Overview

If, like me, you dozed through Ancient Greek Mythology class, Panacea was the goddess of all cures and ­solutions. And that is the perfect name for the new Intrepid 41. This big center-console will satisfy every one of your boating wishes and desires.  

Engines

If speed is at the top of your boating checklist, get a tie-down for your hat. This new Intrepid easily nailed 61-plus mph, and that was in a not-so-friendly Gulf Stream. Our test boat boasted a trio of the standard Mercury V-10 400s clamped to the transom.

You can check the option box for twin Mercury V-12s, punching out 600 hp each, but warn your guests to bring extra sunglasses to replace the ones that will blow off their faces.  

Interior and Accessories

You can bring a whole bunch of those friends too because the 41 ­Panacea is a party animal. An outdoor galley behind the helm seats features a grill to torture steaks, an Isotherm fridge to keep beverages chilled, a sink, and a pull-out cooler in case the fridge floweth over.

If you want to spend the night aboard with your significant other ­after blasting across to Bimini, Catalina or Nantucket, the spacious cabin sports 6 feet, 3 inches of headroom, a comfortably sized V-berth with convertible table, and a human-size enclosed head with shower and ­electric toilet. There’s even a mini galley (microwave/sink/fridge), so you can have your morning coffee and croissants without leaving the cabin.  

But will the 41 Panacea fish? Oh, yeah! The twin lighted livewells in aft corners of the cockpit have side windows so that you can check the health of your pilchards or pogies, macerators for sending off those baits that didn’t make it to the hook, five rod holders across the transom (more along the rails), and a hardtop braced for outriggers. Foldout seating is shaded by the pullout awning hidden in that hardtop and fish boxes that reside below the cockpit sole.

You say you’re a diver? The oversize hull door to port (an Intrepid invention) is large enough to easily handle chubby divers and a big fish. A boarding ladder flips out from a hatch in the cockpit floor adjacent to the door.   

The styling is the highly ­recognizable straight and rising Intrepid sheer that looks like it’s going fast at anchor. The rakish hardtop, with full-height windshield and ­recessed ­speakers and lighting, adds to the ­swept-forward look. 

Intrepid has perfected its high-speed, ­high-efficiency single-step hull, which aerates the running surface, allowing you to run faster, longer and farther. This is balanced by a trio of strakes on each side to fine-tune tracking and lift, plus hard chines that throw aside spray and stabilize the boat at trolling speed. Add to that the optional Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer, and the 41 is fire, as the kids say.   

As you’d expect in a go-fast boat, the ­skipper is awarded every desire. We applauded the comfortable seat with great lumbar support, as well as identical companion seats on either side. The no-distortion windshield ends at the stylish dash with twin 22-inch Garmin monitors and rows of Bocatech push-button switches for the various systems. Besides the Mercury Joystick Piloting for Outboards, the Vetus bow ­thruster aids in easy docking.  

But this is only half the 41 Panacea, which also aspires to be a luxurious bowrider forward of the helm. Wide walkways lead to twin sun pads with hinged backrests atop the cabin, and the seating wraps around a high/low table that retracts electrically flush with the floor. Pop-up cleats and an underhatch Maxwell horizontal windlass keep the foredeck clear, and anchoring can be controlled both at the windlass and from the helm. A thoughtful touch: a washdown pump in the anchor locker to get rid of muck. 

Speaking of uncluttered, the transom ­platform is a delight. Most outboard boats have a tangle of wires and hoses to trip anyone who ventures onto the platform, but all this maze is hidden below the Intrepid platform. You can step aboard from a dock, stroll safely across the platform in front of the Mercurys, and enter the cockpit through the starboard-side ­transom door.

Read Next: Intrepid 51 Panacea 

When it comes to service, an oversize hatch allows you easy access to the undercockpit Paguro 8.5 kW genset, as well as the optional Seakeeper 3 gyrostabilizer.

Shopping around? Check out the ­Cigarette 41 Nighthawk ($1,279,000), with similar ­bad-boy looks, quad Mercury 500s and a more Spartan interior. A more conservative-­looking boat that’s a bit longer is the Tiara 43LS ($1,560,425 base price), which hits 56 mph with twin 600 hp Mercury Verado outboards.

Underway, I loved the 41 Panacea, upgraded using customer comments about the now-retired 40 Panacea with a new and wider hull. Even Aunt Edna is going to grin when you grab the Brodie knob on the fat 14-inch stainless-steel wheel that begs you to spin doughnuts. Put the hammers down, and the Panacea pops onto plane in just 5.3 seconds. Launch off a Gulf Stream graybeard, and the Panacea lands softly, begging for more.

The Panacea, as Greek gods know, is truly a boat for all reasons. 

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Mercury 400 hp V-10 Verados
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/16.8″ x 19″ Revolution X 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.09:1 Fuel Load: 275 gal. Crew Weight: 650 lb.

