Albemarle says that its ­customers explain their ­loyalty in four components: superior ride thanks to the Carolina-style hull; fishability, especially in harsh conditions; unmatched quality in design, construction and components; and solid customer relationships.

Albemarle’s classic, dry-­riding hull with a wide Carolina flare busts through head seas, landing softly in the troughs. Helms provide unsurpassed visibility from within a huge, clear wraparound windshield and enclosure, using superior ­Strataglass and EZ2CY materials.

Albemarle hulls are hand-laid with premium components and processes, including hull-to-deck joints that are fiberglass-bonded and mechanically fastened; bronze and stainless-steel underwater gear and through-hulls; color-coded, tinned stranded copper wiring; heat-shrink terminal connections; and detailed recordkeeping throughout construction. 

Albemarle 30 Express

The outboard-powered 30 Express combines the offshore performance of center-consoles, with a well-appointed cabin (including galley with solid surface countertop, and a sink, microwave, and refrigerator) and protection from foul weather. That full galley, stand-up head and V-berth offer superb comfort. Optional side bunks make for great overnighting.

The helm area has face-­forward seating for three with a captain’s chair and a double companion seat within a standard, rigid acrylic enclosure. A hardtop is optional, as is a marlin tower. Mezzanine-style seating faces aft, where a folding transom bench seat in turn faces forward, framing the wide-open 64-square-foot cockpit, which features a rigging station—unless a cockpit galley is optioned in its place.

The deck contains two macerated 56-gallon fish boxes. Cockpit features include a 30-gallon transom livewell, a tackle center, tackle/storage cabinets with drawers, and a transom door for access to the Armstrong outboard-engine bracket.

Fishing options include ­additional rod holders, electric-­reel outlets, outriggers with telescoping poles, and coaming pads. General options include a Seakeeper 2 gyrostabilizer, a diesel generator, and Flexiteek decking for the outboard bracket, helm, and cockpit. A teak and cherry sole is available, as are underwater lights.

Base power is twin Yamaha 350s with options of triple Yamaha 300s or twin Mercury V-10 400s available.  With Yamaha power, Helm Master EX electronic steering is standard, and the full-maneuverability upgrade is available.

Editor’s Note

The hull of the 30 Express features solid, hand-laid fiberglass, with the stringer grid built from closed-cell foam and encapsulated in fiberglass, tabbed into the hull, and fully glassed in. The transom is Coosa Composite-­cored—no wood to rot. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Yamaha F300 outboards
• Test Props: Yamaha 15″ x 20″ SWS II 3-blade stainless steel
• Test Load: 200 gal. fuel, 3 people, and safety and test gear
• Test Speed: 31.9 mph at 3,500 rpm
• Max Range: 331 miles (with 10% reserve)

Specifications

Albemarle Boats – Edenton, North Carolina; albemarleboats.com

The post Albemarle 30 Express: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Each Aquila Power Catamaran, from 28 to 70 feet, is designed top to bottom as a pure power catamaran, and not, as the company says, a de-masted sailing catamaran.

The faster you go with this power cat, the softer the ride becomes. The tunnel between the hulls is designed to reduce drag, increase lift, and cushion the ride. The raised bridge deck enhances visibility. The transition from at rest to on plane is essentially undetectable—aside from pin-you-in-your-seat acceleration—because there is little change in trim angle and the ride stays virtually level.

Aquila cabins and salons are served by smooth, quiet, and energy-efficient variable-speed air-conditioning pumps. At the helm, Raymarine electronics provide fully integrated and seamless information and control. 

Aquila 47 Molokai 

The Aquila 47 Molokai power catamaran boasts both serious offshore fishing chops and sumptuous luxury.

This big cat features a spacious, air-conditioned stateroom with a queen-size island berth, as well as a private head and shower. Two entry doors access the stateroom, where large overhead and side windows flood the cabin with natural light by day, and let you stargaze by night.

Largest of Aquila’s three-boat offshore Molokai line, the 47 Molokai is powered by twin 600 hp or quad 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards, either of which producing speeds of 60-plus mph and a smooth, ­predictable ride thanks to the boat’s aggressive twin-step cat-hull design and strong, lightweight vacuum-infused construction. Those rides can be far—700 miles and more, depending on engine configuration—due to its 1,048-gallon fuel capacity. 

