Southport 33 FE: A Refreshed Center Console That Balances Offshore Performance and Comfort

“Most people in the market for this type of boat are very happy to be in a position to buy it, but even so, they can feel overwhelmed by all of the options,” says Jonathan Kirby of Southport Yachts, which recently introduced a refreshed version of its 33 FE. Close to 33 feet in length overall, this center console is a hybrid design intended to serve both serious offshore fishing and relaxed family outings. In a crowded LOA segment, Southport set out to carve a distinct position for the model by focusing on comfort, functionality, and refined styling.

Design and Comfort Upgrades

Southport’s original 33 FE, launched in 2014, was already regarded as a plush hybrid that blended bluewater capabilities with social, day-boat amenities. Over time buyers began asking for even greater comfort, especially for extended offshore runs. In response, Southport developed a completely new deck mold for the refreshed 33 FE that increases usable space in key areas.

The updated console is longer and wider, creating a comfortable interior that now includes a head and shower and offers 6 feet 2 inches of headroom—enough for most adults to move about easily. Walkways on either side of the console were widened for safer footing, and bow seating now provides better legroom for passengers. Seating throughout the boat received a thoughtful upgrade: thicker, bolstered cushions, higher-grade upholstery and improved ergonomics deliver enhanced lateral support and greater comfort when the sea gets choppy. “You really feel the difference in the seating in places like the bench at the forward end of the console,” Kirby says. “On other boats this seat can be as comfortable as a church pew. Here you feel as if you’re lounging on a couch.”

Layout and Social Spaces

The 33 FE retains the practical U-shaped lounge in the bow, a design deep enough to make crew members feel secure when encountering waves. That seating converts easily into a sunpad or a casting platform. A home-style lounge at the transom provides another comfortable social area, making the boat versatile for both day trips with family and focused offshore pursuits.

Serious Fishing Features

Although the refreshed 33 invites relaxation, it’s still a committed sportfish. The standard fishing equipment list was expanded to support productive days on the water: four in-deck fish boxes (up from two on the original model) are built into the 40-square-foot cockpit, and anglers will find rod holders on the covering boards, rod racks under the gunwales, cockpit coaming, a dive door, tackle storage, pressurized freshwater washdown and oversized scuppers. The transom houses a livewell and a cooler that can be plumbed as a second livewell—an attractive option for anglers who use multiple baits or want extra live bait capacity.

Hardtop, Finishes and Practical Details

The refreshed model is topped by a new hardtop that sharpens the boat’s appearance while increasing utility. The forward edge of the hardtop features a tasteful bullnose and the supporting pipework has been beefed up. Practical additions, such as a yacht-style ladder, enhance both the boat’s aesthetic and its functionality. Southport’s styling—accented by a flared bow and tumblehome at the transom—continues to draw attention without overdoing decorative elements.

Hull, Performance and Options

Southport did not change the hull for this update: the 33 FE still rides on the proven deep-V hull that helped establish the builder’s reputation for offshore performance and reliability. That hull architecture traces back to Southport’s first production model, a 26-footer offered while the company was based in North Carolina. The hull features a deep deadrise forward that flattens to 22 degrees near the transom, offering a compromise between soft ride and stable platform. The exaggerated flair at the bow helps throw spray outward for a drier ride in rough conditions.

Propulsion is provided by twin outboards, with the model accommodating setups from about 600 to 850 horsepower maximum. With twin 425-hp engines, Southport reports a cruise speed around 30.4 knots and a top end near 51.7 knots. The base configuration with twin 300s positions the boat in a roughly $420,000 starting range, though most buyers spend closer to $500,000 once options and desired features are added. A popular option on the refreshed 33 is a Seakeeper gyro for improved comfort at rest and while fishing.

Build Quality and Heritage

Southport relocated from the Carolinas to Maine after a 2011 change in ownership, and the company now emphasizes its “Made in Maine” craftsmanship. “The people building these boats are extremely talented and put their hearts into the work,” Kirby notes. The builder has refined its offerings to suit a wide range of owners, and tasteful finishes like varnished teak details appeal to buyers in New England without overstyling the boat. On the 33 FE, Southport lets the comfortable layout and proven hull design define the boat’s character.

—Jeanne Craig

This article was originally published in the September 2022 issue.