Dynamic Boats
Manufacturers introduced new center-console models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
Center console builders might be excused for not revealing many fresh models at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show lately, as they have been trying to meet the overwhelming demand.
In 2022, manufacturers took the opportunity to unveil new models that had been in development. Formula Boats launched its highly anticipated center-console (see review), and well-established brands such as Boston Whaler, Pursuit, Blackfin, Regulator, and World Cat showcased new offerings.
New manufacturers entered the center-console sector at the Fort Lauderdale event, including Sportsman Boats’ luxury brand and Miami’s Dynamic Boats. The transom was lined with numerous gleaming outboards from Mercury Marine, Suzuki Marine, and Yamaha Marine.
This 63rd edition of the show, owned by the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and organized by Informa Markets, attracted over 100,000 attendees. The event was hosted at seven venues, primarily at the Broward County Convention Center and the Bahia Mar Marina in-water show.
Here’s a summary of new models for 2023:
Dynamic Boats
While some center-console models have wait times of up to three years, Dynamic Boats, based in Miami, can provide delivery within a week. Owner John Bellemare opted to produce five D-305V boats before launching at the Newport International Boat Show in September.
“I entered this industry being aware of the supply chain difficulties,” Bellemare stated. “However, I wasn’t going to start a business and take orders for boats that I couldn’t deliver, which led me to build five boats on spec.”
Dynamic showcased its D-305V (named after Miami’s area code) featuring an oversized rubrail and a second model with a traditional stainless-steel rubrail to highlight its capabilities.
The D-305V (30′ 5″ LOA, 9′ beam) boasts a plumb bow alongside a classic cockpit configuration. Owners can navigate around the entire vessel, enjoying the deep 33-inch gunwales.
Dynamic incorporated facing lounges at the bow and opposing seating with a table located just ahead of the console. Extra seating options include a full transom bench and twin captain’s chairs beneath the hardtop. A Dometic refrigerated cooler conveniently slides out from under the leaning post.
Dynamic offers the center console with a choice of either a single or twin outboard configuration using Suzuki, Mercury, or Yamaha engines.
Phenom Yachts
Since its establishment a decade ago, Sportsman Boats Manufacturing has grown into a major center console builder while acknowledging its limitations regarding customization.
To address this gap, Sportsman created Phenom Yachts, a new boat company that can provide the customization buyers desire. Phenom introduced the Phenom 34 and Phenom 37 models.
“We aim to create a factory-direct experience that enables true boat customization,” explained Victor Gonzalez, Phenom Yacht’s marketing director.
Gonzalez mentioned that the two center-console models focus on family, luxury, performance, and fishing. The boat is tough enough for offshore fishing yet provides family-friendly features like ample seating.
Phenom offers the center consoles with either twin Mercury Verado V12 600-hp outboards or triple Mercury Verado 400-hp outboards. With the stepped hull and triple outboards, the top speed reaches 75 mph, according to Gonzalez.
Customization options include upgraded electronics from Garmin and FLIR, fishing packages including GEMLUX Bluewater outriggers with carbon-fiber poles, seating packages, and faux teak finishes for the toe rail, helm pod, and transom.
Once production is fully operational, Gonzalez said they anticipate assembling around 200 boats annually. Prices start at just below $900,000 for the Phenom 37.
Fountain Powerboats
Fountain Powerboats introduced an extreme version of its sport console known as the 38 SCX, targeting the poker run and sandbar enthusiasts.
This new model features a redesigned deck while maintaining the brand’s renowned stepped-bottom running surface established over time.
“Our goal was to enhance amenities in the console for what we refer to as the poker run/sandbar crowd, emphasizing a great stereo and an appealing exterior,” said Jeff Harris, Fountain Powerboats’ COO.
Harris revealed that the 38 SCX (38’ 4” LOA, 10’ 6” beam) comes equipped below deck with a full-size bed, a fold-up couch, and a head compartment with a shower and ceramic toilet.
Fountain has redesigned the arch-style hardtop to provide shade over the gunwales and upgraded the glass windshield. Seating comprises two rows of individual stand-up bolsters with drop-down bottoms and bow seating. A full rear bench seat on the 38 SCX marks a first for Fountain. An accessible starboard dive door or steps over the transom allow easy access to the cockpit.
Fountain provides the 38 SCX with power options ranging from triple 300-hp outboards to quad Mercury Racing 450R outboards. With 900-hp on the back, the 38-footer reaches speeds around 70 mph.
