If you spend time on Florida waters, you’ve likely noticed Jupiter boats—their lines are recognizable, especially the gentle reverse sheer that defines the profile. Built in Palmetto, Florida, Jupiter is best known in the Southeast for limited-edition sportfishing boats designed for serious anglers. The brand’s lineup now includes the new Jupiter 40 Center Console, a well-appointed offshore platform attracting attention from fishermen up and down the coast.
Jupiter was founded in the late 1980s by Nick Scafidi, a member of the American Power Boat Association’s Hall of Champions, together with fiberglass craftsman Joe Moran. Their early success with the Jupiter 31 established the company as a builder of capable, performance-oriented boats. In 1997 Carl Herndon—founder of Blackfin Yacht Corporation and former president of Bertram—took ownership and furthered Jupiter’s reputation for seaworthy offshore fishing boats. Today the company, led by President Bryan Harris, produces seven models ranging from 30 to 43 feet, and the 40 fills a gap between the 38- and 43-foot models while introducing several refined design elements.
The Jupiter 40 blends fishing functionality with comfortable accommodations. A key interior feature is the air-conditioned cabin, finished with yacht-quality Indian teak cabinetry and trim. That level of interior fit and finish—enclosed head with shower, sleeping space for two, a compact galley and abundant storage—makes the 40 feel more like a small convertible yacht than a purely utilitarian center console, and it extends the boat’s appeal for overnight trips or offshore days when comfort matters.
At the helm, Jupiter raised the operator station about 7 inches above the main deck. This elevation improves visibility when running, helps keep the helm area drier in rough or wet conditions, and frees volume belowdecks to house systems such as the generator and a Seakeeper. The helm dash has room for two large Garmin multifunction displays, radio enclosures, an Edson wheel and digital engine controls. Jupiter integrates Garmin’s EmpirBus digital power distribution to monitor and control electrical systems from the helm, streamlining vessel management and centralizing system control for the helmsman.
Seating and layout are arranged to support both fishing and cruising. The helm features three Release Marine captain’s chairs with teak ladder-backs, and directly aft is a protected mezzanine seat under the hardtop. A comfortable transom seat with padded backrest accommodates two passengers, while a sunlounge on the cabin top provides a forward-facing relaxation spot. The bow seating uses built-in seats with removable Release Marine teak backrests, leaving unobstructed access to the bow for anglers working fish or handling anchor duties.
Jupiter’s hull is an evolution of the brand’s longstanding deep-V design. It pairs a sharp 60-degree entry forward with a 24-degree deadrise aft and includes a pad extending forward from the transom that narrows gradually. That pad promotes quicker planing and reduces wetted surface for improved efficiency. Lifting strakes further aid acceleration and top-end efficiency while preserving the soft ride and seakeeping characteristics associated with a true deep-V hull.
Construction uses closed-cell PVC foam coring, a fiberglass uni-grid stringer system and vacuum-infused vinylester laminates. According to Jupiter, this combination yields a strong, rigid and quiet hull that resists long-term degradation and retains value over time—qualities important to buyers who expect seaworthiness and longevity from an offshore sportfisherman.
For anglers, the 40 comes ready: a 45-gallon livewell under the transom seat can hold plenty of bait, hardtop-mounted Gemlux 22-foot carbon-fiber outriggers support trolling or kite fishing, and a fridge/freezer under the mezzanine keeps baits and beverages chilled. A dive door simplifies bringing larger fish aboard, while three large fishboxes with macerator pumps handle catch storage. These features reflect Jupiter’s focus on making the boat a productive offshore fishing platform without sacrificing onboard comfort.
Overall, the Jupiter 40 Center Console presents a balanced package for anglers who want offshore performance, refined accommodations and smart systems integration. It bridges the gap between a dedicated tournament boat and a comfortable offshore cruiser, delivering the features needed to reach productive water and enjoy the trip there as much as the fishing once you arrive.
Specifications
LOA: 39’ 11”
Beam: 11’ 11”
Draft (motors up): 2’0”
Gas: 500 gals.
Water: 50 gallons
Max power: 1,350 hp (twin or triple engines)
This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue.