With the 316 DC, Sailfish offers a dual console model to satisfy the fisherman and the rest of the family too. In a lot of ways, it succeeds.
A dual-console fishing boat is, at its core, a compromise. It must serve the serious angler, incorporating not only expected features like a live well, but also enough open, uncluttered space to fight a fish. At the same time, it needs to offer all the comforts and amenities of a family-friendly sportboat. The new Sailfish 316 Dual Console from Georgia-based builder Sailfish Boats achieves this without making it look like too much of a compromise.
“The boat’s ambidextrous,” said Sailfish Boat President and CEO Rob Parmentier during the 316 Dual Console’s official launch at the 2022 Palm Beach International Boat Show.
Standard fishing features on the 316 Dual Console (DC for short) start with the six rod holders arrayed across the back of the transom, a 30-gallon circulating live well built into the transom on the port side, and fish boxes in the soles of both the aft and bow cockpits.There also is a sink and bait-prep station between the helm seat and the aft-facing cockpit bench seat.
The 9’9” beam, while not as wide as on some other dual-console models with a similar LOA, gives the boat a good-sized aft cockpit for fishing. Both the gunwales and the transom have pull-down seats, but they are built into recessed wells that are molded into the fiberglass, and the seat bottoms double as hatch lids. When closed, they virtually disappear into the boat.
The hip-height gunwales, a Sailfish signature, are topped by coaming bolsters that give anglers a place to brace when they have a fish on the line. The tall gunwales also provide security for families with small children, and there is a lockable transom gate. Another fishing feature that’s family-friendly is the port-side dive door. You can use it to boat a fish, go for a swim, snorkel or dive. It also provides easy walk-on access to the cockpit from the dock for passengers who are not so sure-footed.
The Sailfish 316 DC is loaded with features that are purpose-designed to make everyone on board comfortable. That includes the headroom under the hardtop. It’s extra high, a fact of which Parmentier, who is 6’3”, is particularly proud. The enclosed head in the port console is the size of one you’d expect to find in a cruiser rather than a fishboat. In addition to full standing headroom, it has an electric marine toilet with a 10-gallon holding tank, sink with generous counter and a mirror. A frosted skylight and a portlight onto the walk-through bring in lots of light.
The helm console to starboard has a large storage space inside, as well as a dedicated rack for the bow cockpit table. While on some dual-console boats you have to fold a heavy glass windshield panel back against a console, the Sailfish 316 DC has a sliding glass panel instead. The wind-dam gate below it does fold open, but it fits neatly against the helm console.
The bow cockpit has high gunwales and grabrails for safety. The seats have cushioned backrests and each one also has a pull-out armrest. There are charging ports for your devices, and of course, cup holders.
The Sailfish 316 DC we toured at the Palm Beach show was equipped with twin 300-hp XXL Verado outboards, which give the boat a top speed of over 52 mph. An efficient cruise is 25.7 mph at 3500 rpm with fuel consumption of 1.4 mpg. On either side of the outboards are swim platforms. Inside the port platform is a “sandbar cooler” that lets you grab a cold one without having to re-board the boat. That’s sure to draw a crowd on a hot day.
LOA: 30’6” Beam: 9’9” Draft (hull only): 1’10” Weight (approx.): 11,315 lbs. Fuel: 265 gals. Power: (2) 300-hp Mercury 300 XXL Verados Price (as seen): $342,109
This article was originally published in the June 2022 issue.
Fishing and cruising features, all in a proven hull.
Southport Boats has added a dual console to its lineup of center consoles. The Southport 33 DC rides the same hull, designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, as the Southport 33, 33 LX and 33 ST.
Grady-White says its aim with the Freedom 215 is to offer a smaller boat with many of the same features as its larger dual consoles.