Cool New Boats from the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show

The Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is known for having lots of new model introductions, and this year was no different. While many of the cool new boats being displayed were motor yachts, cruisers, and the like, there was also a slew of red-hot fishing boats being introduced for the very first time. Here are three that are sure to make waves.

The Bertram 35

The 2017 Bertram 35 got a shocking amount of attention from the crowd, even though this is admittedly an expensive sportfishing boat that will appeal mostly to to offshore anglers, only. Still, its beautiful lines, chic interior, and 40-knot performance make this new boat a serious winner. It’s powered by a pair of 460 HP diesel inboards, weighs in just over 20,000 lbs, has a draft of just 2’6″ (thanks to prop pockets) and sports a huge cockpit thanks to the 12’5″ beam. If you want to learn more about this boat you can read my full review of the Bertram 35 on boats.com. Or, check out this (short and very introductory) video we shot at the boat show.

Everglades 273cc

This may be the new king of all bay boats. At an outrageous 29’0″ LOA with a 9’3″ beam and a maximum horsepower rating of 500 (gulp!) horsepower, this boat still only drafts 1’6″. Yes, it will be too darn big for some inshore anglers who need to get up tight creeks. Of course, it does cost an arm and a leg (close to $200K with a pair of 200 HP outboards). And you’re correct, it is too darn wide to trailer all over the place. But if you keep your boat in the water, you want a fishing machine that’s capable of going well beyond the inlet as well as fishing inshore waters, luxury is something you demand, and price is irrelevant, then this boat it going to grab your attention. Here are a few of the highlights: an 82 gallon fishbox, a 31 gallon livewell, a (very roomy) head in the console, a helm that can take twin flush-mounted 16″ MFDs, a windlass, a 97 qt. forward console seat/cooler, and a fiberglass hard-top on a powder-coated aluminum frame. Check it out, at Everglades Boats.

Scout 215 XSF

Scout boats are not known for low pricing, and the 215 XSF isn’t going to change that, but if you’ve been looking at new boats lately then you already know they’re outrageously priced. A 21 center console can cost over $3,000 per foot, and that’s before you add any extras. Like a propeller. Scout is shaking things up a bit, however, with the 2017 215 XSF. They’re introducing this boat at a price of $46,495 with a Yamaha F150, or $49,490 with the same powerplant plus a trailer. And beyond the pricing, this model has all the things you expect from a Scout center console. There are removable backrests for the forward bow seats, so you can ditch them and the cushions and use the bow for a casting platform. The aft bench seat folds away flush against the transom, and there’s a 21 gallon livewell built into the transom as well. A 72 quart removable Igloo cooler lives under the leaning post. Rodholders are stainless-steel. And Scout includes a couple of unexpected perks, like a Fusion four-speaker stereo system and Bay Star hydraulic steering, as standard features. If you’re looking for a new center console but you’re not interested in cardiac-arrest-causing MSRPs, visit Scout and take a look.