Boat Reviews - Ocean Master 31 Center Console Boat

Where do fishermen turn when they want an affordable, tough offshore sportfisher that’s big enough to take them 50 or 60 miles offshore in safety, yet sufficiently docile for a quiet afternoon of trolling close to shore?

Ocean Master 31' Center Console

Rugged as a Semi-truck, but Nimble as a Leopard

If they’re lucky, they’ll find themselves at the helm of an Ocean Master 31, an outboard-powered fishing boat that is as rugged as a semi truck, but as nimble as a leopard. The Ocean Master line of boats, ranging from 23 to 34 feet, is the brainchild of Mark Hauptner, holder of 15 world outboard speed records.

Hauptner learned his craft in the uncompromising waters of the Gulf Stream. In many East Coast fishermen’s eyes, Ocean Masters are the ultimate fishing machines. The 31 and 34-footers are finding a ready market among non-fishermen, too, since they’ve been discovered by serious seamen who want cruising range and the ability to duck into shelter ahead of bad weather.

So far, relatively few of these remarkable boats have reached Western waters, which is surprising since they are ideal for the challenging waters off California’s offshore islands and the Pacific Northwest.

Steve Vizzo, of Ocean Master West, and Tim McFadden, of Seaworthy Marine, have joined forces to market Ocean Masters in Southern California. Their partnership brings together Vizzo’s offshore fishing and power boat expertise with McFadden’s many years’ experience customizing and maintaining both power and sailboats. Together, they can tailor an Ocean Master to a client’s individual needs.

First Impressions

My first impression of the 31 was one of compelling power and no-nonsense practicality. The stance of the boat in the water exudes speed and seaworthiness. It has a deep-V hull, with a 36 degree deadrise forward and 16 degree aft. It has 9,500 pounds displacement fully loaded, with tower, making it a stable platform both at the dock and offshore.

"this tough boat is designed to be

pushed to the limit offshore."

Structural Integrity

Everything about the hull makes for structural integrity, and this tough boat is designed to be pushed to the limit offshore. The hull is made up of 20 hand-laid layers of solid fiberglass, incorporating five full-strength stringers. The hull liner is bonded directly to the stringers, then it is fiberglassed to the hull and stringers before the gunwale and deck moldings are glassed – not bolted – in place.

Power & Layout Options

Buyers can choose from several engine packages, but Vizzo recommends 225 hp Johnson V-6 outboards. They can drive the 31 to speeds in excess of 45 mph. Cut back the throttles and you get a cruising range of 450 to 500 miles on 300 gallons of fuel.

The deck layout is designed for serious sportfishing. The casting platform forward covers a massive fish hold, and it can also double as a sunbathing area.

The small cuddy cabin is easily accessible and can be customized to owners’ requirements. The test boat had one bunk and a small tackle center to port, but I would replace it with two bunks and add a portable stove for cooking on deck.

You can sleep two and seat six in the cuddy, which also offers convenient access to the electrical panel and the oil injection system. A head fits neatly between the two bunks. Unfortunately, the carpet-like fabric on the cabin sole and headliner is not of the same high quality as the rest of the boat.

The helmsman can sit or stand at the wheel amidships, where all engine controls are arranged for convenient operation. You can maintain a comfortable stance here for hours, even in rough water. The leaning post comes in a standard 42 inch width, but the test boat had an optional 70 inch bench with removable backrest, which many skippers will prefer.

Most California owners will probably specify the optional T-top, which has an electronics box and ample space for antennas and radar. In this configuration, the skipper can enjoy 360 degree visibility, essential for serious fishing.

Our test boat also was equipped with a full tower, another available option for anglers. It is cleverly engineered and rigid even at high speed. Most impressive of all, the boat didn’t seem top-heavy, even in steep turns.

Fishing Cockpit

The cockpit offers 90 sq. ft. of space for fishing chairs and bait tanks, or for diving and cruising gear. There is ample toe room under the gunwales, which are at just the right height for fishing and swimming. A stainless steel bow pulpit is available as an option.

Ocean Master 31 Center Console heading out the inlet

The 31 has the feel of a work boat, yet the finish and quality of a fine yacht. Its polished aluminum is solid and practical; and the cleats, hawse pipes and rod holders are carefully placed to keep the deck free of unnecessary clutter. A small forward anchor locker is easily matched with anchor, rode and electric windlass.

I was impressed, too, by the solid deck hatches. The forward locker is spacious and would allow storage of a deflated dinghy and gear. A bait preparation area is provided aft, which many owners use for storage instead. Two battery lockers with smoked Lexan doors are set into the stern on either side of the outboard well.

Solid, Predictable Performance

Under way, we had fingertip control, even at less than five knots speed. In open water, Vizzo opened the throttles and the boat responded at once. Within seconds, we were moving smoothly at more than 22 knots, at about 4,000 rpm.

There were no rattles or creaks as we coursed through the chop with minimal pounding. When we turned, the 31 responded immediately without skidding or flexing. It gave the skipper complete confidence, accelerating out of the turns like a gazelle, but always with complete control.

We ran for three miles at more than 39 knots, on a magic carpet-like ride, leaving the swell behind us. Moments later, we trolled along at eight knots as if we had been doing it for hours. Crossing a steep wake, we were barely pounded.

"It also is the driest-riding power boat of

its size that I have ever skippered."

The 31 gives solid, predictable performance, and it will look after its skipper even in the roughest weather. It also is the driest-riding power boat of its size that I have ever skippered. We ran at full speed in two to three foot seas, and not a drop of spray came aboard.

The boat can be trailered – Vizzo orders Myco trailers for the boats – or kept in a slip. All you need is a portable solar shower, an ice chest and a small stove, and it can satisfy most people’s cruising, fishing or diving requirements.

Simple, Rugged and Stronger Than You are

The Ocean Master 31 is an ideal boat for a busy couple or family with little time to spend at the islands. It is simple, rugged, has adequate cruising range and is stronger than you are. Not only that, but you can customize it to meet your own specific needs.

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