yellowfin 42

Some say a depressed economy is the precise time to double efforts toward improving products and market share. Wylie Nagler, president of Yellowfin Yachts, decided that was especially true in the boating business, and that’s exactly what he did beginning in 2008. Each year, Yellowfin introduced a new model, continued to hunt top-quality components and materials, refined designs, and polished the rich luster of its brand. The 42 is Yellowfin’s latest milestone in that march toward dominance among luxury sport-fishing boats. And, from the absolute mirrorlike gelcoat to the precision fit of hatches, doors and hardware, the company has staked out a nearly unassailable niche. PERFORMANCE The guys who are willing to unabashedly drop the kind of money necessary to have a boat like this expect it to be more than just pretty and practical. If the 42’s gleaming gelcoat over sweeping Carolina-style lines didn’t have some “go” to match the glow, it wouldn’t be worth the premium price paid even for the polished Gemlux rod holders. My test boat, with triple Yamaha F350s and a stepped hull, reached 63.6 mph on a slack tide just inside the south inlet of Sarasota Bay in southwest Florida. It accelerated quickly too, but most impressively, for a boat like this with a high, spray-deflecting bow, it climbed on plane without loss of horizon. Thank the stepped hull for that — and the 1,050 total ponies on the transom. In turns, you’d expect a stepped hull to be slippery, but with this one, I kicked in some heavy rudder with a little down trim on the motors, and it came around without tripping. The April weather was snotty: A cold mist was punctuated by crisp winds. Offshore, seas reached 4 feet. Two of us adult men stood at the helm and two guys rode behind the leaning post during our high-speed runs. As expected, I had an easy ride. Behind the helm, the ride was still soft, but the pivot moment was more accentuated. Those passengers kept one hand on the hardtop above, with feet firmly planted. The 42’s healthy price tag does not reflect its moderate appetite for fuel. The triple 350s can take this boat to the fishing grounds at 40 mph and 4,200 rpm, burning 40 gallons of gas per hour, or 1 mpg. Few 20,000-pound boats can make a mile on a gallon. FISHING The 42 ran like a cheetah, but it was equipped to hunt with the viciousness of a leopard seal. The transom bait tubes on either side of the well and the pump take their water from a sea chest for maximum flow — same for the 70-gallon livewell with its clear acrylic lid. The tubes are fed by a 1,100-gallons-per-hour pump, and the livewell was replenished by another one, turning over the water 13 times per hour. While some boatbuilders install toe rails to assist in stability when billing or gaffing, this deck was guttered from bow to stern. I curled my toes into those gutters and leaned securely far over the gunwale — a much better arrangement than screwing on rails. Tackle storage abounds on this vessel, and some of the highlights include the utility-box compartments in the leaning post. Under-gunwale rod holders are generous in length and depth, so tackle won’t bang together on the fly. To keep the cockpit clear of unused rods, the forward lounge is flanked by seven optional rod holders on each side. The hardtop has spots for seven rods. Four Gemlux rod holders are standard on the gunwales, but some owners order many more. My test boat featured four each on the transom, port and starboard gunwales. The forward gunwales sported eight more. Deck patterns were clear, and raw-water washdowns were convenient for clearing the slime after cutting bait or gaffing a catch. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Yellowfin spares no cost in outfitting its sport-fishers. In every case, I found the procured hardware was top shelf. More impressive is the amount of work Yellowfin does in-house. Hardtop tubing is designed, bent and welded in the factory, and painted a durable, glossy epoxy finish. Belowdecks, a combination dual berth and head compartment sport a synthetic teak sole. A hatch in the head gives access to the back of the -electronics suite. Yellowfin offers seating options forward that include a wraparound bow lounge. Electric rams prop up the cushions, forming forward-facing lounges. The coolest comfort feature on deck, though, is the central lounge forward of the helm station. Raise the cushions, and beneath is dry storage to stow luggage for a weeklong trip. If the 42 is a product of a stressed economy, I’d almost suggest continued recession: Boats like this one don’t come around very often. SPECIFICATIONS LOA : 42 ft. BEAM: 12 ft. DRAFT: 22 in. DEADRISE: 22 variable deg. WEIGHT: 16,500 lb. (w/ power) FUEL: 600 gal. MAX POWER: 1,400 hp (quad Mercury or Yamaha outboards) Yamaha F350 four-stroke TYPE: V-8 DISPLACEMENT: 325 cid MAX RPM: 6,000 HP/LB RATIO: 0.425 FUEL SYSTEM: EFI, Dual Overhead Cam GEAR RATIO: 1.73:1 WEIGHT: 822 lb. ALTERNATOR OUTPUT: 50 amps MSRP AS TESTED: $509,140

