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New Boats

Here's a preview of 17 new fishing boats you'll be seeing at the shows this winter.
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# ¿ Egg Harbor 37 Sport YachtEgg Harbor’s new 37-footer combines traditional stylingwith cutting-edge technology to produce a boat that’s both spaciousand performance-oriented. It also boasts features usually foundon much larger boats, such as cockpit engine-room access, twostaterooms and a full-size shower.The 37 features Egg Harbor’s traditional raised sheer line and generous Carolina flare in the bow. An innovative, cantilevered bridge shelters the cockpit, and a starboard opening affords access to and from the bridge. The centerline helm providesexcellent visibility fore and aft, and there’s room to walk behindboth helm chairs when moving about the bridge. A large L-shapedlounge seat forward of the helm seats five, and another to starboardcontains ample rod storage.

The large cockpit will please even the most diehard fisherman, and features a standard transom door, a tackle centerwith sink, a live well, a fishbox with hinged hatch, rod holdersand port and starboard storage boxes. The full galley featuresa designer sink, a two-burner stove, a microwave, and a refrigerator.Power options include twin diesels from Cummins or Yanmar. EggHarbor, Egg Harbor City, NJ; (609) 965-2300.|

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# ¿ Phoenix 35

The new Phoenix 35 offers an incredible amount of interior space combined with a serious fishing cockpit. Carl Herndonof Jupiter Marine bought the company last year, and has investeda considerable amount of resources into redesigning the Phoenixmolds, with impressive results. The 35 features a solid-fiberglassbottom, and all other fiberglass components are hand-laid usingmulti-directional knitted glass, sophisticated resins and high-densitycomposite coring materials. The boat features a master stateroomforward with a large double berth, a mid-galley and head, and a salon with a convertible dinette and starboard lounge seating.

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The modified deep-vee hull has considerable flarein the bow, and the wide beam with reverse chines makes for avery stable platform. A small keel provides longitudinal strengthand safety, and propeller pockets reduce the shaft angle and draftto increase efficiency. Diesel power options include twin enginesfrom Cummins, Caterpillar or Yanmar. Standard fishing featuresinclude coaming pads, fresh and salt water washdown, an insulated fishbox, atransom door and a live well. Phoenix Yacht Corp., Ft. Lauderdale,FL; (954) 525-6314.|

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# ¿ Palmetto Custom 36

This brawny new 36-footer is built using high-tech,wood-free construction techniques, and can be custom finishedto the owner’s specifications. Plus it comes with a great manystandard fishing features that are sure to make it a hit withthe serious offshore crowd. These features include a T-top withrod holders, a custom leaning post, cockpit lighting, a transomdoor and a transom bulkhead rigging station that includes a 50-gallonlive well, a fresh water sink and fresh and salt water washdowns.

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The boat has padded coaming bolsters, three large in-deck fishboxes,and a walk-in console with an electric head, fresh water sink,shower and two venting porthole windows. It even comes with standardreceptacles for electric reels or downriggers.The self-bailing cockpit is covered in a tough non-skidpattern for sure footing, and the boat comes with heavy-duty,six-inch pop-up cleats. All electrical connections are solderedand protected with epoxy heat-shrink connectors. Options includeextra fuel and live well capacity, custom color options, a boardingladder, and a windlass. The Palmetto is covered by a ten-yearstructural hull warranty. Palmetto Custom, Newberry, SC; (803)321-5777.|

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# ¿ Blackfin 33 Open

The 33 Open from Blackfin features a no-nonsense layout that’s suitable for hard-core tournament fishing, but alsoprovides a surprising level of comfort belowdecks.The cockpit comes with padded coaming bolsters,a transom door with gate, salt and fresh water washdowns, lift-outfishboxes, indirect lighting and latching, gasketed hatches. Thehelm area has a compartment for mounting electronics, a chartflat with chart storage, and a bench seat for the helmsman withstorage below. The L-shaped passenger lounge contains tackle drawersand additional dry storage.

