Anatomy of a 'fish' boat

You want to head for the deep water to catch really big fish. Here's what you need:

By TERRY TOMALIN
Published April 6, 2007

The boat: Fountain 38 CC

The boat:

Fountain 38 CC

This 38-foot center console fishing boat has four 200-quart fish boxes. The 38 comes standard with a super ventilated twin step pad keel design and integrated transom for maximum efficiency. Equipped with three Mercury Verado engines, the boat will cruise at 50 mph (4,500 rpms) and get 1.5 mpg.

Length: 37 feet 11 inches

Beam: 10 feet 6 inches

Fuel capacity: 287 gallons

Dry weight: 10,400 pounds

Draft: 29 inches

Recommended power: Triple Mercury 275 Verado

Speed: 72+ mph Cost: $275,000

Features: 

Triple Mercury 275 Verado engines: Good fuel efficiency and speed. If one breaks, the other two will still bring you home.

Shimano Spheros 6000: Medium spinning reel ($100) for catching bait.

Sabiki rigs for bait: No. 8 for Spanish sardines, cigar minnows and small blue runners, $3.29. No. 16 for catching big blue runners and mackerel, $5.99.

Shimano Torium 30 high-speed trolling reel: $189.99.

Seats: Leaning-post style with fixed backrest and rod holders offers extra comfort during long runs.

Well-equipped console: Everything from GPS/map plotter and bottom machine to VHF radio.

Angle-out rod holders: Keep your lines free from tangles.

Kingfish bag: Keeps fish ready for the weigh-in, $100.

Kingfish gaff: 8 to 12 foot, made from a fishing rod blank, $130-$160.

Bait net: Always carry two, $8.

50-gallon livewell: Will hold everything from blue runners to threadfin herring.

Other top features

Sharp entry helps cut through the waves.

Strong windshield keeps you dry and protected from breaking waves.

Radar system adds safety at night and in low visibility; helps keep track of other boats at sea.

T-top keeps the sun off you during those long runs offshore. Good place to hang gear.

Hand-laid composite hull and deck made with multidirectional fiberglass.

Triple batteries: Backup for backup provides extra margin of safety.

Fuel tank: Heavy-duty, baffled, welded inside and out, made of 3/16 aluminum.

All equipment courtesy of the Dogfish Tackle Company, 8750 Park Blvd., Seminole. Call (727) 393-2102 or go to www.dogfishtacklecompany.com.

[Last modified April 6, 2007, 10:08:10]