It’s a luxurious voyage, thanks in part to seven ­protected helm seats in two air-conditioned rows. Triple sundeck lounges in the bow, aft-facing seats in the cockpit, and exquisite ­entertainment ­areas at helm, cockpit, and stateroom all speak to its superb comfort. ­Raymarine electronics, C-Zone digital switching, and a Fusion audio system inform, control, and entertain.

Pressurized livewells fed by a Hooker sea chest keep bait lively, while cavernous fish boxes accommodate the largest fish on the longest trips. Electric-reel outlets provide power for deep-dropping, and the carbon-fiber hardtop is ­factory-reinforced for ­outriggers and custom towers.

Back in port, joystick piloting makes close-quarters ­maneuvering a breeze.

Editor’s Note

Stepping aboard the ­Aquila 47, I knew instantly that this was a different breed of cat. Luxury touches and world-class angling features beckoned me to set out on a long-distance angling ­adventure, prepared to catch fish, and to do so in comfort. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

• Test Power: Quad Mercury 400 hp Verado V-10 outboards
• Test Props: 25P RevX
• Test Load: 26,300 lb.
• Test Speed: 67mph
• Max Range: 754 miles (4500 rpm, 48 mph)

Specifications

Aquila Power Catamarans – Saint Petersburg, Florida; aquilaboats.com

The post Aquila 47 Molokai: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

The Barker 26 Calibogue Bay and 26 Open, both custom-built to order, were created by renowned naval architect Michael Peters. These models are based on Peters’ patented Stepped Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull design. 

The company says that this hull has one of the ­lowest drag coefficients of any ­monohull in the world, producing ­increased speed, better ­handling, better fuel ­economy, and a ­smoother ride than ­conventional ­step-hulls. 

These two breakout models were joined later by the Barker 40 HPC (High Performance Cat) twin-hull boat.

Created more than a dozen years ago with the goal of building the world’s best boats, Barker has built a reputation for best in class yacht-quality fit-and-finish. 

Sarasota, Florida-based Barker Boatworks is now part of Strike Force 7, which also includes Canyon Bay BoatWorks and Perry Composite Manufacturing, builders of fiberglass and carbon-fiber boats.

Barker 26 Open

Like its stablemate the Barker 26 Calibogue Bay, the 26 Open has become an instant classic.

A hybrid bay/offshore boat, the 26 Open traded the Calibogue’s fly-fishing-style casting decks for a deeper cockpit with maximum open space for seeking, fighting, and boating big fish on both offshore and inshore waters.

The wide helm is tended by a leaning post with a guide helm seat with storage beneath; twin teak-back helm chairs are among options. The tackle station houses a generous window-topped 45-gallon livewell. 

Standard is a Key West hardtop with rear support legs for extra strength and 11 rocket-launcher rod holders. A sunroof or fully equipped half-tower with a second ­station is optional.

A 15-gallon livewell in the bow is matched by one in the transom, which also houses a 15-gallon transom cooler. ­Macerated, insulated fish boxes of 140 and 50 gallons each reside under the forward deck. 

Also standard aboard the Barker 26 Open are Garmin electronics, JL Audio, Odyssey AGM batteries, dual fuel fills, and eight Gemlux gunwale rod holders.

A Mercury 350 hp V-10 on a set-back bracket is standard power, along with a Mercury Vessel View 4 display. Twin engines are optional. An 8-foot Power-Pole keeps this boat in place when stalking fish in shallow water. An optional Seakeeper 1 gyrostabilizer reduces up to 95 percent of boat roll.

The 26 Open comes standard as an open fisherman; add optional forward seating for the perfect blend of fishability and family. 

Editor’s Note

Based on my experience, I know that the 26 Open represents one of today’s most versatile and well-crafted hybrid boats. With this boat, we were able to run offshore for mahi in the morning, then zoom back in to fish for snook in the afternoon. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

• Test Power: Mercury 400 V-10 Verado
• Test Props: REVX 21P
• Test Load: 6,800 lb.
• Test Speed: 56 mph
• Max Range: 180 miles at 40 mph

Specifications

Barker Boatworks – Sarasota, Florida; barkerboatworks.com

The post Barker 26 Open: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

With boat models stretching from 22 to 40 feet in length, Blackfin proudly proclaims itself the boat brand that offers the best of all worlds, whether headed out to the Gulf Stream or over to the Bahamas in search of adventure and big fish, or dropping anchor at the sandbar to take a dip and party with friends—or anything in between. Blackfin boats has you covered.

