2013 Fishing-Boat Preview

When the boat-show season ramps up each fall, we begin sensing trends within the industry. As we gather details for our annual preview, those vague feelings solidify. For instance, this year, we included a category new to these listings — ­dual-console boats. Manufacturers have seen the need to blend multiple family uses into a fishing vessel; the DC fits that bill.

You’ll also see a few reintroductions of boats that were announced in 2012 but never brought to market. A few more are heavily updated models whose builders chose not to rename the lines. This year, we present 34 new boats — from an 18-foot skiff to a 47-foot express.

To start shopping, just visit a builder’s website, attend a local boat show, call a dealer or look for more coverage under the Boats tab above.

KEY TO SPECIFICATIONS

LOA The technical definition of LOA (length overall) includes bow pulpits, outboard engines and swim platforms. Many builders play fast and loose with this figure. We list the LOA the manufacturer supplies, and we order the boats in each category from shortest to longest.

BEAM The manufacturer takes this measurement at the boat’s widest point, which might or might not be amidships. Longer boats have greater beams. More beam (relative to length) usually means more stability at rest, as well as more interior space. On planing hulls, a wider beam sometimes means a rougher ride in a head sea.

DRAFT This measures a vessel’s depth below the water’s surface. Draft for outboard-powered boats generally is measured with the engine tilted up. Manufacturers measure inboard boats to the bottom of the running gear.

DEADRISE AT TRANSOM This is the hull’s angle in degrees, as measured at the aft-most portion of the vessel. It also is one indicator of how smoothly a boat rides in a head sea. Greater deadrise can mean a better ride, though other factors also influence ride quality. As the deadrise angle increases, however, the hull tends to become less stable at rest.

WEIGHT (Displacement) Weights quoted for inboard boats include the engine(s). For outboard boats, we listed dry‑hull weights — no engines, fuel or equipment. When calculating trailering weight, don’t forget to add engines, trailer, oil, fuel and all your gear.

FUEL We list standard-equipment fuel capacity only. Many companies offer larger or additional tanks as options.

MAXIMUM POWER The National Marine Manufacturers Association and the U. S. Coast Guard determine what the maximum horsepower should be on a small boat.

MSRP We asked the boat manufacturers to provide a base-hull price. But, in many cases, boats come prerigged from the factory with power and trailers. We have noted the differing prices accordingly in the chart.

The Jupiter 32 FS is rated for 600 hp.