boat (displacing around 205,000 pounds) hits 37-knots-plus when powered with optional 2,600 hp MTU diesels. At 2,100 rpm, this battlewagon cruises easily at 31 knots at 78 percent engine load. Dial it back to 28 knots, and engine load is a mere 70 percent. The 92-footer is also agile thanks to the Viking Independent Programmable Electrohydraulic Rudder (VIPER) steering system, a fly-by-wire setup that lets the helmsman control each rudder individually.

From an angling perspective, the 92 has 55-foot Rupp outriggers , fish stowage large enough for a wolf pack of bigeye tuna, space for a season’s worth of baits, secured gaff stowage and enough tackle drawers to handle all the lures and terminal gear an owner could ever buy. The Viking 92 also has six staterooms to accommodate owners, guests and crew for tournament season and long-haul adventure angling.

Like some of the other names on this list, Merritt is an iconic Pompano Beach, Florida-based, custom sportfish builder with a current model lineup that includes 66-, 72- and 86-foot convertible designs. The Merritt 72 is a model that has stood the test of time, and one that owners flock to year in and year out, for its fishability, seakindly nature and the ability to tailor the layout to an owner’s angling needs.

Because these boats are custom-built, the specifics can change from one 72 to another, but 30-knot cruise speeds and nearly 40-knot top-end speeds are common in all 72s, as are massive cockpits for fighting Hemingway-worthy marlin, stout construction for chasing those fish in the blue water and superyacht-level finishes inside and outside.

The entry point into Bertram’s three-model Offshore Series⎯spanning from 35 to 61 feet length overall⎯the Bertram 35 blends a familiar profile with modern power and technology to create a 36-knot angling juggernaut. This owner-operator-sized, Michael Peters -penned, flybridge sport-fisher starts with a wave-slicing, deep-V hull form with 22 degrees transom deadrise. The form is supported by a solid fiberglass hull bottom with cored hull sides for added strength without added weight.

The 35 has a 126-square-foot cockpit ready for any fish-fighting fanatic. Bertram sets up the 35 with rod holders, a livewell, in-deck fish boxes, and a transom door for the big ones. Optional teak decking and covering boards add a custom look. Inside, the salon is accented with teak and maple Amtico soles and overhead dimmer lighting. A wainscot-style ceiling houses rod stowage for big-game gear. Power is twin 500 hp Caterpillar C7.1 diesels matched to ZF drives. At a comfortable 27.5-knot cruise at just 68 percent engine load, the Bertram 35 has a 253-nautical-mile range, making it easily canyon-capable.

Viking Yachts 54 Open

Many anglers like open- or express-style sportfish designs as they enable the captain and crew to keep in close proximity, and the Viking 54 Open , which also is offered in a Sport Coupe or Sport Tower, does just that. The 54 Open’s bridge deck has a Palm Beach-style helm on centerline, flanked by a double-wide companion seat to port and a single seat to starboard. Abaft the helm and to port is U-shaped seating with a walnut table, creating a respite from the sun on tournament day while still allowing the crew to keep an eye on the spread via the open after bulkhead. Across from that seating is an L-shaped settee.

With a focus on fishing, the 54 Open has 154 square feet of cockpit real estate. Two sets of mezzanine seats offer perches for the crew to watch the spread. Other fishing-friendly features include a transom livewell, an in-deck fish box to starboard (with an optional livewell tub), an insulated in-deck box to port, a deck plate for mounting a rocket launcher or fighting chair, cooler stowage in the mezzanine steps (a bait freezer in the steps is optional), and a tuna door. Power is either twin 1,400 hp or 1,550 hp MAN diesels. For owners who prefer a three-sided fiberglass enclosure to a clear-plastic setup—but still want an open after bulkhead—Viking offers the 54 in the Sport Tower version. The 54 Sport Coupe model closes the after bulkhead, completely protecting the bridge deck from the elements.

• More: Bertram , Hatteras , Huckins , Jarrett Bay , Merritt , Royal Huisman , Rybovich , Sportfishing Yachts , Viking , Yachts
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Best Sportfishing Boats for Summer 2022

Apr 4, 2022

The best sportfishing boats will differ for each individual based on their fishing and cruising objectives. You should also consider whether you want to participate in tournaments or just go fishing for fun. We compiled four of the best boats on the market based on reviews, trusted opinions, and overall best-sellers. Each of these will have distinct features and an overall appearance that is unique to them.

Viking 54 and 61 Convertible

A Viking Yacht is a classic staple in the sportfishing world. They are easily identified by their hull design and elegant appearance. Both of these sizes provide more space than any other boat in their class, with an open cockpit and can be outfitted with custom towers. The 54C is a luxury fishing boat with three staterooms and two heads below decks. A Viking Flybridge is a place where design is constantly being tweaked to improve operator comfortability, fish-ability, and guest convenience. 360-degree visibility is provided by a streamlined walk-around center console. The cockpit of the 54C is 154 square feet, while the cockpit of the 61C is 172 square feet, which is slightly larger. Take a look at our Viking 54 Convertible and Viking 61 to see how the layout differs between the two.

Jarrett Bay 46

A sport fisher that is low on fuel and known for being easy to handle earned this model a spot on the list of best boats. Jarrett Bay takes pride in the fact that its boats are built with superior craftsmanship, “Our build method not only produces a stronger boat but also one that’s as much as 30% lighter than other sportfishing boats,” says the manufacturer (jarrettbay.com). The easier it is to navigate the waves, the more fuel you save and the more money you have for fishing gear. The attention to detail when selecting their custom interior features is one of its most marketable features.

Hatteras GT65 Carolina

The overall design of the steeped-back bridge, all-new window design, and hull-side vents combine luxury and practicality. This boat is outfitted with cutting-edge technology, making it capable of overcoming any challenges thrown its way by the sea. From the flybridge or the helm, you can see for miles, providing excellent coverage of the open ocean. The interior of this boat is entirely up to you to design and engineer to suit your needs, ensuring its performance even further. If you want to spend more money on a more elegant feel inside your sportfisher, the Hatteras is a great option.

(Source: Kusler Yachts)

Bayliss 68 Uno Mas

When comparing this boat to the others, it is clear that the Carolina flare is not present in this build. The curved deckhouse and bridge complement the modern touches on this traditional-style boat. Bayliss still prefers wood as a building material over competitors’ cold-molded wood or foam-core fiberglass. The Uno Mas was built with tournaments in mind and with that goal in mind throughout the entire construction process. The interior of this boat is luxuriously designed, so there is no room for compromise. Because this is the longest boat we’ve mentioned, it has a larger cabin layout in the lower levels.

(Source: Bayliss Boatworks)

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2023 Boat Buyers Guide: Catamarans

• By Karl Anderson
• December 27, 2022

The popularity of the multihull (aka catamaran or cat) fishing boats has never been greater, as more and more boatbuilders enter this growing segment of the market. The inherent stability of the catamaran design rolls less with the seas, making fishing offshore less tiresome and more comfortable. Available from 20 to 48 feet, catamarans typically offer a large fishing platform with generous storage and fishing amenities. They are available in a wide variety of deck layouts, including center-consoles, dual-consoles, and even pilothouse and express variants.

Big Picture

The large deck area of a catamaran enables many large underdeck storage lockers and insulated fish boxes in the sponsons. This gives anglers ample room for gear and the day’s catch. The catamaran’s stability, fishability, and smooth ride in rough seas make it attractive to anglers as well as day-cruisers. A center-console version adds 360 degrees of angler access to the rail. With the dual-console design, generous seating behind a beam-to-beam windshield makes for a great family fishing-friendly setup.

Live bait is one of the most popular types of fishing in virtually every coastal zone. To do it successfully requires optimal water capacity and proper flow. The minimum size of the outflow water plumbing should be twice the size of the inflow. The plumbing should have a drain at the bottom to shed scales at the end of the day, as well as a drain at the top of the well to adjust capacity and allow overflow. Above-deck transom-mounted wells should fully flood to the lids when running to keep baits from getting beat up. 

Tip: A sump box with multiple pumps in case a pump fails is the best setup for first-rate livewells. Conveniently located inflow and outflow valves make it easy to optimize the flow without tiring your bait from swimming too much in the well. 

Rod Storage

Having enough rod holders is essential to be successful for opportunity fishing. Look for vertical rod storage along the console and across the back of the T-top. Many models also have rod holders along the outboard transom wall. Having plenty of gunwale rod holders for drift- and kite-fishing is helpful. 

Tip: Placing adjustable swivel rod holders by Gemlux makes deep-dropping, lure-fishing and drifting even easier because they allow your rods to face the direction the baits are fishing, yet they can be swiveled back to keep rods from sticking out of the boat while running and docking. 

