InTheBite

Ritchie Howell Splashes Out of the Box 61’

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Ritchie Howell recently completed a 61’ sportfisher and the result was a beautiful vessel that is currently fishing out of Los Sueños. There is, however, an interesting story to how the vessel came about. “I was building the boat for a customer from Venezuela. He was willing to take a chance with me. We wanted to design something exciting, something ultra-modern,” says builder Ritchie Howell.

“I noticed some guys up north were achieving some great performance numbers and had always wanted to try it. This buyer gave me the opportunity. We set out to engineer a stepped bottom. We had the opportunity to perform some CFD analysis – a computerized tank test,” Howell describes. CFD is computational fluid dynamics analysis. CFD is a pretty complicated deal, but simply stated – it is the use of applied mathematics, physics and computational software to view how a gas or liquid flows.

Photo courtesy Pepper Ailor

Howell’s interest in CFD analysis lay in determining the optimal position of the step to minimize friction between the boat’s hull and the surface of the water. “We ran four computerized tank tests. These are pretty expensive. We’d run it and tweak the bottom. The goal was to reduce friction – we go to the point that we achieved 50-knots,” Howell describes.

“The step introduces a break in the suction of the water to the hull. It’s not as much about introducing air as it is to bend the suction of the water,” Ritchie relates, scientifically. “The faster you run, the more water wants to suck the hull down to the water. The steps in the bottom allows you to break the attraction, freeing up the hull.” With reduced suction and decreased friction comes greater speed.

Hull render courtesy Ritchie Howell / Ocean Designs

“It is really awesome. We put a pair of C18As on the boat with four-blade wheels,” Howell says. The boat’s top end is 39.3 knots. “I am building a new 61 with the same hull technology. The next one will be powered with 1800 Manns – we anticipate even more speed. We’ve just started the hull and figure it to be a 20-month build.”

The new step-hulled 61’ now fishes in Los Sueños. Its original buyer sold the boat upon completion, as the situation in Venezuela made it impossible for him to bring the boat there as he originally planned. It is the Sea Fix.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 61’8″
Beam: 18′
Draft: 4′ 6″
Weight: 64,000 lbs
Fuel:1350 gallons
Water: 250 gallons
Engines: Caterpillar C-18As, 1150 HP each
Gears: ZF 1.75:1
Generators: (2) Caterpillar 21 KWs with sound enclosures
Speed: WOT 38.5 knots – faster with 4 blade wheels

Splash Report: Hatteras 45 Express Sportfish

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Engineered for the angler who demands more, the 45EX Sportfish offers the legendary Hatteras experience in a versatile Express edition. Outfitted to be an imposing, yet nimble tournament-style force on the water, the 45EX offers outriggers, an arsenal of amenities and the choice of tower/bridge options. The vessel combines a spacious platform for entertainment, with many its many fishing attributes and functionalities.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • LOA: 44’7″
  • Beam: 16’6″
  • Draft (with Props): 4’0″
  • Standard Engines (additional options available): Twin Cat C-12A Diesel Engines (715 MHP / 705 BHP each)
  • Fuel Capacity: 800 gal
  • Freshwater Capacity: 100 gal
  • Weight Displacement: 49,700 lbs.
  • www.hatterasyachts.com

Splash Report: 44 ST – The Largest, Most Anticipated Contender Ever

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The 44ST is the largest, and perhaps most anticipated, offering in Contender’s 35-year history. With a beam of 12’ and coming in at 44 feet long, the 44ST is perfectly stationed for serious bluewater application. With a maximum horsepower rating of 2,000 and a 600-gallon fuel capacity, the 44ST delivers on Contender’s promise of “performance through innovation.” Powered with triple or quad engine configurations, the boat excels in speed, performance and reliability.

