The Fastest Center Console Boats in the world
There was a time when center console boats were know as simple, utilitarian fishing boats ideal for day trips and nearshore angling and not much else. However, over the past decade, that name—and their use—has changed significantly. While traditional fishing boat brands still dominate the center console market, a different breed of boat builders realized that the boat buyer demographics for these boats were changing and they needed to change and evolve as well. Here we round up the fastest center console models in 2024 along with a bit of background on each brand.
- Nor-Tech: 390 Sport Model – 100+ MPH
- Fountain Powerboats: 38 SCX – 95+ MPH
- Marine Technology Inc. (MTI) – 95 MPH
- Adrenaline Powerboats: 47 Reaper Model – 90+ MPH
- Cigarette Racing Team: 52 Thunder Model – 90 MPH
- Mystic Powerboats: M4200 Model – 90+ MPH
- Tribute Boats: 37 CC Model – 90 MPH
- Scout Boats: Scout 420 LXF Model – 70+ MPH
- HCB Yachts: 42 Siesta Model – 70 MPH
- Outerlimits Powerboats
History & Background
Speed has been the penchant for many power boaters, harkening back to when boat racing was in its heyday from roughly the mid-1960s to the late 1990s. Fans of high performance powerboats and offshore racing during that time period closely followed the storied brands of the era. Many avid boaters grew up in the decades of speed boats at Thunderboat Row, where they knew that performance boats made a lot of noise, provided a bona fide speed thrill, attracted attention—and of course, chicks!
As that predominantly Baby Boomer generation grew older, they still loved speed, but their lifestyles now included children and grandchildren. They inevitably had more people to entertain, along with more money and time to travel. Naturally they needed more space, stability and comfort for their friends and family, and to enjoy leisurely fishing and day trips. Closed-bow, purpose-built speed demon boats had limited space and little in the way of creature comforts or amenities, and stripped-down, fishing-centric center consoles offered little in the way of luxury. Thus the demand for a new breed of high performance center console for the masses emerged.
Mercury Racing Engines: Pushing The Envelope!
In addition to the shifting demographics, modern advances in propulsion, like Mercury Racing’s 450R V-8 outboard engines, and now the newer even more powerful Mercury 500R, plus the 600-HP V12 Verado powerplants, the company has continued to raise the bar on performance every year. While engines like these now dominate the premium class of the outboard-powered boat market, their increased torque and power has ushered in a new level of expectation for high performance center consoles.
Lightweight Boat Construction Materials
Add to all of that the continuing evolution of boat building and boat building materials themselves, from lighter weight carbon fiber and kevlar to stepped hulls, pads and heavy duty reinforced transoms, and the result is that high-end center console boats are now able to accommodate much more horsepower than their predecessors, pushing their top speeds closer to the realm of those in the competitive offshore speeds boat world in years past. Of course, the tournament world was another factor in pushing the capability of these now offshore-capable performance center consoles.
The Round Up!
Below we’ve provided a comprehensive round-up of some of the fastest performance center console brands and production models in the world, and we take a look at what allows them to achieve these speeds, from their hydrodynamic design to their advanced computer engineering and high-capacity reinforced transom construction. Brands covered include Cigarette Racing Team, Fountain, Tribute, MTI, Mystic, Nor-Tech, Scout, HCB and Outerlimits.
1. Nor-Tech: 390 Sport Model – 100+ MPH
The Nor-Tech 390 Sport is renowned as the industry’s fastest outboard-powered center console and it still holds strong at the top of the list in 2024. Late last year Legend Marine Group delivered the first ever 500R quad-powered 390 Sport. Previously the max hp on the 390 was via quad 450Rs. Its dual-stepped hull design ensures a comfortable ride in turbulent waters and enhances speed and fuel economy without sacrificing the brand’s top-tier performance standards.
Above: A 2021 Nor-Tech 450 Sport center console boat. Photo by Nor-Tech.
