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New Boats for 2003

Here's a preview of 24 boats you'll be seeing at the upcoming shows.
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### Donzi 29 ZF Open¿
¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 28′ 7″ Beam: 9′ Fuel: 190 gals. Max. hp: 500 Base price w/ twin Mercury 225-hp EFI outboards: $99,714

Building big, fast, great-performing fishing boats is Donzi’s hallmark, and the new 29 ZF Open does that tradition proud. Standing still it’s a spacious fishing platform, and running it’s everything you’d expect from a Donzi. The open bow provides lots of fishing space forward. The bow pulpit has been removed in favor of unobstructed fishing space. The angle of the interior bow walls have been eliminated and replaced with a vertical wall fitted with a recessed kick to facilitate stand-up fishing – something usually only found in the cockpit. The bow also features a large, insulated fishbox with a 1 1/2-inch main-line drain. Aft, port and starboard are two insulated fishboxes fitted with macerator pumps. A 50-gallon, circular live well behind the leaning post keeps baits frisky. Rod storage is abundant – there are under-gunwale racks, four gunwale mounts and four holders in the back of the leaning post. Donzi Marine, Sarasota, FL; (941) 727-0622; www.donzimarine.com.

### Cabo 40 Express¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 42′ 10″ Beam: 15′ 9″ Draft: 3′ 5″ Displacement: 28,000 lbs. Fuel: 600 gals. Base price w/ twin Cummins QSMII 660-hp diesels: $577,000|

Sandwiched between the successful 35 and 45 Express models is the newest addition to the Cabo line, the 40 Express. Built for fishing, the 40 boasts 100 square feet of cockpit space. Huge, five-foot fishboxes lie to port and starboard beneath the sole, and are equipped with in-line macerators for trouble-free operation. The transom door uses a two-door configuration, so when the bottom part is opened, fish can be brought aboard while assuring safety for anglers and crew. Wide, padded gunwales hold angled rod holders, and provide foot room to lock onto big fish with security. Deep-vee entry and a 15′ 9″ beam means the 40 stays dry and smooth when plowing into big seas. Belowdecks accommodations are first class in every manner. The portside L-shaped settee comfortably seats six and coverts to an upper and lower berth. The full galley sports Corian countertops and a sink, twin-burner stove, a large refrigerator and convection microwave oven. Cabo Yachts, Adelanto, CA; (760) 246-8917; www.caboyachts.com.

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### Grady-White Advance 257 Center Console¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 24′ 9″ Beam: 8′ 6″ Draft: 15″ Fuel: 151 gals. Max. hp: 350 Base price w/ 250-hp Yamaha HPDI outboard: $65,825|

The new Advance 257 from Grady-White is designed to jump up quick, track accurately and slough off rough water. The design came about when Grady listened to its customers’ advice, and the resultant formula – “a great ride, great handling, lots of power options and the features that make a fishing day offshore productive and fun” – has proven to be a winner with anglers. The 257 comes factory-rigged for single or twin Yamaha outboards. In the cockpit, 64 square feet of room combined with a 185-quart insulated aft fishbox and twin 120-quart fishboxes to port and starboard make fishing comfortable and efficient. Tackle drawers under the forward casting platform put gear where it’s needed. Standard horizontal racks hold six rods, and gunwale-mounted holders hold another four. The console features a roomy, lockable electronics box and storage under the footrest. The ventilated, lockable head area is reached through a door on the side of the console. Grady-White Boats, Greenville, NC; (252) 752-2111; www.gradywhite.com.

### Boston Whaler 240 Outrage¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 23′ 9″ Beam: 8′ 6″ Draft: 18″ Base price w/ 225-hp Mercury OptiMax outboard: $58,597|

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Big-boat features in an easily trailerable package is what the new 240 Outrage from Boston Whaler is all about. It’s built for blue-water fishing, with a plan that allows 360 degrees of fishing space – plenty of room for as many anglers as you care to haul along. High freeboard – 28 inches on the inside- stainless toe rails and aft coaming bolsters provide safety and comfort for avid anglers and family members alike. Ample gear storage, including three rod holders at the gunwale and transom, as well as under-gunwale rod racks for six more rigged rods, keep things handy yet out of the way. Port and starboard fishboxes double as additional storage areas. The enclosed area inside the console does duty as a head and additional storage. An integral swim platform at the transom features a grab rail and stainless swim ladder. A variety of power options, from twin 135-hp Mercury OptiMax outboards to a single 225-hp EFI four-stroke Mercury, is available. Boston Whaler, Edgewater, FL; (800) WHALER-9; www.whaler.com.