Manufacturers often offer multiple choices for horsepower, but whatever the choice, the engines must come in pairs. For example, you might order twin outboards (one for each sponson) or four outboards (two for each sponson), but single- or triple-outboard configurations are not common on a cat. Optimal selection should be made based on user load, weight of the boat, ride comfort , performance desires, and best case for resale. It’s a rare day when you can run wide open, but having more horsepower gives better torque at slower speeds and thus better control. Running larger engines slower gives better fuel efficiency too.

Tip: When possible, choose the highest horsepower offered because it typically leads to a better resale value with a shorter sales cycle. 

Power steering from engine manufacturer Optimus or SeaStar is essential with the higher horsepower required for larger boats, and it makes installing and operating the upper station in a tower far more practical and comfortable.

With the power demands of electronics, livewell pumps, stereo amps and more, it is wise to have at least two house batteries, and for larger boats, a third or fourth with a multibank charger for dockside. Each engine should have its own dedicated battery as well. 

Electronics

Typically choosing the largest screen or multiple screens that will fit on the console is best-case scenario for ease of use, ergonomics, and visibility. VHF radios, stereo controller, and equipment switches for lighting, pumps, and accessories should all be integrated with greatest visibility and ease of operator reach. 

A Tale of Two Hulls 

A catamaran rides on pair of hulls, or sponsons, each thinner and sharper than  that of a similarly sized monohull boat. The narrow sponsons of the cat tend to slice easily through water to deliver a smooth ride, even in rough seas. At the same time, with the sponsons positioned out to the sides of the boat, cats tend to roll less, thus providing great stability to enhance crew comfort, security and safety. However, cats tend to corner more flatly than a monohull, and some hulls (but not all) tend to lean outward versus inward during a turn.

Experts Say

Newer designs such as Invincible’s Morelli and Melvin-designed semi-asymmetrical sponsons eliminate some of the negatives of the cat design, such as “sneezing,” where water sprays out the front of the boat when hitting a wave. They’ve also controlled the uncomfortable “outboard lean” ­sensation common in older designs when in a turn. Once transitioned to a ­catamaran, many become true believers and preach the benefits of the design.

Editor Says: Saltwater fishing cats not only offer superb stability and smooth ride, but some also display exceptional speed and range. I recall one trip out of Key West, Florida, aboard an Invincible 40 Cat with four 350 hp outboards to the Dry Tortugas. It was a 60-mile run, and we made it there in 70 minutes. We caught more fish than our arms could bear, and then dashed back to Key West, arriving in time for cocktail hour on the same day. -Jim Hendricks, Staff Editor, Boating and Fishing Group

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Copyright © 2024 Salt Water Sportsman. A Bonnier LLC Company . All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Matt Weidert

Sailboat Fishing Guide: How to Fish from a Sailboat

Fishing tackle and equipment, fishing techniques and the lures to bring, where to fish while sailboat fishing, we've caught one, now what.

To rent, or to bring your own?

Bring your own gear, shimano tld-30iia reel .

Other equipment for fishing off a sailboat

Trolling from a sailboat for bluewater sportfish

Casting for mahi-mahi or tuna on the surface

• Birds or a disturbed water surface. This usually means the birds and fish are attacking a bait ball. Go join in on the action! They are in a frenzy and will eat anything.
• Mahi-mahi love to hang around weed lines or other floating debris. It is said they don't like the sun very much. Get close to investigate - you can often see them in clear water.

Bottom dropping for reef fish species

Jigging for bottom fish.

How to fillet your fish

• Tuna (yellowfin or blackfin)

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10 Best Fishing Boats for 2022

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Choosing the best fishing boats from a very crowded field is no easy task, and if you plan to find a fishing boat rental so you can try before you buy, you’ll want to narrow your search down to some top picks ahead of time.

Among all the top fishing boat brands and all the different models on the market, each of the 10 on this list offers something special (listed from A to Z).

Explore All Available Fishing Boat Rentals

1. Carolina Skiff 21

Carolina Skiffs are straightforward, simple boats, and that’s their greatest asset. They’re easy to run, easy to maintain, and easy to enjoy. Plus, with few systems aboard there’s little to go wrong.

The Carolina Skiff 21 comes in three flavors: an LS version that’s best for all-around utility, a SWS model designed for shallow-water fishing, and an Ultra Elite version that has additional creature comforts like wrap-around bow seating and illuminated stowage compartments.

Visit Carolina Skiff to learn more.

2. Cobia 220 CC

Anglers with young children will love the Cobia 220 CC for its high sides and deep interior, which are great for containing the kids. On top of that it offers all the fishing accouterments you could hope for, like multiple flush-mounted rodholders, a 50-gallon fishbox, under-gunwale rod racks, and a 26-gallon livewell.

Visit Cobia Boats to learn more.

3. Crestliner 1700 Storm

When it comes to finding the best fishing boats made for lakes and reservoirs, aluminum rigs like the Crestliner 1700 Storm often lead the pack. Highlights include integrated tackle and rod stowage, a Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 fishfinder, and a large aerated livewell.

But what sets it apart from the pack is its construction, featuring an all-welded hull , 0.10” thick hull bottom and hullsides, extruded aluminum ribs, and 1.25” strakes.

Visit Crestliner to learn more.

4. Key West 219 FS

Anglers looking for a 21-foot boat that runs fast but smooth in a choppy sea will want to try out the Key West 219 FS . This model features a stepped 19-degree/24-degree hull design that cuts through the waves better than an average V-hull.

The “FS” in the model name stands for “ forward seating,” so there are plenty of places to sit back and relax. Plus, there’s a head compartment in the console adding to the creature comforts aboard.

Visit Key West Boats to learn more.

5. Mako Pro Skiff 17 CC

Few fishing boat brands are as well known as Mako Boats, and their Pro Skiff line has been a huge hit since its introduction. Currently built in a 17-foot model (though previously built from 15’ to 19’), the Pro Skiffs have a unique “Advanced Inverted V” hull design that smooths out a chop while enhancing stability.

As a result, few boats their size feel as capable underfoot. Since the Pro Skiff 17 carries its beam all the way forward, it also has more deck space than most similarly-sized fishing boats.

Visit Mako Boats to learn more.

6. Nitro Z19

You want to blast to the bass at highway speeds, enjoy casting from a purpose-built bass fishing boat , and have enough onboard tackle stowage to fill the shelves of a bait shop? If so, a Nitro Z19 may be in your future.

This boat’s strongest suit may well be its forward casting deck , which offers gobs of space for multiple anglers because the design carries a wide 7’10” beam topsides, even though the hull bottom width is 6’2”.

Visit Nitro Boats to learn more.

7. Sportsman Masters 267 OE

If you’re looking for a big, bodacious bay boat, the Sportsman 267 OE will likely fit the bill. It’s 26’7” length and 9’2” beam provide gobs of room aboard, yet even with all this size the boat can still creep into a mere 1’3” of water.

Added bonus: this is one of the few bay boats around to come with a “coffin box” style fishbox in the bow, which not only has enough room for an entire school of fish inside but also has a chaise lounge on top.

Visit Sportsman Boats to learn more.

8. Robalo R247

Many anglers believe that only center console boats qualify as the best fishing platforms, but family fishermen often disagree. The extra protection and comfort provided by a dual console like the Robalo R247 is a better choice for some people’s needs.

And this model in particular differentiates itself by adding unexpected perks like a wet bar, custom hard top options, and the ability to transform the bow seating area into a casting deck.

Visit Robalo Boats to learn more.

9. Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX

If you’ll be fishing in a lake, reservoir, or relatively protected waterway, and you like the idea of a fishing pontoon boat , the Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX will prove ideal. Fishing features include a molded livewell, rod holders, and fore and aft fishing decks with pedestal chairs.

And although this isn’t the fanciest pontoon boat around it a has a different sort of ace up its sleeve: The Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX costs a whole lot less than most fishing pontoons of its size and delivers a tremendous bang for the buck. As a result it’s proved quite popular over the years and you’ll see it pop up when looking for pontoon boat rentals .

Visit Sun Tracker Boats to learn more.

10. Yamaha 210 FSH Sport

All of our other best fishing boats are propelled by propellers—but not this one. The Yamaha 210 FSH runs on jet power, thanks to a 1049cc TR-1 engine that blasts water out through a 155mm high-pressure pump.

Handling is uber-sporty, too, almost like that of a personal watercraft (PWC) . If you want a jet boat turned fishing machine, this will be your pick.

Visit Yamaha Boats to learn more.

Which of these fishing boats will prove to be the prime choice for you and your needs? There’s only one way to find out: jump aboard some fishing boat rentals, and try these fishing machines out for yourself.