Each Blackfin model—­spanning from center consoles to dual consoles—is designed by anglers and built from the highest-quality materials, including carbon-fiber-reinforced hulls. Designs are classic, but Blackfin also adds such modern features as digital engine monitoring, integrated storage, insulated coolers, and posh seating, plus the highest-quality sound systems to rock the tunes.

Blackfin 400CC

Fans of the Blackfin 332 CC asked for a boat with even more space and even more features, and Blackfin answered their requests—emphatically—with its biggest-ever center-console, the 400CC.

Space? Start at the bow, big and wide, with large sun pad and high freeboard.

Aft, a massive cockpit is served by a large tuna door to make it easy to boat a big fish, or for accessing the water when it comes time for a swim. There’s also a walk-through transom door for access to the integral swim platform.

Clever uses of space include features such as a roomy bilge compartment that can accommodate a gyrostabilizer. Two additional 160-gallon in-floor hatches can be used for cold storage or as macerated fish boxes, and like all bilge and storage compartments, they’re fully finished. Very classy.

The spacious and air-conditioned cabin features a skylight, smart TV, LED lighting and a forward convertible couch/berth. A mini galley features a sink, refrigerator and microwave; there is a separate head and shower as well. Plus, there’s storage inside for six rods.

The helm is attended by two rows of heated seats, the second row elevated so that its occupants get full view forward. The helm console houses a pair of 24-inch Garmin multifunction displays, bow-thruster joystick control, trim-tabs control, a JL Audio source unit, and Mercury controls, including JPO joystick for easy docking.

The standard fiberglass hardtop features a powder-­coated aluminum frame,  a tempered-glass windshield, and LED overhead and spreader lighting. An integrated molded step accesses the top’s roof and the standard Gemlux carbon-­fiber telescoping outriggers.

Fishing-focused, the 400CC’s transom contains a 70-gallon livewell with a light and aquarium-style viewing window. Another illuminated livewell of 30 gallons resides in the bow. A dozen stainless-­steel rod holders line the ­gunwales, six more the ­transom, and 14 the hardtop. An aft bait-prep and refreshment station ­includes two pull-out Yeti ­coolers, a sink, a faucet, and storage drawers, plus an ­electric grill.

Options include canvas side weather curtains, Palm Beach helm package of six Release marine helm seats with wood accents, and an aft-facing seat to replace the standard prep station, if desired. 

Editor’s Note

You can forget about needing to haul aboard and finding a place to stow cumbersome ­beanbag seats on this boat. The two rows of luxurious helm seats, plus the transom seat and forward console lounge, result in amazing comfort for crewmembers whether underway or at rest. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

• Test Power: Quad Mercury 400 hp V-10 outboards
• Test Props: Mercury Revolution X 4-blade stainless steel
• Test Load: 23,750 lb., including fuel, ballast, water, people and gear
• Test Speed: 45.4 mph at 4,500 rpm
• Max Range: 318 miles (with 10% reserve)

Specifications

Blackfin Boats – Williston, Florida; blackfinboats.com

The post Blackfin 400CC: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

With boat models stretching from 22 to 40 feet in length, Blackfin proudly proclaims itself the boat brand that offers the best of all worlds, whether headed out to the Gulf Stream or over to the Bahamas in search of adventure and big fish, or dropping anchor at the sandbar to take a dip and party with friends—or anything in between. Blackfin boats has you covered.

Each Blackfin model—­spanning from center consoles to dual consoles—is designed by anglers and built from the highest-quality materials, including carbon-fiber-reinforced hulls. Designs are classic, but Blackfin also adds such modern features as digital engine monitoring, integrated storage, insulated coolers, and posh seating, plus the highest-quality sound systems to rock the tunes.

Blackfin 302DC

There’s no need to make tough choices between ­fishability, ­performance and family ­comfort when it comes to Blackfin’s new 302DC. 

