The Miami International Boat Show is one of the most popular boat shows in the world and is certainly the place to be and be seen. It’s the boating industry’s inner core and the show embraces its backbone. We have been attending this show for several years and have had the privilege to witness many unveilings. Companies such as Donzi, Cigarette, Nor-Tech, Chris Craft, Hustler, Baja, Wellcraft, Fountain, to name just a few, have all revealed new and innovative models that helped shape the high performance boating industry.
Statement Marine entered the industry at the peak of the economic downturn, introducing its revolutionary new 42’ Ultimate V Bottom, 50’ Passion Catamaran not too mention the innovative and patented air-cushion cockpit, which were all showcased at the Miami show. In fact, these models were some of the fastest and most comfortable high-performance boats to be introduced to the industry in decades.
For 2012, the company launched its 368 SUV Crossover and it was received with rave reviews. This Sport Utility Vessel center console is outfitted with triple 350 Mercury Verados, a spacious forward cuddy cabin as well as a plethora of custom appointments and features. Having said that, it simply goes without saying that the boat was designed to meet the luxurious creature comfort side of the market.
When you first step aboard the 368, the interior resembles that of a custom Bentley or Bugatti. Padded double-stitched burlwood inlaid dashboards attract your eye immediately and the console is well designed with sophistication and elegant simplicity. The typical series of gauges have been replaced with a pair of 15-inch Garmin GPS monitors. These monitors are interfaced with Mercury’s Smart Craft VesselView system and can be viewed on a screen of the operator’s choice.
Please note, these monitors are not only interfaced with the engines, but are linked to the dash-mounted iPad, radar, stereo and DVD player. Controls, switches, grab handles and molded foot rests are spot-on ergonomically. Every detail has been thought out by a boater, rather than an in-house engineer. The leaning post bench is comfortable with rear-facing seating for two.
