We Say: Mag Bay Yachts was formed by Cabo Yachts founding partner Mike Howarth and his son, Barrett. The first model, the Mag Bay 33 center-console, features a flaring bow, broken sheerline, rounded stern quarters and a Michael Peters-designed twin-step hull. Fishing elements include a 70-gallon pressurized transom livewell, a 40-gallon well under the aft deck, and three cavernous insole fish lockers. The 35-inch helm panel easily accepts a pair of flush-mounted Simrad NSS12 evo2 multifunction displays. The diamond nonskid deck is level throughout. Walkways aside the console measure 25 inches wide, making it easy to fight a fish down the rail. A tackle-stowage station abaft the helm seating features an 85-quart Frigid Rigid cooler that slides out on tracks for access to beverages and snacks. With a padded top, it also serves as an aft-facing seat.
In a nod to luxury, the Mag Bay 33 has a 62-inch-long, 46-inch-wide lounger in front of the console with dry stowage underneath the cushions. A step-down head compartment in the console offers 80 inches of headroom. During our testing, the Mag Bay 33 offered a remarkably gentle ride and cornered with stability at speed. Will Mag Bay Yachts, like Cabo, rise to the top of its category? Only time will tell if lightning strikes twice.
Who’d Want One: Bluewater anglers
Another Choice: The Southport 33 FE ($281,900 base with twin Yamaha F300 outboards) has a V-hull with 6 inches more beam but less bait capacity.
Bottom Line: $335,000 (as tested); magbayyachts.com