The dual-console boat, built on a Michael Peters two-step hull design, provides outstanding performance and a smooth, dry ride. Yet fishing does not play second fiddle aboard the 302DC.   

The spacious cockpit is fixed for a fight. Four flush-mounted rod holders line the transom; gunwales bear six more rod/cup holders; and the hardtop sports another half-dozen. (Two more flush-mounted rod holders are at the bow, for bottomfishing or kite-fishing.) A 30-gallon insulated livewell with lighting and an aquarium-style window is in the port corner of the transom, and the deck contains two 54-gallon insulated, macerated fish boxes. Upgrade the fiberglass hardtop with optional Gemlux outriggers featuring carbon-fiber telescoping poles.

What about your non-angling family and friends? They’ll be clamoring to come aboard, thanks to that superb ride and a long list of luxury features, including U-shaped bow seating with a cockpit table/filler and forward-facing backrests. There’s also a comfortable foldout bench seat built into the transom. A sturdily latching walk-through door within the tempered-glass-windshield structure makes for easy ­movement fore and aft. 

The upgraded helm showcases large, twin Garmin multifunction displays, with switches and other controls at easy reach. A digital engine monitoring system keeps track of mechanicals, and a standard bow thruster makes docking a breeze.

There’s storage space within the starboard console, and a changing room/head area with a sink is in the port console. 

A novel seat aft of the helm seat faces forward and aft; it folds out into a luxurious bench lounge and sits atop a 45-quart Yeti cooler. Portside is a wet bar containing a sink, a sprayer, another Yeti cooler, a cutting board and a drawer refrigerator, all beneath a solid surface top.

A dive door with optional ladder is to port in the cockpit, and a transom door in the starboard corner offers access to a side-mounted foldout boarding ladder on the swim platform.

Options and upgrades include Dual Garmin 8612 displays, VHF 315 and a transducer. Other electronics options include radome or open array and FLIR. Choose among aft curtains, bow shade, bow and cockpit covers, as well as drop curtain, front curtain and side curtain.

Editor’s Note

The Blackfin 302DC’s unique hull features a Michael Peters-designed running surface with not just one, but two steps to enhance lift, reduce drag, and boost performance and efficiency for greater cruising speed and fishing range. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Mercury 300 hp V-8
• Test Props: Mercury Enertia Eco 3-blade stainless steel
• Test Load: 13,214 lb., including fuel, ballast, ­people, gear and water
• Test Speed: 40.1 mph at 4,500 rpm
• Max Range: 324 miles (with 10% reserve)

Specifications

Blackfin Boats – Williston, Florida; blackfinboats.com

The post Blackfin 302DC: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Within their family’s ­70-year boatbuilding legacy, Bill and Gary Kenner created K2 Marine, which builds Frontier Boats and BlackJack Boats. BlackJack is a line of ­esteemed saltwater center-­console bay boats. Frontier is also a line of dry-riding bay boats but with a focus on value. 

Each BlackJack is assembled by hand, its Carolina-flare hull built with molds designed by Bill and Gary Kenner. The concave-­design bow slices into chop and waves and, combined with the reverse flare of the hull chines, turns spray down and away for a smoother, drier ride. Large lifting strakes reduce the hull’s wetted surface for more ­efficiency at speed. The tumblehome transom hearkens back to classic wood hulls. Handmade touches include traditional hand-laid laminates to 57 individual pieces. 

BlackJack owners, many of them guides and captains, praise the boats’ ride, shallows-friendly draft, abundant dry storage and generous fishing room. These boats hop onto plane quickly and stay there, even at slow speeds.

BlackJack 256 Coastal

The 256 Coastal—the newest addition to the BlackJack line—combines offshore- and bay-boat elements in a model that lets you decide how you want to fish on any given day. Its three-piece design, deeper casting deck, and open aft deck support comfortable fishing in bigger waters, without sacrificing inshore effectiveness. 

Fishing-ready, the BlackJack 256 Coastal has a fiberglass leaning post with anodized ­backrest, four rod holders, storage, and a livewell. The boat features dual forward fish boxes plus a third in-floor center fish box, all insulated, with a through-hull drain. The rear bilge-access compartment includes storage for a 5-gallon bucket. A six-gauge trolling-motor harness with circuit-breaker protection and tilt trim switch is standard. The large console dash stands ready for the addition of ­aftermarket electronics. 