High Points

• I love the hidden hand grip that makes boarding through the hullside door safe and easy. Thoughtful, functional and executed with élan, it’s the type of thing upon which Intrepid has built its reputation. 
• Electric backrests installed in the forward lounges allow guests to sit up or recline without requiring the captain to stow or retrieve a removable backrest. 
• Gutters in the deck hatches are deep enough to handle Biblical quantities of rain or energetic use of the washdown hose, and keep gear protected from moisture and corrosion. 

Low Point

• The white dash reflects into the windshield, creating distracting “ghosts” and glare. I’d prefer a dark helm top for this reason.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2025 Intrepid 41 Panacea appeared first on Boating Mag.

In case you skipped Greek Mythology 101, Panacea was the goddess of all solutions and cures. It is the perfect name for the new Intrepid 41, which is, indeed, ready to satisfy all your boating wishes and desires.

Go fast? Our test boat had triple ­Mercury 400s, which were grab-your-hat quick to 55 mph.

Overnighting is easy with the spacious cabin (6 feet, 3 inches of headroom), big V-berth, and head with shower. There’s even a mini galley for morning coffee.

Fishing? Twin bait tanks and large fish boxes are standard, with a lot of rod holders. Entertain? The outdoor galley behind the helm has a grill, fridge, sink and ice chest. Flexible seating is protected by the pull-out sunshade from the hardtop. Dive? The oversize hull door makes boarding divers and fish easy.

The Intrepid 41 Panacea is a boat for all reasons disguised as a sophisticated center-console. The skipper and two companions get lush seats with great lumbar support facing a modern dash with twin 22-inch Garmin monitors and Bocatech push buttons. The no-distortion curved windshield stretches to the rakish hardtop. In the cockpit, seating unfolds as needed or disappears for fishing. The clean and uncluttered swim platform (all outboard plumbing is hidden) lets you board safely from the dock or water.

Wide walkways lead forward to twin sun pads on the cabin top, plus wraparound seating forward with a high-low table that retracts flush into the floor.

For comfort, air conditioning (powered by the underfloor 9 kW generator) cools the cabin and vents through the dash on hot days. Each 41 Panacea is equipped with a standard Seakeeper 4 gyrostabilizer.

Intrepid is legendary for offshore performance, and the 41 again lifts the seaworthiness bar. The single-step hull aerates the hull for speed while remaining solid, three strakes soften landings, and the hard chine pushes spray aside at speed while stabilizing the hull when trolling. Construction is all resin-infused, and each hull is custom-built to each owner’s wants and desires.

The Intrepid 41 Panacea is truly a boat for all reasons.

High Points

• Easy-access gunwale steps.
• Dedicated stowage for rods, fenders, tanks and gear.
• Triple Mercury 400s deliver 55 mph speed.
• This boat sates multiple boating urges: performance, weekending, fishing, dayboating, diving and more.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Mercury 400 hp V-10 Verados
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/16.8″ x 19″ Revolution X 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.09:1 Fuel Load: 275 gal. Crew Weight: 650 lb.

Pricing and Specs

The post 2025 Intrepid 41 Panacea appeared first on Boating Mag.

Is the Intrepid 51 Panacea a high-­performance go-fast boat, a hardcore fishing boat or a sporty pleasure yacht? Yes to all three. No wonder it bears the name Panacea.

Belowdecks, the 51 Panacea boasts a double berth, a spacious salon with a galley, and a large head, shower and sink. Ready for an overnighter? This boat is.

Topside, the bridge is four-bucket-seats-wide and two rows deep, with glass-cockpit instrumentation and three flush-mounted touchscreen displays. Every important system in the boat ­actuates through those touchscreens. Added to that control is an array of tactile switches nested in the dash brow, a space usually reserved just for looks—but not here. The effect leaves room for the convenient ­location of an added engine display, an audio controller, inductive ­phone-charger holders and more.

Ergonomically, the bridge deck seats are ideally located for easy driving, whether standing or sitting. The center seats are electrically adjustable and, for shorter captains, the bridge sole rises 4 inches, giving a higher vantage point that is handy in close quarters.

The 51 Panacea is intimidating at the dock but a baby to handle, thanks to joystick maneuverability, plus a bow ­thruster. A kid could dock it. On the high seas, let those ponies go. They run out to 70 mph and corner like a barrel-racing horse. Tighter and tighter circles kept our props engaged and the single-step-bottom boat hooked up.

Picture yourself with a large fan club spread out on the three-passenger-wide bow lounge or sprawled on wraparound bow seating. Your best buds join you at the bridge in two rows of four bucket seats, or another four can perch on the foldout transom seat. 

When you get tired of cushy riding for show, tuck away the seats and cushions and deploy the trolling rods. Bait is in the transom well, which is pressurized to keep them swimming freely and ready to entice your quarry. 

High Points

• Cocktail table, bow seat lounge backs, and helm deck platform operate electrically.
• Single-step hull “levitates” on plane, with nearly no bow rise.
• Quad 600 hp Mercury motors are exhilarating to drive.

How We Tested

• Engine: Quad Mercury V-12 600 hp
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/16 3/4″ x 33″ (front); 151/4″ x 33″ (aft) stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 840 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 1,100 lb.

The post 2024 Intrepid 51 Panacea appeared first on Boating Mag.