A Look Back At Nor-Tech Boats
It wasn’t racing that drew Trond Schou and Nils Johnsen to build fast powerboats like the Nor-Tech 450 Sport pictured above. As kids in Norway, they were intrigued by fast cars. Johnsen is fond of his Lamborghini Countach and Schou shifted his love for speed to flying helicopters, planes and jets. Both wanted to build fast, exciting and stylish boats to satisfy their speed cravings, so after building 16 in Norway, they moved with molds for a 50’ V-bottom, to the better weather and regulatory environment of Southwest Florida. They continued their dream as Nor-Tech.
The duo began in 1990 with a 50’ V-bottom, then expanded to a 50’ catamaran, followed by a 38’ cat model. The company grew, adding space and employees and a U.S. Government contract for a 43’ drug-interceptor boat with Yanmar diesel engines. In 2010 when the recession was hitting all industries hard, Johnsen and Schou created the multi-faceted 390 “go-fast” center console. They added a 392 and 452 Superfish, then upgraded the bottom of the 390 that was tracked on GPS at 100 mph. A 34’, 45’ and 550/560 Sport models were added, but the 390 Sport (below) has become Nor-Tech’s most popular model. “Our customers want to fish, dive and cruise in luxury and style,” says Schou, “Our boats plane in near single digits, then throttle up to top speed.”
Above: A Nor-tech 390 Sport. Photo: Nor-Tech Boats.
Mercury triple or quad engines are the preferred power and while 350 and 400 HP outboards are still used, the Mercury Racing 450R is now the most popular with the Mercury 500R quickly coming to the forefront as the biggest horsepower option. Schou says the Mercury Verado 300 V8 model also has “lots of displacement.” While the 390 with quad 400 or 450R engines will do 100 mph, which Schou says is “more than fast enough,” he notes that acceleration is the most important. “If you cruise at 40-50 mph you put less stress on the engine and it will last forever—we seldom have engine issues, because we don’t just run wide-open anymore—and you can get up to 8 years warranty–it’s taken boating to a different level.”
Schou also notes that boaters have changed as well. “We grew up checking the oil, working on our cars. Nobody does that anymore—they don’t even know what’s under the hood and never had a car they’ve had to fix. There is no interest in technological things—they are more concerned with their Spotify music,” he says, “We have to follow the flow. Younger and older customers all want one boat to do it all–and they can trailer it.”
Schou says that Nor-Tech’s “generation 3” hulls have “nice” performance and that the design has changed over the years as the Deep Vee and stepped hulls have evolved to keep the boats dry. “That’s the trick I don’t want to tell you,” he laughs, but does share that the carbon fiber T-top and all glass windshield help the aerodynamics of the hand-laid fiberglass and Kevlar construction. Nor-Tech uses all composite and hand-carved foam core and says Schou, “Weight can be your friend or your enemy—trying to get the best ride and trying to get the last mile out of it.” Nor-Techs are built in Cape Coral, Florida.
Nor-Tech 390 Sport Specifications
LOA: 39’
Beam: 10’
Fuel: 285 gallons
Weight: 12,500 lbs.
Price: $597,000 with quad 400s; $686,000 with 450Rs.
View Nor-Tech Boats for sale on Boat Trader.
For more information visit Nor-Tech Boats.
2. Fountain Powerboats: 38 SCX – 95+ MPH
In 2024, the Fountain 38SCX powerboat exemplifies the pinnacle of speed and luxury in the boating world. Known for blending high-performance capabilities with opulent amenities, Fountain has equipped the latest 38SCX model with cutting-edge technology and a sophisticated design. Equipped with multiple outboard engine configurations, allowing it to achieve speeds over 95 mph with quad Mercury Racing 500R outboards. The 38SCX elevates Fountain’s legacy by offering unparalleled performance, making it a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence in speed and luxury on the water.