Insetta Boatworks 45 Diesel

The unique design of the Insetta 45 Diesel results in smooth handling and great fuel efficiency, making this boat superb for island runs and high-speed trolling. 1 of 6 Insetta 45 Diesel Fishing Boat Insetta 45 Diesel Catamaran Fishing Boat Jim Hendricks / Sport Fishing Magazine With a centrally mounted wheel, the helm of the Insetta 45 Diesel fishing boat OFFERS plenty of room for a pair of flush-mounted 15-inch displays and other instruments. 1 of 6 The Insetta 45 Diesel Sport Fishing Catamaran features twin livewells. Insetta 45 Twin-Diesel Center Console Fishing Boat Jim Hendricks / Sport Fishing Magazine Abaft the helm seating of the Insetta 45 Diesel resides a pair of 29-gallon livewells. Cabinets below offer room for stowing tackle and other gear. 1 of 6 Insetta's New 45 Diesel Insetta 45 Diesel Center Console Sport Fishing Boat Jim Hendricks / Sport Fishing Magazine Bryan Folsom maneuvers a wahoo that struck while high-speed trolling aboard the Insetta 45 Diesel. 1 of 6 Insetta 45 twin diesel catamaran fishing boat Insetta 45 Diesel Center Console Catamaran Jim Hendricks / Sport Fishing Magazine Jeffrey Spangler proves that the Insetta 45 Diesel is perfect for high-speed trolling for wahoo. 1 of 6 Insetta 45 Diesel fishing boat offers a clear transom gate New Insetta 45 Diesel Center Console Fishing Boat Jim Hendricks / Sport Fishing Magazine A thick acrylic transom door aboard the Insetta 45 Diesel easily slides out when you need access to the swim platform for landing fish, diving or boarding. 1 of 6 Insetta 45 Diesel Center Console Fishing Boat Insetta Boatworks 45 Diesel Fishing Boat Courtesy of Insetta Boatworks The unique design of the Insetta 45 Diesel results in smooth handling and great fuel efficiency, making this boat superb for island runs and high-speed trolling. As we blasted along Georgia’s St. Marys River in the pre-dawn darkness, I couldn’t really see much of Insetta’s new 45, but I could certainly feel the raw power of the twin Yanmar diesels and the precise handling of the stepped catamaran hull. This was the beginning of an early-April trip aboard the 47-footer in pursuit of wahoo — an adventure that would take us to the edge of the Gulf Stream, more than 75 miles off the south Georgia coast. “We want to get out there early, because this afternoon a front is forecast to come through with 25-knot winds out of the northeast and seas to 10 feet,” said Bryan Folsom, vice president and design engineer for Georgia-based American Marine Design (AMD), which builds Insetta boats. Also joining the trip were Insetta sales manager Jeffrey Spangler and fishing buddy Eddie Vanmeter, a master chief with 27 years in the U.S. Navy submariner corps. Vanmeter knows the waters off this coast as well as anyone. After clearing the mouth of the river around 5 a.m., Spangler and Vanmeter settled into beanbags in the aft cockpit for the long run, while Folsom and I took positions on the helm deck, which featured three-across seating with ­individual flip-up bolsters, allowing each seat to serve as a leaning post. Efficient CRUISING Seas off the coast ran 3 to 4 feet out of the ­southeast. We found A comfortable and safe nighttime cruising speed of 26 mph with the 370 HP sterndrive diesels turning 2,700 rpm with Mercury Bravo Three 26-inch stainless-steel prop sets. A combined burn rate of 17 gallons per hour resulted in 1.53 mpg — impressive efficiency for a fully fueled and loaded 47-foot boat weighing in at approximately 19,000 pounds. We relied on the twin flush-mounted Garmin 8215 multifunction displays to monitor our