Boat Spotlights: Fairline, Formula, Scout, Tahoe

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 46’6” Beam: 14’2” Draft: 3’10” Fuel Capacity: 286 gals. Water Capacity: 96 gals. Power: 2 x Volvo IPS600 D6-440 diesel 880-hp MSRP: Contact dealer

FAIRLINE.COM

DEALER Spring Brook Marina Seneca, IL 815-357-8666

SPRINGBROOKMARINA.COM

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Fairline Targa 45 GT

Standing out.

Isuppose there are worse places to be quarantined than Monaco. So, it’s hard to feel too sorry for yacht designer Alberto Mancini, separated just nine miles from his native Italy. During the lockdown he’s continuing to bring British boatbuilder Fairline’s heritage into the future with an exciting new model, the Targa 45 GT.

Available in a two- or three-cabin, two-head layout, an owner can further personalize the interior to have either a mid or forward master cabin. Kyle Stenzel, owner of Spring Brook Marina, selected an upgrade of leather seating in the master cabin, scissor beds in forward berths and the Fairline luxury bedding set.

Powered by new twin Volvo IPS650 D-6 480-hp engines, the joystick-controlled yacht carries 286 gallons of fuel and comes with an optional Seakeeper 3 gyro stabilizer. Cleverly concealed in the aft wall is a tender garage complete with hydraulic winch and rollers. This feature begs for a cruise to Georgian Bay.

Below decks, this sleek cruiser utilizes hullside windows to bring in light and a luxurious feel. Gloss walnut interior woodwork and random oak chocolate flooring sparkle when highlighted by the interior mood lighting package.

The cockpit has been designed with multiple uses in mind, from enjoying the warm summer rays to entertaining. A starboard fridge, electric grill and folding teak cockpit table with a cantilever arm for additional tabletop space are complemented by an appliance package that includes a ceramic cockpit bar. With cockpit heating and air conditioning, early spring and late fall cruising is never out of the equation. A sliding glass door expands the cockpit or keeps foul weather away. The helm is modestly equipped with a Garmin GMR 24 HD Radome, and a 12-inch screen for GPS, mapping and Volvo helm management.

While running or at anchor, the Fairline Targa 45 GT stands out. H

Formula 500 SSC

Unheard of entertaining space and amenities.

Twenty years ago, did you ever imagine we’d be showcasing a 50-foot-long bowrider with quintuple Mercury Racing 400Rs? Welcome to the Crossover Bowrider revolution, pioneered by Formula. Flying the flagship moniker is the 500 Super Sport Crossover (SSC).

Technology reaches a zenith with digital switching, wireless iPad control, Raymarine open-array radar, dual Axiom XL 24-inch color chartplotters and a FLIR thermal camera. Get ready to party with an 800W amplification Rockford Fosgate stereo delivering music through 16 JL Audio multicolor LED, chrome-finished speakers.

The 500’s SmartZone design’s seven distinct seating areas optimize every square inch of the boat. A fiberglass hardtop protects the spacious salon from the elements, augmented by cooling and heat systems throughout. Of course, there are coolers aboard, but at 50 feet you deserve more, like the optional 26-bottle dual-zone wine coolers, a concealed power lift 65-inch TV and a full-width motorized glass bulkhead system.

Onboard is a galley ready for primetime on the Food Network. A chef-inspired U-shaped kitchen features an expansive bi-level Corian countertop, a dual-drawer stainless VitriFrigo pullout fridge, a two-burner range and a convection microwave.

Aft seating easily converts into loungers, while the 500’s swim platform with side extensions make it easy for swimmers to towel off. At the bow, forward-facing triple-wide lounges with fold-up armrests give sure support. There’s a bow sunshade and two electrically actuated tables with filler cushions.