A Look Back At Fountain Powerboats
Reggie Fountain started boat racing at the age of 14 and after creating a “fast” reputation, winning championships, breaking speed records and making any boat go faster, he began building his own boat in 1979. Jeff Harris, was with him then, rolling the glass on the hull and now runs the company still bearing the legendary name Fountain Powerboats. Harris is COO of Iconic Marine Group, which owns Fountain and also the legendary brands, Donzi and Baja.
After building race and recreational boats, Fountain got into the competitive fishing market where getting to the fish first—and back to claim the title–was the goal. Based on his performance boat design, he created 29’ and 31’ center consoles, then added the 34’ with a stepped bottom and pad that dominated and changed the face of high performance fishing. That basic bottom is behind the 38 CC which is marketed as both a Sport Console and as a “hard core” Tournament Edition. According to Harris, “Everyone copied the 38, but none run as good as ours.”
Above: A 2021 Fountain 38 Center Console. Photo by Fountain Powerboats.
The 38 CC runs in the mid-70s-80 mph range with stock triple Mercury 400M outboards; the company’s fastest yet 38 – a quad Mercury Racing 400R engine – is a 100-mph boat, residing at Lake of the Ozarks. Fountain 38 CC sales exceeded expectations says Harris, as loyal customers who used to run a 100-mph Lightning, still want performance, but now want convenience too. “We kept getting requests for sport boats with amenities like an enclosed head and berth, so we made some cool changes and this boat is an absolute beast in rough water!” he adds. Harris attributes the performance to composite materials and hand-laid vinyl ester with multi-dimensional stitched glass, as well as the strength of the stingers, bulkhead and transom, all cut on a digitized router. All components are made in-house, including the fiberglass hard-tops with welded aluminum supports.
Then of course there’s the Fountain 43 NX, the builder’s top of the line flagship model as of 2021, with mid 80-mph top end potential and a slew of creature comforts including a queen-sized berth, full enclosed head/shower and a mini galley with fridge and microwave. All of the builder’s current boats are built similarly to the classic Fountain and each boat is water-tested on plane, just like “in the old days” when Harris recalls running boats and doing performance reports for Reggie—even in the dead of North Carolina winters. “We are Fountain at the core—we know our boats, true to Reggie’s heritage,” says Harris, And in keeping with that history, Fountains are still built in Washington, NC. Price: $499,000 with quad Mercury Racing 400R outboards.
Fountain 38 CC Specifications:
LOA: 38’4”
Beam: 10’ 6”
Fuel: 418 gallons
Weight: 16,500 lbs. (dry)
View Fountain 38 center console boats for sale on YachtWorld.
For more information visit Fountain Powerboats.
3. Marine Technology Inc. (MTI) – 95 MPH
The 2024 MTI-V 42 center console boasts superior performance and a remarkably smooth ride, even under harsh conditions. She notably maintains an elevated bow position when facing both head-on and trailing sea conditions. Her broad bow effectively tackles large waves, ensuring a comfortable experience. Despite its considerable dimensions (42 feet), the boat offers an impressively nimble and spirited performance. Equipped with up to five 450R engines, the vessel can achieve top speeds approaching 95 MPH when paired with high performance propellers.
A Look Back At MTI Boats
Racing has fueled the advance of several boat builders and among them is Randy Scism of MTI. After building and racing championship race boats for the Dubai-based Victory Teams, Scism decided to come back to the U.S. and start his own boat company. While high speed cats were his initial build and still an important part of his recreational and racing product line, he recognized the trend toward center consoles and in 2014 built his 42’ Vee-bottom. That boat evolved into the latest V-42 XFS, custom built for weekend fisherman or professional anglers. It took 5 years for Scism to patent his “Slot V” twin keel bottom, that yields straight, stable and predictable handling. Steps also provide an air lift under the hull between the keels and Scism notes the wide bow, flare and increased deadrise ensure a dry ride. “It the easiest boat most of my customers have ever driven,” Scism says, “And you know my clientele pushes it to the edge! They go to the Bahamas for a day trip—maybe to fish off some remote point or go for lunch—the ride is incredible—it keeps a high bow in head or following seas and at speed. It’s a unique feel!”
