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Southport 33 FE: 2017 Boat Buyers Guide

Southport Boats continues to explore the potential of its seaworthy hull
Southport 33 FE
LOA: 32’6″ | Beam: 10’8″ | Fuel Capacity: 300 gal. | Dry Weight: 7,300 lb. plus power | Max HP: 900 | Certifications: NMMA Courtesy of Southport

Born in North Carolina and now based in Maine, Southport Boats continues to explore the potential of its seaworthy hull, launched in 2003.

That Southport realized the dream shared by experienced boatbuilders, passionate fishermen, offshore racers and legendary boat designers C. Raymond Hunt Associates, and capitalizes on the performance and power of modern dual outboards, using today’s cutting-edge composite-­manufacturing capabilities.

To the boater, it all translates to soft ride, stability and nimble performance.

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A change of ownership brought Southport to Maine in 2011, where an experienced management group and expert composite boatbuilders instituted changes such as vacuum-infusion construction, upgraded wiring and plumbing ­systems, and vinylester resins.

The Southport 29 FE, launched in 2013, immediately won boating fans — and industry awards. A year later, Southport — with Hunt Associates — developed a 33-footer. The year 2015 brought a redrawn deck plan to the 29; with some other fine touches, it became the Southport 292. It was joined by the new 272 TE, the first Tournament Edition layout on the original Southport Hull, with additional hardcore fishing features and the option of single-outboard power, like it’s North Carolina built forebear, the Southport 26.

In Augusta, the independently-owned Southport operates in a well-equipped and up-to-date facility, ideally suited for modern boat building methods.

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Southport 33 FE

Choose the ride, performance and stability of Southport’s newest and largest boat, the Southport 33, and then elect its family-cruiser edition, the FE. You’ll have a real family pleaser that’s nonetheless ready for some serious fishing!

Sure, the FE is ideal for ­day cruising or anchoring up at a beach or secluded cove for a day of swimming or snorkeling. But it’s just as ready for running out to the canyons in search of big game fish. (Not quite as hardcore-fishing-minded as the Southport 33 TE — Tournament Edition — perhaps, but it has fishability aplenty, thank you.)

Southport 33 FE helm station
Large multiple displays, front and center switches, and a tilting helm mark a great helm station. Courtesy of Southport

Either Southport 33 edition offers the range, speed and comfortable ride of the Hunt deep-V hull. And either has a 35-gallon illuminated transom livewell, four insulated fish boxes, vertical console rod storage, and hardtop outrigger plates. But instead of a tackle and rigging station, in the FE you might opt for an entertainment center with refrigerator and/or grill. The family’s sure to love the forward cockpit’s U-shaped seating and a table that converts into a giant sun pad. Aft, a folding transom bench seat provides more-comfortable seating. Within the console is a berth big enough for two, and a stand-up head.

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Yes, the Southport 33 FE proves there’s no need to choose between offshore fishing and family.

More Info: southportboats.com

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