Since its inception a decade ago, Sportsman Boats Manufacturing has rapidly established itself as a significant player in the production of center console boats. Located in South Carolina, the company understands the importance of customization, even if it recognizes its own limits in that regard.
To address the growing demand for tailored options, Sportsman Boats launched Phenom Yachts, a new venture designed to provide buyers with the personalized experience they’ve been searching for. The spotlight was on Phenom Yachts as they unveiled the Phenom 34 and Phenom 37 at the prestigious 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show this past October.
“Our goal was to create a factory-direct experience that truly focuses on the customer, allowing for extensive customization of their boats,” explained Victor Gonzalez, the director of marketing for Phenom Yachts.
Gonzalez highlighted that the design of the two new center-console models is rooted in four key themes: family, luxury, performance, and fishing. These boats are not only rugged enough to tackle offshore fishing adventures but also come equipped with luxurious features and ample seating to accommodate the entire family.
Buyers can opt for powerful engines, choosing between twin Mercury Verado V12 600-hp outboards or triple Mercury Verado 400-hp outboards. According to Gonzalez, the stepped hull paired with the triple outboard setup boasts an impressive top speed of 75 mph.
Customization options are plentiful, featuring upgraded electronics from renowned brands like Garmin and FLIR, as well as various fishing packages that include GEMLUX Bluewater outriggers with carbon-fiber poles. Buyers can also choose from a range of seating configurations and faux teak finishes for the toe rail, helm pod, and transom.
Among the standout features offered by Phenom Yachts are their pressurized live wells, engineered to protect your catch while on the move. This innovative system significantly reduces pump operation and minimizes the water splash from the well.
“We’ve developed a clever system that addresses all of these concerns,” Gonzalez shared.
In an exciting development, Sportsman Boats is investing a remarkable $12 million in a new manufacturing facility located next to its existing plant in Summerville, South Carolina. This expansion is expected to create 150 new jobs when the production facility opens its doors in 2023. Once operations are fully up and running, Gonzalez anticipates they will be producing around 200 boats each year.
With pricing for the Phenom 37 starting at just under $900,000, it’s clear that the company is setting its sights on the high-end market.
“Our leadership team brings over 150 years of experience in the marine industry,” Gonzalez stated. “We are harnessing our buying power, customer service, human resources, marketing, and sales expertise to establish this new brand.
“We are not starting from scratch. We are building off our successful foundation with Sportsman, which is already recognized as one of the best-selling center consoles available, and we’re excited to take it to a whole new level.”