Yachting had the chance to get on board Coastal Craft’s 42′ ExpressFish at the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Take a look at what makes this “Deep V” hull-designed yacht unique.

About Coastal Craft

“For a quarter century we have been reimagining yacht construction, working tirelessly to marry function with form. The strength of our aluminum hulls is a salute to the tough, utilitarian craft working our home waters off British Columbia’s rugged coast, while the precision and beauty of our design reflect a time-honoured aesthetic tradition of maritime craftsmanship.

We are committed to seeing the building process through, from start to finish, under one roof. From design and engineering, through each precision cut and weld, through woodwork and cabinetry, wiring, soundproofing, fairing, and painting, our team works together as one to create yachts where every element is in precisely the right place.

We pursue nothing short of perfection. This is the standard that guides us, and the approach that has earned us the trust of Coastal Craft owners across North America.”

To see more from Coastal Craft, visit coastalcraft.com.

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Canadian builder Coastal Craft has launched the 33 Express, a design intended to allow the elements inside on nice cruising days while protecting the skipper and guests if the weather turns rough.

The sunroof can be opened or closed, as can double rear doors. With everything open, Coastal Craft says, the 33 Express feels much like a runabout with the handling of a yacht. With everything closed, the temperature-controlled salon becomes a haven from wind and rain.

Built in aluminum, the Coastal Craft 33 Express comes standard with twin 350-horsepower Mercury Verado outboards. According to the builder, they allow for a top speed of 41 knots and a cruising speed of 32 knots. With optional 400-horsepower Verados, the cruising speed is 35 knots and the top hop is 45 knots.

Features at the helm include a SeaStar hydraulic power steering wheel, outboard electronic engine controls, and an outboard digital gauge display with a contoured switching panel.

Fuel capacity is 330 gallons, and the vessel has a 330-nautical-mile range, according to the builder. A single stateroom and head are part of the design, for overnights on the hook while cruising.

What kind of finishing is aboard the Coastal Craft 33 Express? The interior is black walnut with teak soles. The cockpit is built with UltraDeck.

For more information, visit: coastalcraft.com

Quick Specs:

• Length Overall: 41′
• Maximum Beam: 11′
• Draft: 2′
• Fuel Capacity: 330 Gal.
• Freshwater Capacity: 66 Gal.

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Big boats are nice, but ask nearly any yachtsman with a fleet, and he’ll tell you there’s great fun to be had on tenders. With the wind in your hair and a big fish tugging on your line, life doesn’t get much better. Efficient, ­rugged and fun, the fishing tender has come into its own and is now ­available with all kinds of features that used to be the exclusive province of ­larger siblings in the marina. Here are 15 choice picks, new for this season.

Pursuit S 288 Sport

The S 288 is now the entry-level model in the builder’s four-hull Sport line, which ranges up to an S 408. At 30 feet length overall, the S 288 has room for many features found on her larger siblings.

• Thrill of the Chase: With twin 300 hp Yamaha outboards, the S 288 can hit 48 knots. The engine package comes standard with the Yamaha Helm Master steering system and its Set Point feature, which has three modes that let skippers lock in a position, a heading or both.
• Fully Loaded: Amenities aboard the S 288 include a hullside tuna/dive door, a transom livewell and dual in-sole fish boxes. Seating is aft and up front, so the crew can rest their legs between bouts with gamefish.

Take the next step: pursuitboats.com

Carolina Skiff Sea Chaser 24

For more than 30 years, Carolina Skiff has built dependable vessels that are fun to drive and adept at bringing in fish. The builder offers more than 60 models, including its Sea Chaser line, which in itself has four series that range in length from 16 to 27 feet length overall.

• Multitasker: The Sea Chaser 24 HFC stands out for her versatility; HFC stands for hybrid fish and cruise. She comes standard with features meant to please both types of boaters, including an insulated fish box, fold-down cleats, a stainless-steel anchor chock, LED lighting under the gunwale, a built-in lifting eye, stainless-steel cupholders and more. Capacity is 12 boaters, no ­matter whether they’re lounging or wetting lines.

Take the next step: carolinaskiff.com

Edgewater 370cc

The Edgewater 370CC butts up against the monster-size center-console class at 37 feet long. The builder categorizes her in her own Yacht class, separate from its Heritage, Center Console and Crossover lines that max out at 32 feet length overall. The 370CC’s horsepower-to-size ratio of 9.2 pounds per horsepower makes her best in her class, according to the builder.

• Take it to the Edge: The 370CC’s options for customization ­include ­multiple hull colors, a 70-gallon in-transom livewell, a Garmin electronics package and a Fusion stereo system.
• Speed Thrills: With triple 300 hp ­Yamaha outboards, the Edgewater can hit a top-end speed of 56 knots, according to the builder.

