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Fishing Boat Review: Invincible 39 Open Fisherman

This sweet ride gets you to the fish comfortably and in a hurry.

From its inception in 2006, Invincible’s mission has been clear: Build fishing boats that set the industry’s highest standards, with the most discriminating anglers in mind.

The new Invincible 39 Open Fisherman represents the latest example of this approach. This supersize center console rides on a patented Michael Peters designed hull with a pair of steps in the running surface to smoothen the ride, improve efficiency and boost top speed.

In previous tests of the 33 and 36 models, I walked away impressed with the quick hole shot, comfortable ride and ­predictable cornering of both. Would this hold with the 39?

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We picked a dandy of a day to find out. Winds off Miami howled at 15 to 20 knots, humping the water into steep, 3- to 4-foot seas. Throttling up the triple Yamaha F350 V8 ­outboards, the boat accelerated with minimal bow rise. I attacked the head seas at 20 mph, a speed at which some stepped hulls refuse to plane, yet the 39 lifted nicely. ­Pushing it to 40 mph only improved the ride. Bringing the Invincible 39 about in the lumpy conditions was a piece of cake, thanks to the U-Flex power-assist ­hydraulic ­steering. The stepped hull banked ­confidently, and, as I ran beam to the waves, we stayed surprisingly dry.

The Invincible 39 dispelled any doubts I had about the down-sea performance of stepped hulls — or at least this one. Pushing the boat to 50 mph and ­trimming out the ride was ­exhilarating and smooth. Next, we headed into the bay, where waves were running 1 to 2 feet. There, we poured the coals to the trio of 350s and topped out at 72.2 mph.

Complementing the performance of the 39 is the construction quality, which is second to none. Beneath the gorgeous lines is a molded structural frame with bonded ­bulkheads and stringers. The stringer system is secured to the liner using WeldOn, and the deck and liner are bonded with ­methacrylate adhesive, adding the strength and integrity that create a ride free of creaks and rattles.

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Topside fit and finish reflects the same quality. Stereo speakers are recessed in molded frames, and hatches with ­rubber seals and guttered frames fit snugly. The helm and aft-facing seats feature contoured bottoms for three in both directions. Coaming bolsters circle the interior to protect your knees and thighs while fishing, and coaming below the helm panel cushions your legs when you’re standing on the bridge deck.

The level sole eliminates tripping hazards as you battle a fish along the side, and the upward slope of the deck as you go forward makes it easy to work a fish around the bow. A recessed bow rail and stainless-steel pull-up cleat eliminate snags while fishing or throwing a cast net.

A beefy dive door on the port side offers safer boarding on floating docks, as well as the ability to boat a big fish. An integrated stowable ladder makes it easy to climb back in after taking a dip.

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The aft cockpit affords enough room for four or five anglers. The Euro transom features a 62-gallon pressurized livewell with a clear acrylic lid. In addition, a ­78-gallon livewell resides below deck in the aft cockpit. You’ll also find a pair of insulated fish boxes and hatch access to the rigging in the aft bilge, which includes a sea chest with three Rule 1500 pumps and four high-speed pickups. The new side-scupper system keeps seas from back flushing onto the deck when reversing hard.

Below the forward deck are four compartments, including a 160-gallon fish box. A factory option converts it to a massive livewell. You can also order a coffin box for the forward cockpit.

Accessible via a portside companionway, a step-down compartment inside the console offers 6½ feet of headroom and features a head, sink and shower, as well as access to the console rigging.

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Twin Garmin 8212 multifunction displays filled the helm panel on our test boat. Invincible installs a shoot-through transducer ahead of the forward step to eliminate aeration that might interfere with fish-finder performance.

The hardtop featured backing plates for outriggers, antennas and radar. According to Invincible, thick-walled schedule-80 aluminum in the frame
quadruples the strength of welded joints.

Each Invincible is built to order, ­allowing buyers to customize boats with features for any particular style of offshore fishing. Behind every model comes superb engineering, proven performance, and impeccable fit and finish. The Invincible 39 Open Fisherman carries this forward in a fishing machine that, I believe, is one sweet ride.

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From the spacious dash to the centerline steering and the bolstered aft edge, the helm is designed for efficient operation as well as comfort.
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A generous fish box beneath the  forward deck supplies plenty of storage for your catch. Just aft, another oversize box may be plumbed as an additional livewell.
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The cockpit is roomy enough for four or five active anglers, and it also offers comfortable seating configured for both watching the baits and cruising.
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A portside door makes it a cinch to land big fish and provides easy access for loading and boarding at the dock. An integrated swim ladder stows below deck.
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