The last 10 years have witnessed the birth of the outboard-powered mega fishing machine, where size, performance, fishability and luxury all go into the recipe. (Shall it be four, five or six outboards?) Once the domain of tournament-ready sportfishers, offshore waters are now the playground of next-level center consoles, dual consoles and catamarans, not only outfitted for angling but living your best life. Here are 12 of the biggest, baddest fishing boats on the water. Ed note: Price will vary based on the model year, options, and dealer.
Aquila 47 Molokai
- LOA: 49’4”
- Beam: 14’7″
- Price: Starts at $1.6 million
This ain’t no sailing cat. The Aquila 47 Molokai power catamaran can be described as luxurious fishability. Standout features include an air-conditioned stateroom with a queen-size berth, head and shower, seven protected helm seats in two air-conditioned rows, and spacious entertainment areas. (In total, there is seating for up to 17 people.) Raymarine electronics, C-Zone digital switching, and a Fusion audio system make up the onboard tech. Below your feet, 700 gallons of fish box capacity.
The 47 Molokai is powered by twin 600 hp or quad 400 hp Mercury Verado outboards, either of which can produce speeds of 60-plus mph.
What our editors say: “Stepping aboard the Aquila 47, I knew instantly that this was a different breed of cat. Luxury touches and world-class angling features beckoned me to set out on a long-distance angling adventure, prepared to catch fish, and to do so in comfort.” –Jim Hendricks, West Coast editor
Boston Whaler 405 Conquest
- LOA: 41’4”
- Beam: 13’6”
- Price: Over $1 million
With all due respect to the company’s history of cutting their boats in half to prove a point they won’t sink, we sincerely hope no one takes a chainsaw to the Boston Whaler 405 Conquest. While the company’s legendary ad was all about function (aka its unsinkable foam-filled hull), the 405 Conquest’s fashion is too sleek and stylish to hack in half with a Stihl.
One of Boston Whaler’s seven distinct lines, Conquest focuses on fish-centric boats that double as floating condos. Yes, while this dual-console cabin cruiser’s V-hull and quad 350 hp Mercury Verados deliver speed, performance and fuel economy, and is clearly optimized for anglers, it does not skimp on comfort. To use Whaler’s phrase, it’s “the SUV of the sea.”
For anglers, the optional deluxe prep center at the transom includes a bait-prep area with hot and cold water, fillet board, 40-gallon pressurized livewell, tackle drawers, and leader holders. If you prefer fashion over fishy function, exchange the bait prep area for a summer kitchen with a 19–gallon pressurized, insulated livewell. There are 15 rod holders, including 10 on the gunwales and five shotguns. A pair of under-gunwale rod holders at starboard and hard top adds six more.
The cabin boasts master and guest sleeping quarters that accommodates three, teak cabinets and sole, enclosed head with separate shower, and galley.What the editors say: “So how did the 405 Conquest run with four Mercury Verado 350s? Beautifully, breaking 51 mph at 6,300 rpm while running at wide-open throttle, and cruising comfortably at 30 mph while burning 47 gph, economical for a boat this size.” –Randy Vance, editor-at-large
Grady-White Canyon 456
- LOA: 45’
- Beam: 14’
- Price range: $1.4 million to $1.7 million
“Re-imagine your concept of the luxury sportfishing yacht” is the first line of Grady-White’s announcement introducing the Grady-White Canyon 456 to the marine universe in 2018. Today, it remains a highwater mark within in ever-growing mega center console category.
Start at the helm, or rather the Sea Command Center, a term Grady-White trademarked because, well, this ain’t no ordinary helm: flush-mounted electronics panel, four electrically adjustable helm chairs with flip-back bolsters and footrests made for long runs, and a forward molded lounge. Then admire the ample rod storage: 10 holders along the covering boards, horizontal racks built for six more outfits, two lockable rod pods and a six-rod rocket launcher on the hardtop. Below, the cabin has two galleys, full head with shower, and convertible berth.
Quad Yamaha XTO Offshore 450 outboards are the standard power setup, providing plenty of torque and top-end speed.