Take the next step: ewboats.com

Ocean Alexander 45 Divergence

Ocean Alexander has long had a reputation for constructing stout, bluewater-cruising motoryachts. Now the builder is applying that heritage to the center-console market with the 45 Divergence.

• Divergent Thinking: Fit and finish, and in particular woodwork and leather stitching, are on par with the builder’s motoryachts. Owners can customize each hull with more than 400 cosmetic variations.

Take the next step: oceanalexander.com

Grady-White Canyon 456

Grady-White has a sizable new flagship: the Canyon 456. The builder says that in designing this boat, it wanted to “reimagine the luxury sport-fishing yacht,” with the widest beam (14 feet) in its class allowing for literal boatloads of amenities and features on board. The 45-foot-long center-console displaces a cool 24,500 pounds sans engines.

• Great White: The Canyon 456 is fitted out with cockpit boarding doors to port and starboard, a 459-quart insulated freezer box, a Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer, cushioned bow seating with ­backrests, and an enclosed head with a sink and shower (inside the console). The galley has Corian countertops and stainless-steel drawers, along with vertical rod stowage. The V-berth converts electromechanically from a bed to seating with a table, near a 32-inch TV and more rod stowage.

Take the next step: gradywhite.com

Scout 530 LXF

The Scout 530 LXF is the builder’s new flagship. Early inquiries left the builder expecting to be sold out for the first year after Hull No. 1 made her debut.

• Vroom! She can have an array of engine setups, with four, five or six Mercury or Yamaha outboards up to 2,700 total horsepower. The blistering top-end is reportedly 65 knots.
• Inside and Out: Scout worked with Fort Lauderdale-based Genesis Interiors on the European-style interior, with ideas taken from larger yacht builds. Other interesting touches include electrically raised rocket launchers and double hydraulic swim ­platforms that open to port and starboard. The 530 LXF also comes with a concierge: Company Capt. Josh Slayton delivers each 530 and makes sure each owner is comfortable with the boat.

Take the next step: scoutboats.com

Valhalla v37

It was only a matter of time. Viking Yachts has been a dominant player in the fish-boat market for years, and now has rolled out Valhalla Boatworks, its foray into the burgeoning center-console sector.

• Hero Status: Viking collaborated with Michael Peters Yacht Design to create this 36-foot-9-inch boat, which has a gently sloped sheerline. The boat can have twin, triple or quadruple outboards up to 1,200 hp. Customized installations of Seakeeper gyrostabilizer systems leave room for stowage, systems and more. A transom livewell, in-sole fish boxes and rod holders help to bolster this vessel’s fishing cred, while the stepped hull should provide an airy ride with a firm grip on the sea.

Take the next step: valhallaboatworks.com

Solace 345

Solace is a new boat company whose first model is the 345. Note the vessel’s unorthodox transom, which juts out between the twin Yamaha outboard engines, creating 5-foot flush access that leads to a hydraulically operated dive door. Just forward of there, to port and starboard, are ­folding benches that seat two people apiece. There’s also a three-person ­retractable bench that extends from the ­workstation.

• Bug Out: Owners can choose an ­optional second workstation with a “folding buggy top” for protection from the elements.
• Big Plans: The Edgewater, Florida, builder has 16 acres of space and plans to roll out a full line of models behind the 345. So get ready to say hi to the new guy.

Take the next step: solaceboats.com

Boston Whaler 210 Montauk

The 210 is the new flagship in Boston Whaler’s Montauk line. Like all Whalers, she’s “unsinkable,” and is also built for hose-and-go use, so owners can maximize their time on the water.

• Whale of a Time: The 210 Montauk comes standard with a 150 hp Mercury FourStroke outboard and a galvanized-steel trailer with LED lighting and a swing tongue. Fishing options include rod holders, tackle drawers and a 30-gallon livewell; the optional fishing package adds a host of angling amenities.
• Cruising Cred: Optional bow seating should make for an optimal place during sunset cruises. Five gelcoat colors are available for the hull while a teak package lets owners class up the joint.

Take the next step: bostonwhaler.com

Coastal Craft 33 Express

The Coastal Craft 33 Express is based on the Pacific Northwest builder’s 33 Profish. Like her sistership, the Express version is trailerable, has about 81 square feet of cockpit space to wet a line, and has two berths for spending the night on the hook in a favorite anchorage.

• Ready To Run: The 33 Express can cruise at 30 knots for 400 nautical miles and hit 40 on the pins, according to the builder.

Take the next step: coastalcraft.com

Nor-Tech 390 Sport

Nor-tech has always toed the line between center-console and pure speedboat, and the 390 Sport is no exception. She has a scorching top-end of 70 knots with triple outboard Mercury 400R racing engines, according to the builder.

