Boat Spotlights: Brabus, Fountain, Sunseeker, Tiara

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 38’5” Beam: 11’ Draft: 2’9” Weight: 9,920 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 192 gals. Power: 2 x 450hp Mercury Verado outboards Base MSRP: $675,000

DEALER Manitowoc Marine

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The product of forward-thinking European boat builder Axopar and the high-tech engineering of Germany’s Brabus Automobile — whose upgrades on premier brands as Mercedes and Tesla results in exceptional products — the Brabus Shadow 900 XC Black Ops Limited Edition is in a class all by itself.

“Whether dayboating in Chicago or long-distance cruising in the North Channel, this is the perfect versatile boat to push your adventures further,” says Rich Larsen, president of Manitowoc Marina/Nestegg Marine.

The Shadow 900’s sensational, head-turning exterior is a mere sampling of what this boat has to offer. The 900 Black Ops Limited Edition’s flawless, high-gloss gunmetal gray paint job is meticulously faired, prepared and applied by hand. Add in the Limited Edition’s striking red leather seats and accents, and a pair of gullwing doors leading to a one-of-a-kind cabin, and the result is a personal statement of ownership that sets you apart from others.

The model sports a luxurious cabin with plenty of seating to entertain, an aft deck that can be optioned in five layouts, and a bow lounge area offering front-row views. The Shadow 900, hand-built with extensive use of carbon fiber, is designed and engineered for speed and exhilarating performance courtesy of her dynamic hull design and twin 450-hp Mercury Marine Verado XL 4.6 liter V8 FourStroke engines with Joystick Piloting helm control system, including Skyhook digital anchor and autopilot. Under power, she is a force to be reckoned with, especially when clocked at 55-plus knots.

“Brabus offers the premier sportboat available on the market today,” Larsen says, “and we are confident that any potential owner who takes her for a sea trial will be equally blown away as we were upon our first rides.” H

The name Fountain is synonymous with high-performing V-bottom boats, and with the company’s new 38SC center console, this iconic builder has turned another page in its storied history.

“During this past Fort Lauderdale Boat Show, powered by quad Mercury 450R outboards, she posted 103 mph, making her the fastest production center console in the world,” says Jeff Pierce of Illinois Performance Boats. “Thanks to twin steps and Reggie Fountain hull design, you don’t realize you are moving anywhere near that speed.”

The 38SC covers all the bases, from Poker Run enthusiasts to those who thrive on the adrenalin-rush of a well-built and designed performance boat, and even a family looking for an exciting day cruiser that will get from here to there and back in comfort and safety.

She shows off bold exterior graphics in four options and matching interior colors via premium Cool Touch upholstery and color-coordinated stitching. There are three separate seating areas: Fully aft, the helm area, and forward of the center console with bow section lounges from which to experience all the action.

“This boat is a real head-turner wherever she goes,” Pierce adds. “The painting options and fabric choices allow for a stunning visual impact.”

As with all Fountain boats, the 38SC is built to take it. Her three-piece construction features high-density coring for hull, liner and deck all bonded, glued, tabbed and through-bolted along with fiberglass reinforced high-density composite in the transom and stringer grid.

Adding to the excitement is a long list of standard and optional features enabling you to step aboard the Fountain 38SC for a special time out on the water. H

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 38’4” Beam: 10’6” Draft: 31” Weight: 16,500 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 418 gals. Water Capacity: 10 gals. Max Power: 4 x Mercury 450Rs MSRP: Contact dealer

DEALERS Illinois Performance Boats Illinois

IPBOATS.COM Great Lakes Yacht Sales Wisconsin

Keenan Marina Michigan

KEENANMARINA.COM Pier 53 Ohio

SPECIFICATIONS LOA: 67’2” Beam: 16’8” Draft: 5’3” Weight: 83,357 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 924 gals. Water Capacity: 211 gals. Power: 2 x Volvo Penta IPS-1200 or IPS-1350 diesel inboards MSRP: Contact dealer

DEALER Jefferson Beach Yacht Sales St. Clair Shores, MI; Charlevoix, MI; Holland, MI; Grand Haven, MI; Spring Lake, MI; Chicago, IL; Marblehead, OH; Naples, FL

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With unmistakable exterior lines, recognizable black topsides and a white hull, the Sunseeker Predator 65 is just what she appears to be — the kind of boat totally unsatisfied to be at the dock.

“Predator combines adrenalin, elegance, aggressive style and high performance,” says Sunseeker CEO Andrea Frabetti.

While she promises excitement while underway, courtesy of a pair of Volvo Penta IPS-1200 or IPS-1350 diesel inboards capable of pushing her to 35-knot speeds according to sea conditions, and superior maneuverability with joystick control and bow thruster, she is all about comfort from top to bottom.

Fully aft and over the garage is a sunpad with seating forward, a table for special alfresco dining, a social bar unit with matching stools, and entry into the spacious salon area. There’s an option here to swap the social bar with a wetbar or increase seating with the extended C-shape lounge option (shown).

Surrounded by extra large windows, the interior entertaining space offers a galley to port, seating amidships as well as forward and to port, and the helm to starboard, all done in eye-pleasing contemporary styling and décor. The salon is flooded with natural light, thanks to a single-piece windshield and a newly designed carbon fiber sunroof. The bow presents an additional seating/lounge space easily accessed by wide, walk-around decks.

Below deck is a three-stateroom, three-head layout with a separate day head as well. There is an option for an open-plan owner’s office, a single berth cabin, or a lower deck galley or salon. And the aforementioned garage is large enough to house a Williams 345 jet tender via a new diagonal sliding hydraulic bathing platform. Regardless, storage areas abound for extended cruising times.

“Any new Predator model says to the industry, here is something more,” Frabetti says. H

Tiara Yachts has always been a harbinger of things to come. Utilizing the latest technology, its designs are forward thinking and geared toward optimizing safety, comfort and enjoyment while on the water. With the introduction of the EX60 — its largest model to date – the Holland, Michigan-based company has once more defined what possibilities are yours aboard this splendid build.

“For this particular design, we’ve blended elements we know are proven in our outboard line and take portions we’ve learned from the inboard models,” says Tom Slikkers, CEO and president of Tiara Yachts.

The 60-foot EX60 offers four different configurations for alfresco or aft cockpit modules, each one presenting an exciting opportunity for dining, cruising and even dropping a line for fishing. You can select the mid breakfast bar module with ottoman seating or the forward- and aft-facing seat module. You can also choose from the lounge module or adventure module aft, which allows for multiple fishing configurations.

Enter the main salon through glass doors and, with the seamless integration of galley and interior entertainment area, your onboard experience is almost complete. Three private staterooms and two heads are below deck. There are multiple Ultraleather options for the exterior and interior upholstery, and you’re able to fully customize bedding options. There are also plenty of storage areas for you and your guests while away from your home port.

“We’ve worked to accommodate the cruising proficiency and mix that with dayboating,” Slikkers adds.

The EX60 will offer multiple twin IPS options paired with the latest Volvo and Garmin technology, including Assisted Docking. A long list of standard and optional equipment will make your Tiara EX60 a very personal experience. H

SPECIFICATIONS LOA (w/ std. swim platform): 60’3” Beam: 16’11” Draft: 4’ Weight: 53,350 lbs. Fuel Capacity: 700 gals. Water Capacity: 150 gals. Power: 2 x Volvo IPS30 1200; 2 x Volvo IPS30 1350 MSRP: Contact dealer

DEALERS SkipperBud’s

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