course on the chart plotter and to track vessel traffic via the Garmin xHD 4 kw open-array radar. The SeaStar Solutions Optimus electronic POWER steering and Garmin autopilot eased the task of manning the wheel. With a full polycarbonate enclosure, extending from the deck to the welded aluminum hardtop, squelching wind noise and the relatively quiet diesels generating just 88 decibels at the helm, it was EASY TO converse with Folsom about Insetta Boatworks. Insetta’s parent company was founded by Victor Insetta, a successful electrical engineer and inventor with a passion for offshore racing and fishing, Folsom explained. After selling a ­multimillion-dollar electronic-­component company in 2007, Insetta decided to build a boat that combined the qualities of stepped, tunnel-hull racing designs with the features of serious fishing machines. “The result was the Insetta 45,” said Folsom, who has been with the company since 2010. “We took a go-fast hull design and added features to make it more offshore capable. We widened the sponsons and added freeboard, but kept the sea-taming ride of a racing‑style catamaran hull.” A pair of steps along each sponson usher a cushion of air to the running surface to boost efficiency. I found that the 45 answers the helm smartly, but corners relatively flat with just a hint of inward lean. I found no tendency for the hull to catch an edge or lean ­outward during lateral acceleration. Structural Integrity The Insetta 45 also reflects the ­super-strong construction of A racing hull, Folsom points out. “Each and every molded part is created using the vacuum-infused process,” he said. “We also use high-quality vinylester resin and closed-cell PVC foam core for strength without excessive weghit.” Full-beam bulkheads span from chine to chine and keel to gunwale in each sponson, and then the one-piece deck is fully bonded to the bulkheads with a shoebox FIT, turning the hull and deck into a super-strong singular ­structure, explains Folsom. AMD custom-builds each Insetta 45 to a buyer’s specifications with a variety of power choices, including twin and quadruple outboards. For 2015, you can order twin diesel sterndrives, a power choice that increases fuel economy and makes the Insetta 45 ideal for the specialized technique of high-speed trolling for wahoo, as I was soon to learn. About 8 a.m., we found the ­deep-blue 72-degree water that indicated we had finally reached the inner edge of the Gulf Stream. Here the seas grew large and steep, peaking at 6 feet. Folsom pulled back the throttles to 1,500 rpm and about 10 mph AND PUT the 45 on a down-sea course to allow the crew to set up for trolling. I noted that the Insetta 45 Diesel handled perfectly while running downhill, with no ­tendency to bow steer. Spacious and Stable In the light of day, I could also check features such as the twin 29-gallon livewells within the rigging station abaft the helm seats. Two wells let you separate delicate baits such as pilchards from hardier species like goggle-eyes. The setup also allows a remarkable amount of space for stowing tackle and other gear in cabinets and drawers below. Measuring 9 feet 4 inches wide and 7 feet 6 inches long, the cockpit and 2-foot-4-inch-high gunwales OFFERa spacious and stable area to rig lines, while padded coaming bolsters protect your knees and thighs from bruises. As the 80-wide reels on four bent‑butt rods paid out line for high-speed trolling, Folsom advanced the throttles to 2,250 rpm and 17 mph, where the 45 burned 13 gph for 1.3 mpg. The 45 actually planed at this speed and rode flat, a characteristic you