### Cobia 314CC¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 30′ 11″ Beam: 9′ 10″ Draft: 20″ Fuel: 270 gals. Max. hp: 500 Base hull price: $74,086|

Once you clear the inlet there’s no limit to what you can do in the new 314CC from Cobia. It’s roomy enough for several anglers to work unencumbered and never get in each other’s way. Standard is an aerated, recirculating 32-gallon bait well fed by a 700-gph pump fitted with a high-speed pickup. A transom sink with cutting board is handy to the transom access door with built-in knife, pliers and leader holder. Raw-and fresh-water washdowns and a fresh-water shower are easily reached from the cockpit. Port and starboard rod lockers and six stainless gunwale-mounted rod holders keep rigged rods safe. The console holds an electric head with shower and additional rod storage in the forward berth belowdecks, as well as a tackle storage center. Cobia Boats, Panama City, FL; (850) 769-0311; www.cobiaboats.com.

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### Albemarle 248 Express Fisherman¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 25′ 1″ Beam: 8′ Draft: 30″ Deadrise: 24 ¿ Fuel: 118 gals. Base price: $56,900|

Abemarle’s 248 Cuddy hit the water in 1978. Today, this Express boasts an entirely updated face and has been reincarnated as the 248 Express Fisherman, with complete re-tooling of its deck, windshield and cabin. The new design features a raised foredeck that makes a positive impact on cabin headroom and windshield design. Headroom in the cabin has been increased by over five inches. A brighter, lower-maintenance cabin, complete with the addition of a fresh-water system and other amenities, give the 248 the feel of a much larger vessel, making overnighting a breeze. A redesigned, curved windshield complements the new deck. For added safety, interior handrails have been added to its anodized-aluminum frame. And, thanks to the new deck and windshield, comfort is greatly improved, as the new features combine to greatly reduce wind at the helm. Albemarle, Edenton, NC; (252) 482-7423; www.albemarleboats.com.

### Bayshore Boats Carolina Bay 20¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 20′ 2″ Beam: 8′ 4″ Draft: 8.5″ Max. hp: 225 Fuel: 58 gals. Base price w/ 150-hp Evinrude FICHT outboard: $51,325|

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The Carolina Bay 20 from Bayshore Boats is a stunning combination of yacht styling and backcountry performance. With 42 degrees of deadrise in the bow, the 20 slices through a steep chop for a fast, comfortable ride, even when the fishing grounds are far away. A wide, eight-degree deadrise aft allows the 20 to be poled in nine inches of water, fully loaded. The strong forefoot prevents bow drift in a stiff breeze, and the radiused transom and tumblehome create a quiet drift on the flats. Standard features include complete foam coring, recessed stainless hardware, diamond nonskid on the gunwales, a 38-gallon live well aft, abundant dry storage and under-gunwale storage for 16 fly rods. A pop-up instrument box protects valuable electronics from the elements and prying eyes. Smooth, rounded corners throughout the construction eliminate stress cracks – and bruised elbows and shins. A teak toe rail and cockpit sole set off this design in classic fashion. Bayshore Boats, Wrightsville Beach, NC; (910) 602-6515; www.bayshoreboats.com.

### EdgeWater 265 EXP¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 26′ 6″ Beam: 9′ 6″ Draft: 21″ Fuel: 200 gals. Max. hp: 500 Base price w/ twin Yamaha F225 outboards: $111,650|

A blend of features – many of them standard – makes the EdgeWater 265 EXP an exceptional combination of dedicated fishing platform and family cruiser. The unsinkable Carbon Grid stringer system in the hull provides strength and security, and comes with a lifetime structural warranty. All coring is honeycomb composite, except in the transom, which is cored with fiberglass-composite. The self-bailing cockpit offers a generous 73 square feet of fishing space, and features a 28-gallon recirculating live well, raw-water washdown system and 30 inches of interior freeboard. Belowdecks is a forward vee-berth with drop-down custom wood table. A galley rounds out the amenities, and includes a refrigerator, sink and microwave. The fully enclosed head includes a shower. The optional-equipment list is extensive and runs the gamut from a half-tower and fishing options to creature comforts for extended cruising, such as water heaters, air conditioning and dockside power options. EdgeWater Power Boats, Edgewater, FL; (386) 426-5457; www.ewboats.com.

