We tested the boat rigged with four Yamaha 425 XTOs, ample muscle even for a boat this size. The Yellowfin got on plane and accelerated quickly and evenly, and I never lost sight of the horizon. We reached cruising speed in no time at all, and hit an honest 60.8 mph at wide-open throttle, burning 152 gph while turning 6,000 rpm. The motors were propped for carrying a full load of gear, live bait and crew, which could tally 14 or 15 members, if you filled every seat on the boat.
Speaking of seats, our test 54 had two V-bench seats forward, three lounge seats on the forward cabin top, four Release varnished-teak helm chairs, dual-row seating for four or five behind the helm, and a single aft-facing seat at the tackle center. No need for space-eating beanbags on this rig.
On each end of the dual-row seating are tackle-drawer storage units, with a Mase 4 kW generator under the aft-row seating, which can be customized. The back of the aft-row seating includes an aft-facing seat with two underlid work surfaces on each side ideal for bait and rig prep, and there’s also an Isotherm fridge and freezer strategically located on the rear of the back-row seating.
Gemlux Titanium pull-up cleats at the bow form a stainless anchor chute accessed through the top hatch for deployment. It features a spool windlass to keep the rode and chain neat.
A recessed bow rail wraps around the foredeck area, and the standard V-seating with backrests has storage underneath, complemented by a giant locker in the forward bilge.
There are four rod holders on each side of the forward-console lounge seats. Under the gunwales, on both sides of the console, are recesses for five dive tanks, and multiple storage bins of varying sizes that provide extensive stowage for tackle and dive gear.
The air-conditioned console hosts a queen berth forward with two hanging lockers, a large stand-up shower and head with vanity, galley with stainless sink, Isotherm refrigerator and storage cabinets. Fully aft is a U-shaped lounge with high-low table that turns into a full berth with the table down. A Pullman bunk can be added as an option.
The aft seat lifts up to gain entry into the equipment room under the helm deck, which houses the batteries, wiring and electronics components normally found under the console. Our test boat also had a Quick Gyro X13 mounted on the centerline, with good access for servicing.
Back on deck, a three-sided glass windshield protects the helm, where the dash accommodates up to three 24-inch screens, like the Garmin black-box units on our test boat, with an integrated CZone controller to run bilge and livewell pumps, lights and other accessories from the touchscreens, eliminating the need for switch panels on the console. Once the batteries are turned on, the electronics units come on as well, offering access to all virtual switches.
The console also features a pair of glove boxes; two AC vents; four drink holders; centerline helm and binnacle; Side Power bow-thruster, trim-tab and engine-trim controls; and the start/stop buttons placed upside down under the helm pod to keep them dry and out of the way.
There are monstrously deep and long in-deck fish boxes in the cockpit sole. The largest aligns with the under-gunwale sliding tuna doors so that fish caught can be pulled in through the door and directly into the fish box. Access to the molded bilge is through a large hatch on the centerline.
The transom houses a massive 100-gallon livewell with dual lids for added convenience, and there are four vertical rod holders on each side. The entire deck is molded for inlay flooring. Our test boat had Ocean Grip, but teak or other flooring could also be inlaid.
The test Yellowfin came with a full-size, molded hardtop complete with Gemlux outriggers, 15 aft rod holders, and mounting surfaces for radar, antennas, nav lights and stereo speakers. A marlin tower or full-gap tower are available options.
Development of the 54 Offshore took several years, but clearly it was time well-invested. The attention to detail is evident everywhere, and its performance, stability, styling, comfort and fishing functionality are sure to place Yellowfin’s new flagship among the leading center-consoles in its class.
Specifications
Length: 54′ | Beam: 15′ | Draft: 28″ | Fuel: 900 gal. | Water: 100 gal | Max HP: 3,000 | Price: Upon request | Yellowfin Yachts: yellowfin.com
Test Conditions
Weather: Partly cloudy | Location: Sarasota, Florida | Wind: Northwest 10 knots | Sea State: 2- to 3-foot chop | Test Load: Four adults, 500 gallons of fuel, 90 gallons of water