What our editors say: “If you’re thinking about moving up in size for the enhanced range, performance and comfort, or downsizing to a boat you can run yourself and fish, the new Canyon 456, a super-size center-console with a wealth of lavish appointments and dedicated fishing features, is bound to meet or surpass your expectations.” –Capt. Dave Lear, contributing editor
Formula 457 CCF
- LOA: 45’7”
- Beam: 13’9”
- Price range: $2.1 million to $2.6 million
Twenty-nine music-synched, lighted drink holders. Triple Mercury 600 hp Verado V-12 outboards. Console cabin with 6.5 feet of headroom. Seakeeper 6 gyrostabilizer. Dedicated space for eight dive tanks. Sure, the Formula 457 CC Fish is made for serious offshore anglers, but a spirit of fun and entertainment is present everywhere you look.
To think that the seed of this fishing machine dates back to 1962 and Don Aronow’s offshore-race-winning deep-V hull design. Formula is no longer on N.E. 188th Street in Miami, aka Thunderboat Row, but at a 575,000-square-foot facility in Decatur, Illinois. The zip code has changed from Miami to the Midwest, but Formula’s boat-building DNA remains unchanged.
This boat has the fishing dialed in. It features twin 50-gallon pressurized livewells, macerated fish boxes with available freezer plates, and below-deck storage. The gunwales, transom, and hardtop are ringed with standard and optional rod and drink holders, with outriggers standard. The cockpit rigging station/wet bar offers a slide-away mezzanine bench, full Corian countertop/rigging station, removable cutting board, sink, and tackle-box organizer.
What the editors say: “The 457 CCF rides on Formula’s Fas3Tech hull featuring twin steps that aerate the water while underway to improve lift and enhance efficiency. This hull design also maintains a consistent trim angle with little input needed from the helmsman.” –JH
HCB 65 Estrella
- LOA: 65’
- Beam: 16’
- Price range: $2.8 million to $5.4 million
It’s no surprise that when our sister brand Boating produced a video about the brand-new HCB 65 Estrella in 2019, it amassed over 1 million views. After all, it was—and is—the largest center console in the world. And with quint now-defunct 627 hp Seven Marine outboards, it was the most powerful CC on earth. Today, the 65 Estrella can be powered by as many as six Mercury 600 hp outboards, giving even more power than when it first hit the market.
The engineering team at Marine Concepts in Sarasota, Florida, gets credit for the design: a massive running surface, and the same Mil-Tough-rated Megaform composite grid construction technique used in its smaller sibling, the 53 Sueños.
The exquisite design work extends to the massive cabin, mezzanine seating overlooking the aft cockpit, second-row helm seating with a first row that swivels aft, and a table that elevates from the deck for dining or to convert the area to a large berth. The 65 Estrella is built for serious offshore adventures, but when it’s time to trade the fishing for entertaining, the enormous cockpit can become an aft lounge.
What the editors say: “In spite of the 65’s impressive length and massive horsepower, it handles like a baby. That’s a credit to the power steering… The boat turned sweetly, regained its heading, and ran off with great alacrity.” –RV
Phenom 43
- LOA: 43’
- Beam: 12’9”
- Price: Starting at $1.25 million
The Phenom lineup started with a 37- and 34-footer, and now the Phenom 43 raises the bar: a semi-custom center console with all the lifestyle accoutrements, and a concierge service that guides owners through the option-rich build process.
Fishing features abound: two 20-gallon pressurized transom livewells with aquarium-style windows, two 87-gallon in-deck aft fish boxes, gunwales with six rod holders, and rod storage under each side and on the hardtop. But it’s the thoughtful details that turn the boat into a floating getaway for family and friends. There are two electronically actuated tables: one in the bow that’s flush with the deck when not in use, and one in the cabin where the queen bed converts into U-shaped seating for socializing or watching the game on the 42-inch HD TV. When the cockpit isn’t in fish mode, there is a 3- to 4-person bench that comes out of its hiding spot between the livewells.
Design flourishes typically saved for luxury sports cars show up in the helm area. On hot days, the ergonomically-designed premium captain’s chairs flow cold air through slits in the backrest. On cold days, turn on the heaters.
The Phenom 43 is powered by Mercury, with up to a four-pack of 450Rs, tended by Mercury joystick piloting and a Vessel View multifunction display. It boasts a top speed of 69 mph.
