Since 2003, Southport Boats has earned its reputation as serious craftsmen who produce serious fishing boats for serious anglers. Bold, burly, and fit to hunt even the most elusive catch, the newly-redesigned Southport 33 FE (‘Family Edition’) retains this seriousness while offering unmatched versatility, switching from fish-hunting machine to family-friendly cruiser as ably as a Swiss Army knife. At home in coastal and blue waters, ferrying the kids to the beach or grilling up your catch for lunch, the 33 FE is a true all-rounder that never compromises on fishability.
First launched in 2015, the original 33 FE has been Southport’s most popular model to date, even winning the inaugural 2016 Nantucket Classic. This new-for-2022 model incorporates all the elements that users loved about the earlier version, but with fresh, updated features: more ergonomic seating, a larger mezzanine leaning post, a brand-new transom, and extra rod holders are just some of the improvements users can expect aboard this beauty.
Once users step aboard, this boat’s immense adaptability is clear for all to see. A newly standard swim platform is perfect for playing in the water or spearfishing, while a now-standard starboard dive door is perfect for scuba diving, swimming, or bringing aboard that big catch. The aft cockpit doubles as a stunning social space and a veritable theater for anglers, with a total of ten rod holders in the gunnel (some of which double as cupholders) and standard T-top rocket launcher storage for housing and clearing rods – users can also opt for an outrigger package with 18-inch aluminum poles. This boat has everything you need to lure in that elusive catch.
At the transom, a 35-gallon livewell is joined by a new cooler box, while a long bench seat flips up to provide extra seating when needed, and down when you want to make full use of the deck, allowing users to transform this space from a blood-and-guts fishing arena to a family-friendly hub in no time at all. Two insulated 75-gallon in-deck fishboxes to port and starboard offer even more room for fish, bait, tackle, and other gear.
Plush, comfortable rear mezzanine seating accommodates up to two people, with integrated cup holders, two under-seat coolers, and optional teak armrests that enhance the already stylish surroundings. Because they face the fold-down bench seat at the transom, these seats complete the social aspect of the aft cockpit, creating a convivial hub for up to four people when in use. Users can also opt for the entertainment package, which includes a grill and refrigerator for cooking up fish and stashing beer or other refreshments.
The unbeatable center console defines this boat, with cutting-edge standard controls and navigation equipment with room for more personalized upgrades. The enlarged helm pod features two outstanding bolstered helm chairs with arm and footrests that face two standard 22-inch multi-function display screens sure to bring a smile to even the stoniest of sailors. An optional Vetus Variable bow thruster and a Seakeeper2 gyrostabilizer add even more power and stability to your ride. Powered by standard twin 425-horsepower Yamaha XTO outboard engines, the 33 FE effortlessly reaches top speeds of 59.6mph and a tamer but no less thrilling cruising speed of 26mph according to Southport’s own speed trials.
Accessed via a flip-up entry hatch and down two gentle steps, a small but bright and well-appointed cabin offers an impressive level of comfort for a boat of this size. A stainless-steel portlight offers natural light and airflow, while a pull-out freshwater shower head offers all the comforts of home, with a solid-surface countertop, stainless-steel sink and toilet as well as further rod storage. A six-foot-long berth offers safe refuge for the night should your team wish to fish well into the early hours, and doubles as an additional storage area when not in use.
The new FE really shines at the bow. A superbly broad bow platform encourages net and line fishing, while removable seating cushions and a robust crank-up table provide extra casting space if needed. When switching to leisure mode you will encounter ample seating for lounging and dining, presenting users and their families a chance to make new memories and relive old ones. Family and friends can gather around the front-of-console love-seat big enough for two (complete with cupholders and armrests) or make their way forward to a U-shaped sofa and chat over a rustic meal of freshly cracked king crab, rustic bread and aioli at the optional hi-lo table. The port and starboard side of this area features backrests that allow users to put up their feet and enjoy the sunset as it dips below the horizon to marvel at the beauty of the sea and boast about the day’s catch.
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