Exploring the cabin is up to you. With 6 feet, 7 inches of headroom, a motorized blind system, a forward window with electronic privacy smart glass, an enclosed head, a well-appointed aft stateroom and a full sofa lounge that rivals any land-side penthouse, need I say more? H

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 53’4” Beam: 14’6” Draft: 52” Weight: 41,400 lbs Fuel Capacity: 650 gals. Water Capacity: 100 gals. Price: Contact dealer

FORMULABOATS.COM

DEALERS Chicago Yacht Works

CHICAGOYACHTWORKS.COM Lakeside Formula

LAKESIDEFORMULA.COM Marine Tech Concepts

MARINETECH CONCEPTS.COM

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 27’6” Beam: 9’ Draft: 16” Weight: 5,720 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 163 gals. Water Capacity: 14 gals. Max Power: 450 hp Base Price: $225,310

SCOUTBOATS.COM

DEALER SkipperBud’s 888-308-6576

SKIPPERBUDS.COM

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Scout 277 Dorado

Family friendly fi shing vessel.

Scout Founder Steve Potts has demonstrated time and again over the past 30 years that he understands customers — so much so that he replaced a popular model like the Scout 275 Dorado with the brand-new 277 Dorado.

“Our 277 Dorado raises the bar for a family friendly coastal fishing vessel,” notes Alan Lang, Scout’s director of sales and marketing. “The custom fiberglass built-in hardtop adds to the stunning look and functionality of the model, while the convertible seating arrangements in the cockpit leave numerous entertaining or lounging options.”

One big boat feature that made its way to the new 277 is a portside swing-in door, which makes landing a fish much easier. Scout rigs these boats to dealer specifications, so you may find them with Mercury or Yamaha power. Either way, one option that’s gaining traction is joystick vessel control, which makes docking stress-free.

From a fishing perspective, the boat has everything you could want: A large cockpit fishing area where the aft bench seat slides flush into the transom; starboard under-gunnel rod storage; a recirculating baitwell; and numerous rod holders in the gunnel or optional rocket launchers/outriggers on the hardtop. This versatile cockpit has multifunction bench seats to port with cushions that fold into bolsters and a table for dining.

Thoughtful touches add varying degrees of comfort for the family, like LED cockpit courtesy rope lighting, a Fusion Bluetooth stereo with four 7.7-inch JL Audio speakers, and a completely private, self-contained head. Wide bow seating is something new on this model.

Scout never compromises with helm design, and the 277 Dorado takes full advantage of the latest electronic packages. This model includes a Garmin 942 XS display with B60 transducer, hydraulic steering with tilt, trim tabs and C-Zone digital switching. ★

Tahoe Pontoon LTZ 24 VRB

Wide-open boating.

The pandemic drove boat sales last year to levels not seen in the past 20 years. Dealers like Lake Michigan Yacht Sales and Onekama Marine noticed families looking to socially distance rediscover the magic of boating, particularly on pontoons, which offer wide-open seating plans. What surprised many first-time pontoon owners was the level of luxury that Michigan-based Tahoe Pontoons offers.

One of its newest models is the LTZ 24 Versatile Rear Bench (VRB). By simply changing the position of the rear backrest, the boat transforms from cruising to sunbathing easily. The VRB features both a port and starboard bow bench, and the aft flows into a corner seating arrangement and a rear-facing bench. The bench seatback can be positioned so passengers can face forward or aft.

Deco walls far exceed the basic extruded aluminum railing system of your grandad’s pontoon. Brilliant colors and mirror chrome graphics envelope passengers who enjoy a variety of upgraded suspension seating configurations, from relaxing loungers to sturdy low-back helm chairs with arms.

Tahoe, recognized as Michigan’s Manufacturer of the Year, is vertically integrated, meaning that 90% of the boat is made in-house, including all furnishings and seat bases. There’s also a full canvas shop in-house.

Another surprise is just how fast pontoons run. This sport performance package includes a 200-hp Mercury outboard — more than enough zip for skiers, tubers and other watersports. Thoughtful amenities include stainless steel cup holders throughout, an Infinity PRV250BT stereo, a telescoping boarding ladder and deck corner impact protection for those less than graceful attempts at docking.

Tipping the scales at just over 2,000 pounds, this is an easy tow for most vehicles. Just gather up to 11 friends and pick your destination. Summer is right around the corner. ★

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 23’5” Beam: 8’6” Weight: 2,050 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 25 gals. Max Power: 125 hp MSRP: $26,938

TAHOEPONTOONS.COM

DEALERS Lake Michigan Yacht Sales

ONEKAMAMARINE.COM Onekama Marine

ONEKAMAMARINE.COM

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