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A team of marine-industry experts chose the Southport 29 FE as the Best New Powerboat Under 30 Feet at the Newport International Boat Show earlier this month. The 29 FE is a crossover model that blends the luxury and amenities of a family cruiser with the fishability and offshore performance of its traditional center-console fishing boat.
"The concept for the 29 FE originated in Newport two years ago, after we were asked repeatedly by prospective customers to offer our larger 29-foot center consoles with the family-friendly seating standard in our 27 CC model," says Peter Galvin, vice president of marketing at Southport Boats in Augusta, Maine. "We listened carefully, incorporated several new features, 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 table for dining aboard that lowers to create a sun pad. A plush three-quarter aft lounge stretches across the stern to provide multi-person seating, but folds down when fishing becomes the priority. The 29 FE can also be configured with a quarter-berth beneath the console-front seat.
Visit the Southport website for more information. Other winners at Newport included the Volvo Penta Glass Cockpit, presented by Garmin as Best New Boating Product.