Standard:
Forward Anchor Locker w/Storage
70 Gallon Water Capacity
340 Gallon Forward Fish Box
315 Gallon Forward Storage
(2) 10′ Rod Lockers
(2) 110 Gallon Aft Fish Boxes
(2) 55 Gallon Transom Live Wells
8″ Pop-Up Cleat
Heavy Duty Bow Lifting Ring in Floor Peak Locker
(2) Heavy Duty Stern Lifting Rings
(2) 10″ Stern Cleats
(2) 8″ Cleats w/Hause Pipes – Midship
(4) Flush Mount Gunnel Rod Holders
Custom Aluminum Recessed Bow Handrail
 
SPECIFICATIONS:
LOA: 43′ 10″
Beam: 12′
Draft: 27″
Weight: 19,600 lbs.
Fuel: 600 Gallons
Dead rise: 22.7 degrees
Max HP: 2,000 HP

Splash Report: The 26 Sport Hybrid from Parker– Versatile, Durable and Refined

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The latest offering from Parker Boat Works, the 26 Sport Hybrid (SH), is both durable and versatile. At 26′ the boat serves capably in everything needed from a Bay Boat model, while also maintaining the fishability found in larger boats. It’s versatility of design and performance extends not just to fishing, but as a platform for cruising and spending time with the family as well.

The Parker 26 SH is built with a 9’6” beam, offers ample fishing space at the bow and stern, 30-gallon recirculating livewells with clear observation lids, four rocket launchers, and multiple rod holders, located on both the starboard and port side. Other standard features include ergonomic seating at the bow and stern, cupholders throughout, Fusion stereo and 70w amp and speakers, dome lights, USB ports, white powder-coated fiberglass t-top, and a self-baiting cockpit.

“At Parker Boats, we say the Tradition Continues, but with the new 26 SH, we’re showcasing Traditions Refined,” said Linwood Parker, Founder and CEO of Parker Offshore. “For two years our Parker engineering team designed and built a vessel that embodies the three words that have been the channel markers that guided our company from the beginning – Strength, Simplicity, and Seaworthiness – yet the 26 SH demonstrates an elevated level of elegance and sophistication. We truly kept both the offshore fisherman as well as families in mind when designing this latest addition to our fleet.”

The Parker 26 SH is listed at an MSRP of $125,751 with Yamaha F300 XCA. Optional features are available, including Taco Grand Slam 280 Outriggers (base installed), Marine Mat forward and aft platform packages, under water lights, fresh water washdown (14 gallons), and forward platform comfort package. Garmin options include: Garmin 8612 XSV with B60 TH with VHF 110, Garmin 8616 XSV with B60 TH with VHF 110, SIRIUSXM WX Garmin GXM54, and Garmin B150 Transducer.

For more information about the Parker 26 SH, customers are encouraged to contact their local Parker Boat dealer, which can be found by visiting www.parkerboats.com/localdealer. Photos and additional information and specifications can be found at www.parkerboats.com/2600sh.

The following is a photo breakdown of the boat:


Full Time – 77’ of Performance by Paul Mann

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Delivered to South Florida, the FULL TIME is the latest offering from Paul Mann. When tested for it’s final performance numbers the boat (with tower attached and with 16 crew aboard) went 45 kt (52 MPH) WOT. Even at 1250 RPMs tests showed over 18 kt. She’s equipped with state-of-the-art 16-cylinder Tier 3 MTU Series 2000 M96 engines. These brawny built for long-distance power plants not only generate up to 2600 HP per engine, but also have a power-to-weight ratio that contributes to fuel efficiency.

FULL TIME’s fit and finish matches her performance numbers.  This four-stateroom luxury sportfish yacht features three full heads plus a day head, galley and salon with custom teak joinery, including select areas of solid teak flooring. As you move throughout the spacious layout from the living quarters to the master suite and each stateroom, luxury and conveniences are abundant. The exterior teak package consists of a solid teak transom, drip molding, toe-rail, cockpit deck, back bulkhead, and mezzanine. In addition, the fly-bridge has all the richness of wraparound seating with teak caps, rod storage, (2) built-in custom freezers and the comforts of a/c, along with a custom teak Palm Beach-style helm pod.

