Boat Reviews

New Boats — June 2014

Black Water 36 SF and Venture 34 FS

By Chris Woodward

June 6, 2014

Some folks chase the latest rage, while others look for the best in proven performers. Black Water's new 36 SF should appeal to the latter, which includes offshore anglers seeking a serious fishing platform. The 36’s relatively narrow (10-foot) beam for its length (36 feet, 2 inches) allows the vessel to slice through irreverent seas. The sharp bow entry of this performance hull tapers to a 24-degree deadrise at the transom. The hull also gains speed without compromising stability thanks to a triangular pad aft. Each Black Water is custom built to the owner’s specifications. Among the many popular options that anglers can order are three plumbed livewells — two in the transom and one in the deck ahead of the center console. All three wells are fed using a massive sea chest. Family anglers can add creature comforts such as bow and stern foldaway seats. All Black Waters come with fully insulated fish boxes and lockable rod storage.

Specifications LOA 36 ft. 2 in.
BEAM 10 ft.
TRANSOM DEADRISE 24 deg.
MAX POWER 1,200 hp

Venture Boat Company, under new management, has updated its line with innovative improvements. Its 34-footer now comes in four configurations — cuddy, tournament, open and forward seating — to match any angling style or family size. The forward-seating model adds coaming pads throughout and cushioned benches at the bow with secure rod lockers and 75 gallons of insulated storage beneath. Remove the cushions to expose a U-shaped nonskid platform. The console interior also features a freshwater sink/shower and head.

The FS boasts a 55-gallon livewell in the transom bulkhead next to a freshwater/saltwater rigging sink. A 187-gallon fish box lies in the cockpit sole, and a cooler resides under the forward console seat. A leaning post with tackle center comes standard, as does a hardtop and power-assist steering. Packages are available with twin or triple Yamaha F300s or twin Yamaha F350s.

Specifications LOA 34 ft. 6 in.
BEAM 10 ft.
TRANSOM DEADRISE 24 deg.
MAX POWER 900 hp

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