March 17, 2014
By Sam Hudson
Florida Sportsman got a sneak peek at the latest from Gamefisherman sportfishing boats out of Stuart, Florida. The newest
Gamefisherman 42 Express fits snugly in-between a host of seven smaller Gamefisherman models ranging from 34 to 39 feet and eight 40-foot-plus boats, with one leviathan mothership stretching 130 feet that can carry a sportfish onboard aft.
Highlighted aesthetics include all cold-molded construction, along with teak trim covering the cockpit deck, toe rails, cap rail and the entire interior. For fishability, the vessel has a massive fishbox and livewell at the transom, a 700-pound ice chipper plumbed directly to the fishbox, hidden gaff storage, and large accessible lazarettes for fenders, lines, anchors and other storage.
Power and safety are both evident onboard. This sportfish comes rigged with twin 575-hp C-9 Caterpillar diesel engines, which allow the boat to hit a maximum of 38 knots (44 mph). Six fully automatic bilge pumps, bilge high-water alarms, hydraulic power steering, custom oil change system for machinery, plus a 9 kW Northern lights generator also come equipped.
Specifications:
LOA: 42 feet
Beam: 13 feet, 4 inches
Draft: 2 feet, 6 inches
Displacement: 19,000 pounds
Fuel: 400 Gallons
Freshwater hold: 40 Gallons
Engines: Twin 575 horsepower C-9 Caterpillar diesels
Construction: Cold molded epoxy. AwIgrip painted and varnished mahogany trim.
Gamefisherman Sportfishing Boats
3290 SE Gran Park Way
Stuart, Florida 34997
www.gamefisherman.com
(772) 220-4850
Running shot. The 42 Express cruises most efficiently at 27 knots, burning about 26 gallons per hour, says Michael T. Matlack, president of Gamefisherman boats. High- cruise speed is 33 knots, with 38 knots the fastest the boat will run in calm conditions. The tower is made by Bausch, replete with full controls and electronics. Thirty-six foot Rupp outriggers bookend the tower.
Inside the galley. Stainless steel sink and chrome faucet, at left. Teak countertops match the teak cabinets and conceal the refrigerator, freezer, microwave oven and storage.
From the bridge. Fully air-conditioned bridge keeps everyone inside cool. The console is mounted specifically aft and center to put the helmsman in optimal fishing position, says Matlack. Port and starboard side seats store rods underneath. Notice the custom electronics compartment overhead.
Cabin view looking aft. Standing from the galley, the dinette table sits at left. At right, upper and lower bunks. The upper bed folds down into place to form a settee for extra seating space.
Cabin view looking forward. A close-up of the living quarters; notice the teak and holly floors. Head and shower near the galley. At top left, TV has worldwide satellite service.
View of the cockpit. A Murray tuna chair takes up most of the attention in the ‘pit. Rocket launchers border the backside of the seat. Starboard, notice the cockpit freezer abutting the bridge. Portside, full-size tackle and bait preparation center.
Up close of the center console. At the console, a teak “control pod” with Gamefisherman chrome steering wheel and controls. Controls display is electronically tilted up into position. Port and starboard teak table flip up into position for meals. In the back, notice the entrance to the galley and cabin.