Let me make a confession up front. My second favorite kind of boat, after a Bay-built deadrise, is a center console. So, when I received the offer of a test ride on Southport Boat’s latest offering, the Southport 33, I jumped at the chance. I expected to like this boat. As we boarded the boat at North Point Yacht Sales slip at Jabin’s Yacht Yard on Back Creek in Eastport, I knew I would not be disappointed. The first impression one gets on boarding is of spaciousness. At 32 feet, six inches long, and 10 feet, eight inches beam, the 33 is a big boat, and her open center console design takes maximum advantage of the space available. The deck under foot feels solid, and as we moved about the cockpit, there were no sharp corners or odd angles to cause problems, but plenty of hand holds and rails for security. The boat features an all-composite construction using vinylester vacuum- infused resin which produces a light, strong, and rigid structure. Grady Byus, our guide from North Point, fired up the twin Yamaha 300-hp four-stroke outboards (350s are the only available option, and all are factory installed since the boat is designed around the engines). We idled down Back Creek toward open water as Grady pointed out some of the features on the boat. As we passed the speed limit buoys at the mouth of the creek, he advised us to hang on to something. The 33 has a deep vee hull with a transom deadrise of 22 degrees and lifting strakes. As Grady laid on the power, the boat literally jumped up on a plane with minimal bow rise, and within seconds our GPS was indicating 50 miles per hour plus with a flat and stable ride and great visibility forward. Lowering the table on the convertible dinette creates a sun lounging area. Grady eased the speed back to about 40 and put the boat into a sharp right turn. The deep vee held the turn smoothly, with no skidding or skipping. We throttled back to the Yanmars’ most economical speed, which translated to about 30 miles per hour according to the GPS. At that speed, the ride was soft and stable, and we took on all the wakes we could find with no pounding. The lifting strakes and moderate Carolina flare on her bow deflected all the spray downward and away, resulting in a dry ride. The Yanmar fuel flow meter indicted a consumption rate of about 20 gallons per hour. The standard ethanol resistant polyethylene fuel tank holds a bit more than 300 gallons, giving the 33 an approximate cruising range of about 450 miles. If the weather and the waves kick up, a boat’s ability to remain on plane at low speed is crucial. The 33 planes as slow as 14 to 16 miles per hour, which should allow her to deal safely and comfortably with the unexpected. After all the impressive high speed performance, we tried some low speed maneuvers, stopping and starting, pivoting, and the like. The Southport proved to be surprisingly nimble at low speeds as well, something that deep vees don’t always handle well. The best illustration of her low speed maneuverability came at the end of our ride. Grady idled down the long fairway, barely 20 feet wider than we were long, to our slip at the end. When we reached it, he pivoted the boat in her own length and backed her smoothly into her slip using only the engines, still at idle. The Southport 33 at rest. While the center console configuration may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Southport has gone to great lengths with this boat to make her as versatile as possible. The console contains a stand up freshwater shower as well as a freshwater head with a holding tank. There is also a six-foot-long storage area forward of the console which can double as a bunk. In the bow is a U-shaped dinette with a height-adjustable table that converts to a sun lounge with the addition of the bunk cushion. Easy access to the built-in cooler under the forward console seat makes this area of the boat ideal for relaxing and socializing. Adding the optional Deluxe Entertainment Center which includes a grill, a sink, and a refrigerator makes onboard entertaining a snap. There are also four six-foot-long watertight storage areas under the cockpit sole fore and aft. These are easy to access, large enough to store water skis and other toys, and can double as fish boxes, since they drain directly overboard. If you are in the market for a safe, stable fishing platform or a fun family day boat, take a look at the Southport 33. I think you will like this boat. I did. by Captain Rick Franke