### Hewes Bonefisher 18¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 18′ 2″ Beam: 7′ 4″ Draft: 9.5″ Fuel: 38 gals. Base price w/ Yamaha F115 outboard: $30,800|

The Bonefisher 18 from Hewes carries on a venerable tradition of quality flats skiffs with an improved CAD-designed hull, constructed exclusively with Klegecell core. A new ergonomic cockpit, console and dry storage layout are designed and built for extreme functionality and ease of use. Features designed especially for the particular and exacting demands of flats and light-tackle fishing reflect serious attention to detail. Expanded live well and release well capacities accommodate tournament anglers and serious weekenders alike. There is room for 16 rods under the gunwales, and the transom features snag-free recessed trim tabs to enhance all-round fish-fighting comfort. The Bonefisher 18 maximizes the benefits of four-cycle outboard technology, and it is reflected in the performance, ride and economy. Hewes Manufacturing, Fort Pierce, FL; (561) 461-0885; www.hewes.com.

### Century 1800CC¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 17′ 10″ Beam: 7′ 8″ Draft: 10″ Fuel: 47 gals. Max. hp: 130 Base price w/ Yamaha 115-hp TXRB outboard: $21,321|

The open bow of the 1800CC offers comfortable, roomy fishing space for a couple of anglers, and the non-skid-covered front deck provides a comfortable casting platform. Under the bow deck is dry storage or a fishbox. The one-piece liner makes for easy clean-up and low maintenance. In the console there’s lots of space to stow gear, and two rod holders molded into either side keep rigs handy. A three-tray tackle locker and four stainless gunwale-mounted rod holders make rigging convenient. Ahead of the console there’s a padded seat over a molded-in cooler. The aerated 13 1/2-gallon live well is fitted with an 800-gph pump fitted with a brass high-speed pick-up and standpipe overflow for constant circulation. Transverse bulkheads reinforce the foam-filled hull, and combined with ribbed hullsides provide safety and a solid, stable feel. Century Boats, Panama City, FL; (850) 769-0311; www.centuryboats.com.

### McKee Craft Freedom 28¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 28′ Beam: 9′ 11″ Draft: 22″ Dry weight: 5,500 lbs. Max. hp: 600 Fuel: 270 gals. Deadrise: 24.5 ¿ Base price w/ twin Evinrude 225-hp outboards: $94,999|

Like all McKee Crafts, the Freedom 28 is constructed of 100-percent composite materials. The unique PBS (pressure bonding system) construction bonds every inch of the hull and deck to create a single, solid unit, providing exceptional durability and strength. Designed with serious anglers and tournament fisherman in mind, the Freedom 28 includes many of the features anglers need as standard equipment. There’s a 52-gallon lighted bait well with two 800-gph pumps. Insulated storage totals 1,350 quarts, including four separate fishboxes and a bow storage box. Stainless rod holders are numerous: four mounted on the gunwale, five on the transom, plus eight more in the fishbox that are removable. McKee Craft Boats, Fairmont, NC; (910) 628-0926; www.mckeecraft.com.

### Pro-Line 25 Walk¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 25′ 5″ Beam: 8′ 6″ Draft: 14″ Deadrise: 19 ¿ Fuel: 138 gals. Max. hp: 300 Base price w/ Mercury 225-hp EFI outboard: $49,993|

Anglers shopping for a serious fishing boat that does double duty as a family sports cruiser will find what they are looking for in the new 25 Walkaround from Pro-Line. The 25 Walk is jammed full of fishing features usually found on much larger, more expensive boats. The transom holds a complete bait station, with live well and fresh water sink, leaving 60 square feet of uncluttered fishing space in the cockpit. A transom door makes it easy to boat big fish. The raised helm features sliding pedestal seats. Two huge fishboxes do double duty as either wet or dry storage. Built into the sides of the raised seating are two separate tackle boxes, each with three drawers. The locking electronics box is designed for easy viewing and abundant space for an array of instruments. Under-gunwale rod racks easily stow six outfits. Pro-Line Boats, Crystal River, FL; (352) 795-4111; www.prolineboats.com.

### HydroCat Destin 1800¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 18′ 3″ Beam: 8′ Fuel: 49 gals. Max. hp: 140 Base hull price: $12,400|

The Destin 1800 is the newest monohull from HydroCat, a company known as a manufacturer of quality, factory-direct fishing boats. HydroCats are known for their smooth, dry ride in shallow or blue water, and appeal to anglers with an eye for fuel efficiency and comfort. “The Destin 1800 is designed for anglers looking for the same production quality we put into our catamaran line,” says Steve Norton, president of HydroCat Marine. “It’s a contemporary design that is affordable and fuel efficient. This is the latest in our plans to add more monohull and multihull designs to our line of sport fishing boats.” The Destin 1800 has been designed specifically to accommodate four-stroke engines up to 140-hp, and comes standard with a 49-gallon, aluminum fuel tank, insulated fishbox and bait well, and a bilge pump with automatic switch. Optional features include an SS Bimini top, reversible cooler seat, bow cushion, trailer and windshield with grab rail. HydroCat Marine, Freeport, FL; (850) 835-5130; www.hydrocat.com.

