Game-Changer
- vol. 14 # 5
by Chip Fendt
Deep Impact Boats’ new 399 FS can hit a top end of 72.3 mph while still providing comfort and stability for several activities on the water
Deep Impact Boats has become a strong driving force with select pro fishing teams competing on the aggressive SKA offshore fishing circuit. Such models that can be found on the competitive tournament trail include its notable Monster Energy 360 Tournament Edition. But the Miami-based company has also become one of the leading builders of SUVs (sport utility vessels) designed for poker runners or recreational boaters looking to enjoy a plethora of activities on one platform.
General Manager Tim Gallagher and his crew at Deep Impact have put their hearts and souls into building some of the most excellent custom center consoles available. If your thing is fishing, cruising, or poker running, take a hard look at the company’s series of center consoles including its latest effort, the 399 FE DI.
I recently caught up with Gallagher at The Conch Republic in Key West, FL, during the recent Offshore World Championships. Gallagher had previously pulled seven years with Cigarette Racing Team where he honed his understanding of construction and boat design prior to setting up Deep Impact.
During our test, the marina was filled with a series of high performance boats ranging from Cat’s, V-bottoms and SUVs displayed in the water and on land. To stand out in this crowd is tough. But the 399 with her trademark shear line did exactly that.
The moment I stepped on board the quality put into the soul of the 399 was evident. Coming from a boat building and design background, I understand what to look for and meticulous quality was not only found above deck, but below as well. All glass parts, hatches and compartments were painstakingly finished.
Settling in at the helm, the first thing I noticed was the unobstructed view of the bow. This is very helpful for maneuvering in tight confines and the three-man drop-out bolster seating places the operator in the center of the boat – ergonomically correct and comfortable.
Directly in plain line of sight is a wet compass, Mercury’s SmartCraft VesselView System and three mechanical fuel gauges. Flanking and slightly mounted inwards are two huge Garmin 5215 GPS touch screens offering a series of functions including 3D chart plotting, satellite weather service, radar, bottom topography, a fish finder and my favorite, the LCD readout for all three engine functions.
The clearly marked carbon fiber switch panel is on the lower port side of the dash and one set of switches I have never seen before were four battery switches marked port, center, starboard and house. Gallagher explained they were part of a standard automatic battery switching system – simply jump on board, flip the switches and power up the boat. Just above, mounted in the T-Top, is a VHF, stereo system, water proof iPhone/iPad case and remote spotlight control, set in a black carbon fiber panel.
Moving forward, down under the console, the 399 offers a cavernous space with a head featuring a porcelain toilet and stainless sink and shower, all enclosed in a finished, fiberglass inserted liner with an impressive six feet, ten inches of headroom. A synthetic teak floor might add a nice warm touch to this space.
The front of the console has two individual seats with grab handles and forward at the bow is a social area with U-shape seating. Upon a closer inspection, the aft sections of the rear cushions lift up and a stout, mechanical support locks them in place, creating a large lounge chair with drink holders – close your eyes and let the world go by.
Under the lounge seats is more dry storage and the clearly thought out anchor locker offers easy access from the deck. The forward cockpit floor offers two insulated storage boxes and the forward box was large enough for me to get in and just about close the hatch.
Moving to the rear of the cockpit, the 399 is custom outfitted to fish at the request of the owner. The rear of the front bolster offers enclosed tackle storage and when the lid is closed, it serves as a back rest for a reverse seat back. The base is a Frigid Ridged cooler with a cushioned pad snapped securely in place. The cooler can also be slid further aft for convenient access to the batteries under the bolster base.
Grab handles, drink and rod holders are mounted above and on either side of the console are two massive insulated coffin boxes that drain through macerated pumps overboard. Mounted on the transom is a very trick rear seat and Deep Impact engineered this seat base to lay flat against the transom when not in use. The base manually lifts into place and locks in with a sturdy, relaxed feel to accommodate three people with armrests and drink holders.
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