Browse Available Fishing Boat Rentals Near You

With over three decades of experience in marine journalism, Lenny Rudow has contributed to dozens of boating and fishing publications and websites ranging from BoatU.S. Magazine to BDOutdoors.com. Rudow is currently the Angler in Chief at Rudow’s FishTalk , he is a past president of Boating Writers International (BWI), a graduate of the Westlawn School of Yacht Design, and has won numerous BWI and OWAA writing awards.

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A Boater's Guide To Cruising The Bahamas

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Reaching paradise never comes easy. This veteran of the Bahamas liveaboard life shows how it's done.

An aerial view of the Exumas. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

They say that no one knows the exact number of islands in the Bahamas. Some say that there are around 2,400 of them, scattered about a stunning 590-mile-long archipelago, with its closest area being, for many boats, just one day's trip from Florida. Fewer than 50 of these islands have a village or town. Most are tiny islets with rocky shorelines and white beaches hinting of pink. Each is a gem of mangrove, casuarinas, palmetto, sea grape, and coconut palms hiding curly tail lizards, hermit crabs, and birds. But it's the wonderland of the ocean that is the Bahamas' most spectacular feature, with its warm turquoise waters over much of the shallow Bahama Banks.

On a good day, cruising on the banks, you can look into those clear waters and see fish, sharks, and rays darting away from your hull's shadow as it sweeps across the bottom. Below you, grass and fan coral sway with the current. Brain coral hides exotic fish, lobster, and moray eel. Dramatic troughs leading from the shallows out to sea — such as the Tongue of the Ocean and the Northwest Providence Channel — divide the banks, the changing water colors from light turquoise to deep blue leaving even seasoned world travelers in awe.

The islands of the Bahamas lie mostly along the edges of the banks. On some of the outer islands, mail and groceries arrive by boat, and telephone and electricity in homes are relatively recent developments. While some equate the Bahamas with the cities of Nassau or Freeport, the boater's dreams tend to be of islands a bit farther off, such as Long Island, Highborne Cay, Eleuthera, Royal Island, Green Turtle, Mayaguana, Ragged Island, Crooked Island, and the Jumentos — or islands with no names at all, except as they're known to locals, such as Chicken Cay or "His and Hers."

Getting Around And About

The culture, dialect, and pace are distinctly Caribbean, yet the western waters of the Bahamas are only a little over 40 miles from Florida at the closest point. That 40-plus miles is composed of the mighty Gulf Stream, a warm and powerful river in the ocean with current rushing from south to north. Crossing it in the right conditions can be a beautiful trip. But crossing it in the wrong conditions, such as during strong northerly winds, can be dangerous and extremely uncomfortable. Pick your weather carefully, look for flat calm or gentle southerlies, and never go on the verge of a cold front or storm.

Snug all-weather anchorages are rare in the Bahamas, but when you find them, they offer camaraderie, supplies, and parties. (Photo: Onne van der Wal)

When my family and I first started going to the Bahamas many years ago, we followed a compass course and adjusted our routes to currents, wind, and waves. When we reckoned enough time had passed to raise an island, we searched the horizon. If we saw an island, we had to figure out which it was using landmarks, like clumps of trees or hills or colored cliffs. As we sailed in from deep ocean water onto to the shallow Bahama Banks, it was always a stunning moment as the depth sounder went from off soundings to 15 feet! We relied on the art of reading the colors of the water and the vagaries of the tidal currents by watching fan coral and sea grasses swaying to the flow under our boat — a fun endeavor, unless the light was poor or in our eyes.

Today, it's easier with GPS chartplotters. But you get in trouble if you rely too heavily on electronics. Sand shoals shift from year to year, and rocky bars and reefs may not be perfectly charted in the first place. A GPS fix is only as good as the chart you're relying on, and strong currents in inlets can set you onto rocks even as you watch your icon on the screen. And if your GPS equipment or the system isn't functioning well, you can get into trouble. The popularity of "crowdsourcing" doesn't necessarily work well in these waters, either; you never know the experience level of "the crowd" or the accuracy of their observations. Being a little off can put you on a reef.

Reliable guidebooks and paper charts are essential for Bahamas cruising. Otherwise, GPS waypoints extrapolated from mixed data may not be right on the spot. "Right on the spot" is critical when you're navigating an inlet that's only a few hundred feet wide with rocks and reefs around it and swells rolling in. Remember, Bahamas aids to navigation are rare and often not maintained.

Unlike the more forgiving waters of, say, Chesapeake Bay, the Bahamas are riddled with reefs, rocks, and brown bars (rocky ledges) that can quickly hole a boat, and there's no U.S. Coast Guard daily presence. There are some very good salvage firms, but the waters to which they must respond are vast. Lack of infrastructure means inconveniences and often long periods of time required for repairs. In many areas, there are few or no secure marinas or good anchorages available for storm protection. The Bahamas is mostly beautiful wilderness, so take care and navigate conservatively. To do so, you'll need the most reliable charts.

Sara and Monty Lewis began cruising the Bahamas more than 35 years ago. They produce and update The Explorer Chartbooks . Experienced cruisers swear by these Lewis charts. The waypoints provided are, they say, based on the Lewis team actually having gone to the rock, the deep part of the inlet, or the reef and recording the exact GPS reading while on site or verified with satellite photos or trusted advisers' data. Not only do they provide accurate full-color navigational charts, they also include cruising guide "need-to-know info" with informative articles and updated details on facilities and services throughout the Bahamas. (It's information from The Explorer Chartbooks that we heavily relied upon to bring you this article.)

Introducing The Bahamas By Region

Coming by boat , you'll probably get your first impression of the Bahamas from its western boundary. Here, the water and reefs are beautiful, and there are some anchorages for settled weather, as well as some marinas. Most of the small islands have rocky shores and lack good all-weather anchorages.

The Bimini Chain, a series of small cays (pronounced "keys") lies across the Gulf Stream from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. North and South Bimini and Cat Cay are settled. The mysterious stone slabs of the Bimini Road lie under nearby waters, fueling stories of Atlantis. Popular with the sportfishing fleet, Bimini has a village, several marinas, restaurants, and now a resort/casino and a Hilton Hotel.

Whether you prefer fishing Bimini's flats or heading out into the deep for bigger game, charters abound. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

To accommodate those who want to experience the beauty, often the beauty is sacrificed. Bimini has suffered, in my view, as have many of the islands, from the negatives of tourism. In recent years, many of the mangroves on the northern end of Bimini have been replaced by resort development. On the west side, an ocean-docking facility for fast ferries from Miami was built from material dredged up from the ocean bottom. But the Biminis are still accommodating as far as clearing customs and stopping to rest in a marina before crossing the banks. With the tourism have come positives — better availability of parts and goods and better communications in Bimini and other settled areas.

To the north of the Bimini Chain, separated from it by the deep Northwest Providence Channel, is the large island of Grand Bahama , with resorts and marinas. At the far northwestern end of Grand Bahama, the critically located Old Bahama Bay Marina offers shelter for boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities.

Old Bahama Bay Marina at the northwestern end of Grand Bahama offers shelter to boats caught by weather, as well as many amenities for boaters. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Southeast of the Bimini Chain, across the Great Bahama Banks, lies the giant and mysterious island of Andros . Known as the bonefishing capital of The Bahamas, Andros's vast swamps, creeks, mangrove shallows, and miles of woods stretch more than 100 miles south to north, divided into three major sections of land connected by mangrove and tidal swamp. Scattered about are many of the famous "blue holes" of the Bahamas, some far inland from the shore, extending deep down, many connected with the ocean through a labyrinth of subterranean passages. Nearby, the recently discovered Andros Platform, a multitiered structure of huge, flat, squared blocks, remains silently under the waves, begging explanation.

With limited good anchorages, sparsely populated Andros hasn't experienced the large influx of cruising boats. The Great Bahama Banks blends with the shallows and swamp of its western shore, but its eastern shore faces the deep "Tongue of the Ocean" and has several towns with limited facilities, such as Morgan's Bluff, Fresh Creek, and Congo Town. One of the longest barrier reefs in the world guards this shore, allowing limited access. Andros, like so many other islands, is yet to be awakened, and many would say that's good.

Spiny lobster season is August through March. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

The Abacos is a great place for Bahamas exploration. While it is often considered more civilized than other areas, it's been affected less from tourism. Marinas, protected anchorages with good holding, shopping, good drinking water, restaurants, and small hotels make the area especially inviting. Many cruisers gravitate to the "Hub of the Abacos" with the towns and harbors of Man O'War, Hope Town, and Marsh Harbour. You can take short hops to different towns or anchorages across the shallow Sea of Abaco without going outside the reefs into the ocean. To the northwest of the Hub, and through sometimes-dangerous Whale Cay Passage, lies Green Turtle Cay with its several protected basins, marinas, and the town of New Plymouth with its quaint pastel homes similar to those of Man O'War and Hope Town.