• Fast Fishing: The 390 Sport has two tuna doors, an in-transom livewell and an array of rod holders dotting her gunwales. Garmin is a Nor-tech partner for outfitting helm electronics.
• Have a Seat: U-shaped forepeak seating and twin lounges are forward of the console, giving guests and crew a place to stretch out in the sun. JL Audio can design the stereo setup of the owner’s choice, and Nor-tech works with Lumishore on underwater lighting packages.

Take the next step: nor-techboats.com

World Cat 280DC-X

World Cat says it has 80,000 customers aboard its boats worldwide, with the newest model from its 140,000-square-foot facility in North Carolina ­being the dual-console 280DC-X. It’s an ­evolution of the 280CC-X.

• Cat Fish: With an optional angling package—­including a 20-gallon livewell and five ­hardtop-mounted rocket launchers—the World Cat becomes quite the fishing machine. Top speed for heading to the offshore fishing grounds is just shy of 40 knots, according to the builder.
• Lounging Around: This catamaran has U-shaped seating in the bow with a filler cushion that creates a sun pad. Transom seating offers some protection if rougher weather begins to kick up.

Take the next step: worldcat.com

Belzona 32CC Tournament

Belzona bills its 32CC Tournament ­Edition as “the ultimate fishing machine.” The boat has full walkaround space and an army of rod holders. She also can be tricked out with outriggers, a Garmin electronics package and a marlin tower for better sightlines when chasing the big fish that this baby is meant to hunt.

• Power to the People: The base-model 32CC is offered with twin 300 or 350 hp Mercury Verado outboards (and optional joystick controls). The Tournament ­Edition can jack up the power with a pair of 400 hp outboards.
• In the Zone: The Belzona 32CC Tournament Edition has a full head with a shower (in the console) and wraparound seating in the forepeak.

Take the next step: belzonaboats.com

SeaVee 290B

SeaVee constructed the 290B with a composite-cored hull to reduce weight while retaining a stiff, strong and quiet ride. The boat’s relatively small size also gives ­owners the ability to trailer her.

• Deep-V: The 290B has a deep-V hull with 25 degrees of deadrise at the transom and a fine entry. Speeds range to 60 knots. Draft is just 20 inches, allowing for some ­skinny-water fishing too.

Take the next step: seaveeboats.com

Intrepid 345 Nomad

Intrepid bases many of its designs on customer feedback, and that’s what happened with the 345 Nomad. Its composite T-top has a full-height wraparound glass windshield for protection against sun and spray. Owners can choose from two console options: a side entry with that standard T-top, or a front entry with the builder’s optional, traditional, aluminum T-top. Standard features include an inward-opening dive door, a fold-under swim ladder, an insulated fishbox and an integrated motor bracket for twin or triple outboard-engine configurations. Rod lockers are forward to port and starboard. Fender stowage and transom storage wells are also standard.

• Go Fish: The 345 Nomad has six rocket launchers on the after end of her hardtop and can be fitted with outriggers.

Take the next step: intrepidpowerboats.com

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The bow of the Coastal Craft 56 IPS had barely rediscovered its waterlines after a blistering 40-knot run across Vancouver’s Howe Sound when Jeff Rhodes, the builder’s CEO, asked the magic question: “Want to drive?” I gleefully took over the controls at the lower helm, and the 56 was off like a shot. But rather than having the hefty feel I’d expect from a boat of this size and complexity, the yacht was light on her feet. A rooster tail plumed astern as she banked and rolled through tight turns, including a few improvised moves to dodge logs and deadheads — common byproducts of the Pacific Northwest’s logging industry, and an impetus for why Rhodes builds all Coastal Craft hulls from aluminum. When Rhodes founded Coastal Craft in 1996 in Gibsons, British Columbia, his business plan focused on hand-built aluminum workboats for the logging, fishing and whale-watching trades. In 2001, two customers asked if he could finish the belowdecks space aboard one of his workboats to create an SUV-style yacht. Rhodes accepted the challenge and later brought one of the sport-utility cruisers to the 2001 Vancouver International Boat Show. “I knew we had been building successful workboats for the first five or six years, but I was always looking to do something different,” Rhodes says. By 2005, Coastal Craft had some 40 employees building high-performance aluminum cruising yachts for the Pacific Northwest’s challenging conditions, which include big tidal swings, deadheads, mighty currents, cold temperatures, deep soundings, rocky shores, errant whirlpools and, most months, drumbeat-steady rains. Thanks to the Gibsons location, Coastal Craft staff can sea-trial designs while establishing deep roots in the maritime community.