Above: A 2022 MTI V-42 XFS Center Console Boat. Photo by MTI.
Scism points to the MTI construction process as part of the reason for its success. The hand-laid molded multi-axial composite construction is infused, post-cured epoxy—used for strength and longevity—and the hull and deck are bonded together with Kevlar. Scism explains that epoxy is difficult in the layup and expensive, but together with E-Glass, Kevlar and carbon fiber on weight sensitive components–or sometimes on the entire build if client specified–strength comes from engineering, the right materials and techniques. And that includes vacuum-bagging the entire boat—not just pieces–to be “lighter, stronger and faster,” says Scism, “You get what you pay for.”
The V-42 XFS can be built with twin, triple or quad 300, 350, 400 Mercury or 400R Mercury Racing outboards—with the latter, achieving 80 mph. Scism has now added the 450R and found the greatest rewards from the quad outboard setup, running mid-to high 80s. “They make so much power—and with warranties—we’ll be using them 99% of the time,” he says. A new 57 MTI V is outfitted with five of the 450Rs and reached 78.4 mph—which for a 57’ boat Scism says, “Is incredible—we thought 70+ but didn’t think it would be that fast!“ But for serious—or fun-seeking anglers and cruisers who want performance in a fully-loaded center console, the 42 XFS can be the ticket. MTI builds in Wentzville, MO with a service center at Haulover Marina in Miami. Priced mid-upper $900,000-$1 million.
MTI V-42 XFS Specifications:
LOA 42’
Beam 11’ 6”
Fuel 460 gallons
Draft 30”
Weight 15,000
View MTI V-42 XFS center console boats for sale on YachtWorld.
For more information visit Marine Technology Inc.
4. Adrenaline Powerboats: 47 Reaper Model – 90+ MPH
Boasting a sleek, aerodynamic design complemented by robust engines, the 47 Reaper from Adrenaline Powerboats reaches exhilarating speeds well over 90 mph, positioning it among the quickest vessels afloat. This model comes equipped with a generously sized cockpit, replete with plush seating and cutting-edge electronics, catering to the desires of leisure boaters and competitive spirits alike. The 47 Reaper promises an invigorating experience or a leisurely day out on the water, depending on your preference.
5. Cigarette Racing Team: 52 Thunder Model – 90 MPH
The 2024 Cigarette 52 Thunder combines luxury with high-speed capability, setting a benchmark in marine design and engineering. A remarkable level of performance is achieved through the use of six Mercury Racing 500R engines (3,000hp total), the latest and most powerful outboard motors in Mercury’s lineup, supported by a hull that is designed for optimal handling. Despite the boat’s considerable weight of 29,000 pounds when dry, of which 4,300 pounds are attributed to the engines alone, she can still reach speeds around 90 mph.
Above: A 2024 Cigarette 52 Thunder. Photo by Cigarette.
A Look Back At Cigarette Racing Team
Skip Braver bought the famed Cigarette Racing Team out of near bankruptcy in 2002. Just five years later, he decided to create the 39 “Top Fish,” using the iconic 39 Top Gun Deep-Vee bottom as its base. Some doubted his sanity. While the Cigarette customer was seldom a true fisherman, the Cigarette center console line evolved over the past 13 years to become the majority of the current model lineup and sales. Though its Vee-hull traditional performance boats from 38-51’ are still purchased by dedicated speed lovers, the “performance center console” evolved from the 39 to the 42 Huntress and Auroris and to the 59’ Tirranna. The company’s line up also includes the speedy 41 Nighthawk.
Above: A 2021 Cigarette NightHawk. Photo by Cigarette.
The Nighthawk, like all fully customized and hand-built Cigarettes, has a stepped hull, with a cored fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane foam transom. Cigarette builds with marine treated, end-grain balsa, for its high compressive strength and low density.
