Intrepid 400 CC I/O Diesel — Center Console Review

Intrepid Powerboats answered a specific customer request by creating a diesel sterndrive center-console with joystick control: the Intrepid 400 CC I/O Diesel. Built in Florida, this 40-foot center-console blends practical offshore capability with comfortable day-boat amenities and modern control systems.

The 400 CC I/O Diesel has attracted repeat buyers: according to Intrepid president Ken Clinton, one owner was so satisfied with the design and performance that he ordered a second hull. That endorsement reflects the boat’s combination of build quality, layout flexibility and the diesel sterndrive propulsion package that many operators prefer for long-term durability and better fuel efficiency at cruising speeds.

Performance and efficiency are highlights. With twin Volvo Penta D6 400-hp diesel engines, the 40-footer achieves nearly 2 miles per gallon at about 34 mph, and around 1.3 mpg at its top speed of roughly 53 mph. Those figures illustrate the balance Intrepid struck between range and speed for owners who want both efficient cruising and the ability to get offshore quickly when conditions or schedules require it.

The transom seat is thoughtfully designed to improve serviceability and access: it opens up to provide clear access to the twin Volvo Penta diesels in the engine bays. That access simplifies routine maintenance and inspections, an important consideration for owners who keep their boats in active use or who prefer to handle some service tasks themselves.

On deck, Intrepid has incorporated features intended to improve safety, circulation and fishing usability. The company builds toekick space around the aerodynamic console, leaning post and along the gunwales, helping crew move safely and maintain balance in rough water. Facing bench seats are located outboard on the foredeck; these seats double as insulated fishboxes or storage lockers when needed. With the touch of a button, the power-actuated compartments slide inboard and meet to form a padded lounge—a flexible arrangement that converts lounging space into open gunwale real estate for fishing activities.

Below deck functionality is also practical: a two-person seat on the forward side of the console slides open to reveal a compact head and sink, giving owners and guests the convenience of a sheltered facility without sacrificing cockpit space or clean lines.

Hull design and propulsion choices reflect Intrepid’s operating priorities. The 400 rides on a transverse stepped hull with ample freeboard, a configuration that provides predictable handling and reserve buoyancy in a variety of sea states. Intrepid builds boats that perform well in relatively shallow water, which influenced the company’s decision to use sterndrives rather than pod drives. Sterndrives preserve a shallower draft while allowing Intrepid to incorporate a joystick control system—leveraging the maneuverability benefits associated with Volvo Penta’s IPS-style joystick while keeping the sterndrive installation the company believes best suits its hull forms.

As configured with the Volvo Penta inboard/outboard package and joystick control, the Intrepid 400 CC I/O Diesel typically falls in the $475,000 to $500,000 range, depending on options and customization. Pricing reflects the diesel propulsion, quality construction, and the list of available features designed for both fishing and day-boat comfort. For prospective buyers, Intrepid Powerboats can provide detailed option lists, build timelines and dealer contacts; the company’s phone number listed on the original information is (954) 922-7544.

Intrepid offers the 400 with outboard power as an alternative to the diesel I/O configuration, giving buyers flexibility to match propulsion to their preferred operating profile. Whether configured as a diesel sterndrive with joystick or with outboards, the 400’s layout, storage solutions and attention to safety make it a versatile choice for owners who want a capable, comfortable center-console for extended days on the water.

October 2012 issue.

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