Seven years ago HCB hoped to create a type of vessel that the nautical world has never encountered before. The company created its 39-foot center-console boat that was originally a fishing boat. The vessel with multiple outboard engines was a paradigm shifter which turned the boat into an offshore yacht. A few year later, the Florida-based company outdid itself with the launch of Sueños, a 52-footer with four Yamaha 350 hp outboard engines. The Sueños easily became the world’s largest center console and quickly became most popular. HCB sold 60 Suneños in the last year years. Now, HCB revealed its new 65-foot Estrella yacht, which is currently the world’s largest center console yacht, beating out its previous Sueños yacht.
“This new boat is the culmination of a vision that began its realization seven years ago when we decided to define a new category and a new kind of boat,” said CEO Elias De La Torre III.. “We saw a void in the sport fishing yacht market and wanted to give buyers of traditional cabin-style fishing yachts a more versatile alternative in terms of performance, ride and overall maintenance, without sacrificing luxury or comfort in the process. We knew that we couldn’t go too big too soon and needed to prove to everyone that there are buyers for large Center Console Yachts. With over 60 yachts sold since introduction, the Sueños has proven the theory and our customers are asking for more.”
The Estrella is set to make its public debut at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, which will be held from October 31 to November 4, 2018. The yacht is powered by five 625 hp outboard engines, easily holding the center-console throne, according to Robb Report. Estrella consists of carbon-fiber layup, a large cabin with a master stateroom and custom-made Zebrano cabinetry. There is also a cockpit mounted projection TV and a triple Garmin touchscreen helm station that are all yacht-caliber. The HCB’s teak package is optional and includes additional flooring, countertops, tables, steering wheel and coaming boards to provide further details into the custom nature of the HCB offering, according to Boating Industry.
The Center Console Yacht also offers Sea Keeper stabilization, generator, numerous sound system options, and a quint-outboard engine package. The Sea Keeper stabilizers enable a counterbalancing motion while running speed offshore or trawling in five-foot seas. HCB also equipped the Estrella with an 1,800-gallon fuel capacity, which allows for a long range travel. The yacht endured a month of testing, in which it spent several weeks in the islands of the Exumas in the Bahamas. The yacht was tested for its performance, fishability and reliability. By the time the boat reaches the public for the first time in Fort Lauderdale, the first hull will have nearly 400 hours in it.
