Here we are another month closer to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and we are working hard to bring our new prototypes to the show! Last month I told you all about how we are bringing back the 20-foot Flats boat. I also promised to tell you about the other new boat that we are looking to introduce at FLIBS next month.
Introducing the new 345 Nomad. As usual, this boat was brought about by customer request. The common customer comment here was that it was a bit of a stretch between the 327 Open and the 375, so we split it right down the middle with the 345. And with it falling right between the 327 and the 375 CC, we borrowed aspects from both models as well as pulled in some technology from the 407 Panacea.
We’ve always been known to have the front entry style center consoles where the actuating console door is on the front of the console and slides to the side to enter the head. One of the benefits of this is the ergonomics of being able to walk into the head compartment below without having to duck down to get inside. We never built a side entry because when you have the aluminum structure for the T-Top mounted to the side, it made a side entry into the head one where you would have to do the limbo to get below the aluminum work and through the head door. We wanted something easier for our customers.
As we began to develop this new model, I thought about the 407 Panacea that we had just finished and how the entire T-Top structure was created out of composite. If we implemented the same type of technology that we learned on the 407 Panacea, it could give us the room to do a side entry. A top hatch with a side opening door means you can comfortably walk down into the head.
This also means that we can do a full height glass windshield with windshield wiper as well: two aspects that neither the 327 nor the 375 Open have. But what about the people that liked the sliding front entry console? Don’t fret; we made sure that we designed this boat to have that console as well. We have two different head layouts that will accept either version console. This will allow you to go with the more traditional Aluminum T-Top with the FRP top if that is what you are used to.
We also borrowed the under gunwale deck mold inserts from the 407 Panacea that makes this top deck support so much stronger. It also closes out underneath the gunwales, so it is clean and finished out. It’s a tank!
We have the hideaway windlass up front with our traditional front bow storage area, rod locker storage and forward seating with actuating backrests with storage inside them. And, we then have something new: fender storage compartments on port and starboard sides just aft of the forward seating. I’m sure we will get requests for other items in this space as well like tackle centers, trash cans, or even just general storage.
On the side entry version with the Premium Composite T-Top with full height glass, there is also a helm seat cabinet as part of the structure that comes with a solid surface counter and sink. You can create a combination of items to choose from like refrigerators to drawers, trash cans, an ice-maker, a tackle station or grill. It is your canvas to paint on.
For the people that like to fish, we added another feature from the 407 Panacea which is the port and starboard above deck bait wells that are backlit and have recessed windows in the front of them. These sit on either side of the fold away rear seat. Pair that with the cockpit sole bait well and that is the potential for a lot of bait. Plenty of room for rod holders, rod racks, tackle stations, along with our traditional hideaway in gunwale rod storage behind the forward seating too.
When it comes to power options you can easily rig this boat for twins or if you have the need for speed, we can set it up to accept triples as well. And if you want to throw in a DC gyro too, we have a home for it.
These are just a few of the details and as you can see, we have taken all of the requests that we have received from the 327 and 375, as well as some of the new stuff we did on the 407 Panacea, and poured them into the new 345 Nomad. We are taking pre-orders now before the boat show, so if it is something that you are interested in please call our sales office at (954) 922-7544 or you are also welcome to come up to the factory itself and see our progress on it in person.
We are all excited to show you this new boat at FLIBS! We hope to see you there!!
Halloween normally marks the arrival of ghosts, goblins, and trick or treaters. It also heralds the start of the 59th Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show. This year’s show begins on Halloween (Wednesday, October 31st) and runs through Sunday, November 4th. Intrepid Powerboats will exhibit almost the entire fleet of models, ranging from the 327i Open to the 475 Panacea & Sport Yacht. In addition, we’ll unveil two new boats – 200 Flats and 345 Nomad/Center Console.
On the water, along “G” Dock, you will find us at slips – G700, G702, G704, G704A, G706, G710, G712, G714. And next to “G” dock, on land, in space 1016.
We are excited about the two new additions to the Intrepid model family – 20 Flats and 345 Nomad (Center Console). Both new models exude Intrepid’s thoughtful design and performance. Please make a point to see both new models in our displays at the FLIBS Bahia Mar location.
And if you want to get a head start on the show, join us for a private pre-show peek on Saturday, October 20th at the Intrepid Drive for Perfection event at our Harbour Towne Marina office also featuring exotic cars from F1 Miami. The Drive for Perfection begins at 10am and goes until 4pm. Visit https://www.intrepidpowerboats.com/events/ for more information.
We’ll see you soon.
Stay well,
Peter