Braver emphasizes that speed is not the ultimate goal for Cigarette, but rather building an ocean-going vessel. “We like to keep the weight in the right places for stability,” says Braver, “It’s the way our boats are rigged, maintaining the center of gravity so they turn well and are safe.” Each boat is tested by Cigarette staff who have learned from all the prior model designs and incorporated those features into the Nighthawk. Among those details are the carbon fiber T-top, double curvature, frameless safety glass windshield and wind deflectors.
“We are Cigarette,” says Braver with emphasis, “A proven, ocean-going boat that travels across the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas—we’re not a ‘lake boat’—we can run anywhere.”
While he notes that the 41 Nighthawk with Mercury quad 400 runs at 80 with ease, with the Mercury Racing 450R outboards it can run 89 mph “safely—with your family,” he also shares the story of riding with David Woods, a former racer and Cigarette dealer, who on a fast ride to the Keys quipped, “Where’s the fire?! “We can enjoy the ride!”
Cigarette is using the Mercury Racing 450R engines because of the torque produced by the new V8 technology. “The acceleration helps make the decision—it’s the feeling of power—not really trying to get the last mile per hour,” says Braver, “We are more concerned with the hydrodynamics and wind deflection to provide comfort.” Cigarettes are built in Opa-Locka, due west of the brand’s notorious Thunderboat Row origins. Starting price $725,000 with quad Mercury 400 outboards.
Update: In 2021 Cigarette continued their long partnership with Mercedes to create the 2021 Mercedes-AMG Cigarette 41 Nighthawk Black Series – a 2,250 horsepower beast that comes rigged with five 450R Mercury racing outboard engines and reaches speeds of over 90 MPH.
41 Nighthawk Specifications:
LOA 41’
Beam 11”
Freeboard 40”
Fuel 350 gallons
Weight 16,500 lbs. (dry)
View Cigarette 41 Nighthawks for sale on YachtWorld.
For more information visit Cigarette Racing.
6. Mystic Powerboats: M4200 Model – 90+ MPH
The Mystic M4200 has the power and speed that fans of this builder have come to expect. Rigged with quad 450R engines this boat has clocked in at over 90MPH, and though we haven’t yet seen a quad 500R setup in person, we know that will bump the speed up even more.
A Look Back At Mystic Powerboats
John Cosker is quiet and humble about his many years of success building Mystic Powerboats, saying he’s built his heritage “one boat at a time.” Like colleague yacht designer Michael Peters, who has designed for many world-wide brands, Cosker, since 1996, has designed 40-50 boats and bottoms, ranging in size from 25-70’ for an assortment of recreational, fishing and race brands including well-known names like Contender, Concept, Deep Impact and Midnight Express. “They were all different designs—no two alike,” says Cosker, “And I have run each and learned from each, which has helped me judge the next direction.” A naval engineer, he uses 3-D computer designs, but fine-tunes the boats in practice, feeling each one, understanding what tweaks are needed for the ideal ride.
After specializing in building Mystic enclosed cockpit racing catamarans, in 2004, Cosker designed a 70’ center console for a discerning client who wanted a powerful day boat for his home in St. Maarten. The yacht even included a hydraulic stairway that descended into the water and was powered with twin Caterpillar 1800 HP diesels, easily achieving 80 mph. Even though Cosker was ahead of the curve when center consoles began their surge, recreational and racing cats remained his strong suit—especially since his boats were breaking speed records at 244 mph, at runs like Lake of The Ozarks Shootout. In 2015, he built his first 42 V-hull performance center console, the M4200 and in 2017, debuted the M3800 to satisfy demand for a smaller version.
Cosker just built his 50th M4200, with its more aggressively stepped bottom, reversed chine and cambered sections to make it a softer ride. The boat is comfortable and dry in rough water due to its deep 33” freeboard, gunnel wind guard doors and extra wind reduction from its 60” wide, 3-seat helm. “With the 38, you have to choose your days, but in the 42, you can go out anytime!” he says.
Above: A 2020 Mystic 42 Center Console. Photo by Mystic.
