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Sea Hunter Tournament 40
By Marshall Brodie
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Mega size center console proves bigger is better
Bigger “is” better. At least that
was my thought while testing
the SeaHunter Tournament
40, one of the largest center console
boats on the market, as the sky quickly
turned an ominous dark gray and the
cool wind caused a steep chop to rapidly
build. Finally, a series of lightning
strikes made it evident that it was
time to hightail it back to port which,
unfortunately was in the direction of the
storm. I expected a wet white-knuckle
ride as we sped back to the dock but,
instead, our ride was uneventful and
absent of any hard impacts while we
cruised at 50 mph. Just as we made
it back to the dock, the downpour let
loose, soaking us. Up until then though,
we were comfortable and dry, but I
would not have been in a smaller boat.
At 40-feet, the big SeaHunter
pushes the limit of trailerability. But
with a hull weight of only 8,000-
pounds, this boat is certainly within
the capabilities of a heavy-duty pickup
truck and a triple axle trailer. SeaHunter
is not the only one in this size range,
however, as more and more builders
take advantage of efficient 250- to
300-horsepower outboards. Competing
mega-size center console boats include
the Midnight Express 39, Venture 39,
Donzi 38, Fountain 38 and others. The
SeaHunter Tournament 40, however, is
lighter than the others (except for the
equally light Venture) and has a wider
beam than any of the above as well.
How does SeaHunter keep the
weight down? It may cost more in
labor and materials but it involves the
precise cutting and fitting of fiberglass
and coring as well as the use of Kevlar
and carbon fiber. Then careful hand
lay-up and squeeging of excess resin
helps to ensure complete bonding and
the elimination of voids as well as a
high fabric to resin ratio. The result is
SeaHunter has trimmed weight without
sacrificing strength, maintained a
great ride due to a long well balanced
deep-V hull, improved efficiency and,
surprisingly, has kept the boat price
competitive. SeaHunter backs this up
with a limited lifetime hull warranty.
The SeaHunter Tournament 40
will take up to quad 300-horsepower
outboards, but I think the best all-around
package is a trio of motors such as the
test boat’s triple 275-horsepower Mercury
Verado’s. SeaHunter is an independent
builder and can supply any brand of
outboard that the customer wants. If the
customer wants the Mercury Verados,
however, SeaHunter uses a modified aft transom deck. The
unique mid-section of the Verado lifts the motor as it tilts so
there is no need for extra clearance that a motor well gives for
other outboards. Instead, a flat aft transom deck that is easy to
walk on can be used.
The main deck of the Tournament 40 is also flat from bow
to stern. As might be expected on a boat of this size with an
11-foot four-inch beam, there is plenty of room to move about
and abundant storage for your catch and miscellaneous gear.
The commercial grade in-deck fish box at the bow measures
2 ½- by more than 10-feet long. The aft in-deck fish box is no
lunch pail size affair either; it is six-feet long and is insulated
and can be plumbed with a macerator as well. For even more
fish storage, a coffin box is available for $2,600.
A storage compartment offering more than 40-cubic
feet of storage is located in the forward deck. There are two
eight-foot long in-deck locking rod storage compartments. All
hatches are made with lightweight carbon fiber so that even
the largest hatches are not a backbreaking affair to lift. Rubber
gaskets are used to seal all compartments and the gutters have
drains that drain into the bilge.
Two hatches at the forepeak give access to the voluminous
anchor locker. A simple but clever rack securely holds the
anchor off to the side.
The big center console still leaves plenty of room to walk
around it. With lots of flat panel space on the console, there
is enough room to mount several big electronics displays or
a super-size 15-inch LCD. Steering and engine controls fall
comfortably underhand and all switches are neatly arranged.
The multi-function Mercury SmartCraft displays reduce gauge
clutter commensurate with triple and quadruple outboards.
A large hardtop will cost $9,800 and adding a simple crow’s
nest ups the price by $1,600. A marlin tower with steering and
controls can be had for $14,500.
The interior of the large console is bigger than might be
expected. It has more than six-feet, three-inches of headroom
and an available double berth sleeping system that folds out
of the way when not in use. Opt for a genset and A/C unit
and a good night’s sleep isn’t out of the question. The console
interior also offers access to electronics, batteries and more.
Twin 55-gallon transom livewells are standard. Another
44-gallon livewell can be added to the leaning post. Finally,
a below deck livewell in place of the aft fishbox is also
available. Lighting is $185 extra for the livewells. I think that
for a boat like this, night fishing will be common and the lights
should be standard.
There is a long list of fishing-related options so that the
buyer can have the Tournament 40 built expressly for his style
of fishing. Family-oriented anglers can also customize the boat
with the optional fiberglass forward seating option for $4,500.
A less permanent alternative is removable aluminum forward
bench seats that can be ordered for $1,900. A removable rear
bench seat is also available at a cost of $2,600.
Out on the water, the 40 feels like a smaller boat in
regards to handling and performance due to the relatively
lightweight of the hull. Yet, it retains a smooth big boat ride
because it can easily span wave crests. The ride is dry and
stable and the props stay hooked up in the water even in the
rough stuff. The triple 275-horsepower Verados pushed us to
a top speed of nearly 62 mph, satisfactory for most anglers.
Couple a 1.5 miles per gallon fuel economy at 35 mph with
the standard 500-gallon fuel tank, and the Tournament 40 is
capable of extended trips to the Bahamas without refueling.
The SeaHunter Tournament 40 is a quality-built boat with
quality components. A large lazarette provides excellent room
for servicing pumps and seacocks. The hull is smooth and fair
and hatches fit snugly. During the sea trial, there was no hint of
rattles or banging of hatches.
Small is usually good enough, but if you are miles
offshore and a storm kicks up, bigger is better. For more
information, call SeaHunter at 305-257-3344 or visit www.
seahunterboats.com.
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