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.
With the ability to get to the grounds quickly, powered by quad outboards, and seating for up to 14, including massive dual-row seats at the helm, it comfortably accommodates a robust crew. Its cabin with a queen berth, head, shower, galley and lounge offers plenty of overnight and cruising amenities.
Accessed from within the cabin, a neatly organized mechanical space houses the gyro stabilizer, batteries, critical wiring and electronics components that reside beneath the helm deck.
Fishing First
As always, the crew at Yellowfin focuses on fishing. The 54 comes with a massive 100-gallon livewell in its transom. With its two lids, the well can be configured as one contiguous tank or divided into two, so anglers can separate different types of bait. Molded-in single tuna tubes flank either side of the well.
I counted more than 50 rod holders on my test boat including horizontal holders under the gunwales, and vertical holders in the tower/hardtop, forward lounge, and gunwales and on the transom. Along with multiple tackle-storage locations throughout the boat, gear junkies should find plenty of fishing features for day trips or extended destination excursions.
Space and Comfort
The 54 features bow V-lounge seating with backrests and storage as well as cavernous in-deck dunnage storage. The forward console lounge easily accommodates two to three adults for cruising or sun worshipping.
Yellowfin also used every possible space above and below deck for storage of dive gear, fishing tackle, rods, fresh catch in insulated chill-plate cooled boxes and all other manner of gear needed to make the operation run smoothly.
Running Right
Equally impressive is the 54′s performance. My test boat featured four Yamaha 425s; it carried 500 gallons of fuel, full water and four crew. As we accelerated, the boat lifted to plane. I never lost sight of the horizon.
Read Next: Yellowfin 54 Offshore
I found the fuel-efficient sweet spot at 5,000 rpm, running 50 mph while burning 97.1 gallons per hour, for .52 mpg. Comparatively, a large sportfish at 30 knots, burning 100 gph, makes 300 miles on 1,000 gallons during a 10-hour day. This Yellowfin 54 would make the same 300-mile trip in roughly seven hours, having burned 700 gallons.
Hull
LOA: 54 ft.
Beam: 15 ft.
Transom Deadrise: 22 deg.
Draft: 2 ft. 4 in.
Dry Weight: 28,000 lb. w/ engines
Fuel: 900 gal.
Max HP: 3,000
Base Price: Package prices start at $1.4 million.
Performance
Engines: Four Yamaha 425s
Load: 500 gal. fuel, full water, four crew, gear
Time to 30 mph: N/A
Top Speed: 60.8 mph @ 5,700 rpm
Best MPG: .52 mpg @ 50 mph (5,000 rpm)
Sarasota, Florida
941-753-7828
