Mako 234
TAKE THE BAIT: Two live wells, a rigging station and fishboxes give this Mako serious angling chops.
| Length 23' 4" Beam 8' 6" Draft 1' 6" Deadrise 21° Fuel 150 gals. Price $56,020 w/ 225-hp Mercury OptiMax outboard |
Mako's 234 Center Console is an efficient performer, loaded with angling features. Engine choices include twin 135-horse outboards and a single 300. Fishing amenities are plentiful, such as rod racks, in-deck fishboxes and a 20-gallon transom live well. A 35-gallon well in the leaning post augments a bait station with a sink and storage. The console has a panel to flush-mount electronics and a head. With a 21-degree deadrise and lifting strakes, the 234 can run with the big sharks. Mako Boats, (417) 873-4555; www.mako-boats.com
Suzuki DF300 Outboard
| Type EFI Four-Stroke Powerhead Dual Overhead Cam Shaft Length 25- and 30-inch Block 55° Weight 604 lbs. Price To Be Announced |
Suzuki Marine has raised the bar in a high-stakes market with the introduction of the first 300-horsepower four-stroke outboard. This large-displacement engine, which will come out later this year as a 2007 model, is based on a narrow, 55-degree block and uses an offset driveshaft. Its compact size is ideally suited for double or triple installations on large center consoles and offshore tournament boats. Offered in 25- and 30-inch-shaft configurations and available with counter-rotating propellers, the clean-running four-liter V-6 has a dual overhead cam powerhead with four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing, multi-port electronic fuel injection and a reliable, gear-driven timing chain. The beefy, hydrodynamic lower unit uses two-stage gear reduction to swing larger, higher-pitch propellers. The DF300 also features advanced electronic controls for easier rigging, smoother shifting and quicker throttle response. Suzuki Marine; (800) 247-4704; www.suzukimarine.com
Bertram 360
RUN WIDE OPEN: The Bertram 360 Open uses a combination of hull features for speed and strength.
| Length 39' 4" Beam 13' 6" Draft 3' 9" Deadrise var. Fuel 406 gals. Price $407,920 w/ twin 420-hp Caterpillar C7 diesels |
Fans of classic sportfishing yachts will appreciate this offering from Bertram. The 360 Open features a sharp bow entry for rough-water capability, but has a variable deadrise, wider chines and propeller pockets to reduce time to plane and bow-high running attitude. A transom fishbox, a live well and a bait-prep center with sink and freezer are highlights of the fishing package. A nicely appointed interior makes angling in far-flung spots a welcome proposition. Bertram Yachts; (305) 633-8011; www.bertram.com
