Customizable Cockpit. The 68 sports a 192-square-foot cockpit with a raised mezzanine level for superior seating and amenities. The upper deck houses a double-size bait freezer, insulated storage tubs, tackle drawers, and more, and because it is designed in a modular fashion, owners can choose the location of various components. Below the cockpit sole is a large, open lazarette that is accessible through the engine room hatch. This compartment provides convenient storage of equipment and gear, and an aft isolation bulkhead with door allows easy inspection of the steering components. High-Flying Flybridge. The standard, open arrangement offers wraparound seating forward of the console, along with a freezer and beverage cooler to fuel social gatherings. The pod-style helm includes single-lever controls with emergency backups, and our touch-screen systems monitor is standard too. A large overhang extends aft and is topped with two Murray Products helm chairs, with room (and a backing plate) for an optional third. To starboard, a rear-facing jump seat provides quick access to the ladder when reinforcements are needed in the cockpit. All-weather anglers will want to consider our optional enclosed flybridge arrangement. Convex Hull Shape. The 68’s hull shape features a “warped” bottom with a sharp entry forward and highly variable deadrise that flows from 20 degrees amidships to 2 degrees at the transom. The convexity of the bow lessen wave impact and results in an incredibly smooth ride in head seas. Flatter sections aft reduce water resistance, improving handling at low speeds and increasing stability while planing. Specially designed strakes that bisect the stagnation line (the point at which the water’s surface meets the hull bottom once on plane) provide additional lift and improve tracking in all conditions. Double chines and a flared bow deflect spray out and away from the boat. There’s simply no better ride in the industry. Deep Propeller Pockets. Our hull tunnels, including those on the 68, are deeper than most, which reduces drag and allows for larger propellers to be tucked in tighter to the hull. That tight fit provides uniform containment around the blades and eliminates the slapping of water against the hull that typically comes with a flat bottom. It also helps accelerate the water through the blades for better performance and results in a shallower draft. The 68, in fact, draws an enviable 5'3". Patent-Pending Propulsion. The 68 boasts several engineering innovations that demonstrate our commitment to industry-leading performance and design precision. The new tunnel trim tab system, for instance, utilizes the thrust energy of the tunnel to increase control with only 30 percent of the normal tab area. A new cylindrical keyway and key eliminates stress risers, leading to a significantly longer life for propeller shafts. New crosscut bearings use interlacing grooves to ensure a consistent film of lubricating water and longer life for bearings, plus less noise while trolling or cruising. To top it off, we use stainless-steel rudders, which are far stronger and lighter than comparable bronze rudders. |