Scout Boats

Scout Boats will be showing a fleet of boats including the new 357 LXF and 281 X Signature Edition. Also, they will be revealing more about the in-development 67 LX series (rendering shown). Lots to see and learn about at: Bahia Mar Dock C/D 45.

Aviara AV28

Aviara’s AV 28 is one unique dayboat. It is available in three versions, one with outboard power, one with conventional sterndrive power and one with a forward-facing sterndrive that allows this great-looking, high-performing dayboat to deliver its owners a wakesurfing experience, too. Bahia Mar F/G Dock.

Blackfin 400 CC

Wow! Our Tech Team was impressed by this Queen of the Blackfin fleet. It sports multiple outboard power, all the fishing features contemporary anglers demand, plus high-performance and a confidence-inspiring ride. See it at: Convention Center 2075.

Formula 457 Center Consoles

Formula is debuting the 457 Center Console Sport and the 457 Center Console Fish at FLIBS 2023! Hot off the success of its 357 CC Sport and Fish version CC’s, the renown boatbuilder breaks out with these bigger sisters. See them! Bahia Mar Yachting Center, slips H818-H824.

Grady-White

Man, get yourself to the convention center if you are a fan of this storied, North Carolina boatbuilder. Grady-White will be debuting a brand new boat , so top-secret that even we could not get advance intel. Don’t miss it! Convention Center 2025.

Wellcraft 435

Looking for speed, style and seakeeping? Versatility and luxury combine aboard this newest Wellcraft. Its powered by over 1,000 horsepower. Check out the outboard-powered Wellcraft’s 435 at: Slip H821 in the North Basin of Bahia Mar.

Axopar 45 ST (Sun Top)

This is the boatbuilder responsible for the rise of the “adventure” or “ commuter” class of boats. Increasingly popular, these stepped-hull, straight-stemmed vessels offer great versatility and also quality, but without lots of frills. Axopar’s newest is the 45 ST Sun Top. See it: Bahia Mar F/G dock, booth 9. (Nautical Ventures)

Four Winns TH36

Is it the year of the cat? This 36 foot Four Winns dayboat rides twin hulls for ride comfort, efficiency and a completely different use of deck space, compared to monohull dayboats. See it at: Slip B214 in the South Basin of Bahia Mar.

Cruisers Yachts

Celebrating 70 years of boatbuilding, Cruisers Yachts will have a large fleet on display. So, why not see a large boat! It shows the open bow layout, the transforming aft cockpit and more. The 50 GLS evinces style and substance and innovation and you, “must-see” it at: Bahia Mar Dock GH, Slip 3.

Sea Ray SLX Outboard Series

Here’s twin engine bowriders/ dayboats up to 40 feet. They are built to the highest quality and with every feature oozing thoughtful detail. Luxury, a 55-mph top-speeds, touchscreen helm displays…. these Sea Rays are certainly a, “must-see.” Do just that at: Bahia Mar GH Dock.

Intrepid 51 Panacea

Sport Yachts are an elite segment of recreational boats. One of the most unique sport yachts must be the new Intrepid 51 Panacea. Naturally it runs on Intrepid’s vaunted transverse step hull form, delivering ride, handling and performance that is unrivaled. Learn more! See it at: Bahia Mar (on land and in water) at G Dock.

Tiara 48 LE

The 48 LE is a great blend of entertaining comforts and adventure amenities. The rotating lounge module has power actuation allowing the seat to be positioned towards the terrace, aft, and anywhere in between. See more of the Tiara 48 LE! Bahia Mar C/D Dock.

Fountain 39 DX

Dual consoles are one hot boat segment, offering offshore hull, build and ride with the layout and comfort of a bowrider. Two consoles, three outboards, one great boat: Fountain’s 39 DX! See Fountain Powerboats in the Convention Center at Booth 2017!

Chaparral 280 OSX

Outboard dayboats are among the most popular on the water. Want to see a top-notch example? See the Chaparral 280 OSX in the Convention Center at booth 2072.

The post Fort Lauderdale Boat Show 2023: Must-See Boats appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

At 70 mph, I knew I should be watching the seas ahead in the potholed Gulf Stream, but the numbers painting green on the big Garmin monitor in front of me were as hypnotic as the eyes of a swaying cobra.

They read 70.1, 70.0, 72.3, 69 (woops, hit a swell), 70.2.

The entire dashboard of the new Intrepid 51 Panacea is laid out for someone with a penchant for speed. The three big Garmin monitors give the skipper’s “office” the feel of a CIA special ops center, and the push buttons for systems are clearly marked and curve across the dash like those on a new C-8 Corvette. Coincidentally, that’s the car owned by Intrepid president Ken Clinton. (You are so busted, Ken.)

But the real Intrepid story is several feet below where I stand, with the legendary transverse-stepped Intrepid hull. The 21-degree deadrise is sharp enough to shave with, slicing the waves cleanly before they meet legions of softening strakes, followed by a transverse step that aerates the after sections, reducing drag and increasing speed and efficiency. The short version? Intrepid’s 51 Panacea takes no notice of swells that would rattle your fillings on other boats.

