Offshore Boat Buying: Best Picks For Your Next Purchase

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best offshore boat, and the best boat for you will depend on your specific needs and financial situation. If you're looking for a family fishing boat, you might prefer a boat with a cabin or a dual-console model. If you value a smooth ride, a catamaran fishing boat could be the best option. Additionally, the size of the boat that is too small for offshore fishing depends on various factors such as the weather conditions, the captain's experience level, and the condition of the boat itself.

Some popular offshore fishing boats include the Grady-White Canyon 336, Boston Whaler 360 Outrage, and the Grady-White Express 330. If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the Viking Yachts' line of offshore fishing boats offers private staterooms, satellite TV, and air conditioning.

Boston Whaler 360 Outrage

The Boston Whaler 360 Outrage is a formidable offshore centre console boat, designed with optimised fishability from bow to stern. It is powered by Mercury engines, with options including triple 300-hp V8s, triple 400-hp V10s, or twin 600-hp V12s, which deliver exhilarating speed, acceleration, and precision with maximised fuel efficiency. The boat has an overall length of 36 feet and 5 inches, with an 11-foot, 3-inch beam, and weighs 18,281 pounds with engines and fuel.

The 360 Outrage is equally at home entertaining the family or charging hard to the rip. It is a bit more plush than earlier Outrage models, with split-bow seating, lounge seating forward of the console, three helm chairs, aft-facing mezzanine seating, and a fold-down transom seat. The cabin has a double-wide berth that folds up, an electric head with a vanity and sink, and storage for clothing and sundries.

Fishing features include a 55-gallon pressurised transom livewell, port and starboard fishboxes, four bow rod holders, six cockpit rod holders, four across the transom, and five on the T-top. The mezzanine seats have fold-down backs that form a table or rigging station, and there is a transom door for engine access, along with a port-side dive door with a removable ladder.

The 360 Outrage rides a 23-degree deep-vee hull that cuts a head sea down to size and keeps spray at bay. It incorporates the unsinkable, foam-encapsulated design that made Boston Whaler famous and gives the boat a solid feel and quiet ride when underway.

Grady-White Canyon 336

The Grady-White Canyon 336 is a 33-foot center console boat that is ideal for sportfishing families. The console design includes a spacious helm with a full-height windshield, providing excellent visibility while adding space in the cockpit and console. The boat has numerous features, including dockside power, a deluxe rigging station, and a cabin with a stand-up head, shower, and sink. The 336 is also equipped with a Yamaha Siren Marine Vessel Monitoring System, automatic bilge pumps, a composite stringer system, a fire extinguisher holder, a non-skid fibreglass liner, and self-bailing cockpit drains.

The Canyon 336 has a top speed of 53.1 mph and an optimum cruise speed of 30.3 mph. It has a fuel capacity of 10,100 lb and a freshwater water tank capacity of 35 gallons. The boat comes with various options and upgrades, such as a freezer, generator, grill, air conditioning, and a Seakeeper gyroscopic stabilisation system.

The Grady-White Canyon 336 has received recognition from various publications, including BoatTEST.com, Power & Motoryacht, The Fisherman, Great Lakes Scuttlebutt, and OnTheWater.com. It has also been featured in magazines such as Chesapeake Bay, Soundings, Center Console Life, and Pacific Coast Sportfishing.

The boat has been well-received by customers, with many positive reviews highlighting its performance, comfort, and fishing capabilities. The Grady-White Canyon 336 is a popular choice for those seeking a family-friendly offshore fishing boat that offers a combination of performance and comfort.

Invincible 46 Pilothouse

The Invincible 46 Pilothouse is a power catamaran vessel built by Invincible. It was unveiled at the 2022 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and it is a rare breed of boat. It has twin-stepped twin hulls, and the helm offers full protection, yet the boat maintains 360-degree fishability thanks to side-decks ringing the house. The Invincible 46 Pilothouse has a top speed that eclipses the 70-mph mark, and it offers a smooth and steady ride in rough seas.

The Invincible 46 Pilothouse has a range of features that make it an excellent choice for long-range fishing trips. It has a large fuel capacity, allowing for a range of 600 miles, and it can accommodate four people on board with sleeping space in the convertible salon lounge and the compartment below. It also features a head compartment, sink, shower, and ample water capacity, making it comfortable for extended fishing trips. The boat also includes a small galley with a standard microwave and the option to add an ice maker and refrigerator.

The Invincible 46 Pilothouse has ample livewells and bait-keeping capabilities, with dual 60-gallon livewells, an in-floor livewell at 70 gallons, and a sea chest with six pumps. It also features a rigging station that folds out of the mezzanine seatback and well-placed rod holders around the gunwales. The boat has sliding doors and windows that open the cockpit to the cabin, providing a comfortable and well-ventilated space.

The Invincible 46 Pilothouse is an impressive offshore fishing vessel that combines performance, comfort, and functionality. With its range, speed, and fishing capabilities, it is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a boat that can handle long-distance fishing trips and provide a smooth and steady ride.

Sea Fox 368 Commander

The Sea Fox 368 Commander is a 36-foot, triple-engine centre console vessel, ideal for day-cruising and saltwater fishing. It is the flagship of the Sea Fox family, boasting a sharp 23-degree deadrise to handle rough water conditions. The 368 Commander is a robust and sturdy boat, with a foam-filled stringer mould and massive bonding points throughout the hull, ensuring a stable ride in any weather.

The Commander has a dry weight of 11,713 lbs and a maximum weight of 17,194 lbs, with a fuel capacity of 377 gallons. It can accommodate up to 16 people and has a maximum horsepower of 1,200 HP.

One of the standout features of the 368 Commander is its extensive list of standard features, which include a Yamaha Helmaster EX Full Maneuverability system, a JL Audio custom sound system, a Garmin touchscreen, a tilt helm, a lockable console door, a forward sleeping berth, and an electric ceramic toilet.

For fishing enthusiasts, the Commander offers a large tackle station, a pair of 40-gallon pressurized transom livewells, and an impressive 27 rod holders. Additionally, it provides an extending aft sunshade and a forward console lounger for added comfort.

The Sea Fox 368 Commander is a top contender for the best offshore fishing boat, offering a perfect balance of performance, luxury, and fishability.

Sportsman Open 352

The Sportsman Open 352 is a top contender for the best offshore fishing boat of 2023. It has a wide-open center console deck layout, excellent performance with a top speed of over 58 mph, and all the fishing features one could want. This includes a pair of pressurized 30-gallon livewells, a 22-inch Garmin MFD and CHIRP transducer, and a pair of macerated in-deck fish boxes.

The boat also offers a surprising amount of comfort, with a large console cabin that has a berth and dinette, a head, and a huge window for light. The forward console lounger is another notable feature, providing a luxurious space to relax.

The Sportsman Open 352 stands out for its pricing, starting at under $400,000, which is significantly lower than some competitors. It offers excellent value for money, as piling on features only increases the price by about half as much as some other boats in its class.

The boat is built using vacuum infusion, ensuring the optimal ratio of fiberglass to resin for a stronger yet lighter part. It also features a full-grid stringer system, providing 360 degrees of support for the hull, making it one of the strongest designs to date.

The Sportsman Open 352 is a well-rounded and impressive offshore fishing boat, offering a great balance of performance, features, and comfort at a competitive price.

Frequently asked questions