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The latest fishing boats try to offer it all — storage for the toys, pylons for tow sports, bow ladders to hit the beach more easily. Here are a few of the most noteworthy models.
Regulator 25
For their 25th anniversary, Regulator is rolling out a replacement for their much-loved 26 footer. The new 25, which is 25' 2" inches on deck, stretches to 30 feet when you add in the bracket-mounted outboards.
While the presence of more than a dozen cup holders and forward seating shows Regulator's growing acceptance of non-fishing needs aboard, the full transom is but one indication that they still prioritize the desires of serious offshore fishermen in their designs. RegulatorMarine.com
Sea Vee 390Z
Sea Vee's Z line is a new stepped hull design available on three of their center consoles, including the 390Z, shown here.
Stepped hulls increase efficiency by introducing air under the running surfaces of the boat, but this can play havoc with sonar and livewells. Sea Vee's design focused on maintaining enough "clean" water under the hull for livewell intakes and sonar transducers to still function properly at speed. SeaVeeBoats.com
Intrepid 375 TE
Intrepid's 375 Tournament Edition is rigged to fish, with an optional bait well under the helm seat that features clear wraparound Lexan that looks more like a home aquarium than a traditional bait tank.
Intrepid expanded the running surfaces at the stern of the 375 to help offset the weight of heavier, four-stroke outboards, improving performance. IntrepidBoats.com
Belzona 327 Walkaround
While hull-side dive doors have proved popular, Belzona has taken the concept a step further, designing a pair of sliding doors that incorporate the hull side along almost the entire cockpit. Instead of a narrow door, you have an opening on both sides you could load cattle through, making the boat feel like part of a watery playground.
Inside the cabin you'll find a separate shower stall and a seven-foot bunk. BelzonaMarine.com
Jupiter 41 Express
Continuing the trend of outboard-powered cabin boats, the 41 Express sports a midships berth in the space that might be taken up by inboards on similarly sized models.
Optional joystick control, powered by Yamaha's Helm Master system, makes docking a snap. JupiterMarine.com
Boston Whaler 270 Dauntless
New for 2014, the largest model in the Dauntless line offers a center console layout, but keeps the family happy with options such as a ski pylon and a bow ladder to make beaching easier. A deep compartment under the forward lounge stores toys for the day. Optional foldaway dive tank racks increase the boat's versatility. BostonWhaler.com
Grady-White 251 CE
A first for Grady-White, the 251 Coastal Explorer is an inshore model designed for easy access to the water with lower gunwales and a bow ladder for beach access.
The 251 CE offers skinny water versatility with the hull drawing just 14 inches. GradyWhite.com
Yellowfin 42
Yellowfin allows customers to customize their consoles and leaning posts with a variety of options including forward lounges, or complete tackle stations.
Add an optional fighting chair to complete your fishing machine. Yellowfin.com
Scout 275 Dorado
The largest model in the Dorado line of dual consoles, this new Scout features flexible cockpit seating that stows away when you’re not entertaining, increasing the room to fish.
Optional cockpit table stows away in the head compartment. ScoutBoats.com