This 30' by 10'-6” Hunt designed vessel is built for comfort and stability and the easy ride that makes family boating more enjoyable.
July 08, 2021
By Florida Sportsman Editor
The classic style of a C. Raymond Hunt and Associates design married with the stability and sea kindliness of a 30-foot vessel sporting a 10’-6” beam, defies tradition in the southern boat market but you won’t need to go far on the Southport 30 FE to realize this Down East shop knows plenty about boat building.
This model is a combination of style, rugged dependability, fishing features, and family comfort. Southport has mixed each of these ingredients to make this model a top tier boat in the 30-foot range.
For family comfort the 30FE features forward seating that also creates insulated storage below while offering additional- very comfortable removable backrests. A filler panel and table can each be substituted to create either a sun lounge or dining venue. At the console face forward, a wide plush seat doubles as an insulated drink cooler.
The console and helm take full advantage of all of her usable space to create lots of storage and a private head below. At the helm face is room enough for twin 16-inch MFD units and a pair of luxurious Llebroc helm seats are independently installed for the helmsman and companion.
A uniquely designed acrylic windscreen is cleanly mounted with very discreet hardware and a subtle radius that follows the shape of the console face.
Behind the helm is a wide, and very plush Mezzanine style aft facing seat for two that overlooks your fishing spread and provides an additional storage option below for gear.
To port and starboard, flanking the helm station are a pair of large fish boxes to complement another transom kill box alongside a live well on the port corner, while the starboard transom corner offers passage to an extended transom fantail that allows easy transit around the engines for anglers.
A large access compartment to the bilge systems sits at the center of the cockpit deck and a fold-away bench seat spans the transom. For swimmers, a side opening dive door to starboard features a sturdy polished boarding ladder.
The ride on the Southport 30 FE rigged with twin Yamaha F300 power was confident and overshadowed the 25 knot east wind we experienced handily while offering a soft ride and between 1.8 and 2.0 MPG cruising at 30-MPH with a top speed of 50-MPH.
This is a boat designed for family outdoor activities that offers functionality and upscale luxury, first class finish work and an experience that without question, puts class and comfort first.
