Southport Boats, a division of Maritime Marine Group, LLC, received the “Best Powerboat Under 30’” award for their 29 FE model entered into the Newport for New Products program at the Newport International Boat Show, held Sept. 12-15 in Newport. The Southport 29 FE is a crossover model that offers the luxury and amenities of a family cruiser without sacrificing fishability and offshore performance.
“The concept for the 29 FE originated in Newport two years ago after, we repeatedly were asked by prospective customers to offer our larger 29’ center consoles with the family friendly seating standard in our 27 CC model,” says Peter Galvin, Vice President of Marketing for Southport Boats. “We listened carefully to our customers’ suggestions, incorporated several new features that our design team was working on, and the 29 FE was born. The feedback from the public at this year’s show has been fantastic.”
The new model includes an adjustable-height lunch/cocktail table designed for alfresco dining. The table is easily lowered between the forward seats creating a spacious sun pad platform. The console has a comfortable forward-facing loveseat-style cushion with suede-like marine-grade vinyl.
The Southport 29 FE has several additional features that make the boat more attractive to boaters who are entertaining as well as fishing. The lockable stand-up head enclosure includes a faux granite sink and countertop with durable nonskid, easy-to-clean Marinedeck on the cabin sole. Deluxe helm chairs with flip-up bolsters are standard on the Southport 29 FE, as is a leaning post tackle station with waist-high access to a fresh/saltwater sink, insulated bait box and a 45-gallon oval livewell with light. The standard leaning post tackle station can be replaced with an optional entertainment center complete with grill and refrigerator. Additional options for the Southport 29 FE include a quarter-berth beneath the console front seat.
A plush three-quarter aft lounge seat stretches across the stern to provide multi–person seating when cruising or entertaining. The lounge seat folds down when fishing is the priority. Behind the aft lounge seat is a fully equipped bait-rigging station that has a freshwater sink, insulated bait storage area and cutting boards.
Powered with twin 300-hp outboards, the 29 FE delivers good fuel economy and responsive handling while reaching top speeds of 50 to 55 mph. The Southport 29 FE comes standard with a T-Top featuring a heavy-duty aluminum frame, fiberglass top and rugged acrylic windshield. A remote key fob with activated battery / light management system controls battery power choices and lets you illuminate overhead/cockpit lights as you walk down the dock in the pre-dawn hours.
Click here for a preview of the 29 FE. Prospective customers can contact select dealers for a sea trial.
Photos of Maine-Built Center Console Boat Wins Award in Newport
