The new crop of fishing boats runs the gamut. The common theme seems to be the melding of features for both dedicated fishing and family weekend fun, with integration of purpose and versatility prevailing in these modern, angler-friendly designs.
Pursuit DC 266
Designed for comfort and efficiency in cruising, family time and casual fishing, the Pursuit DC 266 continues the legacy of the company’s notable line of Dual Console fishing boats. The integrated hardtop and wraparound windshield combine with twin, symmetrical consoles to form a protected helm and open cabin that remain comfortable when the wind and sea kick up. The oversize head compartment offers storage as well as a sink and manual head. The open bow design offers walk-around seating and a stowable sun pad. Foldaway seating opens the cockpit fitted with fishing essentials, including rod holders, livewell, tackle center and transom fish box.
Cobia 240 DC
The latest from Cobia, the 240 DC (dual console) nails it as both a comfortable, feature-rich, family-fun platform and a sophisticated fishing boat. A standard hardtop with LED down lighting incorporates rod holders and a ski pylon. There’s also a sink and bait-prep station, 22-gallon livewell, dual 24-gallon in-floor fish boxes, and plenty of rod and tackle storage. In addition, seating for nine and a range of amenities, like centerline floor storage for towables, skis and wakeboards, walk-down head compartment with sink and Corian countertop, and extended swim platform, speak to the boat’s comfort and versatility.
Contender 44 ST/FA
Contender’s new flagships, the 44 FA and 44 ST, are built on the same step hull, providing the performance for which Contender is known. The 44 FA offers a forward cabin with queen berth, galley and enclosed shower. The 44 ST replaces the cabin with a 40-gallon insulated fish box, 315- and 340-gallon insulated storage/fish boxes, and 10-foot rod lockers. Both feature a walk-around deck and maintain angling cred, with twin 55-gallon transom livewells among other features too numerous to list. If competition or expedition fishing holds appeal, the new Contender 44-footers, rigged with triple or quad outboards, fit the bill.
World Cat 400DC-X
The 400DC-X from World Cat has the ability to be anything you want in a fishing boat. With big-water capability and over 200 square feet of deck space, opportunities for customization are endless. World Cat offers 12 transom configurations common to three base models for 36 different versions, from a luxury cruising dual console with head and stateroom to a dedicated bluewater fishing platform. Standard features include an integrated hardtop with sunroof and electric cockpit shade, a drawer refrigerator, helm air-conditioning vents, hot and cold aft-deck shower, and rod and cup holders throughout.
Wellcraft 162 Fisherman
Take Wellcraft’s characteristic high freeboard, signature bow flare and sweeping sheer, and attention to commonsense comfort and design, dedicate it to fishing, then scale it all down, and you’ve got the 162F CC. From the roomy casting deck over compartmentalized storage in the bow, to the twin collapsible jump seats, cubby storage and extra rod holders in the stern, the layout accommodates a couple of anglers as well as caters to a family swim. The no-nonsense helm provides conveniences like USB and 12-volt charging, and with the addition of the optional JBL Flip4, it becomes the entertainment center.
Southport 33 DC
The 33 Dual Console, built on the proven Southport 33 platform, takes a nod to family cruising. Standard are all the things that make a day on the water fun for everyone, such as a JL Audio system with six speakers, electric windlass, fiberglass hardtop, head compartment with freshwater marine head, portside cabin with twin berths and storage, and a portside dive door. With all the creature comforts, however, Southport remains true to its fishing legacy and dependability in this vinylester, resin-infused variable deep-V hull. Available with a choice of Yamaha, Mercury or Suzuki 350s, or twin Yamaha 425s.
Robalo 226 Cayman S
The latest edition to Robalo’s Cayman Series of bay boats offers a big-boat feel, yet remains stealthy enough to slip into inshore shallows and sturdy enough to venture offshore. The 226 Cayman S features a dry-riding freeboard and 15-degree variable deadrise Hydro Lift bottom design. Unusual in this size range, it also includes a fully enclosed walk-down privacy head compartment with the addition of an optional port-a-potty. Rigged to meet the rigors of salt water, the 226 Cayman S boasts Kevlar-reinforced construction, stainless hardware, and a ceramic cored transom for strength and durability.
Sailfish 360 CC
The 360 CC takes over as top dog in the Sailfish lineup, and it’s built to fish. Three-piece construction promises canyon runs in comfort and efficiency. Multiple fish boxes and a coffin box offer icing capacity for extended trips or overnighting. Belowdecks, the stand-up cabin offers storage, sleeps two, and holds a head and sink. A testament to a dedication to angling, 34 rod holders come standard, along with 32- and 42-gallon pressurized baitwells. The oversize dash accommodates three 12-inch multifunction displays or two 16-inchers, and a walk-through transom door provides access to twin or triple engine configurations.
Scout 530 LXF
The latest in the Scout Boats LXF line carries the company’s goal of taking the “wow” factor to new heights. The 530 LXF, as the company describes it, stands as a “yachtlike center-console masterpiece on many levels.” So many features and amenities fit into 53 feet of boat that it becomes absurd to list them. The 530, from the carbon-fiber epoxy-infused, double-stepped hull to premium leather upholsteries, speaks to Scout’s tradition of quality and luxury. According to the builder, the 530 LXF reaches 57 mph and cruises at 39.6 mph with quad Yamaha 425 XTOs; fitted with six engines, it’s capable of 75-plus mph.
EdgeWater 230CX
With an emphasis on versatility, the 230CX from EdgeWater (CX stands for crossover) offers a layout and combination of design elements and amenities focused on fishing and adaptable family fun. With purpose driving the 23-footer’s design and single-piece infused construction, EdgeWater sets a high bar on standard features essential to a range of functions, which include an integrated swim platform, bow table and filler cushion, raw- and freshwater washdowns, bait-prep station, lighted rod storage and livewell, rod holders, insulated fish box, retractable ski pylon, and fully finished head compartment.