Mystics are fully cored, so they are quiet, built with infused epoxy and carbon fiber reinforced. Triple Mercury 350 or quad 300 outboards have been used to easily achieve 73-90 mph. On the new Mercury Racing 450R outboards, Cosker says, “The acceleration makes the boat jump on plane! I can’t believe the difference in the (Mercury Racing 450R) V-8s—it’s amazing!”
Since all his boats are semi-custom, the features are owner-driven and Cosker has included a SureShade and Seakeeper in a recent boat that weighs in at 16,500 pounds, but still does 88 mph. “Prototyping is not hard—we build for Poker Runs, trips to the Bahamas and we’re seeing Cape Cod as a new market,” Cosker says, “Racing led to speed in our build, but we’ve expanded our level of fit and finish for the center console and recreational market. People spending a lot of money want it all.” Mystics are built in Deland, Florida, tested in the rough waters of Daytona Beach. Price $600,000-$1 million pending paint and power.
Mystic M4200 Specifications:
LOA 42’ 10”
Beam 10’ 11”
Fuel 300 gallons
Weight 15,000 lbs.
View Mystic M4200 boats for sale on YachtWorld.
For more information visit Mystic Powerboats.
7. Tribute Boats: 37 CC Model – 90 MPH
Another leader in the competitive fishing market, Tribute Boats, began building sportfish boats for serious anglers in 1992. The company’s sloan is “get there faster, stay out longer, catch more fish” which pretty much sums up their boat building ethos. If you’re looking for the best sport fishing boats – i.e. the fastest open fishing boats on the market, Tribute should be on your list to check out.
Rich Scheffer, Sr., who cut his teeth on fishing boats in New England, came to Florida and began work with Jim Smith, becoming his lead builder and creating some of the fastest sport fishers of the day. When Smith died, Scheffer opened his own company in “Tribute” to Jim Smith. Now his son, Rich Scheffer, Jr. handles the operation and the father-son duo teamed up with partner, John Gazza to add even more technology to their totally customized builds. The 37’ Center Console is now the focus and the company builds a cruising center console as well as a fishing machine, with an assortment of towers and live wells as options.
Above: A 2021 Tribute 37 Center Console Boat. Photo by Tribute.
A key to Tribute’s performance is the patented “Cross Step LLC” bottom, which Gazza created with Stephen Matthews of Ocean Yacht Design. “The ride quality comes from the shape of the hull and its global stiffness. Our boats are structured as one piece, not pieces from molds put together,” says Gazza, “The boats don’t move or wiggle, so there is less stress on the hull.” Tribute uses composite construction, Pro-Set epoxies, core cell and foam, post cured and topped with Awlgrip paint. “It’s an expensive process,” says Rich Scheffer, Jr., “But our build enables us to cruise faster in heavy seas—not everyone can do that or take the high G-force.”
Tribute also boasts of its “Palm Beach” custom boat quality fit and finish, knowing its customers want the best, most modern bottom and construction—as well as performance. “There’s one way to go fast, and that is Mercury,” Gazza and Scheffer agree.
“Speed is ultimately determined by how much ‘stuff’ the customer wants to put in the boat!” Gazza laughed, “Our boats can weigh-in from 8,500 pounds dry, fully equipped and exceed 90 MPH, or go to 13,000 pounds—and even ‘over-oufitted,’ the boat will run in the high 60s.” (Now more like 70s with the new 500Rs). They’ve installed quad Mercury Racing 450R engines, as well as 500Rs. Gazza adds, “Speed costs money but for an extra $100,000, we can go faster!” Price $600,000-1 million+.
Tribute 37 Center Console Specifications:
LOA: 37’8”
Beam: 10’ 2”
Fuel: 400 gallons
Draft: 2’ 10”
View Tribute Boats for sale on YachtWorld.
For more information visit Tribute Boats.
8. Scout Boats: Scout 420 LXF Model – 70+ MPH
Above: A 2020 Scout 420 LXF. Photo by Scout Boats.