What the editors say: “Phenom’s 43 boasts advanced technology for powering AC electrical systems. Navico’s Fathom e-Power uses robust outboard alternators, a lithium battery bank, and an inverter system to eliminate the need for an onboard generator.” –JH
Pursuit OS 445 Offshore
- LOA: 46’6”
- Beam: 13’10”
- Price range: $1.1 million to $1.7 million
Is it a fishing machine? A yacht? Pursuit’s largest boat ever has room to accommodate both.
Consider the bridge deck of the Pursuit OS 445 Offshore, for starters. Unlike the open-air design of its contemporaries, the enclosed space has a 9-foot-wide-by-5-foot-high two-ply windshield that turns your POV into an IMAX movie. When you need fresh air, employ the tall side windows and dual overhead sunroof vents. Add in air conditioning or reverse-cycle heat powered by its standard Fischer Panda 12 kW diesel generator, and you can dial in the environment as desired.
At the helm, twin 22-inch Garmin 8622 fish finders/chart plotters come standard, with the option of adding a portside Garmin GPSMap 8616 for the co-pilot. Also included is Yamaha’s Helm Master EX joystick control and an automatic Zipwake interceptor system.
Fishing features include a spacious cockpit, transom workstation with a 50-gallon lighted, recirculating livewell, and a 75-gallon fish box that has a refrigerator-freezer function with an adjustable thermostat. An electrically lowerable starboard-side boarding platform adds cockpit space.
What the editors say: “For those anglers who believe offshore fishing should be a Hemingway-esque struggle between man and the wind, waves and sun, Pursuit’s Offshore 445 is probably not your cup of Earl Grey. While this vessel takes its fishing duties seriously, what it does best is elevate each activity—including cruising and entertaining—to a new level of luxury and comfort.” –Alan Jones, contributing editor
Regulator 41
- LOA: 41’3”
- Beam: 12’6”
- Price: Starting at $1.1 million
Edenton, North Carolina, is tucked into Albemarle Sound due west of the Outer Banks. These rough-and-tumble waters are an ideal spot to test world-class sportfishers and fishing machines. What better place for Joan and Owen Maxwell to start a boat company focused on comfortable rides in big seas, hardcore fishability and next-level comfort. The Regulator 41, their biggest offshore boat to date, delivers on that promise—and then some.
The integrated wraparound windshield provides captain and crew protection at the helm, and the tower access has been redesigned to ease the climb. There’s an aft mezzanine seat with a bait prep and tackle center beneath the retractable SureShade protection.
Below, the sizable, air-conditioned cabin offers dual berths, galley kitchen, and spacious head with shower. Even an LED TV is standard. An 8 kW Fischer Panda diesel generator provides power.
Powered by four Yamaha XTO Offshore 450s with digital electronic control of the Helm Master EX Full Maneuverability system, and steadied by the Seakeeper 5, the 41 is a dry, comfy ride that will meet all your offshore needs. What the editors say: “I always thought of Regulator boats as ‘overbuilt,’ a term I use to describe boats made to excel even in the worst of conditions. But after testing the new 41 center console, I’m compelled to add the words ‘bold’ and ‘beautiful’ to my definition of this terrific merger of fishability, elegance and comfort.” –DL
Solace 42CS
- LOA: 40’7”
- Beam: 12’3”
- Price: Over $1 million
Boat building runs deep in the Dougherty DNA. The late Bob Dougherty was a chief engineer and senior vice president with Boston Whaler, earning the nickname “Mr. Unsinkable” for his role producing those infamous foam-filled hulls. Then the father-son team of Bob and Stephen launched Everglades Boats. Stephen left Everglades in 2012, and spent his downtime during the non-compete period like most folks do: developing and engineering the Star Wars “Rise of the Resistance” theme park ride at Disney World. (That would explain the droid in the Solace office lobby.)
Stephen Dougherty’s latest venture, Solace Boats, has quickly developed into a line of hardcore fishing machines starting at 28 feet. The biggest, baddest one in the lineup is the 42CS. Sure, the dual-step performance hull delivers a dry ride, exceptional handling, and better fuel efficiency, and the two rows of helm seating improves the entertaining experience, but it’s the clever and subtle details that set it apart. Magnetic attachments for removable deck lounge cushions replace fragile snaps; automatic actuators raise the windshield; nearly hidden magnetic cup holders secure drinks to gunwales and tabletops. Even a bait board is attached magnetically to the transom and is so secure, you could practically toss it from the port station to the starboard station and stick the landing.
