Story and photos by DinaRella / Aerial photos from Deep Impact, T. Jones & Gilberts
“Performance powerboaters differ from other boaters because of our lifestyle! Sure, we enjoy comfortable and safe boating, but we stand out in the crowd because we love doing it at HIGH SPEEDS,” said Stu Jones, as he presented the all-new plush, performance-driven Deep Impact 499 Sport on opening day of the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
The Florida Powerboat Club founder and longtime friend of Deep Impact owners Mark and Eileen Fischer was called upon to do the introductory honors at the pre-show media launch, not only because he’s a master on the mic, but due to his decades-long connection to and appreciation for the brand.
“Back in 2000 when I was working out of Everglades Marina, there was a hardcore fisherman with a Deep Impact center console. That’s when I first took notice. His boat stood out from the rest and for 25 years, I’ve watched them learn by doing,“ he recalls before adding, “There’s not a lot of reward in the early stages of developing a new boat from the engineering and hull fabrication, to deciding how to lay things out and where to balance the weight. Then you have Mercury Racing and their innovative product releases always moving the bar forward making the boats faster. The 499 Sport is a masterpiece built by those with a passion for the industry, by hardcore boaters, not architects and designers.”
A press release prepared by marketing manager Valentina Botero of Plantation Boat Mart & Marina (the exclusive dealer for Deep Impact and Blackwater Boats) provided key points why the $2.24 million flagship fine-tuned with 2,500 horsepower is being lauded as the new leader on the water. Of special note are: the low-profile styling entirely new from the rubrail up, the sophisticated décor, overall spaciousness, and its ability to sprint to speeds in excess of 80 mph.
Who would have thought a row of distinctly slanted windows along the lower sides of the hull would alter a boat’s appearance so much – but they do! The sheer size of the 499 Sport carries the pitched windows quite well, giving the boat an immensely aerodynamic look.
The glass panels also remove the visual barriers between the center console and the sea. Not only were the cut-outs the talk of the press party over passion fruit mimosas, they drew even more positive commentary the next week on the docks of the Conch Republic in Key West
Stepping into the air-conditioned cabin framed by a sophisticated white and gray décor, the theme continues. Natural light floods the interior from strategically placed rectangle, tinted-glass windows. Comfortably suited for life at anchor or overnighting onboard, amenities include a private head, smart TV, microwave, wrap-around couch, and V-berth with optional custom bed mattress. Alcantara is everywhere and just craves to be touched.
Spacious and Speedy
Center consoles are called sport-utility vehicles of the sea for good reason, their size. With this boat – it’s large and in charge – and places a priority on conviviality. Seating for 19 guests means nobody gets left behind. Dubbed “the queen seating section for the ladies” by Jones, the deluxe, contoured forward bow lounger complete with a huge cooler at the end is a favorite spot, as are the two rows of bolsters under the helm, praised for providing the most reward from the wind-deflecting doors.
Though having fun is at the forefront on this joyride, the 499 offers a flexible platform with an abundance of customizable options tailored to accommodate anglers’ needs including locked rod storage, insulated floor compartments and fish boxes with chill plates. And whether the goal is to land a few grouper or hit a sand bar in the Bahamas… 955 gallons of fuel takes you to the deep blue and back.
This first hull furnished with five Mercury Racing V8 500Rs has been sold, but not before it was christened in the Thursday procession of the FPC poker run. RDP trailed the head-turner south bound, speaking briefly with Fischer moments before he hopped behind the helm wheel at Gilberts in Key Largo, and later with a very content Fischer after arriving in Key West. His first impression, “It weighs 30,000 pounds but performed unbelievably, just as a sports car.”
Engineered to dominate is its modus operandi… and dominate it did, pleasing Fischer with gratifying speed results over 80 mph. Other powering options include: quad V12 600 engines, quint V10 400Rs, or a sextet of the 400R or 500R engines. Adrenaline junkies will be happy to hear demo hull No. 2 will have six 500Rs and with hammers down is projected to hit the upper 80s. They’ll also be happy to hear the brand new Deep Impact 439 Sport is on the way. The new marquee in the popular mid 40-foot range is forecast to be ready by fall.