Because everyone wants to see those speed numbers and look through the amazingly huge one-piece curved windshield, the 51 has a second row of four seats on a raised platform, so guests have ­mezzanine seating to overlook the action.

Full disclosure: As a boat reviewer, one thing I look for is wasted space. But the 51 Panacea foiled me. Every teensy inch has been used. As Clinton says, “Everything deserves a home,” so you’ll never have to throw fenders into the cabin (there are hinged fender or dive-tank holders in the coamings) or stash dock lines in an empty baitwell (more lockers). With outboard power, there is an immense lazarette under the cockpit large enough to ­become a mother-in-law suite, which provides easy ­access to the 11 kW Kohler genset and the Seakeeper 6 gyro.

Engines

Speaking of power, there is one particularly cool feature on the 51: an unassuming lid just left of the wheel. Lift the lid and there are four perfectly aligned keys to bring the four Mercury 600 hp V-12 outboards to life. For car junkies like Clinton and me, the mention of V-12 brings to mind the sound of canvas ripping loudly, but these V-12 Verados were surprisingly quiet. Granted, I was in the front-row seating, but my decibel meter barely hit 80 dB(A) with the hammer down at 6,000 rpm.

Interior and Accessories

But the 51 is more than a go-fast boat; it’s a high-speed luxury vessel. The cabin might look lean and low, but it has all the opulence of a weekend getaway, with a convertible table that becomes a wider-than-queen (86 inches) berth, and a comfortable head with an electric toilet and a 31-by-44-inch shower stall (impressive) behind a Lucite door. Save water and shower with a friend.

The galley is minimalist, with a pair of Isotherm drawer fridges, a one-burner Kenyon stove and an eye-level microwave, all of which take care of morning coffee. For more cuisine, a full outdoor kitchen is behind the cockpit seating, with a big grill, an ice maker and a roll-out ice chest. You can enjoy those steaks and burgers forward, past the trio of tilt-up sun lounges on the cabin roof and over to the bow seating that wraps around a table. Getting there is secure too, with 38-inch padded coamings right to the bow locker, with its hidden Maxwell anchor windlass. You can also dine in the cockpit on the fold-down seat, which creates another alfresco entertainment area but disappears when anglers are present.

That cockpit also has two exits: through a solid door to the transom platform by the kickers, and another bigger one through the port coaming. There is a back story on the pioneering design of that fold-down dive door through the hullside. The Hillsborough County sheriffs in Florida used Intrepids for marine patrol and, in 1994, were having trouble retrieving divers from the water. Intrepid cut a big hole in one coaming and engineered a door that became a sturdy platform, and the dive door was created. Intrepid just acquired that landmark Intrepid for restoration after 25 years and 30 sets of motors.

It is simply impossible to fault the construction of the 51 Panacea. Intrepid was an early pioneer of fully infused resin hulls with carbon fiber for strength and lightness. So, even when those numerals are painting 70-plus, there are no creaks or groans.

Underway, the 51 is just a delight. Putting the hammer down from idle doesn’t produce the expected bow rise and loss of vision forward. Instead, the 51 Panacea seems to levitate straight up onto plane. That’s clearly the result of perfect fore-and-aft balance and the lift characteristics of the hull form. We didn’t need to use tabs or outboard trim to “push over” the bow wave and get onto plane; it ­occurred seamlessly.

For those who slept through ancient history classes, Panacea was the goddess of universal remedy, and this 51-foot Intrepid lives up to her name. Whether you want to go fast, weekend in comfort, or entertain (and amaze) friends, this one is for you.

Read Next: Boat Test: 2023 Intrepid 41 Valor

How We Tested

• Engines: Quad 600 hp Mercury V-12 Verado
• Drives/Props: Outboard/Verado 12 16.75″ x 33″ (front); 15.25″ x 33″ (back)
• Gear Ratio: Two-speed, 2.50:1 Fuel Load: 840 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 1,100 lb.

High Points

• Electrical panel at eye level just inside the cabin means no scrunching to find the right switch. 
• Hatch gutters are deep enough to handle biblical rainstorms or energetic washdowns.
• Bow seating transforms into backrests, sun pads with armrests, and a host of other seating and lounging choices.

Low Points

• Give me an extra burner in the cabin galley.
• Stronger backrests for the seats; I found myself slowly reclining.
• More sissy grab bars for the troops in both rows of seating because the armrests don’t lock down.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

The post Boat Test: 2023 Intrepid 51 Panacea appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

The Intrepid 41 Valor is three boats in one: a cabin cruiser, a dayboat entertainer, and a competent fishing boat. It is also the result of increasing the length of the 409 Valor, introduced in 2020, by about 2 feet and the beam by 7 inches to accommodate larger outboards. At the same time, the design was tweaked based on customer input.

Interior and Accessories

The most noticeable improvement? The wraparound swim platform. It is unobstructed by hoses or cables and features a new transom door. There’s more space in the aft cockpit, boosting fishability. The new center console is larger to accommodate larger electronic displays, such as the 22-inch Garmin MFD on our test boat. Owners also wanted a better companionway, so Intrepid borrowed the cabin door design from the 438 Evolution.

