Intrepid Yachts Review

Summary

John Michel founded Intrepid in 1983 in Opalocka, Florida. His first success was a 30-foot center-console boat intended for fishing. In 1990, the business moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, and expanded a line of center-console and cuddy boats. From the beginning, Intrepid was known for its use of technology and its unique hull designs. Largo, Florida, is now the base for the company that has maintained a reputation among boat owners for a quality performance boat with style. Boats can be customized in many ways. A Center Console 350 offers big-screen navigation equipment and fish finders, an extra wide deck, and family-friendly design, with options for fishing, diving, or cruising. Owners can choose any manufacturer for the twin-engine package. A 350 Walk Around features a spacious cockpit with a sliding pocket door and extra large head and shower. It promises a smooth dry ride due to the transverse stepped hull. The 370 Cuddy has 6’2” headroom and a 300 gallon fuel tank with twin or triple engines. The u-shape seating can convert to a cushioned sun platform. At the top of the line, the 475 Sport Yacht supplies luxury throughout, with flat-screen navigation equipment, a very quiet helm area, and optional air-conditioning. Standard features are a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, digital 12v breaker panel control system, wraparound windshield, aluminum fuel tanks, custom 55” electric helm seat, and much more. It promises almost twice the space for stowage, recreational, and living space to be found on other brands of similar size.

Pricing

Since Intrepid offers many customization options, pricing on new models depends on the specs of the order. Used models may be found for under $100,000 for smaller, older boats. Newer and larger sport yacht models can run up to $559,000.

Pros

• Strong performance.
• Attention to detail in manufacture.
• Many custom options available.
• Transverse stepped hull for strength and smooth ride.

Cons

• Can be more expensive than some other brands.
• May not have wet bar.

Featured Models

Center Console: 245, 300, 323, 350, 370, 400, Cuddy: 323, 370, 400, Walkaround: 310, 350, Sport Yacht: 390, 430, 475.

Conclusion

Intrepid has built a strong reputation for high quality by paying attention to details and offering customization options. Intrepid will fit boats for cruising, diving, fishing, or all three. The company has incorporated current technology to build strong and fast boats with a proprietary stepped hull design on their boats. Wood-free construction, special fiberglass laminates, foam-cored hull sides, transoms, and deck liners are some of the construction techniques used to give a smooth and dry ride. Many boat owners rank Intrepid boats well above the average in design and finish, and they are willing to pay more for these features. These boats are generally seen as a good combination of performance with style.