“Performance powerboaters differ from other boaters because of our lifestyle! Sure, we enjoy comfortable and safe boating, but we stand out in the crowd because we love doing it at HIGH SPEEDS,” said Stu Jones, as he presented the all-new plush, performance-driven Deep Impact 499 Sport on opening day of the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show.
The Florida Powerboat Club founder and longtime friend of Deep Impact owners Mark and Eileen Fischer was called upon to do the introductory honors at the pre-show media launch, not only because he’s a master on the mic, but due to his decades-long connection to and appreciation for the brand.
“Back in 2000 when I was working out of Everglades Marina, there was a hardcore fisherman with a Deep Impact center console. That’s when I first took notice. His boat stood out from the rest and for 25 years, I’ve watched them learn by doing,“ he recalls before adding, “There’s not a lot of reward in the early stages of developing a new boat from the engineering and hull fabrication, to deciding how to lay things out and where to balance the weight. Then you have Mercury Racing and their innovative product releases always moving the bar forward making the boats faster. The 499 Sport is a masterpiece built by those with a passion for the industry, by hardcore boaters, not architects and designers.”
A press release prepared by marketing manager Valentina Botero of Plantation Boat Mart & Marina (the exclusive dealer for Deep Impact and Blackwater Boats) provided key points why the $2.24 million flagship fine-tuned with 2,500 horsepower is being lauded as the new leader on the water. Of special note are: the low-profile styling entirely new from the rubrail up, the sophisticated décor, overall spaciousness, and its ability to sprint to speeds in excess of 80 mph.
Side Windows and Sophisticated Styling
Who would have thought a row of distinctly slanted windows along the lower sides of the hull would alter a boat’s appearance so much – but they do! The sheer size of the 499 Sport carries the pitched windows quite well, giving the boat an immensely aerodynamic look.
The glass panels also remove the visual barriers between the center console and the sea. Not only were the cut-outs the talk of the press party over passion fruit mimosas, they drew even more positive commentary the next week on the docks of the Conch Republic in Key West
Stepping into the air-conditioned cabin framed by a sophisticated white and gray décor, the theme continues. Natural light floods the interior from strategically placed rectangle, tinted-glass windows. Comfortably suited for life at anchor or overnighting onboard, amenities include a private head, smart TV, microwave, wrap-around couch, and V-berth with optional custom bed mattress. Alcantara is everywhere and just craves to be touched.
Spacious and Speedy
Though having fun is at the forefront on this joyride, the 499 offers a flexible platform with an abundance of customizable options tailored to accommodate anglers’ needs including locked rod storage, insulated floor compartments and fish boxes with chill plates. And whether the goal is to land a few grouper or hit a sand bar in the Bahamas… 955 gallons of fuel takes you to the deep blue and back.
This first hull furnished with five Mercury Racing V8 500Rs has been sold, but not before it was christened in the Thursday procession of the FPC poker run. RDP trailed the head-turner south bound, speaking briefly with Fischer moments before he hopped behind the helm wheel at Gilberts in Key Largo, and later with a very content Fischer after arriving in Key West. His first impression, “It weighs 30,000 pounds but performed unbelievably, just as a sports car.”
Engineered to dominate is its modus operandi… and dominate it did, pleasing Fischer with gratifying speed results over 80 mph. Other powering options include: quad V12 600 engines, quint V10 400Rs, or a sextet of the 400R or 500R engines. Adrenaline junkies will be happy to hear demo hull No. 2 will have six 500Rs and with hammers down is projected to hit the upper 80s. They’ll also be happy to hear the brand new Deep Impact 439 Sport is on the way. The new marquee in the popular mid 40-foot range is forecast to be ready by fall.