The Berry Islands, known as "Der Berrys" by many Bahamians, are another expanse of small islands surrounded by shallow banks that rise from deep ocean. To the south and west of the busier Abacos, they aren't as heavily cruised because of their shallows and rolly anchorages, but this isolation makes them very attractive to some. Islands such as Great Stirrup, Great Harbor, Whale Cay, and Chub Cay rim the banks. Dinghy passages snake among white shoals and low-tide sand islands. It's easy to get lost. Only three marinas make bases for exploration. Chub Cay Marina is completely protected within an enclosed basin, recently reopened after hurricane damage, though not in full operation as of the date of this writing. Great Harbour Cay Marina also offers excellent shelter and is affordable, with more slips available for transients. In addition, the popular Berry Islands Club is also reopening its restaurant, rebuilding its docks, and fortifying its moorings after a hiatus. Always check ahead for any marina, to be sure it's currently open.

Downtown Nassau is known for its colorful architecture. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

Many tourists consider Nassau to be synonymous with the Bahamas. Not hardly. This is the capital of the Bahamas and more than half the Bahamian population lives on its island of New Providence . It has the good and bad traits of most cities, with a distinctly Caribbean flavor, though reports of violent crime are increasing. Police in white uniforms direct traffic. Horse-drawn carriages commingle with cars, jitneys, and scooters. Buildings and customs reminiscent of the British Colonial Empire blend with things modern, overlaid with a significant share of poverty.

Nassau Harbour separates the "mainland" from Paradise Island, which has luxury hotels and casinos. The northwestern entrance to the harbor is deep and jettied, with several buoys. Huge cruise liners enter, but the inlet can be dangerous in strong onshore winds.

Anchoring isn't recommended in much of the harbor because of poor holding, strong currents, fast boats, wakes, and crime issues. There are several marinas; if Nassau has to be on your cruising itinerary, many boaters select a marina on Paradise Island. The southeastern entrance channel is only around 8 feet deep in one spot where coral heads and rocky bars dictate precise navigation.

To the southeast, the Exuma Cays curve in a northwest-southeast direction. The Exumas have only a few small all-weather marinas. Most anchorages are unprotected from westerlies, so they're only good for settled weather. The few that are sheltered from westerlies are between rocky islands and plagued by swift current and scoured bottom. The islands are generally rocky with low vegetation, sparse population, and a few villages. Nevertheless, each year more and more boats visit .

Cruisers lying to moorings in the beautiful and protected Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. In many places, moorings are preferred or even required to avoid damage to the bottom and because of limited swinging room. (Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism)

They've become so popular that celebrities and other wealthy people have purchased entire islands or large portions of them. It's reported that the Exuma Land and Sea Park, once a stronghold of environmental protection, now features such private islands, and personal watercraft from mega yachts often roar up and down the pristine channels. Staged "paradise" picnics on the beaches, replete with instant tents, bars, and lounges, entertain charter parties with all their water toys. Anchorages once enjoyed by a few are now becoming more crowded.

Heading down the chain, cruisers like to stop and enjoy the out-island friendliness of the small villages of Staniel Cay, Black Point, and Little Farmer's Cay . Village restaurants sometimes announce special menus on the VHF. Small grocery stores have limited supplies, and Staniel Cay's Isles General Store has marine and general hardware as well as groceries. And the Blue Store and the Pink Store have also expanded their stock to accommodate the greater number of cruisers and vacationers.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers good meals, fuel, water purified by reverse osmosis, and a nice bar as well as cottage rentals. Indeed, the entire village is open to many home rentals. Fowl Cay Resort is one of several resort islands with rental houses and cottages, and it also has a restaurant available to the public by reservation. Snorkel into Thunderball Cave off Staniel and enjoy viewing thousands of protected fish. Part of the James Bond movie of that name was filmed here.

At the southern end of the Exumas, the "mainland" island of Great Exuma is a popular boating destination with a good but busy harbor. Its George Town boasts supplies and high island civilization. Exuma Market provides dinghy docking, town water, and other services while across Lake Victoria, the well-stocked Shop-Rite is another good choice for stocking. FedEx, UPS, boat supplies, and many other helpful goods and services are available. Almost 400 cruising boats are often in its Elizabeth Harbour for the annual spring Cruising Regatta, a weeklong festival run by the cruising community in conjunction with the Bahamian community.

Heading easterly from the Exumas you'll find more islands and variety. To the north, Eleuthera is known for its oranges and pineapples. Cruisers often visit the busy village of Spanish Wells with its fishing fleet, marinas, marine railways, and supplies. Harbour Island, guarded by the treacherous reef known as Devil's Backbone, is also popular for its pink sand beaches, quaint pastel-color buildings, the historic village of Dunmore Town, marinas, fishing, and relatively upscale living. Royal Island with its enclosed harbor broods with thick foliage and the silent ruins of a large estate. Years ago, wooden sailing ships of the British Navy sought shelter here; today cruisers wait for passage to the Abacos.

Cat Island, south of Eleuthera, stretches 48 miles, offering few anchorages but high hills, farms, villages, and miles of cliff and beach. To the south of Cat lies Long Island, with dangerous reefs extending more than 3 miles off Cape Santa Maria at its northern end. Never more than 4 miles wide, it's 75 miles long and features rolling hills and cliffs, fertile soil, and farming. A popular destination is Salt Pond and Thompson Bay on the west side, from where cruisers can tour the island by car and stock up at a modern grocery. Avoid anchorages exposed to weather and seas.

Far to the south and east, the "far out islands" rise from the deep ocean floor, beyond the banks. You'll find isolated jewels such as Rum Cay and Conception Island. Sumner Point Marina at Rum Cay has been closed due to hurricane damage as of this writing. As you venture farther southeast, more spectacular little islands with limited protection beckon with even more remoteness. These include Samana Cay, where Christopher Columbus is said to have anchored; Crooked Island; Acklins Island; Great Inagua with its famous flamingo population; and Mayaguana — all beautiful islands off the beaten track.

The Jumentos chain arches 90 miles around the southeast boundary of the Great Bahama Banks and has become more popular in recent years for experienced cruisers looking to find pristine islands as they once were. Many of these islands have little all-weather protection, tricky shallows, and few replenishing and stocking opportunities, but make up for it in sweet solitude

You Can't Always Get What You Want

The Bahamas, with their overwhelming beauty and thousands of square miles of ocean wilderness, offer a wonderful boating escape from the massive infrastructure and dense civilization of the States. But what makes them compelling also makes them challenging for unprepared boaters. Go soon if you can, take good care, and tread lightly.

Bahamas Fun Facts

• The Bahamas has the clearest water in the world. Visibility while diving is often more than 200 feet!
• Fewer than 50 of the islands have a village or town.
• The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef.
• Dean's Blue Hole, west of Clarence Town, Long Island, at 663 feet, is one of the deepest blue holes in the world.
• The first place Christopher Columbus landed when he came to the new world in 1492, he named San Salvador in the Bahamas.
• The word "mainland" is used by those on small outlying islands (called the Out Islands) to describe the larger islands, such as New Providence, Grand Bahama, Great Abaco, and Great Exuma. The "Far-Out Islands" are those even farther away.
• The world's longest underwater cave system can be found in Lucayan National Park, Grand Bahama Island.
• Kalik (pronounced "click"), the beer of The Bahamas, is named after the kalikking sound of cowbells at Junkanoo, the island street parades held every December 26.
• There are only about 396,000 people in all the Bahamas, the majority on the island of New Providence where Nassau is located.
• The national sport of the Bahamas is sloop sailing.
• Bahamas comes from the Spanish baja mar, which translates to "shallow sea."

Photo: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Chartering & Fishing

Power, sail & crewed charters.

• The Moorings (Abacos)
• Navtours (Nassau, George Town, Staniel Cay)
• Sunsail (Abacos, Nassau)

Sportfishing

• Boaters arriving on their own boats congregate around the marinas in Bimini, Nassau, Chub Cay, Boat Harbor, Highbourne Cay, and others.
• Note that fishing here is split between distinctively different offshore fishing and flats fishing (for bonefish).
• To join a sportfishing charter, search the Internet for numerous listings.
• Consider checking out one of the many fishing tournaments, listed at Bahamas.com/fishing-tournaments-2017.