Undergunwale storage cradles three rods on each side, and a forward insulated baitwell is topped with a clear acrylic lid and equipped with a recirculator and fill. 

The front-open console houses batteries, and a seat at its front contains a 70-quart cooler. Optional forward seating with removable cushions and backrests create a day cruiser perfect for family trips to the sandbar or an island beach.

Editor’s Note

Many offshore boats can handle rough conditions but draw too much water for inshore waters. Many inshore boats can run skinny but are out of their element when running offshore. ­However, few boats can handle both environments as well as the Blackjack 256 Coastal. -Alan Jones

Performance Data

• Test Power: Yamaha F350
• Test Prop: 15 ¼” x 21” Yamaha SWS XL
• Test Load: 1,293 lbs
• Test Speed: 32 mph at 3,500 rpm
• Max Range: 249 miles

Specifications

BlackJack – Knoxville, Arkansas; blackjackboats.com

The post BlackJack 256 Coastal: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

There’s no logo that’s better-­known among boating anglers than the hull-and-harpoon-framed trademark of Boston Whaler. It’s distinctive of boats ranging from 13-foot side-console skiffs to a 42-foot center-console. Dual-consoles, pilothouse boats and express cruisers complete the line. 

The “Unsinkable Legend” was born as a dream of Dick Fisher more than 60 years ago. That dream became the now-classic 13-footer, completely foam-filled for strength and unsinkable buoyancy. Today, every Boston-Whaler model boasts this unsinkable attribute.

Boston Whaler 365 Conquest

The powerful, stylish, and comfortable 365 Conquest is a premier, all-season vessel—an offshore fishing machine ready for any quarry, as well as entertaining friends and families.

The boat’s modern design exudes style and ­versatility. It’s ready for cruising to ­dockside shops and restaurants, ­anchoring overnight in a quiet bay, gathering the family for a ­multiday getaway, or just relaxing at a sand bar. 

Then, of course, the 365 offers outstanding seakeeping, plenty of power, and abundant angling amenities for far-flung fishing adventures.

The boat balances ­formidable fishability with luxury touches that are sure to please everyone, things such as a two-part aft table that stores easily when not in use, part of a customizable aft deck. 

The passenger-side seat faces a 19-inch Simrad multifunction display and contains a storage compartment. The seatback is reversible to create a lounger, pairing with a reversed (otherwise) rear-facing seat that can be optioned to house a drawer-style refrigerator, and a pull-out bench seat.

The helm features twin 19-inch Simrad MFDs. Behind the captain is a galley, with enhancements optional. Reverse-cycle air conditioning provides cooling and heating for seasonal comfort.

The premium cabin, with berths for up to five, has hullside windows and deluxe seating and sleeping accommodations, plus abundant storage. Two buttons convert its table and seats into a comfortable master berth. 

Notable options include a ­gyrostabilizer, an upper station, a diesel generator, joystick piloting, a retractable sunshade, a premium audio system, underwater lights, and a transom summer kitchen with a freezer. 

Standard power comes in the form of triple Mercury 400 hp V-10 Verado outboards. Another option is twin 600 hp V-12 Verados.

Editor’s Note

With the optional tower and second station, you can turn the 365 Conquest into a righteous bluewater warrior, ready for tournament fishing. And once you defeat a big tuna, use the starboard-side door to slide your prize into the cockpit. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Mercury 600 V-12 Verado
• Test Props: 24.5P Verado 12
• Test Load: 23,830 lb., including 197 gal. fuel, 52 gal. water, 25 lb. test gear, 430 lb. crew
• Test Speed: 36.6 mph at 4,500 rpm
• Max Range: 280 miles

Specifications

Boston Whaler – Edgewater, Florida; 877-294-5645; bostonwhaler.com

The post Boston Whaler 365 Conquest: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Legendary marine-industry veteran Early Bentz—founder of Stratos and then Triton Boats, both premium lines of saltwater and freshwater fishing boats—created fishing-focused Caymas Boats in 2018. 

Caymas models are designed and built for hardcore offshore and inshore anglers, while also pleasing families with cruising and entertaining attributes. They’re built on the Michael Peters double Stepped Vee Ventilated Tunnel running ­surface for top performance and fuel economy.