Our test boat featured every fishing option, including aquarium window upgrades to the standard pair of 25-gallon transom livewells. These also boasted the extra pump option, good insurance for steady flow. The Hooker sea-chest option prevents air from getting in the lines on rough runs. We counted 15 Gemlux rod holders, many of which double as cup holders.

Heading offshore in 3- to 4-foot seas, 33 mph seemed like the happiest speed, and the 41 Valor’s stepped hull delivered a smooth ride. Soon we deployed the optional outriggers. It was hot, so we extended the standard rear SureShade. I called dibs on the rear-facing lounge seat, the perfect place to wait for a bite. This seat raises electrically to reveal a long, deep storage compartment. A Frigid Rigid cooler resides under the helm seats and slides out on demand to preserve deck space. It also doubles as a seat. Underway, crew can sit on a fold-down stern bench, with a high seatback for comfort that stows when fishing. The dive door is fat-yellowfin-huge and features a hefty latch that creates an industrial-strength seal. A stout dive ladder eases reboarding. 

The amidships entertainment zone offers wraparound seating, accommodating up to eight adults under the hardtop. The starboard-side couch has a pull-out seat bottom that transforms it into a playpen. Intrepid adds some practical wow factor with a cooler on the port side that tilts open electrically. And for snack service, an available table features a side-mounted pedestal to keep the deck clear. Order the Riviera option to up your entertaining mojo; this bundles a sink, grill and ice maker, and a refrigerator integrated into the helm seat.

Step belowdecks and it’s hard not to start daydreaming about long fishing trips or cruises. The amount of ambient light is impressive, thanks to the 10 windows. There’s a double berth amidships and a V-berth master with a dining table that electrically serves as a filler section for the bed. A yacht-style head compartment features a separate shower, and there’s an abbreviated galley with an Isotherm refrigerator, single electric stovetop and microwave.

Engines

Unlike most boats, the 41 Valor has a wide range of engine options. One of the first built came rigged with a pair of 600 hp Mercury Verado V-12 engines. When compared to another boat rigged with triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards, it provided similar performance, though the extra 150 hp of the triple-engine setup yielded a couple of extra miles per hour on the top-end. Intrepid also optionally offers Yamaha’s new 450 hp XTO Offshore engines.

Our test boat was rigged with three of the even-newer, normally aspirated 400 hp Mercury Verado V-10 outboards, which sport a powerful 150-amp alternator. These are the standard engines for this model, which starts at $1,247,000. The dual 600 hp V-12 option pushes the price up $50,000, but these include some high-tech features, such as a two-speed transmission for better hole shots and independently articulating lower units.

The V-10s showed plenty of snap out of the hole, as evidenced by a zero-to-20 mph time of just 6.5 seconds. Because of the long, enclosed bow, forward visibility was partially obscured for a short time when achieving plane, which might be a problem for shorter captains. But Intrepid added a helm deck that can be electronically raised 4 inches, which helped.

Our performance test was thwarted by a trawler that grounded in the only mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway where boats can run on plane in Fort Lauderdale. Sea conditions precluded running at top speed offshore. So, we used Mercury Marine’s test results from when this same boat performed at Lake X in central Florida. Mercury was able to squeeze out a top speed of 61.4 mph.

Searching for a boat to compare with the Intrepid 41 Valor’s trifecta of missions: cruiser, fishboat and dayboat? Factoring in its ultra-premium build and impressive list of standard features that include a gyrostabilizer only makes it harder. We’d suggest shoppers inspect the slightly larger Pursuit 445 OS, though its amidships gathering area is enclosed. It retails for $1,434,300 with triple 425 hp Yamaha XTO Offshore outboards—its only engine option.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple 400 hp Mercury Verado V-10
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Revolution 4XP 14.6″ x 23″ pitch, 4-blade stainless steel
• Fuel Load: 70 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points 

• Lazarette and center console offer excellent service access to the boat’s underdeck
  systems. 
• Our test boat had a bank of lithium batteries instead of the standard diesel generator.    
• Great ride in rough seas from Intrepid’s proprietary step hull form. 

Low Points

• Shorter drivers may be on their tiptoes to see forward, despite a helm deck that rises electronically.
• Having clear lids on the livewells would help monitor the bait’s condition.
• When open, the transom door’s curved top partially blocks egress for those boarding via the swim platform.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Intrepid Powerboats – Dania, Florida; intrepidpowerboats.com

The post Boat Test: 2023 Intrepid 41 Valor appeared first on Boating Mag.

Overview

With honest 3- to 4-foot seas running close together, Intrepid’s 438 Evolution delivered confidence and control at about 32 mph, the triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards revving at 4,000. Still, I wanted to see more.

Engines

Throttling back to 3,050 rpm, applying full trim tabs and full negative engine trim, the 438 Evolution stayed on plane at a super-comfortable 17 mph. Many boats force you to either drop down to trolling speed or subject yourself to slamming your way through big seas at speeds in the 20s. While the 438 Evolution’s 53 mph top speed is great, its low minimum planing speed is just as great—and just one feature I discovered about this new Intrepid.

