sea fox 328 Commander

The subtle lines of this vessel are best appreciated in profile, where you will discern a gentle slope down to transom, a simple and elegant Ultima hard-top with a sunroof that hovers over the helm controls, and a flared Carolina bow entry that slices through the waves and deflects spray away from the deck to keep guests dry. An isophthalic gel-coating across the hull ensures that this boat keeps its brand-new sheen long after it leaves the factory, while custom liveries range between pastel Bahama Blue, striking Arctic Blue or cool Silver Shark for a sophisticated look from afar.

Prominent at the stern and rising from the water like colossal monoliths are a pair of powerful outboard engines that give this yacht the sheer speed you need the hunt down the ocean’s swiftest marlin and the raw acceleration required to gain a competitive advantage on your peers. A dizzying choice of propulsion options await as you custom-fit your 328 Commander, with Yamaha outboards ranging from speedy F300 twins or a pair of beefy F425 outboards for that extra bit of brawn. Alternatively, this vessel can be fitted with dual Mercury Verado 400XXL motors for a more fuel-efficient approach to high-speed fishing, racing and exploration. Full throttle speeds with the fastest Yamaha engines should approach the 50-knot mark, while with the Verado outboards you can expect a maximum speed of just over 49 knots. From a standing start you will bolt away from the marina like a race horse, getting up to a 26-knot pace in just shy of 8 seconds, while planing speeds will be reached in 4.8 seconds flat, leaving those on lesser craft scrambling to keep up. At cruising speeds of around 27 knots this boat runs as smoothly as a fox’s lustrous pelt, and more importantly proves to pack plenty of stamina, with a cruising range of up to 407 nautical miles. That’s some daytrip.

This hull isn’t just naturally efficient, however, it’s also durable, dry and agile. A 22.5-degree deadrise is spiky enough to cope with bluewater swells, while stepped chines and a broad beam offer plenty of stability at higher speeds. Hand-laid fiberglass, layers of vector ply e-glass and composite stringers bonded to the hull complete this rugged package, delivering a boat that truly moves as one integrated unit out on the open water. The best place to experience this awesome seakeeping? At the sheltered center-console helm station, where a trio of linked piloting seats with flip-up bolsters and footrests face a user-friendly dashboard with optional joystick handling. Get to grips with the ocean by handling either an Optimus EPS steering-wheel or a Mercury JPO equivalent, both linked to your choice of outboard propulsion. Enjoy mastering the sea via a pair of next-generation Garmin or Simrad evo3 touch-screen devices, monitor your yacht via the SmartCraft display screen, and control your running style with the use of backlit trim-tab switches. Also to be discovered on the helm is a hand-held VHF signaller, a high-speed mounted compass and digital throttles.

Foxes aren’t just known for their subtlety. They are also said to be among the most cunning of animals. And while on this yacht you will outfox many a game fish, and plenty of competitive anglers as well, thanks to tournament-ready fishing amenities and a fish-focused aft-cockpit that is ready for business. You will move freely back here thanks to a textured sand-grip sole, while cleats and grab-rails in authentic stainless steel have been intuitively placed right where you need them. Both raw-water and fresh-water hoses, as well as a self-draining sole, are on hand to keep this arena clean throughout the day, and compartments boast gas-assisted lids for secure storage and access at the touch of a fingertip. You will be spoilt for choice when looking for somewhere to place your rods, as there are 21 flush rod holders dotted around the cockpit, along with mounted rocket launchers affixed to the hard-top and extending Gemlux outriggers. Two pressurized transom livewells featuring aquarium windows and a combined 90 gallons of storage are joined by a pair of vast in-sole fish-boxes, with a 65-quart premium brand cooler positioned underneath a comprehensive bait-and-tackle center. The walk-around layout on this vessel also promotes the lateral tracking of your prey from bow and stern, while a transom lift-gate, finally, is on hand to help you haul your record catch aboard in good time.

In old folktales, the fox was associated with transformation, said to to switch from one shape to another as if by magic. The same holds true for the 328, where fishing and racing can take a backseat to leisure in an instant. Ease back on the throttles and glide with the currents as you relax in the bow-lounge, where a cross-stitched U-shaped sofa with padded backrests traces the edges of the bulwark and a daybed sits just ahead of the helm. Rod-holders up here are easily repurposed as cup-holders, while a flip-up table can be erected in mere moments to play host to magical evenings spent playing, and winning, at cards. The fishing cockpit transforms just as quickly, with that transom lift-gate starting to look more like a dive-door heading out to single starboard-side swim platform with an extending ladder. You will also notice a ski towbar back here that allows your more adventurous guests to be pulled along the surface of the water at high-speed, while a flip-down sofa is nestled by the transom for lazy guests and tired fisherfolk alike. The helm, meanwhile, transitions into an entertainment center, with budding DJs manning a Fusion stereo system that has been linked to a set of 10 JL Audio speakers peppered throughout the deck for high-volume Creedence, Kid Rock or Chopin. Finally, you will notice a subtle detail that had previously eluded you. There’s a port-side door with a frosted glass window near the helm that leads down into a head compartment with a sink, a medicine cabinet and a flush toilet, along with a single bed ideal for recharging those batteries before heading back out to face the waves.