Photo: Mel Neale

Anchoring Notes

• Never anchor in reef or anywhere your anchor rode may get tangled in coral.
• Leave 360-degree swing room for other boats, the shore, and reefs. Boats swing differently depending on their windage, bottom configuration, eddies, and current.
• The best bottoms consist of deep, soft white sand. You'll see these from the bow of your boat. Don't be misled by bottoms of white rock, marl, or shallow white sand over rock.
• Anchoring in grass usually results in dragging when the wind increases and damaging fish habitat.
• Nylon line can be cut by small rocks or reef. Use as much chain as your boat can safely carry.
• Don't anchor on a lee shore (the shore toward which the wind is blowing). Learn and watch the weather; plan your anchorage for 24 hours. It's not unusual for Bahamian winds to shift over that time.
• What starts as a protected anchorage could become a risky lee shore.
• Study an accurate weather forecast every day, and plan overnight anchorages accordingly.

Weather Notes

• Obtain a detailed weather forecast every day. Heed it.
• Winter cold fronts are often preceded by strong southwesterly winds and come through as a strong, precipitous westerly, then nor'wester. Then winds often clock to a nor'easter and blow hard for days.
• "Squeeze plays" between large areas of high and large areas of low pressure may set up strong winds, usually from the east, for several days.
• The Bahamas offers little good protection in hurricanes and tropical lows. Even enclosed harbors are vulnerable with so little land to weaken the effects of wind and sea. Expect little help compared to U.S. waters.

Respect The 'Rage'

If there is a strong onshore swell, many cuts between islands and reefs become treacherous. The onshore swell may be caused by local onshore winds or from a far-off storm. At sea the swell may seem insignificant, but as it mounts up in the shallow waters near the cuts, it can become deadly. These swells can be far away when you leave the safety of your harbor in the morning but dangerously upon you when you want to enter the next inlet down-island. Watch the weather locally and far out. Ask ahead for current local conditions and knowledge. If any question exists about the safety of an inlet, don't risk it.

Search And Rescue

The Bahamas government has no search-and-rescue service equivalent to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) is a dedicated nonprofit voluntary organization committed to saving the lives of distressed seamen and airmen in the Bahamas. It is funded by donations.

For boaters traveling off the beaten track, consider renting an EPIRB or PLB from the BoatUS Foundation before you go. Visit BoatUS.org for more information.

What Are Your Special Interests?

Looking to hang out with other cruisers? Consider the Hub of the Abacos. Several islands encircle the protected "Sea of Abaco" in which you can go from town to town in protected waters without going out through the reefs into the ocean. Towns include Marsh Harbour, Hope Town, Man O'War. A short hop in calm weather in the ocean fetches up Green Turtle Cay, and a trip south inside will bring you to Little Harbour, home of Pete's Pub and Foundry. There are more marinas in this area than in most other areas of the Bahamas.

Elizabeth Harbour lies near the southeastern end of the Exuma chain and has become a Mecca for cruisers with its relative protection (albeit with some open fetches) and good holding. Its bustling village of George Town is a vacation spot and an oasis of out island "high civilization," which hasn't lost its out-island charm. "In season," from December through March, there can be as many as 400 boats there, with all the potlucks and beach volleyball games you could want. The reefs guarding the entrances can be tricky; good weather and careful navigation are a must. Don't enter with a strong onshore wind or swell.

Looking for sport fishing? Alice Town on North Bimini offers several marinas, bars, restaurants, and good fishing offshore, with several tournaments throughout the year. Chub Cay, scheduled to be fully operational (after the ravages of Hurricane Mathew) has a marina in a completely enclosed harbor with restaurant, bars for bragging, and Customs. Fish offshore in the Tongue of the Ocean between the Berrys, New Providence, and the Great Bahama Banks.

Looking for remote experiences? What used to be remote may be more visited today, although features such as poor holding, little protection from wind and surge, and few provisioning opportunities still keeps the crowds away. You'll find unspoiled beauty and solitude in the Jumentos, Rum Cay (marina may not be rebuilt yet), the shallow banks of the Berrys (where people often explore by dinghy), and Conception Island. These areas have scarce protection, and require serious weather vigilance.

Looking for good diving and snorkeling? The Bahamas has the world's third-longest barrier reef. Five percent of the world's coral can be found there. Bring a light wetsuit, snorkel, mask, and fins for great snorkeling by dinghy throughout The Bahamas.

Looking for a show? Held at the end of April every year, the Family Island Regatta in Elizabeth Harbour is huge. Bahamians come from all the islands to compete, usually in traditional Bahamian boats. Also, the New Year's Day Regatta at Staniel Cay in the Exumas is fun, informal, and rollicking.

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Six Boats with Cabins You Can Live In

• By Chris Woodward
• Updated: February 18, 2021

Hard-core fishermen love center console boats. But even among the most dedicated anglers, many now seek more family time and improved convenience and comfort. That pushes boatbuilders to be creative.

At the same time, center console fishing boats have grown to 50-plus feet in length: That makes more room for berths and galleys and opens the door to center consoles as boats you technically could live on. Of course, you might not want to set up residence aboard these dressed-up models, but you could certainly plan an overnight or weekend trip in style.

We selected six fishing boats with cabins whose consoles surpass the Spartan label. If you’re set on buying a center console but want some four-star comforts, check out these vessels at the next boat show. (Note: Boats are ordered by LOA. Some manufacturers offer all cabin features in their standard package; others offer some as options.)

Grady-White Canyon 376

Grady says the Canyon 376 helped define a new breed of center consoles that not only offer full offshore-fishing functionality but also the wide beam, roomy console-cabin interior, and luxury appointments of a cabin-style family boat.

The 376 can carry up to 38 rods in various locations, including lockable vertical holders inside the console. The deluxe leaning post houses a 41-gallon livewell with a clear lid, light, full-column inlet and overboard drain; a rigging station with freshwater sink; a 164-quart cooler; holders for a knife, pliers and lures; and lockable bulk and tackle-tray storage.

A 66-gallon fish box in the cockpit (available with an optional digital-control refrigerator/freezer), and two bow fish boxes, offering more than 125 gallons of storage, deliver all the room you’ll need for refreshments, equipment and the day’s catch. The cockpit features heavy-duty boarding doors at the transom and to port, each with a boarding ladder.

Step down the cherry stairs leading inside the lockable, air-conditioned console to find a stand-up shower area with curtain and a VacuFlush head, a galley with Corian countertops and deep stainless sink, plus a stainless refrigerator and microwave. A large settee converts to a berth with room for two, and offers storage along the side. The standard Fisher-Panda 5kW diesel generator maintains temperature levels in the cabin and at the helm.

The 376 tops 60 mph with triple Yamaha 425 XTO outboards. It cruises at 31.2 mph, turning 3,400 rpm, for 0.98 mpg. Other available power options include twin 425s or triple Yamaha F300s. A Seakeeper 5 gyro stabilizer is also an option.

LOA: 36 ft. 7 in.

Beam: 13 ft. 2 in.

Dry Weight: 13,533 lb. (w/o engines)

Fuel: 390 gal.

Transom Deadrise: 20 deg.

Max hp: 1,275

Boston Whaler 380 Outrage

Whether your focus is on fishing or family, the Whaler 380 Outrage offers a full suite of features.

Anglers will appreciate the dividable and pressurized 60-gallon transom livewell, 45 square feet of cockpit space atop large refrigerated in-floor fish boxes, toe rails with downrigger ball holders, an acrylic transom door and a portside boarding door. A second livewell is available with the deluxe leaning post, or families can opt for a summer kitchen.

Vertical rod holders in the gunwales ring the boat; the hardtop adds six additional holders. A tempered curved-glass windshield with an electrically actuated vent encloses the helm.

A lockable, acrylic sliding door beside the helm leads to the air-conditioned cabin. The interior features a microwave, vanity with custom vessel sink, solid teak flooring, and seating that becomes a berth. Rubber-backed cushions reverse to hold storage tubs.

Racks for four rods line the walls. The enclosed head comes with a VacuFlush toilet, teak seat, shower wand, and flip-down hooks for drying wet gear.

The 380 Outrage is available with triple or quad Mercury outboards, with or without a gyro. With quad 400 Verados and a gyro, the 380 topped out at 58.6 mph. It cruises at 32.5 mph, turning 4,000 rpm and achieving 0.78 miles per gallon.

LOA: 38 ft.

Beam: 11 ft. 8 in.

Dry Weight: 14,500 lb. (w/o engines)

Fuel: 445 gal.

Transom Deadrise: 23 deg.

Max hp: 1,600

Scout 380 LXF

Scout’s 380 LXF (luxury sportfish model) blends the qualities of a high-performance fish boat with a high-end cruiser. Built on Scout’s epoxy-infused, double-stepped hull, this 38 ½-footer features a 12-foot-1-inch beam.

Standard fishing features include a 100-gallon transom livewell; twin 92 1/2-gallon in-deck fish boxes with overboard drains; vertical gunwale and transom, under-gunwale, and belowdecks rod holders as well as an optional hardtop rocket launcher; a Seakeeper 3; and both a portside door and a transom door.