Wellcraft Boats
After being showcased at several boat shows in Europe during the summer, the new Wellcraft 355 made its North American debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October.
Designed by Michael Peters, the Wellcraft 355 includes a plumb bow, reflecting a European trend increasingly seen on V-bottom boats. The running surface of the model is derived from Wellcraft’s 353 center console.
“The plumb bow maximizes both space and the running surface,” explained Nick Harvey, brand director. “This results in a boat that planes and accelerates more quickly, delivering a significantly more stable ride.
“We appreciate how it imparts a contemporary design and look, especially since we recognize that consumers are seeking something new in today’s market.”
The Wellcraft 355 (35’10” LOA, 10’10” beam) features a fully enclosed pilot house offering sweeping 360-degree views. The wheelhouse accommodates five people and includes a full galley as well as an L-shaped bench seat for dining and relaxation. To maintain a connection with the outdoors, owners can open the top-hinged window and entrance door, while transparent panels in the hardtop allow ample natural light.
The helm electronics comprise single or twin Garmin GPSMAP 8416 XSV screens, with the option of an enhanced audio package utilizing premium products from JL Audio and Fusion Apollo. Additional options include a diesel generator, air conditioning, and a Seakeeper gyro.
The design team of Pawel Denert and Camillo Garroni created the 355 model, with their design expertise prominently featured in the forward cabin. Below deck, the spacious cabin accommodates four people and includes a full-size bed and an ensuite bathroom equipped with a separate shower.
Axopar Boats
Axopar co-founder Jan-Erik Vitala played a crucial role in developing a market for adventure boats that can be utilized for everything from deep-sea diving to mountain climbing on distant islands.
The Finnish manufacturer’s latest flagship model, the Axopar 45, made its appearance at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show in late October. The Axopar 45 (45’ 7” LOA, 13’ 6”) offers five deck layout alternatives, including Spyder (Open), T-Top, Sun-Top, Cross-Top, and Cross Cabin.
This model showcases the company’s signature plumb bow, which not only enhances bow space but also improves handling, as stated by Vitala.
“By extending the bow, we also lengthen the keel. This design allows for decreased wind resistance when navigating slowly in harbors, owing to the low (profile) of the boat,” Vitala explained.
Standard power is supplied by triple 300-hp Mercury V8 Verado outboards that achieve a cruising speed of 34.5 mph with a top speed exceeding 50 mph.
“Drivability is our top priority,” mentioned Vitala. “The boat does not feel like a 45-footer; it’s extremely agile, sporty, and enjoyable to drive.”
To enable the various deck layouts, Axopar employs modular construction. “We aim to adopt more automotive industry techniques in our (boat) models,” he stated.
Production of the Axopar 45 has commenced, with U.S. deliveries expected to begin in January 2023.
Everglades Boats
To validate the seaworthiness of the new Everglades Boats 285cc model, the builder transported the initial hull from their factory in Edgewater, Fla., to a company gathering in the Bahamas prior to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
The voyage serves as evidence of the company’s Rapid Molded Core Assembly Process (RAMCAP), ensuring the model is nearly unsinkable. This 285cc (28’4” LOA, 8’6” beam) is appealing to both families and avid anglers.
An integrated fiberglass hardtop and windshield safeguard the helm. Electronic features consist of a Garmin digital switching system with touchscreen controls. An optional Seakeeper 1 can be included for extra stability.
For fishing enthusiasts, Everglades provides a 35-gallon fish box on the transom, a livewell with a transparent acrylic lid, and an in-deck fish box capable of holding 60 gallons. Initially introduced on the 235cc, the 285cc also features an exclusive rotating helm/mezzanine seat. A spacious bow equipped with upholstered lounges can transform into a casting deck or a large sun pad.
Fitted with twin 300-hp Yamaha F300 outboards, the 285cc center console boasts a top speed of 55.4 mph, with a cruising speed of 30 mph offering a range of 336 miles from a 200-gallon fuel tank.
Blackfin
In creating a boat designed for fishability and recreational use, certain compromises are inevitable. However, the Blackfin 302DC does not fall into this category. Designed by Michael Peters, the boat features a two-step hull while Blackfin has incorporated numerous elements into the vessel.
A fiberglass hardtop offers protection for navigation and fish-finding equipment. Fishing features include in-floor fish boxes with pump-outs, an insulated baitwell, and rod holders on the gunwales and transom.
For recreational purposes, the 302DC (32’ 8” LOA, 10’ beam) is purposefully designed. It includes a wet bar equipped with a faucet, a 45-quart YETI Tundra cooler, and a refrigerator drawer.