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Down below, the 33 has a dinette that converts toa double berth, and another double berth forward. The hanginglocker is lined with cedar, and the whole cabin is carpeted andtrimmed in teak. The head features a pressurized shower and anelectric head with holding tank, plus a stainless-steel sink andFormica countertop. Other standard items include recessed hydraulictrim tabs, Nibral props, a bow pulpit with anchor roller and completeground tackle and safety gear. Diesel power options from Caterpillar,Cummins and Volvo Penta are available. Blackfin Yachts, PembrokePines, FL; (954) 967-1920.|

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# ¿ Boston Whaler 26 Conquest

Featuring Whaler’s exclusive Unibond foam-core constructionthat produces a strong, unsinkable hull, the 26 is the newestmember of the Conquest series of cabin boats. It has a fully enclosedhead and a double mid-cabin berth, plus a galley area with convertibledinette/berth. The sinks in the head and galley have pressurizedfresh water, and the head has a shower and porta-potty with docksidepumpout. The cabin will sleep four adults comfortably, and featureslow-maintenance, marine-grade vinyl upholstery and headliner.The carpet is removable for easy cleanup.

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The cockpit has under-gunwale rod storage and stainless toe rails, a lighted live well and salt water washdown. A standardtransom door provides easy access to the integrated engine platform.An optional free-standing bait-prep station fits aft of the helmseat. Hydraulic trim tabs are included with the base boat, andtwin 200-hp Mercury Opti-Max outboards are the standard power.The helm area features waterproof switches with circuit breakers,a stainless steering wheel with tilt hydraulic steering, and analuminum-framed windshield with port and starboard wipers. BostonWhaler, Edgewater, FL; (800) WHALER-9; www.whaler.com.|

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# ¿ Aquasport 275 Explorer

Aquasport’s new 275 Explorer was designed as a “pocket canyon runner,” and has the speed and accommodations to makelong offshore runs. Rigged with twin 200-hp Johnson outboards,the 275 cruises at 38.5 mph and tops out at 53 mph. It has roomfor four people to sleep aboard.Belowdecks there’s 6′ 4″ of headroom and agalley with a molded-in sink, a dual-voltage refrigerator anda single-burner alcohol/electric stove. The head compartment featuresa molded-fiberglass sink and vanity, as well as a handheld shower.Sleeping accommodations include a forward vee-berth and a comfortablemid-cabin berth.

In the cockpit you’ll find modular seating with storage below. The helm seat contains a live well and storage,while the port box has a fresh water sink, cutting board and drinkholders. There’s also a rigging station, two insulated fishboxeswith overboard pumpout, and raw-water washdown. The hull comeswith a five-year transferable structural warranty. Aquasport,Sarasota, FL; (800) 704-3474; www.aquasport.com.|

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# ¿ Triton 2700cc

The new 2700 from Triton was designed to meet the demands of hard-core tournament fishermen, with a main focus onfishing performance. The hull features double, ventilated outsidechines and a wide beam that provides stability and a dry ride.The no-wood construction philosophy means there’sno rot to worry about, and the fuel-efficient hull design andgenerous 205-gallon fuel tank combine to provide exceptional range.Fishing features include a 100-gallon fishbox, a transom gate,a 50-gallon live well with dual aeration, flush-mounted trim tabsand lockable rod storage.

There’s also a walk-in console head compartment and a leaning post with a cooler and rod holders. The 2700 hasflush-mounted cleats and a recessed bow rail to keep everythingsnag-free. The transom is an integrated bracket design, and theboat can be ordered with an optional bow pulpit. Triton Boats,Ashland City, TN; (888) 8-TRITON.|

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# ¿ Starcraft 2280 Center Console

This new 22-footer features a number of truly innovative design elements to enhance its fishability. For example, there’s a uniquelive well system built into the rocket launcher/leaning post thathas a unique “bait lifter” strainer that lifts baitsto the top of the well, making them easier to reach.In the bow, the large raised platform contains abig, insulated fishbox, and the sole is covered in a durable non-skidpattern. The console features lots of storage and a Plexiglaswindshield, as well as a convenient chart tube, a lockable electronicsbox and full instrumentation.