Seating includes three-across helm buckets with arm rests, an aft-facing mezzanine bench, a fold-out transom bench, bow wraparound benches and a two-person sunpad.

Inside the console cabin, you’ll find a convertible 6-foot-5-inch queen berth, a single-burner, glass-stove cooktop, microwave, flush mount 32-inch LED flat screen TV, DVD and CD player, galley sink, drawer refrigerator, enclosed shower area with toilet, sink and mirror with vanity cabinet. The cabin also features a 12,000 BTU air conditioner, powered by an 8kW diesel generator, as well as vertical storage for five rods.

Available with triple or quad Mercurys or Yamahas, the 380 LXF tops out at

69.7 mph and accelerates to 30 in 6.8 seconds with quad Verado 400s. With the quads, the most efficient cruising speed lands at 50.7 mph for 0.9 mpg.

LOA: 38 ft. 6 in.

Beam: 12 ft. 1 in.

Fuel: 404 gal.

Max hp: 1,400

Regulator 41

Regulator’s flagship 41 remains true to the company’s heritage: It’s a serious fish boat, but it thoughtfully and purposefully elevates the creature-comfort factor. Wide-open spaces with thickly bolstered seating create a weekender that’s ready to troll or raft up with friends.

From the twin forward-console lounger to the convertible electric pedestal table, the deck delivers relaxation. But look closely and you’ll see four fish boxes: twin 54-gallon insulated boxes beneath the bow benches; a 156-gallon belowdeck box (that also acts as locking rod storage), and an 84-gallon box at the transom. The aft bulkhead also features twin 40-gallon livewells. A starboard boarding door allows you to easily boat a big fish.

The mezzanine seating and prep area features tackle- and tray-storage compartments, a sink, drawers, countertop and electric grill. The newly-redesigned cabin features a galley kitchen—with refrigerator, microwave, sink, and inductive cooktop—double berth, a head and shower, a dining table with seating for four, and a 28-inch LED HDTV.

An Onan 7.5 kW diesel generator powers the interior air conditioning. Settle into even rocky seas with the standard Sesakeeper 5 gyro stabilizer.

Powered by quad Yamaha 425 XTO outboards, the 41 tops out at 63.7 mph and reaches 30 mph in 6.23 seconds. At a cruising speed of 25.9 mph, it turns 3,000 rpm and achieves 0.78 mpg.

LOA: 41 ft. 3 in.

Beam: 12 ft. 6 in.

Dry Weight: 23,500 (w/ engines)

Fuel: 600 gal.

Transom Deadrise: 24 deg.

Max hp: 1,700

Pursuit S 428

Pursuit’s new flagship S 428 not only represents the largest boat the company makes, it’s also the most powerful and spacious as well as highly innovative.

The deck features an industry-first second row of powered seats beneath the oversize hardtop. That seating converts to an entertainment center with a sink, refrigerator/freezer, and electric grill. Forward bow seating comes with electrically actuated backrests. The convertible forward-console seat adjusts to a variety of positions, and the hullside windows create a great view of the horizon from inside the console cabin.

For anglers, this 42-footer comes with three fish boxes totaling 134 gallons, two 36-gallon transom livewells, tackle storage, bait-prep areas, hull side doors port and starboard, and a spacious aft cockpit. You’ll find horizontal rod holders under the hardtop, beneath the gunwales and in the cabin, and 12 vertical holders in the gunwales, transom and bow.

Step down into the cabin from the port side of the helm. The top of the opening pushes forward to allow upright entry, and household-style steps create sure footing. A secondary screened door allows ventilation on nice days.

The interior seating quickly converts to a sleeping berth. The cabin also comes with a fully enclosed head compartment that houses a shower, vanity, and elongated toilet.

Side windows and a skylight allow in plenty of natural light, which shows off the rich hardwood décor. When weather demands, the cabin is air-conditioned and heated. A microwave, a 32-inch TV, and hidden storage round out the space.

With standard power—quad Yamaha 425 XTO outboards with Helm Master EX—the S 428 tops out at 59.3 mph, turning 6,000 rpm. It reaches 30 mph in 5.2 seconds. At a cruising speed of 31 mph, turning 3,500 rpm, the vessel gets 0.71 mpg.

LOA: 42 ft.

Beam: 13 ft.

Dry Weight: 23,600 lb. (w/ engines)

Fuel: 547 gal.

Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.

Yellowfin 54

With quad outboards and seating for up to 14, including plush dual-row seats at the helm, the Yellowfin 54 comfortably accommodates a robust crew on a quick run to the fishing grounds.

For cruising, the 54 offers V-lounge bow seating with backrests and storage. The forward-console lounge easily accommodates two to three adults.

Because each Yellowfin is built to customer specs, amenities vary. But, as always, Yellowfin focuses on fishing. The 54 comes with a generous 100-gallon livewell in its transom flanked by molded-in single tuna tubes. The well can be configured as one tank or divided into two. A wealth of rod holders is spread throughout the boat for horizontal and vertical stowage.

Yellowfin also utilizes every space above and belowdecks for storage of fishing tackle, rods, fresh catch in insulated chill-plate-cooled boxes, safety gear and all other toys and equipment.

A spacious cabin area with standup headroom beneath the console houses a queen berth and a fully equipped kitchenette, along with wraparound seating and a head. Accessed from within the cabin, an organized mechanical space houses the gyro stabilizer, batteries, wiring and electronics.

In our recent review of the 54 with four Yamaha 425 XTO outboards, we reached a top speed of 60.8 mph at 5,700 rpm. We found the best mpg at 50 mph, turning 5,000 rpm, and achieving 0.52 mpg.

LOA: 54 ft.

Beam: 15 ft.

Dry Weight: 28,000 lb (w/ engines)

Fuel: 900 gal.

Max hp: 3,000

• More: Boat Reviews , Center Consoles , fishing boats

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Best Combination Fishing, Cruising Boat [2024] 🐟

• February 24, 2024
• Boat Models

Are you looking for the perfect boat that can handle both your fishing adventures and leisurely cruises? Look no further! At Boat Brands™, we’ve got you covered with our expert recommendations for the best combination fishing and cruising boat. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a casual boater, we’ve evaluated various brands and models to bring you the top picks that offer the perfect balance of functionality, comfort, and performance. So, let’s dive in and find the ideal boat that suits your needs!

Quick Answer: The Best Combination Fishing, Cruising Boat

If you’re in a hurry and just want to know our top picks, here they are:

Grady White Express 330

Pursuit os 315, boston whaler 270 vantage, robalo r302, scout 275 lxf.

Note: These rankings are based on our personal experience, consumer feedback, and extensive research.

Now, let’s explore each of these boats in detail and discover what makes them stand out from the competition.

Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive into the specifics, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind when choosing a combination fishing and cruising boat:

✅ Look for a boat with a comfortable cabin that offers ample seating and sleeping arrangements for overnight trips.

✅ Consider the fishing amenities, such as rod holders, fish boxes, livewells, and a spacious cockpit for easy maneuverability.

✅ Smooth ride and stability are crucial for both fishing and cruising, so opt for a boat with a deep-V hull design.

✅ Versatility is key! Look for a boat that can easily transition from fishing mode to cruising mode with features like foldable seats, removable fishing accessories, and a convertible cockpit.

✅ Consider the size of the boat based on your needs and preferences. Smaller boats are more maneuverable, while larger boats offer more space and stability.

Now that you have these tips in mind, let’s delve into the details of each boat.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9.5/10)

CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay | Grady White Official Website

The Grady White Express 330 is a true gem when it comes to combination fishing and cruising boats. With its solid construction, exceptional performance, and luxurious amenities, it’s no wonder why this boat is highly regarded by boating enthusiasts.

Key Features:

• Spacious cabin with comfortable seating and sleeping arrangements for overnight trips.
• Well-equipped fishing amenities, including rod holders, fish boxes, and a livewell.
• Deep-V hull design for a smooth and stable ride, even in rough waters.
• Convertible cockpit with foldable seats, allowing for easy transition between fishing and cruising modes.
• Excellent build quality and durability.
• Impressive fuel efficiency.
• Ample storage space for fishing gear and personal belongings.
• Comfortable and luxurious cabin.
• Higher price point compared to some competitors.
• Limited seating capacity in the cockpit.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)

CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay | Pursuit Official Website

The Pursuit OS 315 is a versatile and well-designed boat that offers a seamless blend of fishing and cruising capabilities. With its sleek profile, comfortable cabin, and impressive performance, it’s a top choice for boaters who want the best of both worlds.

