Introducing a new boat in the midst of a public health crisis presents obvious challenges. And with many boat shows canceled, builders have had to find alternate ways to showcase their new builds.
For SeaVee Boats, that means introducing its biggest center console — the 450z — online.
“Mark your calendar for Oct. 3, when Sea Vee will formally roll out its new flagship in an invitation-only event at the Rybovich yard in Riviera Beach, Florida, which will be simulcast on a variety of social media platforms,” director of marketing John Caballero says.
But if you can’t wait until October, here’s a look at what’s coming down the pike.
The specifications indicate that the 450Z is 45 feet overall, with a 12-foot, 6-inch beam and a dry weight of 16,000 pounds, minus the quad outboards. It rides the latest iteration of SeaVee’s patented, cross-ventilated, twin-step hull, with an array of rails that increase speed and efficiency, and enhance handling.
The boat has a 702-gallon fuel capacity and a 48-gallon tank for a Cummins Onan 9-kW, ignition-protected genset that powers the standard Seakeeper 6 gyroscopic stabilizer. The generator was conceived in collaboration with Onan and took two years to design.
The hull, liner, deck, console and aft support ladders are fabricated using vacuum-assisted, resin-transfer infusion and the latest composite materials to create a lightweight yet strong unibody.
The console, which has an integral glass windshield and glass side panels, takes the boat into the realm of a walkaround. Beneath it is an air-conditioned cabin that’s accessed through an electrically articulated waterproof door on the side of the console. It has no visible screws, moldings or seals. Push a button, and the door pops out slightly, then slides out of the way. Push it again, and it almost disappears into the lines of the console. Very cool.
The cabin has a convertible settee with a high/low table that converts to a queen-sized berth, and a galley with a microwave, refrigerator, food-prep area and stainless-steel sink with freshwater mixer. A wet head compartment includes an electric head, vanity, sink and shower.
SeaVee director of design Rob Kaidy points out the 450z’s tower, which has no pipework below the console hardtop. Access from the deck is by a pair of integrated composite legs that double as steps.
The cockpit is impressive, with 10 feet of space from the transom to the second-row helm seats and tackle center, and dive doors to port and starboard. There are numerous insulated fishboxes and four, 40-gallon live wells. An additional live well is available for the bow area, and all wells are fed through a pressurized sea chest system.
The 450z is rigged for quad outboards. SeaVee says the debut and sea trial will be controlled to meet CDC recommendations for Covid-19.
For more information, go to seaveeboats.com.