Read Next: How to Buy the Right Saltwater Fishing Boat
Scout 530 LXF
- LOA: 53’5”
- Beam: 14’8”
- Price: Starting at $1.9 million
Scout knows how to get boaters to pay attention to their product. The 425 LXF they mounted over the convention center entrance at the 2025 Miami International Boat Show is just one example. But that big splash doesn’t compare to the debut of the Scout 530 LXF in 2019, the mega center console that’s a full 11 feet longer than the next biggest model.
Two years in development, the 520 LXF is a whopping 53 feet, 5 inches long, and ready to carry four or five outboards. The beam stretches to 17 feet, 6 inches when electronically actuated dual beach platforms are extended port and starboard.
There is plenty of room for a large crew. The 530 LXF can be configured into 21 seating areas throughout the boat, several with tables, including seven seats in the helm area.
As for one-of-its-kind fishing innovations, check out the articulating rocket launchers that raise and lower from the hardtop with the push of a button.
Below deck is a master stateroom with a large berth, enclosed head and shower room, galley, convertible single and fixed aft double berth, hanging closet, and central vacuum system.
What the editors say: “While there are many who will use this boat as a yacht tender and day-tripper, those considering it for a big-water boat should have no qualms about heading offshore for some serious angling or crossing to the Bahamas. Design and construction are state-of-the-art.” –John Tiger, Jr., contributing editor
Valhalla V-55
- LOA: 55’7”
- Beam: 15’6”
- Price: Starting at $3 million
Valhalla is Viking heaven. (Get it?) Back in the early 2000s, the New Jersey boatbuilder that started in wooden sportfishers then moved onto semi-custom sport fishing yachts got the idea to create a Viking-quality boat in a smaller size. What they unveiled in June was the Valhalla V-55: fishing nirvana.
Anglers will appreciate the 15 1/2-foot beam that creates an immense cockpit, 24-inch-wide walkways, 41 inches of freeboard, recessed bow rail and 186-gallon fish box. But the real point of differentiation is the nearly limitless possibilities it offers. (Sound like a place you’ve heard of?) Whether it’s quad or quint V-12 600 hp Mercury outboards, one or two rows of Release Marine teak helm chairs, teak or carbon Edson steering well, livewells with pumps, lights, windows or all of the above, or Garmin or Simrad electronics packages, the customization options on the V-55 (and we only named a few) are next level.
A sliding door starboard of the helm leads to the plush accommodations that include a private stateroom with a walk-around queen bed, 24-inch flat-screen TV, Bomar overhead hatch, side windows, enclosed head, and separate fiberglass shower stall. A full-featured galley, dinette that converts to a single bunk, 32-inch flat-screen TV, and a pair of bunks aft squeeze maximum utility out of the space.
What the editors say: “From design to construction to performance to accommodations and fishability, Viking broke new ground with its Valhalla V-55. Coupled with outfitting from Palm Beach Towers and Atlantic Marine Electronics, the V-55 sets a new standard for supersize center-console fishing machines.” –Peter Frederiksen, contributing editor
Yellowfin 54 Offshore
- LOA: 54’
- Beam: 15’
- Price range: $1.5 million to $1.9 million
It is the stellar performance of the stepped hull that earned Yellowfin its reputation as one of the smoothest, driest rides on the water. Having developed a wide range of boats, from skiffs to bay boats to hybrids, the 2021 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show marked the arrival of the biggest boat in its lineup: the Yellowfin Offshore 54.
Hardcore fishing features aplenty here: molded-in tuna tubes, more than 50 rod holders including horizontal holders under the gunwales and vertical holders in the tower/hardtop and transom, 800-quart fish box and 150 gallons of livewell capacity (plus plenty of clever and efficient storage above and below deck). But it’s also set up for the hang as well: seating for up to 14, and a cabin with a queen berth, head, shower, full-outfitted galley and lounge.
What the editors say: “It’s often said that first impressions are everything. In the case of the Yellowfin 54 Offshore, that isn’t even close to accurate. Beyond the initial awe inspired by its sheer size and expansive fishing space, this massive center console delivers a pedigree of performance and comfort on its smooth-riding hull as well as multiple surprises.” –Capt. Karl Anderson, contributing editor