Neither speed nor racing was the inspiration for Scout. Simply the passion and dedication to build the best boat got founder Steve Potts started in a small brick building in 1989. His years of experience as a boat dealer, including working since he was 14, with a dealer in Charleston, SC that also built race boats and a little creek boat called Scout, gave him the impetus to go out on his own at the age of 37. He was building small 14-15’ outboard saltwater fishing boats and revived the Scout name which had died off when the original dealership he worked with was sold. Potts painstakingly grew his business, focusing on a distinctive looking, high-quality boat, with hull design that emphasized luxury, fuel efficiency and a soft ride.
Scout’s construction process is its heart–hand-laying fiberglass and adding features over the years, like the reverse shoe-box construction—where the deck fits into the hull, not over it—and is then bonded to perfect a one-piece hull. There is no wood and the S Class boats (everything 33’ and above) are built with carbon E-glass in the epoxy infusion system. The deck and hull are baked in the mold and there is no post-curing. According to sales manager Alan Lang, “We don’t use chopper guns—all the boats are 100% hand-laid fiberglass and that is 7-8 times more expensive, but 5 times stiffer and stronger.”
The Scout 420 LXF is considered the fastest in the model line, that includes 25-53’ center consoles. The 42’ model came out in 2015, took 4 years in the making and was spearheaded by Steve Potts’ son, Stevie, the chief designer and director of product development and engineering. Reggie Fountain even consulted with Stevie on developing that stepped boat bottom, as Reggie said Stevie reminded him of himself when he was a young man growing up in the business. The NuV3 convex stepped hull has a variable deadrise, starting at 20 degrees at the bottom to 22 degrees at the top, which working with the chines and steps enables the boat to back off full speed when the water gets rougher, decreasing the drag and maintaining a smooth ride. The 420 features Scout’s Carolina flair that enhances a dry ride and incorporates the aerodynamic and patented T-top curved glass enclosure; the reverse angle transom is also a distinction of the Scout hull.
While Scout outfits its boats with triple or quad Yamaha and Mercury outboards, the 420 with quad Mercury 400s demonstrates its fuel efficiency; the sweet-spot is at a 43.1 mph cruise at .9 miles/gallon, and even at 50-55.5 mph, it achieves .8/miles/gallon. Though Scout got a lot of attention at the 2019 Miami Boat Show when it outfitted a new 530 with 5 Yamaha 425 outboards and another with 6 Mercury outboards, its focus is on the quad engine boats. The first 420 with quad 450 Mercury outboards is being delivered to Florida this month, with test running speeds of nearly 75 mph—and it is still being dialed-in.
Scout 420 LXF Specifications
LOA: 42’ 2”
Beam: 13’ 1”
Fuel: 500 gallons
Weight: 16,800 lbs.
Draft: 28”
Price: $1,001,573 for the 420 with quad Mercury 400s.
View Scout Boats for sale on Boat Trader.
Visit Scout Boats for more information.
9. HCB Yachts: 42 Siesta Model – 70 MPH
Above: The HCB 42 Siesta. Photo by HCB.
Though speed may not be the main goal, performance mixed with luxury was Elias DeLaTorre’s driving force as he changed the HydraSport brand into HCB (for HydraSport Custom Boats). “I love speed and fast cars but, I wanted to build a high-end luxury boat designed for destinations—to be comfortable driving down to the Keys or the Bahamas. We want to be able to go at higher speeds longer when it’s rough,” says DeLaTorre. As he developed his fishing boat brand to a yacht tender or cruiser, the sizes grew from the 42’ Siesta to the 53’ Suenos, to the 65’ Estrella (the largest center console in the world) and while the latter two are considered luxury cruisers, the 42 Siesta is a speedy multi-purpose boat.
