Invincible 36 Open Fisherman Review

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There comes a time in every saltwater angler's life when compromise is out of the question. He refuses to settle for second best, insisting on the ultimate — be it a reel, an angling vacation or a fishing boat. Invincible Boats has made its mark catering to customers for whom compromise is not an option, and its 36 Open Fisherman is a prime example. Though this model debuted in 2007, it has since undergone many refinements, including a new side-entry console and seating options and an upgraded hardtop, which resulted in the 2013 machine I ran on the wind‑swept waters off Miami Beach.

A trio of Yamaha F300 outboards spun 21-inch-pitch Mercury Revolution 4 stainless-steel propellers. Controlling the beasts proved easy thanks to U-Flex power-assist hydraulic steering.

The 36 features Invincible’s patented Stepped-Vee Ventilated Tunnel hull with twin steps, which introduce a cushion of aerated water below the running surface to boost speed and fuel efficiency. The hull also rides remarkably flat. During acceleration from a standing start, there’s virtually no bow rise, offering excellent forward visibility at any speed. Invincible claims its hulls offer the lowest drag coefficient of any monohull.

To produce a smoother ride in rough seas with most boats, you slow down. With the Invincible 36, you do the opposite. As we ran about 30 mph into a three-foot head sea outside Government Cut, the boat knifed cleanly through the waves. When I accelerated to 45 mph, the boat lifted to ride even more smoothly atop the capping seas.

My test boat maxed out at more than 66 mph, and banked comfortably in high-speed cornering maneuvers without a hint of tripping or skipping. K-Plane-style trim tabs are standard, but I found the boat runs beautifully without deploying them. They do come in handy for balancing uneven loads.

I recorded the most economical cruising speed at 3,000 rpm and 32.1 mph, where the 36 achieved 1.48 mpg. That equates to a maximum cruising range of more than 700 miles — based on my test data and the 475-gallon fuel tank.

The Invincible 36 exudes offshore fishability, starting with a single-level deck surrounding the center-console. Recessed bow rails and retractable cleats allow you to fish unimpeded from any point along the rail. Coaming bolsters rim the interior to cushion your thighs and knees while fishing.

Eight gunwale rod holders punctuate each side, with four more rod holders across the full transom bulkhead. My test boat had a leaning post helm seat with a backrest that incorporated four more rod holders.

While each Invincible is built to order, standard features on the 36 include two livewells: a 50-gallon tank in the transom and a 60-gallon well below the aft cockpit, both equipped with latching clear-acrylic hatches. Two high-speed pickups draw water for the sea chest/pumps from below the cushion of air when the boat is under way. A quartet of insulated fish boxes includes twin cavernous lockers below the bow deck and another pair under the aft deck. The forepeak features a roomy anchor locker.

The helm panel — designed to -accommodate a pair of flush-mounted 15-inch multifunction displays — features a retractable clear cover. The switch panel is fully waterproof, and each switch is fuse protected. My test boat featured the optional hardtop, which provides an ideal place to mount antennas, radar array and outriggers, as well as to attach an enclosure.

The Invincible 36 offers impeccable fit and finish. The roomy head compartment inside the console, for example, features a full gelcoated liner. My test boat had the side-access console, which is a new feature for 2013. Each hatch on the 36 comes with 316 stainless-steel hardware, and gasketed frames for each locker keep water out.

The construction process starts with a vacuum-bagged, cored hull and 100 percent vinylester resin. The molded stringer system integrates the bulkheads and stringers into a virtually indestructible unit. In a touch that extends to all Invincible boats, the rigging tubes are incorporated into the stringers, which hides much of the rigging for a very clean look belowdecks.

If you’re at the point in your angling career when compromise no longer exists in your lexicon, look closely at the Invincible 36 Open Fisherman. When it comes to quality, performance and fishing features, this model joins an elite group that can be truly classified as ultimate offshore-fishing boats.

SPECIFICATIONS
LOA 36 ft. 8 in.
BEAM 10 ft.
DRAFT 1 ft. 10 in.
DEADRISE 22 deg.
WEIGHT 9,200 lb. (w/o power)
FUEL 475 gal.
MAX POWER 1,050 hp OB

YAMAHA 300 HP FOUR-STROKE
TYPE V-6
DISPLACEMENT 254 cid
MAX RPM 6,000
HP/LB RATIO 0.53
FUEL SYSTEM DOHC fuel injection
GEAR RATIO 1.75:1
WEIGHT 562 lb.
ALTERNATOR OUTPUT 70 amps
MSRP AS TESTED: $260,000

NOTABLE STANDARD FEATURES

Invincible Boats
Opa Locka, Florida
305-685-2704
invincibleboats.com