Fishing features include four rod holders, and racks beneath the gunwales for six more outfits. There are full-lengthpadded cockpit coaming bolsters, raw-water washdown, pop-up sterncleats, and a 72-quart cooler with cushion. Other standard itemsinclude hydraulic steering, two aft storage boxes and a stainless-steelsteering wheel. The hull is self-bailing. Starcraft, Topeka, IN;(219) 593-2880.|

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# ¿ Pacific Boats 227WA-HB

This new all-welded aluminum boat features incredibly tough construction, including 1/4″ 5083 marine-grade aluminumplate on the bottom and 3/16″ side and deck plating. Theboat features a one-piece bottom with formed-in stiffeners andreinforced chine extrusion with double welds on the inside. Ithas a self-bailing deck and foam flotation, plus a deep forwardentry to slice through chop.

The wide-open design allows for a large amount offishing space and a 5′ by 6′ walkaround cabin. The wide engine-mountingarea at the transom makes mounting twin outboards a snap, andbecause aluminum is so much lighter than fiberglass, the 227 shouldbe a fast, fuel-efficient performer. Pacific Skiffs, Inc., Marysville,WA; (888) 658-7111; www.pacificskiffs.com.|

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# ¿ World Cat 226 SF

The newest World Cat features loads of fishing roomand the company’s famous Vectorflo hulls that provide comfortand efficiency. The 226 comes with lots of storage space, includingrecessed rod storage and a forward compartment with overboarddrain. It also features a 25-gallon live well and a 300-quartinsulated fishbox.

The cat’s twin hulls are built without any encapsulatedwood, relying instead on a proprietary synthetic polymer. Theboat is built using multiple laminates of multi-directional fiberglassand a high-density structural polymer core.The twin hulls provide an extremely soft, dry ride,and the efficiency of the catamaran design means the boat requires50 percent less horsepower than similar-sized monohulls. Lastly,the wide-open cockpit and foredeck layout provide lots of fishingroom. World Cat, Greenville, NC; (252) 754-1948; www.worldclasscatamarans.com.|

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# ¿ Glacier Bay 2260 Canyon Runner

Glacier Bay’s new 2260 catamaran is a center consoledesign with maximum fishing room both fore and aft. The 2260 featuresan all-new, patented hull design that provides a smooth, dry andefficient ride. Special “tracking pads” on the bottomof each hull facilitate banking in turns and tracking in roughseas.The boat has a low-profile console with lots ofroom for electronics and gauges, as well as a smoke windshieldand heavy-duty, stainless-steel handrails. A gunwale-level castingplatform to the port side of the console contains a deep headcompartment/storage area in the port hull. The access door tothis compartment opens on a gas-assisted ram.

The forward casting deck has a 75-quart cooler seat in front of the console, and a large lounge seat to port. Thecockpit features a standard leaning post, four Lee rod holders,under-gunwale rod racks, padded coaming, two insulated in-deckfishboxes, a bait-prep station and a tackle station with removabledrawers. Options include a 30-gallon live well, salt water washdown,stern seating and a swim ladder. Glacier Bay Catamarans, Monroe,WA; (360) 794-0444; www.glacierbaycats.com.|

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# ¿ Angler 2200 Grande Bay

This affordably priced package from Angler comes with both front and rear casting decks, and fully plumbed frontand rear lighted live wells. Angler has also added lots of thoughtfulfeatures, such as recessed fiberglass footrests on the face ofthe console for both the driver and a passenger, cockpit courtesylights and a helm surface that’s perfect for flush-mounting electronics.

Hydraulic steering comes as standard equipment,and Angler’s new black-and-gold engine gauges add a distinctivelook to the helm area. The console features a door to starboardfor wiring access, four vertical rod holders, a pair of drinkholders and a storage cubby for loose gear.The boat’s two large fishboxes can be optionally drained via macerator pumps, or can be used for lockable rod storageby dropping in a set of standard rod racks. Each compartment canaccommodate three rods up to eight feet long. Angler Boat Corp., Miami, FL; (305) 691-9975; www.anglerboats.com.|

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# ¿ Kenner Vision

Kenner’s new 21-foot bay boat is available in two different hull configurations: either as a conventional vee-hull,or in a tunnel-hull version for shallow-water running. The 2102is rated for up to 200 hp, and comes with lots of standard equipment,including a pop-up bow cleat, a forward anchor locker, a consolelive well under the forward seat, vertical rod holders along theconsole sides and a reversible stainless-steel helm seat mountedatop a 94-quart cooler.