won’t find in most outboard-powered boats at this speed, which tend to run bow-high off plane and burn excessive amounts of fuel while high-speed trolling. Handling proved superb no matter what course we took. I was particularly curious to see if the cat sneezed spray forward from the tunnel (which blows back into the boat) while heading up-sea, but am pleased to report the 45 does not display A hint of this quirk. ’Hoos on First Within 15 minutes, a wahoo attacked the port line. Vanmeter was now at the wheel and slowed the 45 to about 10 mph as Folsom fought the fish. Rather than gaff the ’hoo, Spangler grabbed the leader and pulled the fish across the full-width swim platform, through the central transom door and onto the deck. Spangler iced the wahoo in one of four cavernous fish boxes that flank the forward deck, and Folsom slid the clear acrylic transom door back in place. As we used the raw-water washdown coil hose to clean up the diamond nonskid deck, I noted the unique drainage system on the Insetta. Gutters on both sides of the level deck direct water to the aft scuppers, with poly grates over the channels to keep you from turning an ankle while traversing the walkways, which measure 20 inches wide aside the console. Action slowed after the initial flurry, giving me a chance to explore more of the boat. Forward of the console, I found an expansive LOUNGER with an angled backrest. A roomy locker for stowing gear resides below. Inside the console cabin (accessible via a companionway on the starboard side) I discovered a 6½-foot berth; at 4 feet 9 inches wide, it can sleep two. With 5 feet 4 inches of headroom and a hatch above for fresh air, the cabin also includes a permanent marine head and vanity with a sink and freshwater faucet. An air-conditioning system for the console interior derives power from an Onan 5 kw diesel generator. We trolled about 5 miles into the Gulf Stream to a ledge that drops from 170 to 200 feet, but could not seem to fool another wahoo the rest of the morning. Around noon, the dreaded front moved in, with seas building to 7 feet in the Stream, prompting Folsom to order lines out for the run home. Once we cleared the confused seas of the Gulf Stream, we picked up the speed to 3,500 rpm and 38 mph, where the twin diesels burned 25 gph for 1.5 mpg. That speed also cut our running time home to just two and a half hours. Back inside the St. Marys River, we gathered performance data while running the boat up- and down-current and averaging the numbers. The 45 vaulted to plane in 7.5 seconds and reached 30 mph in 12 seconds en route to a top speed of 44.2 mph at 3,950 rpm, where the twin diesels burned 36 gph for 1.23 mpg. The best fuel economy came at 3,000 rpm and 32.5 mph with a burn rate of 20.5 gph for 1.58 mpg, representing outstanding efficiency and a maximum cruising range of more than 1,000 miles based on the 660-gallon fuel tank. While fishing was slow, the uniquely designed Insetta 45 Diesel allowed us to run to the distant edge of the Gulf Stream on a rough day when few other boats dared to venture so far. Plus, it did so with outstanding comfort, stability and efficiency. Among all the center-console cats on the market today, this one is a breed apart. Performance POWER Twin Yanmar ZT370 diesel sterndrives LOAD 100 gal. fuel, 60 gal. water, four crew TOP SPEED 44.2 mph @ 3,950 rpm TIME TO 30 MPH 12 sec. BEST MPG 1.58 @ 32.5 mph (3,000 rpm) HULL LOA 47 ft. BEAM 11 ft. 8 in. DEADRISE NA WEIGHT Approx. 19,000 lb. (ready to fish) DRAFT 2 ft. 5 in. (motor up) FUEL 660 gal. MAX POWER 1,400 HP PRICEAS TESTED $599,000