Seating options comprise helm seats with flip-up bolsters and armrests, bow seating, a foldaway bench seat at the transom, and a starboard side flip seat.
The audio system includes two JL Audio speakers complemented by two subwoofers.
The all-new 302DC can be outfitted with twin Mercury Verado outboards ranging from 300 to 400 horsepower, with a maximum transom capacity of 800 horsepower.
Boston Whaler
The newly released 280 Dauntless is the flagship of Boston Whaler’s Dauntless series, featuring models that measure 22 and 25 feet. The 280 Dauntless (27’9” LOA, 9’ beam) is a center console bay boat offering fishing-friendly elements such as a large casting platform, a 19-gallon livewell, and a spacious fish box with a pump-out mechanism, along with ample storage for fishing gear.
Seating is plentiful, with port and starboard seating that has pull-up backrests near the bow, a generous lounge seat located in front of the console, and a flip-up bench seat at the stern.
The helm bench seat, protected by a durable fiberglass hardtop, has a flip-up cushion. The dashboard can accommodate a single 16” screen from Simrad or two smaller 12” screens. Boston Whaler offers optional radar, VHF radio, and 1st Mate Safety & Security Systems.
Buyers can select either a single 350-hp Mercury Verado or twin 300-hp Verados for the 280 Dauntless.
Robalo Boats
Introducing the R250 (25’3” LOA, 8’6” beam), the newest center console in Robalo’s lineup, aimed at both families and anglers. Features include a side-entry door and a starboard walk-through leading to the dive platform, providing effortless access to and from the water.
Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the spacious aft cockpit, a custom leaning post equipped with a tackle center, and a 30-gallon livewell with a clear lid. Family-friendly attributes feature a large hardtop with an integrated three-piece glass windshield. Robalo offers 9” and 12” screens from Simrad in both single and twin configurations.
An ample head compartment is located beneath the console, alongside bow seating designed with forward-facing backrests. Rod storage options are extensive, and the R250 is equipped with two 35-gallon fish boxes.
Base power consists of twin Yamaha 150-hp outboards, with an option to upgrade to 200-hp Yamaha engines.
World Cat
The World Cat 260CC-X made a striking impression at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, approximately five months following its public unveiling. This power catamaran represents the sixth model in the center console lineup and the fifth model in the ‘X’ series introduced by World Cat.
The 260CC-X (25’ 6” LOA, 9’ beam) features standard wrap-around U-lounge bow seating with a self-storing bow filler and a casting deck; vertical rod storage integrated into the side console; a powder-coated aluminum frame with windshield system that includes a manual forward vent; and a fiberglass T-top outfitted with two LED spreader lights.
The new 260CC-X also showcases an approximate draft of 14”, granting customers the capability to fish inshore while maintaining performance and safety levels offshore.
Engine options include Yamaha F150s, F200s, or Mercury 200XLs along with their corresponding controls and Garmin electronics.
Pursuit Boats
The OS 445 stands as the largest vessel ever constructed by Pursuit Boats, merging the realms of fishing and cruising in its innovative design. Anglers will value the three fish boxes, rod holders, tackle storage within the bilge, and the 600-gallon fuel tank facilitating a range of 350 miles when paired with triple Yamaha 425-hp outboards. With these engines, the Pursuit achieves speeds close to 50 mph.
Cruisers will enjoy seamless movement from the cockpit to the foredeck, which is designed to include cabana space. The bridge deck is organized with a galley-up design placing the chef at the center. Galley features consist of a glass cooktop, refrigerator/freezer, and a microwave oven. The OS 445 (46’6” LOA, 13’10” beam) provides dual staterooms below deck, with the main cabin featuring a queen-sized berth and direct access to a head compartment that includes a separate shower compartment.
Contender Boats
Utilizing the running surface of the well-regarded Contender Boats’ 25BAY, the 26BAY (26’ LOA, 8’ 6” beam) incorporates an integrated transom bustle designed for anglers to access deeper bay and backcountry waters.
Design enhancements on the 26BAY include increased storage, improved bilge access, wider jump seats, better access to rod storage, and an optimized layout.
Contender has created an integrated helm pod, accommodating dual 16-inch displays or a single 22-inch screen. Anglers will appreciate the 70-gallon insulated in-floor fish box, a 70-quart cooler situated beneath the console front seat, and a 40-gallon livewell.
Customers may opt for either soft or hard T-tops. Contender also provides custom seating, leaning posts, and a casting platform.