Southport 38FE: Power, Comfort, and Fishing-Focused Design

The Southport 38FE arrives with a wide range of power options and a package of features designed to serve serious anglers as well as cruising families. Standard power comes from twin 450-horsepower Yamaha XTO V8 engines, while buyers can choose from several upgraded drivetrains: triple 450-hp Yamaha XTO V8s, triple Mercury 400-hp V10s, or twin 600-hp Mercury Verado V12s. These choices let owners tailor propulsion to their priorities, whether that means efficient cruise, quick acceleration, or greater top-end performance.

Shallow Draft for More Fishing Options

With a draft of just 2 feet, 1 inch, the 38FE is designed to reach many inshore and nearshore fishing grounds that deeper-keeled boats may have to avoid. That relatively shallow draft helps anglers get closer to flats, backcountry channels, and other productive areas while minimizing the risk of grounding. The hull and propulsion options are intended to balance performance and access, making the 38FE a practical choice for fishermen who value both range and agility.

Live Wells and Catch Management

Southport equips the 38FE with a 35-gallon live well as standard, and buyers may opt for a second 35-gallon live well for expanded bait and catch capacity. These tanks offer practical volume for maintaining baitfish or holding a tournament limit while keeping water quality and circulation in mind. The live-well capacities and locations are laid out to support daylong fishing trips and serious angling operations without sacrificing deck space or functionality.

Helm Electronics and Navigation

The helm package on the 38FE centers on Garmin electronics, with two Garmin GPSMap 8622 chartplotters included as standard equipment. Those displays provide high-resolution navigation, charting, and integration with other onboard systems. For owners who want more situational awareness or redundancy, Southport offers the option to add a third plotter to the dash. This configurable helm allows anglers to run multiple screens for charts, sonar, radar, and engine monitoring as needed.

Comfort and Overnight Amenities

Although fishing is a principal focus, Southport has equipped the 38FE with amenities that make overnight cruises comfortable. The layout includes a compact galley area, a head with a stand-up shower, a television for onboard entertainment, and reading lights for nighttime comfort. These features give the boat practical liveaboard capability for short trips, weekend getaways, or family outings where a single night onboard is part of the plan.

Materials and Finishing Touches

Inside and out, the 38FE offers high-quality finishing touches, including real teak trim throughout the cabin and cockpit areas. Teak adds a traditional, upscale appearance while providing durable, marine-grade surfaces underfoot and at focal points around the boat. These appointments complement the functional fishing features and create a more refined environment on a vessel built primarily for performance and utility.

How to Choose the Right Configuration

Choosing between twin 450-hp Yamahas, triple 450s, triple Mercury 400s, or twin 600-hp Verados depends on how you plan to use the boat. Owners who prioritize fuel economy and ease of maintenance may favor the twin 450s, while anglers seeking rapid hole shots or higher cruising speeds might consider the triple-engine layouts or the twin Verados. Regardless of the propulsion package, the 38FE’s shallow draft, substantial live-well capacity, and configurable helm make it a versatile platform for both serious fishing and comfortable overnighting.

In short, the Southport 38FE combines flexible power choices, fishing-oriented systems, and modest cruising comforts. It’s laid out to help anglers get to productive waters, manage their catch, and return in comfort—while offering the finishing touches and electronics integration many buyers expect in a modern center-console-style fishing boat.