Lehr 25 hp propane powered outboard

Lehr, builder of propane-powered outboards, has added a 25 hp engine to its lineup of smaller 9.9 and 15 hp models. The two-cylinder, 498cc SOHC four-stroke offers easy electric or pull starting — with no choking or priming — and zero evaporative emissions or marine pollutants. The Liquid Draw fueling system incorporates a heated evaporation process that changes the fuel from liquid to gas. An optional internal lithium-ion battery is available for electric-start versions, which can hold an unloaded charge for an entire year without compromising service life. Available in 15- or 20-inch shaft lengths and with optional composite tanks, the new 25 starts at $4,295.

Mercury Racing Unveils Optimax Diesel Outboard

Courtesy of Mercury Mercury Racing® is well known for its line of high performance consumer and race outboards. For the United States government, the FOND du Lac, Wisconsin-based company released a second “stealth” outboard today that will be rarely seen: the OptiMax Diesel. Developed for the U.S. Department of Defense, this exclusive spark ignited, direct fuel injected two-stroke runs on ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, which is readily available around the globe. "A Navy ship crash in 1995, which resulted in an explosive gasoline fire, spawned a DoD directive for all gasoline-powered engines and gasoline fuel tanks be removed from Naval ships by 2010," said Tony Nahitchevansky, Mercury Marine government acounts manager. The mandate called for engines to be developed to operate on fuels that are: 1) Able to improve ship safety by minimizing fire hazards, 2) More economical and more efficient, and 3) Readily available as single battle space fuel. The 3.0 Liter V-6 Diesel, which produces 175 propshaft horsepower, shares 95 percent of its components with the gasoline engine from which it derives. And, with only a handful of unique parts, there are minimal additional training requirements necessary for maintenance. Industry Exclusive Direct Fuel Injected - Spark Ignited Diesel A two-stage, direct-injection system uses a small charge of compressed air to finely atomize the diesel fuel as it injects into the combustion chamber. Atomizing the fuel into a fine mist allows for ignition via spark to occur, while delivering enhanced high rpm running quality. A glow plug works in concert with the spark plug for improved cold weather starting and idle quality. An on-board Propulsion Control Module (PCM) microprocessor optimizes fuel and spark timing for improved running quality and performance throughout the engine’s operating range. SmartCraft® Engine Guardian provides real-time, self-protection engine fault diagnostics and messaging. Race derived Powerhead The advanced 3.0-liter powerhead, customized with a unique cylinder head designed specifically for combustion of diesel fuel, is matched with high-performance cylinder liners for maximum horsepower and optimal engine running quality. Race Inspired Graphics The OptiMax Diesel features stealthy, tone-on-tone graphics that feature the new Mercury Racing word mark – similar to those featured on the new Racing Verado 400R consumer performance outboard models. Mercury Racing OptiMax Diesel outboards are available with a 25-inch (635 mm) center section and the 2:1 Fleet Master gearcase in both right-hand and left-hand rotation.

Mercury verado 350

Mercury Verado 350 Mercury’s new supercharged, in-line six-cylinder Verado 350, which debuted in February, is now the most powerful outboard in its model family. Mercury says the 350, which operates on 89-octane gas (though 91 octane is recommended for full performance), provides up to 10 percent greater fuel economy than competitors. At 668 pounds, this Verado weighs 95 pounds less than the nearest four-stroke competitor, the company says. The 350 features a cold-air-intake system designed to collect air from outside the cowl and deliver it to the supercharger. Other attributes include the top cowl’s labyrinth design that keeps the powerhead dry, and a styled vented flywheel cover that facilitates engine-heat dissipation. The Verado 350, which comes in Phantom Black, Cold Fusion White or Warm Fusion White, costs $27,505 to $29,725.

Sea Chaser 22 HFC

Courtesy of Sea Chaser A new model line for Sea Chaser, the HFC — Hybrid Fish and cruise — comes in three sizes: 20, 22 and 24 feet. All feature a quick-lift performance hull and composite construction. For cruising, the HFC line offers a telescopic boarding ladder, an upholstered aft bench seat with an insulated cooler compartment within, and matching U-shaped bow seats with removable cushions and bolster pads. Add the optional freshwater tank and shower and the flip-up console with a step-down changing station and head for comfort and versatility. Among the 22 HFC’s standard features, anglers will find a 25-gallon aft recirculating livewell with a high-speed pickup, six gunwale rod holders, a 32-gallon in-floor fish box, and cast-net bucket storage. Sea Chaser also adds blue LED underwater lights for every model in this line. Anglers can opt for a T-top, trim tabs, and either a deluxe leaning post with a backrest and tackle center or a fiberglass leaning post with a sink and additional seven-gallon livewell. Designed for a single outboard, the 22 HFC can handle 250 horsepower. SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 21 ft. 9 in. BEAM: 8 ft. 5 in. WEIGHT: 2,700 lb. (dry) DRAFT: 12 in. TRANSOM DEADRISE: 16 deg. MSRP: $33,923 (base boat)