Splash Report: First Look At Valhalla Boatworks V-37

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The first Valhalla Boatworks V Series center console – the V-37 – has hit the water. Check out this video to watch the initial sea trial, which comes only six months after Viking announced this revolutionary line of high-performance luxury center consoles.

Splash Report: Hatteras GT59

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Captain Jeff Donahue provides a thorough breakdown of the all new Hatteras GT59. Captain Jeff runs the Hatterascal, hull number one of the GT59 series, on it’s wide ranging tournament schedule. See how the boat is designed, performs and what all goes into making a Hatteras. You won’t want to miss it.

Splash Report: Emeril Lagasse’s 70 Viking “Aldente” For Sale

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Want to spice up your operation? BAM! You Can Own Emeril Lagasse’s 70-Foot Viking Yacht ‘Aldente’ For Under $4 Million. 

While the boat can put you on fish, we can’t promise it will improve your dinner making skills… but who knows.

Destin, Florida  (4/4/19): United Yacht Sales, the world’s largest professional yacht brokerage firm with more than 150 yacht brokers worldwide, is pleased to announce that ‘Aldente’ is now listed for sale with United Yacht Sales broker Captain Brad Benton. Aldente is owned by celebrity chef and philanthropist Emeril Lagasse.

Aldente is a beautiful example of a 70’ Viking Enclosed Bridge and has four spacious cabins, all of the fishing amenities you could ask for, high-gloss teak throughout the interior, and of course, an updated kitchen. Aldente is also equipped with a Seakeeper Gyro which stabilizes the yacht while at anchor or while trolling for big game and a Sea Recovery water-maker which turns saltwater into fresh, drinkable water.

Aldente is equipped with the upgraded MTU 16V 2000 M94 2,600 HP engines. She is listed for sale at $3,995,000.

For more questions about United Yacht Sales or this press release, please contact United Marketing Director Rob Bowman at (828) 242-9810.

Click HERE for ALDENTE 70’ Viking Enclosed Bridge LISTING

Gamefisherman Introduces New 50-foot Walk Around

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Launching of the NEXT GEN
50′ WALK AROUND

Designed to Fish & Travel
We are very excited to announce that Gamefisherman will soon be adding another member to its list of family members.  In April, we will be starting the latest in our series of new builds.  As we approach the West Palm Beach Boat show we wanted to give you a brief description of what this new model is all about.

The 50’ walk around will be powered by quad outboards.  Since delivery will be in 2020, the owner has reserved his right to choose motors further into the build.  Early indications say that some of outboard manufacturers will have 500+ HP outboards available by then.  The new 50’ walk around will come with a huge cockpit and full mezzanine seating for up to six people.  It will be outfitted with a Marlin Tower with a four sided enclosure so the bridge deck will have full temperature control.

The Gamefisherman 50’ walk around is designed to fish and travel. It will have two large insulated in deck fish boxes and a 50 gallon livewell built into the transom.  Belowdecks it will have a master stateroom forward with a full walk around queen.  The master will have its own private head and shower.  The interior will feature a large galley with refrigeration, microwave, and stovetop with fridge and freezer combo below.  A separate aft stateroom will feature four separate bunks.  In addition, the boat will have a second head and shower that can accommodate the rear stateroom guests. The quad outboard engines are predicted to push her to a cruise speed of 40 MPH, with a top end approaching 52 MPH.  This model will be equipped with a Gyro to be located in the cockpit.  This new setup will be sure to capture the attention of others in the tournaments circuit in Florida.

50′ Walk Around SPECS
LOA: 50′ | Beam: 15’9″ | Draft: 2’8″
Displacement: 36,000 lb. | Fuel: 800 gal.
Water: 150 gal. | Power: Quad Outboards- HP and model to be determined