Though all HCB boats are non-stepped hulls, built with hand laid fiberglass, the construction of the 42 Siesta is unique to this model. The partially stepped chine stops at the outer strake, giving some lift and reducing drag, without feeding aerated water into the props and water pickups. The strakes and chines are at optimal widths to minimize slamming and the 23-degree deadrise from midship aft, gets more “aggressive” forward to the bow, according to Mike Myers, VP of engineering. He also explains that the longitudinal center of gravity (LCG) was moved further forward to minimize bow rise and to adjust for the heavier gear loads of generators, gyros and fishing wells, as well as the heavier, bigger outboards. This shift minimizes the use of trim tabs to keep the bow down and the 42 also maintains a low bow rise due to the LCG combined with weight reduction as fuel burns. (The three main fuel tanks, totaling 614 gallons, are located directly below the LCG. An optional 130 gallon fuel tank offers longer range cruising of over 400 miles.)
The hull is solid and quiet thanks to its molded and foam-filled stringer grid, fully bonded with structural adhesive. This “double bottom” enables rough water running, enhanced by the large hull flare that disperses water, and redirects the wave energy, also making for a dryer, smooth ride.
HCB has favored Yamaha 425 engines as “standard” but also used Seven Marine engines. “We were the biggest boat, so we had to have the biggest engines!” says DeLaTorre, but now with the Mercury Racing 450R outboards, HCB sees the advantages. “We like to use one engine to fit all of our boats,” he adds, reporting that the first 42 with Mercury Racing 450Rs is now being tested and is a 70 mph boat—even at 25,000 pounds. “You can cruise at speed and in comfort at 65,” DeLaTorre states.
HCB 42 Siesta Specifications
LOA: 41’ 7”
Beam: 12’ 2”
Fuel: 614 gallons
Weight: 24,000 lbs.
Draft: 24”
Price: Base price $1.1 million
View HCB Yachts for sale on Boat Trader.
Visit HCB Yachts for more information.
10. Outerlimits Powerboats
Above: An Outerlimits SX-39. Photo by Outerlimits.
Not to be left out of the performance center console market, the Outerlimits SX-39 is a blazing fast center console, built by a company that specializes in fast boats (though they are generally catamarans). Although the SX-39 has mysteriously disappeared from the builder’s lineup on their website, there are still some 2024 models listed for sale, and we assume the boat is available for order for the discerning buyer (contact Outerlimits or a local dealer to confirm).
Designed as a performance fishing boat, with triple or quad outboards of up to 1,800 HP (or more in 2024, should they opt for quad 500R engine configurations), Outerlimits is giving a nod to Mercury as the powerplant of choice. The builder equipped hull #1 with quad 400s a couple years back. Fully equipped, including a carbon fiber hard top to complement Outerlimits vacuum-bagged, epoxy resin-impregnated E-glass with carbon fiber reinforcements, the SX-39 will be light at 13,000 pounds. The boat has 500-gallon fuel capacity, with an addition optional saddle tank.
A Look Back At Outerlimits Boats
The center console was on the late founder, Mike Fiore’s drawing board since 2014 when he was sadly killed in an event speed run, and his father, Paul Fiore, was pushing the model forward when he passed away from an illness last year. Says operations manager Jason Amaral, “We are taking all the things we learned from offshore racing and boating and targeting the mainstream boater. We’ve always been a niche market and deliver a great product, so we are finally getting this boat launched, providing personalization the customer won’t get elsewhere.”
Amaral reports that legendary boat builder and racer Victor Chapman, who helped Fiore build the Outerlimits 37, is helping to build the boat’s helm; the bottom is similar to the record-setting SV-43 utilizing the five-step FVS (Fiore Ventilated Steps) that has helped the manufacture achieve speed records and win offshore races. Hull #2 is in the mold, sold to an existing customer while hull #1 is also going to a client who always wanted an Outerlimits center console. He should finally get his wish by the end of the summer. Outerlimits are built in Bristol, RI.
Outerlimits SX-39 Specifications
LOA: 40’
Beam: 10’ 5”
Fuel: 504 gallons
Weight: 13,000 lbs.
Price: starting at $590,000.
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