Barker Boatworks Calibogue Bay

LOA: 25'6" |Beam: 9'3" |Fuel Capacity: 90 gal. |Dry Weight: 3,900 lb. plus POWER |Max Horsepower: 350 1 of 3 screen shot 2014-12-22 at 1.55.33 pm.png 1 of 3 screen shot 2015-01-06 at 4.03.04 pm.png 1 of 3 winecheese.10.jpg LOA: 25'6" |Beam: 9'3" |Fuel Capacity: 90 gal. |Dry Weight: 3,900 lb. plus power |Max Horsepower: 350 Few business executives enter the high-risk arena of manufacturing sport-fishing boats saying, “This is the next great way I can make a billion bucks.” Instead, boatbuilders tend to grow up boating and fishing. They are drawn into the game, cognizant of the risks, but focused on the art of boatbuilding as only lifetime watermen can be. Kevin Barker is such a guy, and his goal in founding Barker Boatworks this past summer is to deliver premium fishers. The first Barker is the Calibogue Bay, a coastal bay boat named for the area he fished and boated as a child. Barker approaches his task with all the art and passion a lifetime waterman could. And he further approaches his building process with the practice and technique of a nascar pitman. With nearly a decade in boatbuilding, Barker drew on nautical designer Michael Peters, whose portfolio includes storied brands like Edgewater, Invincible and Viking. Peters was engaged to develop the Calibogue Bay with a patented stepped-V ventilated tunnel hull. Molds are by the renowned expertise of Marine Concepts. Barker is powering with Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha, aligning the engineering in his vessels with propulsion technology he admires most. Calibogue Bay Barker’s inaugural vessel will beautifully serve Boca Grand Pass tarpon anglers and inshore fishermen who value a rig that holds its own in swift tidal currents. It safely crosses all but the skinniest flats and provides a steady platform for fighting big fish. But the Calibogue Bay has more going on than that. According to Barker, its unique tunnel design has sea-keeping abilities that will make this 25-foot, 6-inch boat ready for a move offshore. Its design boasts large livewells and an open cockpit for securely fighting big fish. The foredeck makes space for experienced fly-casters. Its optional upper station gives the view, control and -convenient entry and egress that tarpon skippers demand. The Calibogue Bay won’t just be for the hard core, either. The console compartment is designed with A fiberglass headliner, so it’s all nice and finished. Convert it to a head by saying the word. Angler seating is practical and comfortable. Above all, Barker aims for his factory-direct boats to be investment grade, artistically designed and practical, deadly fishing machines.