“It’s a nice lifestyle,” Rhodes says. “My employees can afford more luxuries, and it’s only an hour from Vancouver.”

That hour is typically commuted via ferry or barge, which is how all materials arrive at Coastal Craft’s shipyard. The setup occasionally adds latency to UPS deliveries, but the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience when it comes to building handcrafted vessels.

“Our waters aren’t typical, and our boats are regionally specific,” Rhodes says. “They don’t suit everyone’s budget, but if customers value high-quality craftsmanship and components, they’ll see we don’t compromise.”

Rhodes, 51, grew up boating in British Columbia and spent his childhood summers studying nautical lines, forms and functions from his local dock. His love and appreciation for vessels continue to inspire Coastal Craft’s exterior designs.

“I draw all the boat concepts myself,” Rhodes says, adding that he regularly consults with naval architects and designers. “Most often I give them the profiles, inside profiles, deck plans and cross-sectional plans, but I rely on their engineering and hydrodynamics. We work really closely together within the scope of my concepts.”

Aluminum has always been Rhodes’ chosen building material, even before his workboat days.

“I liked metal boats, especially the German and Dutch aluminum yachts. I thought they were really cool,” says Rhodes, who describes aluminum as lightweight, strong and less brittle than carbon fiber. “We build planing hulls, so weight is a factor, and there’s a lot of debris in the water in the Pacific Northwest.”

In addition to being aesthetically pleasing and quiet, aluminum’s strength is a reassuring comfort when running fast in logging country, as I learned on Howe Sound.

“Strength of vessel is real peace of mind,” Rhodes says.

Today, Coastal Craft builds a 40, 45, 56 and 65, as well as the new Profish 30 and 33 models. About half are production yachts and half are semicustom.

“There’s a wide spectrum on the larger boats — there’s a lot of opportunity” for customization, he says.

Coastal Craft has a tradition of welcoming new clients into its circle of friends and family, leading to long-term, multivessel relationships. According to Rhodes, one of the biggest lessons he’s learned during Coastal Craft’s 22-year journey is to listen to his customers.

“They shape the company,” he says. “They’re the catalyst.”

Rhodes expects Coastal Craft to launch 16 new builds this year, and he forecasts 18 more launches in 2019. He remains committed to the Pacific Northwest, and speaks excitedly about the ­company’s recent eastward expansion. Still, he says, roughly 80 percent of all Coastal Craft builds are enjoyed within a few hundred nautical miles of Gibsons and enable open-water adventures such as crossing the Gulf of Alaska at 30-plus knots.

As for his own bucket-list adventure aboard a Coastal Craft, Rhodes’ internal compass swings north.

“The Northwest Passage is my dream trip, but I’d probably take the 45, not the big one,” he says. “I think it’s the right boat for the trip.”

Technology Leader

In 2007, Coastal Craft became the first shipyard to design and build an aluminum yacht around Volvo Penta’s Inboard Performance System. E-Plex’s Multiplex monitoring digital-switching system became available as an option in 2007, with Genasun’s lithium-ion batteries added to the program in 2010. This combination of IPS drives, batteries and digital switching made Coastal Craft a leader in innovative thinking.

Eastward Ho!

About 80 percent of Coastal Craft’s builds stay within a few hundred miles of the plant in British Columbia, but the qualities that make the boats ideal for the Pacific Northwest also help them excel in other waters. They cruise the West Coast from Seattle to California. In 2015, Coastal Craft partnered with DiMillo’s Yacht Sales in Portland, Maine. Today, 20 percent of new Coastal Craft hulls migrate east.

Northwest Cruising

The Pacific Northwest offers a world-class boating experience with a specific combination of challenges for yachtsmen. The water is cold year-round and is often populated with the errant logs and deadheads that are the byproduct of the area’s logging industry. Factor in huge tidal swings, strong currents, rocky shores and rapidly changing weather, and the need for a strong, dependable yacht becomes obvious.

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The vessel has a three-stateroom, three-head layout.

Belowdecks accommodations include a forepeak VIP stateroom, a full-beam master stateroom and a guest or crew stateroom with twin berths. All staterooms have flat-screen TVs and en suite heads. On the main deck, there’s a helm station, two U-shaped settees and an aft alfresco dining area. Head up to the flybridge and you’ll find second helm area, a settee large enough for seven guests and stowage space for a RIB.

Her interior features Sapele wood accents and hand-made joinery.

Quick Specs: The Coastal Craft 65 Concord is 66’9″ LOA with a 17-foot beam.

Range: With a 1,330-gallon fuel capacity, the 65 Concord has a 500-nautical-mile range at a 26-knot cruise speed.

Power: She’s powered by twin 900 hp Volvo Penta 13L diesels, which provide a top hop of 33 knots.

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