A rough test day also allowed me to discover that the 438 Evolution’s seat cushions do not bottom out. Notably, Intrepid regularly produces custom seating options for owners. I also was able to determine that moving around the boat while underway is safe and secure. This means that handrails are well-placed, such as the one on the back of the helm seat and the bow rail that extends aft to the side-deck steps, where it can be grabbed from the cockpit. But it also means that seatbacks, consoles and other bits of accoutrements where one’s hand might fall proved solid and robustly installed. Belowdecks, the galley counters showed no sharp corners; their rounded corners make wave-induced bumps less of an issue.

Then there’s the RCG quotient: Rattles, creaks and groans were not in evidence aboard the 438 Evolution, despite the gray, whitecapped water through which I was running it. Credit the smooth ride to the latest iteration of Intrepid’s transverse step hull, optimized for efficiency, comfort and handling. Credit also goes to Intrepid’s resin-infused, PVC-cored lamination for great stiffness and strength-to-weight ratios, plus acoustic and thermal insulation. The boatbuilder’s fastidious assembly and rigging result in tight seams, properly fastened fixtures, and well-supported runs of plumbing and wire. If it’s not meant to move, it doesn’t aboard an Intrepid.

Interior and Accessories

The layout boasts a 10-by-6-foot self-bailing cockpit with a hullside dive door; in-sole stowage, including a macerated fish box; excellent access to the bilge to service pumps and through-hulls; and more. There are steps to the side decks served by grab rails on the top uprights, wide coaming bolster pads, and a lot of toe room under each gunwale. A raw-water washdown is handy. There is a grill and sink under a lid at the forward end of the cockpit to port; to starboard is an aft-facing lounge that opens electrically to reveal massive stowage. Aft, there’s an aquarium-style livewell and a folding aft bench. A sunshade extends aft to protect the cockpit at the touch of a button. Intrepid will work with individual owners and install accessories such as a hot-and-cold transom shower, a cockpit table, dive-tank racks and more. You can fish this pit as well as use it as space for diving or entertaining.

Up a step, under the hardtop, is the helm deck, with its large, portside lounge and double-wide helm seat. The raked and curvaceous windshield provided excellent protection, and I’ll add that its size and style add to the 438 Evolution’s racy look. The helm is a sculpted console showcasing a pair of large touchscreen multifunction displays and plenty of room for an admiral’s array of controls, including an engine joystick, a bow-thruster joystick, and a full complement of accessory switches. The helm seats, with flip-up bolsters and armrests, and flip-down footrests that are broad platforms, make the captain and mate feel in command.

The 438 Evolution’s cabin feels bigger, brighter and airier than most. There are hard reasons for this: Six hullside windows and a pair of fixed lights in the cabin trunk simply let in loads of light. But the signature use of many light surfaces on the vertical surfaces and overhead is offset by tastefully contrasting darker colors underfoot and for furniture. So, the head door, bulkheads and exposed cabin sides are gloss gelcoat. But the cabin sole is faux teak, the cabinet fronts at the fully equipped galley are gray, and the forward lounge, which converts to a berth, is a rich, clubby brown. Again, Intrepid will work to satisfy the decor needs of individual customers.

Aft, the stateroom was roomy with stand-up access and sitting headroom at its athwartships berth. The sole is, again, teak. Boasting two of those big hullside windows plus a skylight, it is decidedly uncavelike.

Shopping? We know of no other outboard-powered boat that delivers this kind of performance, and can fish, dive, cruise and entertain. Tiara’s 43 LE ($1,149,900 with triple Mercury Racing 450R outboards) won’t really fish or dive, but does kill it for entertaining with its foldout cockpit sides and revolving All Sports Module lounge.

Seeking a boat with sleek looks, with performance to match, and that’s ready for anything? Sea-trial an Intrepid 438 Evolution.

How We Tested

• Engine: Triple 450 hp Mercury Racing 450R
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/14.6″ x 19″ 4-blade Revolution Four stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 400 gal. Water on Board: 100 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Tremendous ride, handling and efficiency.
• Truly versatile, this boat allows its owner to be ready for most anything.
• Elegant in design, excellent in build.

Low Points

• Please add a second reading lamp to the main cabin berth.
• Sand-style nonskid on the bow works well, but molded nonskid would look better and be easier to keep clean.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Intrepid Powerboats – Largo, Florida; 954-922-7544; intrepidpowerboats.com

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Overview

Intrepid boats often serve as luxurious tenders to mega-yachts. But just as Bentley, Porsche and Jaguar now produce SUVs, so has Intrepid with its 407. This new boat has all the luxury, comfort, fit and finish that demanding owners could want, but also boasts some truly creative features.