Black Water Boats 36 SF

LOA: 36'2" |Beam: 10' |Dry Weight: 12,500 lb. w/ power |Hull Deadrise: 24" |Max Horsepower: 1,050 1 of 3 dsc_0724.jpg D-rail tubing and a swept-back look of the hardtop complement the stiletto lines of the 36 SF. 1 of 3 dsc_0654.jpg 1 of 3 dsc_0734.jpg LOA: 36'2" |Beam: 10' |Dry weight: 12,500 lb. w/ power |Hull Deadrise: 24" |Max Horsepower: 1,050 While some folks chase the latest rage, others look for the best in proven performers. Still others, like Eugene Uriarte, Black Water Boats creator and designer, couldn’t find either the rage or the proven performers that appealed to his desires and needs in an offshore sport-fishing boat. A steel fabricator by trade, Uriarte spent years designing and building custom homes. It may have been there that he developed his keen eye for custom boats uniquely designed and engineered to pamper the -competitive fishing whims of their owners. Uriarte’s thumbprint is on each custom-built Black Water, right beside those of the new owners who partner with Uriarte on every step of the build to ensure the luxury, fishability and performance they want is infused in their hand-built fishing masterpiece. Foldaway seating pampers crews on the trek to the grounds. Performance bucket seats give solid support and ultimate control to the skipper. Choose the electronics and stereo system of your dreams. A Black Water’s frills are numerous, but they take away nothing from this brand’s solid, proven construction and tournament-ready fishability. 36 SF The Black Water 36 SF is beautiful enough to turn heads at the sandbar, but serious fishermen who are committed to their sport gratefully admire the 36’s ability to catch fish — and get to them. Its 10-foot beam and 36-foot length allow the hull to cut down irreverent seas like a sharpened knife. To enhance its on-plane performance, control and stability, a significant triangular pad is tucked in at the transom. It also provides the perfect place to add CHIRP sonar transducers for optimum performance. You can add up to three livewells and pressurize them with sea chests and powerful pumps. Black Water uses a modified three-piece mold system. Uriarte’s fabricating skills are evident here in sound structural mold support that ensures rigidity and excellent parity in every boat build. The bottom is formed of solid glass, while the sides and deck are constructed with Core-Cell. All are vacuumed bagged and infused with vinylester resin. The backbone of the 36 SF is a unique pyramid-style, foam-filled stringer system that is bonded to the hull, and designed to distribute load-pressures throughout. The company believes in its hull enough to warranty it for 10 years.

Bahama 34

Stability, control and comfort — in rough or flat seas, and in head, cross or following seas — are hallmarks of a Bahama Boat Works boat. While it celebrates the speeds that modern boats can reach, the company keeps an eye out for ways in which such drag-reducing features as hull steps can, in some sea conditions, reduce directional stability and efficiency. Hulls are designed as much for slow speeds — such as when shooting an inlet in a large following sea (“A pleasantly reassuring experience, not an unpredictable, scary thrill ride,” in a Bahama) — as for high speeds. For high speeds, multiple big block outboards like triple 350s on 34 and 37 or quad 350s on the 41 get the work done. Computer-assisted design of its hulls is informed by more than 80 years of Documented hull research and application, in addition to manufacturing pursued at the leading edge of techniques. “Bahama Boat Works hulls are as symmetrical and fair as modern technology will allow,” the company pledges. As it says proudly, the company makes safety at sea its first priority 34 Bahama One’s reaction to the 34 Bahama is immediate: This boat bears clean lines with excellent fit and finish and few obstructions or tangle hazards. It displays its heritage to the larger Bahama boats, the 37 and 41, but in A smaller, more nimble package. Six inches narrower than the bigger boats, it still carries an impressive sea-taming 10-foot, 6-inch beam. It skips the bow bench seats that its big siblings carry, but it has the same center-console and other features: lockable electronics side-panel cover; lockable rod storage; custom hardtop; streamlined engine rigging; and console with 6 feet, 6 -inches of headroom, ready for optional head, sink and teak. The 34 can carry up to a trio of 350 hps. A 400-gallon fuel tank guarantees far-ranging abilities. Freshwater tank and baitwell each hold 60 gallons. Hatch interiors are finished and gelcoated, hatches sealed with a proprietary double-O-ring system. There are both fresh- and saltwater-washdown systems. All lights, navigation and courtesy (including baitwells and all storage compartments), are LEDs, including multicolor cockpit lighting with remote control. Pumps and mechanical equipment are mounted beyond clear acrylic covers that provide easy ACCESS. Among OPTIONS are removable rear seating and table, custom flush-mount anchor and windlass, powerful bow thrusters, and a fighting chair. The smallest boat in the line, it’s nonetheless big on features and fishability.