Splash Report: Weaver Boatworks 70′ Southern Pride

By Dale Wills

The latest 70’ Weaver Boatworks Southern Pride—splashed August 2020—could easily be called “Rocket Ship.” Simply put, she hauls ass! InTheBite recently had the opportunity to jump aboard and go for a ride. The very first thing I noticed was how very quiet the boat was. Both underway and idling. Clearing the final marker out of the Ocean Reef Club channel in Key Largo we headed south into a brisk 20-knot wind.

Captain Chris pushed the throttles up and in less than 10 seconds we were cruising at a smooth 30 knots. The boat needed very little runway to get on-plane. It felt effortless to speed up. I then looked up to the engine displays and realized why—the rpm’s were only reading 1580. From there, Captain Chris gently eased the rpm’s up 100 turns at a time until we reached 47 knots at 2300 rpms.

Anticipating the final push for Southern Pride to run on the pins (full throttle) and knowing she had a few more rpm’s to go, Captain Chris looked over and said, “I don’t do it unless the boss or a mechanic is on board but I’ll share a 50.1-knot photo with you.” We then settled back into a very comfortable 40-knot cruise with the engine load just barely reading into the 80-percent range. Captain Chris mentioned that the current wheels are the “build” wheels and another set is on order which are estimated to pull Southern Pride into the lower 50-knot range.

Regardless of her ultimate top-end speed, the Southern Pride is in a class very few sportfishing boats will see. She’s equipped with a full suite of the most advanced electronics and customized exactly the way the owners wanted.

One good example is the custom fit-to-the-owner’s-body, air-conditioned chaise lounge in front of the bridge console. Imagine kicking back after a long hot day of fishing and enjoying a ride home beverage in air-conditioned comfort with the million-dollar view from your 70’ sportfish. That’s what I call living.

Congratulations to all parties involved in building this beautiful boat. The Southern Pride is a dream boat for anyone who loves sportfishing. I’m certain she will bring many great fishing and travel memories to everyone lucky enough to ride along. Then again, she already did! Enjoy the first look at her.

Specifications

• Engines: Twin MTU 16V2000-M96L
• LOA: 70’
• Beam: 20’.5”
• Disp: 90,000 LBS.
• Fuel: 2400 Gallons
• Water: 300 Gallons
• Gen: (2) Onan 21.5KW
• Sonar: Furuno
• Paint: Awlcraft 2000
• Wheels: Michigan Marlin
• Radar: Furuno & Garmin
• Sounders & Plotters: Garmin
• Helm & Fighting Chair: Release Marine

Special thanks to Captain Chris and first mate Jacob Provo for accommodating us on our demo. Also thanks to the Southern Pride owner for letting us enjoy your beautiful boat and lunch at Alabama Jacks.