Intrepid offers the 407 Nomad in two configurations: the SE or the FE version that I ran. Both acronyms refer to how you enter the head. Front entry (FE) slides the entire front of the center console sideways to port at the push of a button. Side entry (SE) constitutes just that. Just forward of the console sits a double sun pad with ram-driven seatbacks. This large island provides copious insulated storage within. Plus, the gunwales sport hatches with storage large enough for fenders, rods, dock lines or dive gear. Intrepid also offers an optional dive-tank storage rack. For après-dive, or après-anything, there’s bow seating with a table that lowers flush with the deck—also at the touch of a button. Plus, you’ll find tons of storage space underdeck, some in drainable fish boxes, and more in the gloss-finished bilge.

Interior and Accessories

The helm boasts an adjustable platform to improve visibility for the vertically challenged. Additional enclosed rod storage amidships augments the dozen rocket launchers on the aft side of the helm seating. All the gunwale-mounted drink holders cleverly double as rod holders to meet either socializing or angling needs.

Clever foldaway steps just forward of the portside dive door allow you to gracefully board and disembark over the high gunwales if you don’t happen to be at a floating dock and using the dive door for access. These are especially great for nonboating guests.

In deference to the yacht-tender function, the 407’s transom has a wide foldout passenger seat. Once stowed, the cockpit accommodates serious fishing. Twin live baitwells in the aft corners have windows and nightlights. Numerous insulated fish boxes underdeck can be plumbed for freezer plates. Despite the large lounging area forward of the center console, the 407 still provides more than enough cockpit space for multiple anglers to fish simultaneously. Gunwales with pads met just below waist-high for a secure feeling.

Our test day in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, came on the last day of a week’s worth of 30- to 35-knot easterly winds. We hit the inlet at the height of an outgoing supermoon tide, butting heads with the wind. I determined that the 407 Nomad handles drifting in big beam seas comfortably, even without the optional Seakeeper gyrostabilizer, and it ran downsea in total control. Steering proved smooth as silk and very responsive. Your friends and family will be most comfortable aboard, should the weather turn sour.

Despite its 21,000-pound displacement, the Intrepid 407 rockets away from a dead stop, planing in a mere 3 seconds, and touching 30 mph in just 7 seconds, though I’m not sure how different joystick control would be in close-quarters maneuvering. If you plan to fish the Nomad, you’ll definitely want to opt for the bow thruster that speeds up spinning on fish by an order of magnitude. It also ensures confident docking in difficult situations. The 407 utilizes a stepped or ventilated hull (those notches you see at the waterline). From a performance perspective, the hull injects air along the running surface underway, thereby decreasing frictional resistance for better speed and fuel economy.

Engine

Note that the boat I actually tested featured triple Mercury Racing 450 outboards. The boat shown is fitted with triple Yamaha 425 XTO outboards. According to Yamaha, the 407 Nomad hits 66 mph at wide-open throttle, burning 108 gph for 0.61 mpg. That’s 1 mph slower but more efficient than the Mercury-powered boat, as the performance chart shows. At 3,500 rpm, the Yamaha-powered boat posted 0.81 mpg at 33 mph burning 35.5 gph, while the Mercury Racing-powered boat posted an even 1 mpg and 34.7 mpg burning 34.9 gph.

Intrepid builds boats one at a time, and owners customize each one to their needs and tastes. Each hull consists of PVC coring and nonwoven uni- and multidirectional fiberglass cloth infused with vinylester resin via vacuum bagging for the best possible strength-to-weight ratio. Also, all sales are factory-direct, which allows Intrepid to remain competitive with other boat dealers despite the premium nature of the marque.

Few directly comparable boats exist, but I’d suggest looking at Scout’s 380 LXF ($758,442 base price). At 38 feet, 6 inches long and carrying a 12-foot-1-inch beam, it also can charge hard yet deliver refined entertainability. It offers carbon-fiber-infused construction, a double-stepped hull and more major standards, such as a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer.

Intrepid’s options list could reasonably ask: What do you want? From custom paint jobs to stabilizers, your choice of outboard brand and more, the company will accommodate. So, if you expect things just so, want to impress family and friends, and want to go fast and smooth in a large and innovative outboard-powered boat, make an appointment to go over and see the new Intrepid 407 Nomad.

How We Tested

• Engines: Triple Mercury Racing 450R
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/14.6″ x 21″ 4-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.60:1 Fuel Load: 350 gal. Water on Board: 10 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Choose any brand of outboard power.
• Responsive to throttle, delivers a supremely comfortable ride, and steers like “buttah.”
• Terrific fit and finish.

Low Points

• Foldaway boarding steps are only on the port side. With the height of the gunwales, it could really use several more elsewhere.
• Would like to see the helm elevator riser drop flush with the sole, like the forward table does.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

Intrepid Powerboats – Dania Beach, Florida; 954-922-7544; intrepidpowerboats.com

The post 2020 Intrepid 407 Nomad appeared first on Boating Mag.

The 407 Panacea from Intrepid Powerboats offers a multitude of great features, but we kept returning to the helm, wanting to grab the throttles and put the hammers down. And when we did, oh my! With three 300 hp Yamaha outboards on the transom propelling us across the water, we were at warp speed—60-plus mph—in a moment.

This boat defies the old adage and serves well in a number of missions with little compromise. Whatever you want to do—fish, dive, overnight, lounge at the sandbar ,or just go fast for the sheer, -unabashed joy of doing so—the 407 -Panacea awaits your pleasure.