A former national champion boat racer and bass-boat-manufacturing ­pioneer, Bentz has always aimed to engineer and build the most durable and best-­performing boats in their class, all featuring dry rides, outstanding  speeds, and superior safety and comfort. The Caymas line of center-console boats lives up to that vaunted reputation.

Caymas 291 

The new Caymas 291 is the largest and most robust member of the Caymas Hybrid Series, boasting an open bow and higher freeboard, as well as exceptional stability and handling. 

The 291 is a hardcore fishing boat that enables anglers to fish both inshore and offshore, with plenty of fishing room and easy angling access all around the interior. With bay-boat and center-console parentage, it’s capable of floating in less than 16 inches of water.

Fishing features include four gunwale-mounted stainless-steel rod holders, a 35-gallon livewell, a 328-quart forward fish box, a pair of 100-quart in-floor fish boxes, and 250 quarts of insulated storage below a chaise longue at the console front. 

The chaise has six more rod holders, as well as grab rails and cup holders. All upholstery, including the cockpit bolsters, helm seating and aft bench, features premium Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl.

The console’s interior is accessed through a large door, the console itself sheltered by a three-sided glass ­enclosure within a D-shaped hardtop frame. That hardtop has LED dome and ­spreader lights, speaker pods and, across its back, seven rod holders. Other LED lights are located in console interior, compartments, livewells, and under the gunwale. The dash welcomes a pair of 19-inch multifunction displays.

A fiberglass leaning post supports helm seats with backrests and flip-up bolsters, plus four rod holders and cup holders.

Editor’s Note

Caymas covers the shallow and the deep with a well-­appointed and high-quality hybrid, with great seating throughout, a well-organized console, an abundance of fishing room, and functionality all based on a performance hull from Earl Bentz. -Karl Anderson

Performance Data

• Test Power: Twin Mercury Verado 300
• Test Prop: Eco Enertia SS 21, 3-blade
• Test Load: 4,050 lb.
• Test Speed: 33.5 mph at 3,500 rpm
• Max Range: 407 miles

Specifications

Caymas Boats – Ashland City, Tennessee; caymasboats.com

The post Caymas 291: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Cobia has crafted boats for more than 60 years. Acquired by the respected Maverick Boat Group in 2005, it joined the group’s other industry-­leading brands: Maverick, Hewes and Pathfinder. Now Cobia is one of the country’s bestselling lines of ­saltwater fishing boats, blending ­tournament-grade performance and family ­amenities.

All Cobia models 26 feet in length and up are built with Maverick’s proprietary ­vacuum-assisted resin infusion system, aka VARIS, producing a single, fused hull structure that is incredibly strong and has the highest strength-to-weight ratio ­possible in fiberglass construction. This helps ensure long-term reliability and ­durability for safely fishing offshore for years amid ­challenging sea conditions.

Cobia 265 CC Open

The Cobia 265 Open’s roomier center-console layout designed with ample deck space for fighting big ones builds on innovative features of its stable mate, the 265 CC. These elements include an inward-opening tuna door, user-friendly helm, an optional integrated hardtop, and an updated Garmin marine electronics package. The new ship adds full walk-up access to the bow and stern. 

Multiple helm-station configurations accommodate dual 16-inch multifunction displays. A great option is a Seakeeper 1 gyrostabilizer within a dedicated helm seat. A forward console jump seat is there when you need to take a load off, but it also tucks out of the way when the fishing action heats. The principle applies to a fold-down transom bench seat in the aft cockpit. Returning up front, the family will love the cushy bow seat on days when fishing takes a back seat to a leisurely cruise. Within the front-opening console, the head has 6 feet of headroom, a freshwater sink, a mirror, and a shower. 

The 265 Open has cockpit coaming pads, two 46-gallon insulated cockpit fish boxes, stainless-steel gunwale rod holders, bait-cutting board, and undergunwale rod racks. An optional deep-drop setup consists of reinforced gunwales and electric-reel outlets. The boat is ready for outriggers and kite-fishing, and can also be equipped with kingfish rod holders. Optional amenities include a 30-gallon livewell and bow and aft sunshades. 