There’s plenty of storage space in the forward compartmentand two boxes along the hullsides. The console features full instrumentation,a contoured windshield, stainless steering wheel and a cushionedbackrest. Built with an all-composite stringer system, the hullis all hand-laid. The K2102 even comes with a standard trailer.Kenner Boats, Knoxville, AR; (501) 885-3171; www.kennerboats.com.|

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# ¿ Mako Inshore 2000

Mako Marine has re-entered the flats-boat market with the introduction of a new series of skiffs that includes15-, 17- and 20-foot versions.The Inshore 2000 is the queen of the fleet. It comesready to fish, with lots of standard features, including a deluxecenter console with a built-in live well, hydraulic steering,trim tabs, a flush-mounted bow light, a poling platform and push-poleholders.

The boat also features under-gunwale horizontalrod storage, but you can opt for lockable rod racks under thegunwales. A long list of options allow for a high degree of customization.For example, you can order the boat with a fly-line retainer rail,a casting platform with or without a leaning post, a battery charger,a hydraulic jack plate, a bow-mounted trolling motor with triplebatteries and deluxe Lenco trim-tab-mounted trolling motors. Youcan even order the boat with two-tone hull colors and an upscaleEdson steering wheel. Mako Marine Int., Miami, FL; (888) 434-7487;www.mako-boats.com.|

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# ¿ Back Country 2000 Bay

The new 2000 Bay from Back Country Powerboats featuresfull foam flotation, a self-bailing cockpit and lots of standardstorage compartments and foam-insulated wells. It also offerstwo lockable rod boxes and 750 gph live well pumps. The boat ispre-wired for a bow-mounted trolling motor and comes with a standard28-gallon live well. Back Country even throws in a Float-On aluminumtrailer as standard equipment.

The custom console has a switch panel with breakersand lighted switches, as well as an electronics box. The Teleflexgauge package includes a tach, voltmeter, fuel and water-pressuregauges. Standard items include a deluxe stainless steering wheel,a leaning post, flush high-speed live well pickups with strainersand anti-feedback steering. Options include a battery charger,trim tabs, tilt steering, pop-up cleats, Lowrance electronics,a front casting platform and a push pole. Back Country Boats,Sarasota, FL; (941) 359-3500.|

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# ¿ Trophy 1903

Trophy has extensively redesigned its popular 19-footcenter console for 2001. The cockpit’s self-bailing ability hasbeen substantially improved by moving the fishbox to the bow andby sealing and crowning the deck. The 120-quart fishbox now drainsoverboard without the need of a pump. An 80-quart Vortex livewell is located behind the console seat, and the oversized lidmakes it much easier to chase down a bait when you need one. TheVortex pump and drain system balances water flow and air to keepbaits in prime condition.

Trophy also increased the depth of the cockpit to make the 1903 safer. The boat comes with a swim platform builtinto the engine platform, a vertical surface in the molded-fiberglassconsole where it’s easy to flush-mount electronics, a windshieldwith a welded, stainless-steel handrail, and a standard Escortgalvanized trailer. The 1903 is also covered by a transferableten-year limited structural hull warranty. Trophy Boats, Everett,WA; (800) 544-6220; www.trophyfishing.com.|

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# ¿ Logic 186 Cool Bay

This affordable new boat from Logic gives you a lot of fishing features for the money. In addition, the boat is madeusing Logic’s revolutionary Roplene roto-molded hull-manufacturingprocess, which produces a hull that is practically indestructible.The Cool Bay is self-bailing and comes with a lifetimewarranty. It features a forward casting platform with large storagecompartments and room for two trolling-motor batteries. The centerconsole features a No-Feedback steering system, a windshield andsturdy handrails. It also has instrumentation, switches with circuitbreakers, cup holders and dry storage.

Twin stern seats aft fold down when not needed, and there’s a large splash well, too. A standard live well with500 gph pump keeps baits healthy, and the dual helm seat has apivoting backrest and sits atop a 72-quart cooler. Genmar LogicLLC, Durham, NC; (919) 382-3149; www.logicboats.com.|

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