### Pro Sports 3660 Sportfish¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 37′ Beam: 12′ 8″ Draft: 20″ Water: 52 gals. Fuel: 300 gals. Max. hp: 620 Base price w/ twin Yamaha F225 outboards: $162,124|

The all-new 3660 SportFish from Pro Sports incorporates sophisticated design technology to borrow aspects of monohull design that make this power catamaran exceptionally smooth-riding, dry and efficient. The cockpit is open and spacious, with 150 square feet of space, conveniently laid out with two large, extra-deep fishboxes. These boxes are macerated and equipped with quick-disconnects, allowing removal of the box liners for access to the batteries and pumps. The transom holds two aerated bait wells. Fold-out rod holders on both the port and starboard sides, coupled with the rocket launcher and racks beneath the hardtop, complement the built-in gunwale holders to keep an array of gear within easy reach. The deck has plenty of room for two optional fighting chairs. The helm features a bench seat, with additional wraparound seating for up to six passengers. Under the captain’s chair is a large storage area for safety gear. Behind the helm seat is a large tackle cabinet with drawers, easily accessible from the cockpit. Pro Sports L.L.C., Lincoln, AL; (205) 763-0231; www.prosportsboats.com.

### Luhrs 30 Open¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 31′ Beam: 11′ 10″ Draft: 2′ Displacement: 16,000 lbs. Fuel: 300 gals. Water: 50 gals.|

The new 30 Open has been computer-designed to maximize both performance and accommodations for its size. Design features include a wide beam for stability, a deep forefoot and pronounced bow flare for a smooth, dry ride and a raised bridge deck for maximum visibility and control. The standard-equipment list reads like an options list, according to the manufacturer, with hardtop, fish tower, washdowns, rod holder and live wells, to mention just a few of the components. An innovative, wide double berth tucks away to convert to an expansive dinette, and a roomy head with shower and a full-service galley make staying aboard efficient and comfortable. Improved furniture-grade cherry interior combined with designer fabrics and Corian countertops provide an elegant atmosphere with practical durability. Power options are available to suit a range of applications – twin gas 230 hp; twin Yanmar 315 diesels or twin Cummins 315 diesels. Anglers can customize performance, reliability and economy to suit their needs. Options include air conditioning and a choice of generators. Luhrs Corporation, St. Augustine, FL; (800) 882-4343; www.luhrs.com.

### Ocean Master Ocean Skiff 26¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 26′ 4″ Beam: 8′ 6″ Weight (approx.): 3,500 lbs. Fuel: 130 gals. Base price w/ 250-hp outboard: $54,900|

The Ocean Skiff 26, the first model in the new Hauptner-Craft line by Ocean Master, is designed to eliminate the choice anglers have had to make between a bay boat and an offshore boat. The 26 is both. The 26 is designed specifically for single-outboard power, and with today’s fuel-efficient outboards offers dramatically lower fuel, maintenance and insurance costs. The console allows room for a head, while the 130-gallon insulated fishbox and 250-plus gallons of dry storage will keep the most dedicated angler happy. The standard live well holds 32 gallons. In keeping with the Ocean Master reputation for building rugged boats, the hull is 100-percent hand-laid using only the finest laminates and resins to ensure years of trouble-free service. Ocean Master Marine, Riviera Beach, FL; (561) 840-0448; www.oceanmasterboats.com.

### Jefferson Marlago FS35¿

¿ SPECIFICATIONS****LOA: 35′ Beam: 9′ 2″ Weight (dry): 6,000 lbs. Fuel: 245 gals. Max. hp: 500 Base price w/ twin Mercury 200-hp EFI outboards: $108,900|

The new Marlago FS35 from Jefferson Yachts is clearly designed for fishermen, with a huge, open cockpit and a clean, uncluttered layout. At the stern are a built-in, deep, fresh water sink with hose spigot, a center-mounted live well and a salt water bait-prep area. Conveniently located below the prep area is easy access to fuel filters, fuel shut-offs and primer bulbs. Just ahead of the transom are two large, foam-insulated fishboxes plumbed with macerator pumps. Port and starboard rod racks lie under the gunwales to keep tackle secure and close at hand. The standard leaning post incorporates a rocket launcher with four rod holders, under-seat storage and a 162-quart cooler that dou

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