Power up with twin Yamaha 150, 200 or 250 hp engines with Helm Master EX DES. A joystick is optional. You can order your 265 Open prepped for a trolling motor, or with a Garmin Force Kraken 90 on a rotating mount.

Editor’s Note

Spacious seating in the bow area, with the option to add an electrically adjustable table with full-sun-lounge ­capability and forward-­facing backrests, enables the 265 CC Open’s sister design, the 265 CC, to perform double duty as a family day cruiser. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

Test Power: Twin Yamaha F250 outboards
Test Prop: Yamaha 15 ¼” x 19″ SWS II 3-blade stainless steel
Test Load: 2,482 lb.
Test Speed: 26.3 mph at 3,000 rpm
Max Range: 301 miles (161 gal. x 2.08 mpg x 10% reserve)

Specifications

Cobia Boats – Fort Pierce, Florida; cobiaboats.com

The post Cobia 265 Open: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Contenders are built by a staff who are aware that serious fishing calls for serious boats that can go anywhere, anytime, no matter the weather. You join the design team when you buy a Contender boat because you select many of the details that make the semicustom sport-fishing boat your own. 

The first Contender was the 25 Classic, introduced by freediver, spearfisherman, and still company owner and ­president, Joe Neber, who founded the company in 1984. Admittedly competitive by nature, the Miami native has ­consistently pushed the ­envelop in boat performance. (Neber is also a strong supporter of the sport-fishing community who also possesses a strong ­conservation ethos.)

Contender offers models from 23 to 44 feet, on both step-hulls and deep-V hulls, and in tournament, bay, and fish-around models. Each boat awaits your specifications, from engine power to electronics to upholstery, including teak packages, power-actuated hatches and coolers, livewells and rigging, and forward and rear seating options.

Contender boats 35 feet and larger are built in Homestead, Florida, while those 32 feet and smaller are built in a new facility in Fort Pierce, Florida. 

More tournaments are won on Contenders, the company says, than by any other brand.

Contender 39ST

One of the most advanced and thought-out fishing platforms on the water is how Contender describes its 39ST. It has also described the center-console boat, powered by triple Yamaha XTO 425 outboards, as “a ­rocket ship on water.” 

Standard equipment on this rocket ship includes a sport console with a clear enclosure and console side-entry door, 40-gallon freshwater system, 105-gallon aft fish boxes at port and starboard, forward fish boxes of a generous 145 and 260 gallons, forward oversize in-deck bilge access, cockpit coaming pads, forward underdeck rod lockers port and starboard, two pressurized 40-gallon clear-topped transom livewells with separate pumps, full transom with dive platform and transom dive door, and Livorsi trim tabs.

The menu of options is rich: hardtop, tackle center station, stand-on tower and second station, coffin box, additional rod holders, outriggers, electric-reel outlets, third transom well, kingfish rod holders, extra-large walk-in lined and finished console with head compartment, fish-box diaphragm pumps, lockable storage, and more. There’s even additional fuel capacity of 50 or 100 gallons more. Lebroc helm seating is available, as are many other comfort additions. A coffin box/forward lounge option provides convenience while maintaining an open fishing area forward. The aft cockpit offers abundant fishing room as well.

The 39ST is big, but big doesn’t mean slow. The boat turns in a blistering 72.7 mph top end, at 6,000 rpm, at a respectable 0.64 mpg. And with its generous 500-gallon fuel capacity, at 36.6 mph (3,500 rpm) it has a range of 450 miles.

In the decade since its introduction, the 39ST has become a sea-taming, wide-ranging, tournament-winning classic.

Editor’s Note

I kite-fished for sailfish off the upper Florida Keys and Miami aboard the ­Contender 39T with Capt. Jon Cooper, and I found this boat to be one of the best-suited platforms for this popular technique, especially with the tower and second station. -Jim Hendricks

Performance Data

• Test Power: Triple Yamaha XF 425
• Test Props: 16″ x 25″ XTO OS
• Test Load: 5,686 lb.
• Test Speed: 36.6 mph at 3,500 rpm
• Max Range: 450 miles (with 10% reserve)

Specifications

Contender Boats – Homestead, Florida; contenderboats.com

The post Contender 39ST: 2025 Boat Buyers Guide appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.