• Well-appointed cabin with ample seating and sleeping arrangements.
• Fishing amenities include rod holders, fish boxes, and a livewell.
• Deep-V hull design for a smooth and stable ride.
• Convertible cockpit with foldable seats for easy transition between fishing and cruising modes.
• Excellent handling and maneuverability.
• High-quality construction and attention to detail.
• Comfortable and spacious cabin.
• Versatile layout for fishing and cruising.
• Limited storage space compared to some competitors.
• Higher price point.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8.5/10)

CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay | Boston Whaler Official Website

The Boston Whaler 270 Vantage is a versatile and well-built boat that offers a perfect balance between fishing and cruising capabilities. With its innovative design, comfortable seating, and impressive performance, it’s a popular choice among boaters who value quality and functionality.

• Comfortable seating and spacious cockpit for fishing and cruising.
• Convertible seating options for easy transition between fishing and cruising modes.
• Unmatched stability and safety features.
• High-quality construction and durability.
• Innovative and versatile seating arrangements.
• Smooth and efficient performance.
• Limited cabin space compared to some competitors.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)

CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay | Robalo Official Website

The Robalo R302 is a versatile and well-designed boat that offers a great combination of fishing and cruising capabilities. With its spacious layout, fishing amenities, and solid performance, it’s a reliable choice for boaters who want a boat that can handle various activities.

• Spacious cockpit with ample seating and fishing amenities.
• Solid construction and durability.
• Comfortable and spacious cockpit.
• Impressive performance and handling.
• Limited cabin space.
• Some users report minor quality control issues.

CHECK PRICE on: Amazon | Walmart | West Marine | eBay | Scout Official Website

The Scout 275 LXF is a versatile and well-equipped boat that offers a great combination of fishing and cruising capabilities. With its sleek design, comfortable seating, and impressive performance, it’s a popular choice among boaters who value both style and functionality.

• Sleek and stylish design.
• Excellent performance and handling.

What is the best type of boat to fish with?

When it comes to fishing, the best type of boat depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, a center console boat or a dual console boat is often considered the most versatile and practical choice for fishing. These boats offer ample deck space, easy access to fishing amenities, and excellent maneuverability.

What is the most versatile style of boat?

The most versatile style of boat for combination fishing and cruising is a dual console boat. Dual console boats offer a perfect balance between fishing amenities and comfortable seating arrangements for cruising. They typically have a spacious cockpit, ample storage, and convertible seating options, making them ideal for various activities on the water.

Read more about “Best Center Console Boat Brands …”

What is the top-of-the-line fishing boat?

The top-of-the-line fishing boat is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, brands like Grady White, Pursuit, and Boston Whaler are known for producing high-quality fishing boats with exceptional performance and durability. It’s always recommended to research and test different models to find the one that best suits your needs.

Read more about “Top 10 Boat Brands in 2024: Navigating Waters with Boat Brands™”

What size boat is best for fishing?

The size of the boat for fishing depends on various factors, including the type of fishing you plan to do, the number of people onboard, and your budget. Smaller boats, such as 20-25 feet, are more maneuverable and suitable for inshore fishing. Larger boats, such as 25-35 feet, offer more stability and space for offshore fishing. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the size of your fishing boat.

Read more about “Best Lake Fishing Boats …”

After thorough research and evaluation, we’ve determined that the Grady White Express 330 is the best combination fishing and cruising boat. With its exceptional build quality, impressive performance, and luxurious amenities, it offers the perfect balance for both fishing enthusiasts and leisure boaters. However, all the boats mentioned in this article are excellent choices, and your final decision should be based on your specific needs and preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to embark on your next fishing and cruising adventure with the perfect boat that suits your needs. Happy boating!

Recommended Links

• Boat Brands
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• Boat Buying Guide
• Boat Reviews
• Best Saltwater Fishing Boats 2024

Reference Links

• The Hull Truth – Best Cruiser That Can Be Used for Fishing

Review Team

The Popular Brands Review Team is a collective of seasoned professionals boasting an extensive and varied portfolio in the field of product evaluation. Composed of experts with specialties across a myriad of industries, the team’s collective experience spans across numerous decades, allowing them a unique depth and breadth of understanding when it comes to reviewing different brands and products.

Leaders in their respective fields, the team's expertise ranges from technology and electronics to fashion, luxury goods, outdoor and sports equipment, and even food and beverages. Their years of dedication and acute understanding of their sectors have given them an uncanny ability to discern the most subtle nuances of product design, functionality, and overall quality.

Related Posts

Best Center Console Boats Under 22 Feet [2024] 🚕

• March 4, 2024

6 Best Boats for Fishing Rivers and Lakes [2024] 🐟

10 Best Center Console Boats Under 25 Feet [2024] 🚤

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Altitude New Member

Hi. Question. Buying a cruising boat, assumed it would be a trawler in the 50-60' range for the east coast, Bahamas and Caribbean. But noticing recently there are a lot of sport fisher boats - particularly Viking and Haterras in the early 2000 vintages in the same size range that look like a lot of boat for the money (sub $750k in many cases). What are the thoughts on using these for cruising? I don't really have any interest in fishing. Seems like the problems to me are: kind of marginal dingy storage, uncovered/unshaded cockpits, and only flybridge helms, and they can burn some gas - but are also fast. So..... just wondering what thoughts are on this? thank you.

CaboFly Member

In the Sportfish segment there is a lot that changed in that 2000 to say 2007 time frame. Mechanical to Common Rail Diesels. Gelcoat issues for a few builders during that era as well. I like a Sportfish for cruising but you would want to get a good understanding of the segment before buying.

JWY Senior Member

Attributes of what make trawlers good cruising boats are their hull shape (full or semi-displacement), fuel capacity, fuel consumption, and live-aboard conveniences such as water maker, inverters, good stowage, longterm refrigerator/freezer storage. etc.

CaboFly said: ↑ In the Sportfish segment there is a lot that changed in that 2000 to say 2007 time frame. Mechanical to Common Rail Diesels. Gelcoat issues for a few builders during that era as well. I like a Sportfish for cruising but you would want to get a good understanding of the segment before buying. Click to expand...

JWY said: ↑ Attributes of what make trawlers good cruising boats are their hull shape (full or semi-displacement), fuel capacity, fuel consumption, and live-aboard conveniences such as water maker, inverters, good stowage, longterm refrigerator/freezer storage. etc. Click to expand...

ranger58sb Senior member

Altitude said: ↑ Seems like the problems to me are: kind of marginal dingy storage, uncovered/unshaded cockpits, and only flybridge helms, and they can burn some gas - but are also fast. So..... just wondering what thoughts are on this? thank you. Click to expand...

Capt Ralph Senior Member

Altitude said: ↑ they can burn some gas - but are also fast. Click to expand...

rtrafford Senior Member

I cruised quite a bit with my 53c. Really, my driving issue was two components: first was the valuable space "lost" to the fishing cockpit, be it living or storage or added amenities. Second was steps, everywhere. Hell, you had to go down a set of steps to remember why you were headed up a set of steps. That being said, I never should have sold her. I should have kept her as well.

Norseman Senior Member

I did the cruising on a sport-fishing boat for 5 years, but on a small scale: Albin 28TE. (TE for Tournament Express) It worked out great: the big aft fishing cockpit was great for lounging and entertaining, very comfortable for one couple on longer trips, or 3-4 guys on short hops. Economical doing trawler speeds @ 8,5 knots with the single inboard diesel, or run at cruise speed 17 knots to the Bahamas and back. The deep V hull handled the seas well for it's size. I never fished a minute on that boat, but it did cruising very well, Dual Purpose indeed.

Pascal Senior Member

Sportfishers / Convertibles make great tropical cruising boat because of the cockpit giving you easy access to the water. They also allow you to run from weather if needed yet they can be run at hull speed for excellent fuel economy on longer distances. their hull shape is designed for running in rougher whether, at least the real SF like Viking, Hatteras, Ocean etc adding the required equipment like water maker, inverter etc is no problem. Sportfish vs MY vs trawler is really a matter of personal preference, each can do the job

jsschieff Senior Member

What would deter me from using a sport fishing boat to cruise is the lack of light belowdecks. Most sport fishing boats more than a few years old have no portlights in cabins under the foredeck. I find the cabins a bit dark and claustrophobic. Additionally, most sport fishing boats have just a small bow rail or even no bow rail on the foredeck. Not ideal if you are trying to anchor or handle midship and bow lines in an rolly open anchorage that is common in the Bahamas. I am often surprised at the high running angle of many sport fishing boats that thunder by my place on the ICW, with their bows high in the air and their sterns deep in the water producing prodigious wakes. The engines are really straining to push the boat at a good clip at such an inefficient attitude.

jsschieff said: ↑ What would deter me from using a sport fishing boat to cruise is the lack of light belowdecks. Most sport fishing boats more than a few years old have no portlights in cabins under the foredeck. I find the cabins a bit dark and claustrophobic. Additionally, most sport fishing boats have just a small bow rail or even no bow rail on the foredeck. Not ideal if you are trying to anchor or handle midship and bow lines in an rolly open anchorage that is common in the Bahamas. I am often surprised at the high running angle of many sport fishing boats that thunder by my place on the ICW, with their bows high in the air and their sterns deep in the water producing prodigious wakes. The engines are really straining to push the boat at a good clip at such an inefficient attitude. Click to expand...