First, know that every Intrepid is -custom-fitted to each owner’s desires. You’ll work closely with an Intrepid -representative in ensuring your boat gets -delivered exactly the way you want it.

The starting point is the strong, stiff, high-tech, resin-infused Intrepid hull with a vented step, three strakes per side and hard chines. That means three things: fast, efficient and soft riding.

Our test boat boasted everything from a husky hullside door (diving, boating fish, stepping onto docks) to a folding rear seat that was extremely comfy but quickly gone when you start baiting the lines.

Two 50-gallon livewells with windows are aft; another 30-gallon well is under the sole, and a bait prep area behind the helm has a sink, fridge, cutting board and huge pullout ice chest.

The skipper gets an ergonomic dash with room for twin 22-inch touchscreen monitors, plus rows of illuminated Bocatech push-buttons and a pair of -racing-style bolstered seats. Nice.

The cabin has 6 feet, 3 inches of -headroom, a mini galley with a -microwave, fridge and sink, and a wraparound dinette that becomes a queen berth. The fully -enclosed head has a full hot/cold shower too, so no roughing it here.

Power choices include triple Yamaha 425 XTOs if you’re lusting for speed. A generator powers the air conditioning as well as blenders and other appliances for the sandbar, cove or anchorage.

Fast, seaworthy, soft-riding and very comfortable—this is a boat for all reasons.

High Points

⋅Storage bins forward with gull-wing doors, handle rods, dive tanks and fenders.

⋅Bow wraparound seating hides insulated and self-draining compartments for fish or cold drinks.

⋅The curved one-piece -windshield does a great job of diverting wind and spray.

⋅Storage—for rods, tanks, fenders and just gear—is everywhere.

⋅Clever electric backrests turn forward seats into lounges and, with electric table, into a sun pad.

Specs

LOA: 40′0″

Beam: 11′1″

Draft (max): 2′6″

Dry Weight (approx.): 18,500 lb.

Seat/Weight Capacity: Yacht Certified

Fuel Capacity: 483 gal.

Price: $575,000 (base)

How We Tested

Engines: Triple Yamaha F300

Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha SWS II 15″ x 21″ stainless steel

Gear Ratio: 1.73:1

Fuel Load: 200 gal.

Crew Weight: 450 lb.

More Information

Intrepid Powerboats – Largo, Florida; 954-922-7544; intrepidpowerboats.com

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The Intrepid 375 Nomad impresses with a stylish sheer line and a wraparound windshield. But it’s Intrepid’s penchant for clever features that seals the deal. Take for example the motorized helm deck that elevates 4 inches. The 375’s side door facilitates boarding, diving or landing big fish. Twin 37-gallon livewells bookend the transom. A 52-gallon belowdecks livewell lets you carry more bait. A foldout transom bench for three provides extra seating when fishing is not a priority.

The covered tackle/prep station includes a sink and faucet set into a ­faux-marble countertop with cutting board, but you can opt for an electric cooktop. Below are three drawers for ­stowing tackle. A 60-quart Frigid Rigid cooler deploys from underneath. A motorized table complements plush wraparound bow seating. It retracts flush to the deck, but also raises halfway. Add a filler cushion for an ­expansive sun pad. Motorized backrests tilt up on each side of the bow seating to create loungers. The seatbacks fold down to reveal horizontal rod stowage. An inviting bucket seat for two adorns the forward console, with an 80-quart cooler underneath. In the step-down console interior (easily accessed from the starboard-side) is 6 feet, 3 inches of headroom, a flush toilet, faux-granite countertop, sink and freshwater faucet, and pull-out shower hose. Powered by triple Mercury 400R Verado outboards, the single-stepped hull handles like a sports car at speed, carving turns with a flare that matches its topside styling. The 375 rode smoothly in 3- to 5-foot seas at 30 mph. It planed in 5 seconds and reached 30 mph in 7 seconds en route to a top speed of 61 mph in our test, though Intrepid has achieved speeds as high as 65.5 mph in its testing. Once you’re back at the dock, an optional Vetus bow thruster will help you put the 375 Nomad into tight spaces.

High Points

• Three huge scuppers in the aft cockpit quickly drain any water on deck.
• Fully resin-infused hull and liner render the 375 free of creaks and rattles.
• Motorized vent at the top of the windshield ushers in air on a sultry day.

Low Points

• Molded windshield seems to slightly distort the view at its curved corners.
• Seasmart pull-up cleats are distinctive, but square edges might cut into dock lines under strain.

Toughest Competitor
Grady-White‘s Canyon 376 ($560,830 with triple Yamaha F300s, Helm Master and bow thruster) offers a 32-inch wider beam, but less live-bait capacity.

Price: $496,000 (as tested with triple Mercury 400R Verados)

Available Power: Outboard

How We Tested
Engine: Triple 400 hp Mercury 400R Verados
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Revolution 4 14 5/8″ x 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 274 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.

Intrepid Powerboats – Dania Beach, Florida; 954-697-9346; intrepidpowerboats.com

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