Construction is on par with the boat’s be-the-best attitude. Most builders use polyester resin or one coat of vinylester over polyester, because polyester is cheaper (and more water permeable.) But Deep Impact uses vinylesters, only. Most builders enhance structural rigidity with stringers running up the hull bottom, but Deep Impact builds overly-tall stringers that reach the deck, to boost support—then they add side-stringers, also running the length of the boat. A few top-end builders reinforce high-stress areas with Kevlar, but Deep Impact puts a layer on the entire bott, and then in the deck as well. The hull to deck joint is laminated shut, everything is vacuum-bagged to ensure the best strength-to-weight ratio, and every piece of hardware—even hatch hinges—is backed with aluminum backing plates.
So, what’s not to love about the Deep Impact? There’s a lot of room dedicated to cabin space, and that means you give up fishing space. And as you might have guessed by now, it costs a bundle. List is around a quarter-mil, but by the time you’re done with options and power choices, you could nearly double that figure. There are plenty of nifty gadgets you’ll want, like the cockpit misters integrated into the hard top to keep you cool when the sun’s shining. Then again, who cares how much it costs? Can you really put a price on happiness?
www.deepimpactboats.com
LOA - 36’0”
Beam - 10’0”
Draft (max.) - 3’0”
Dry weight - 9,500
Fuel capacity – 320
Max HP - 900
Price – About $250,000 and up.
Observed performance notes w/2 people and quarter load fuel, triple 250-hp HP Mercury Optimax outboards, swinging 14 5/8” x 23” three bladed stainless-steel props:
|
Cruise RPM
|
Speed in MPH
|
Gallons per hour
|
Miles per gallon
|
|
Slow cruise/3500
|
34.5
|
26.7
|
1.3
|
|
Fast cruise/4500
|
47.9
|
42.0
|
1.2
|
|
Wide open throttle/6000
|
65.8
|
83.7
|
0.8
|
|
 |
| Note the cushy bolster, wood-grain panels, and tilt-wheel. |
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