Now, If your rich and famous, you may not have issue with MPG. And,, I would like to offer my services as your next experienced dish washer and wanna-be CTO..

cleanslate Senior Member

Capt Ralph said: ↑ In shallow water, the angle does increase when trying to apply HP to the water. OTOH, it is some angle that raises the forward V for the boat to cut some chop down for the boats comfort. You can imagine that same hull idling in the slop. Some models, not pretty. I have witnessed some port-light mods including deck hatches. If your not playing half court b-ball up there, install deck hatches (facing aft) up there. Safety or hand rails are a style. They can always be added or modified for your use. I'm not trying to talk you out of a sport hull; just some cruises better slower than others. Sadly, it is not the later performance big fishing boats. Still, the range and MPG varies on the hull. The ultimate MPG will be the trawler with Displacement hull. I still dream of pushing to the lower Bahamas, just going to take a lot of fuel. I have the room for provisions but at near 2 gallons a mile, not the economy. Click to expand...

boatpoor Active Member

We fish and cruise in our sport fish all over the Gulf of Mexico and have enjoyed it for over 20 years . It lacks a lot of the interior amenities of a motor yacht but we enjoy having the large cockpit when we're traveling.

Wow , you really got a lot of the long time extremely knowledgeable people to respond to your post. Everyone has great points . He are some of mine that came to mind. First off , I have the same feeling as you do towards the Sportfisherman boats. They are very attractive with the eye and the speed is sure nice . But it comes with a price and aggravation . Big engines maxed out , HP and RPM wise= big money , big fuel bill and possibly big down time . The manufacturers you mentioned are packing all they can, motor wise, into those boats you are looking at. Those engines in the vessels you are looking at , were run hard in general . Some with open check books and good service. Many with closed check books and poor service . Also many of the boats were run by a hired Captain and crew , who could care less , for the most part , on how hard they were run. Only worry was how to get to the fish …fast. In tournaments you are fishing against the clock, lines in -lines out at “X” time and day. It’s all about speed. Yeah , no dual helm, little natural light bellow, where to put the tender?, tight space, poor access in the engine room, higher insurance rates, much more fuel.. I would be cautious when looking at used Sportfish boats. Consider the boats furtherst away from the popular Ocean inlets … Buy a SF from the Chesapeake, or Great Lakes…lol. The various trawlers offer everything you want. Many have transom swim platform with transom door to get to the water or tender. Many have hoists and davits to store the tender. Many have dual helms, aft cockpit deck with overhang bridge deck ti keep you out of the sun etc. Trawlers, in general have much more room in the engine room for service and access to all the engines and mechanicals. And they usually have nice low Rpm low stressed engines , non turbo, that just chug along and run forever. Helps to keep that aggravation level down, no matter how much money you care to spend.

not much you can do about the lack of windows and portholes one most sportfishes., indeed it is unpleasant. Yes a bow rail is a must on a cruising boat and can be added. as to getting up on plane in shallow water I ve never had an issue with MY so I don’t think SF would be different. 3 to 4 feet under the keel is the minimum I want. The 116 I run now pops up nicely in 9’ of water (5 1/2 draft). If anything it s at hull speed that speed drops by as much as 1 to 2 knots in shallow water. Even my 53 drops from 9 to 7 1/2 knots with only 3’ under the keel. i think the key to any planning boat whether MY or SF is to have the biggest possible engines, as long as access is still good. This way you can run on plane when needed without stressing the engines. I try to avoid running boats over 60-65% load. Can diesels be run 75% all day? Sure. But you can bet they ll last longer at 60/65% as long as the boat is fully on plane.

It's not all that difficult to find a convertible with portlights in all below-deck cabins/heads, full bow rail... and the biggy... even a front window for the saloon. Might not be Vikings or Hatts or Cabos, but some are out there. -Chris

DOCKMASTER Senior Member

My Sportfish has a port light in each of the 3 staterooms. Master even has two of them. Great for light and getting nice ventilation thru-breeze on the one day a year I don’t have rain. I do not have a front window in the salon though. Doubtful I would buy another Sportfish with a front window. Too prone to leaks and you lose a lot of space for galley cabinets or similar. My galley has a very large commercial refer/freezer setup that is up high and fwd in the galley and would not be possible with a window.

bayoubud Senior Member

We traveled on sport fishers we owned to S Fl, Keys, and Bahamas. Of course we fished and liked the speed, fuel was much less back then too. I think an enclosed bridge SF would make a great cruiser too. Surprising how economical a sport fisher with big engines can be at 8 knots. Had a Hatt 50C with 3412's that burned a little less than 8gph at 8 kts! Fuel burn went up fast beyond that speed!

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News Obituaries | Capt. Charlie Griffin, ‘Wicked Tuna’ star, dies…

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News Obituaries

News obituaries | capt. charlie griffin, ‘wicked tuna’ star, dies in boating accident on the outer banks.

Capt. Charlie “Griff” Griffin of “Wicked Tuna” fame died on the Outer Banks after his boat went missing Sunday night near Oregon Inlet. A person with him remained missing Monday evening.

Around 11:35 p.m. Sunday, the Coast Guard received a report of two overdue boaters transiting in a recreational vessel from Virginia Beach to Wanchese, where the boat was going for repairs, a Coast Guard spokesperson said by phone.

The last communication with those on the boat had been about 6:15 p.m. Sunday.

The Coast Guard and local first responders were searching the oceanfront between Nags Head and Rodanthe by water and ATV on the beach when the boat was found south of Oregon Inlet about 70 yards off shore in the break, the spokesperson said.

In that same area, searchers found an “unresponsive person” and deceased dog. A medical examiner declared the person dead, she said.

The other person aboard had not been found as of Monday evening, but the search was planned to continue overnight.

Word went out through the commercial fishing community earlier in the day that Griffin’s boat had gone missing in the rough waters of Oregon Inlet, which joins the Pamlico Sound to the Atlantic Ocean south of Nags Head. Unruly currents and wild weather conditions have made the inlet one of the most notoriously unpredictable waterways on the East Coast.

Local newsman Sam Walker wrote on his website that several private vessels had joined a search for Griffin around Oregon Inlet and adjacent Pea Island.

Late Monday afternoon, a message was posted on Griffin’s Facebook page “Reels of Fortune.”

“It is with the deepest sadness we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have passed away in a boating accident today, March 4th,” the post reads. “Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We will forever remember Griff!”

Griffin and the crew of his boat starred in episodes 2-5 of “Wicked Tuna Outer Banks,” winning the fourth season. The National Geographic series follows a group of “salty fisherman” who make their living reeling in lucrative bluefin tuna, according to the show’s website. On the show, crews battle other tuna boats for the most profit, with a winner crowned at the end.

By late Monday afternoon, Outer Banks social media pages were flooded with tributes and memories of Griffin.

“He was an Outer Banks Original,” Jody O’Donnell, a local radio host, wrote on Facebook.  “We had him on the show a couple times when Griff was on ‘Wicked Tuna Outer Banks.’ Most of what I knew of him was from his old friend and fishing compadre Captain Marty Brill. I’m thinking of Marty and all of Griff’s family and friends during this trying time.”

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Capt. Charlie Griffin, “Wicked Tuna” star, dies in boating accident

The captain and his Reels of Fortune crew appeared on seasons 2 through 5 of the Nat Geo fishing series.

Capt. Charlie Griffin, a fisherman featured on National Geographic 's reality series Wicked Tuna , died in a boating accident on the Outer Banks on March 4.

The official Facebook page for Griffin, who captained the vessel Reels of Fortune, confirmed the news. "It is with the deepest sadness we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have passed away in a boating accident. Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We will forever remember Griff!"

Griffin's boat went missing on Sunday evening near the Oregon Inlet, where the vessel is believed to have capsized, the US Coast Guard told Outer Banks Voice . The captain was traveling from Virginia to Wanchese, N.C., with a second occupant aboard the vessel. The search for the second occupant is still underway.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the investigation with assistance from US Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, NC Marine Fisheries, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, and the US Coast Guard.

The US Coast Guard and National Geographic didn't immediately respond to EW's request for comment.

Griffin and his Reels of Fortune crew appeared on seasons 2 through 5 of Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks (previously titled Wicked Tuna: North vs. South ). The series follows fishermen who fish for lucrative bluefin tuna off the coast of North Carolina.

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