Inspired by the legendary Merritt 43, the Release Boatworks 43 sets a new standard for both traditional styling and modern materials, techniques and rigging.
Designed by renowned naval architect Erwin Gerards, the boat is a near-perfect combination of hardcore fishing and style and comfort for the family. Available as a Day Boat or Express, the Release 43 will raise the bar among custom boatbuilders worldwide with her fishability, performance, maneuverability, styling and quality of construction.
Performance
While Release Boatworks is a custom builder with access to almost any power package desired, we prefer what we consider to be an outstanding combination of Cummins common-rail marine diesel engines. The Release 43 outperforms nearly any of her competitors with a similar conventional engine-and-shaft propulsion package – there’s no question that it’s the optimal package for this vessel. Standard power is a pair of Volvo IPS-600’s, while the upgraded packages are a pair of 6.7 or 8.3 Cummins motors, rated up to 600hp each. Of course, traditional style propulsion is always available.
Fishing
With a pedigree that hearkens back to the early days of sportfishing when boats were designed around a large cockpit, serious anglers will find love at first sight with the Release 43. The eye is immediately drawn to the lovely sheer of the hullside as well as the curved tumblehome of the transom, while the teak decks, covering boards and helm pod complete the package. There’s plenty of room for a fighting chair or rocket launcher setup in the center, while the gunwales remain at a perfect height for both angler safety and crew convenience when releasing billfish.
Designed with the input of some of the world’s best anglers and captains, everything is located in the right place on the Release 43, from the insulated fishboxes and livewells to the optimal placement of the outriggers. Even the tackle centers are right where they should be. Everything you need for a successful day offshore, or an overnighter in the canyons, is right at your fingertips.
The Release 43 could very possibly be one of the best big game boats in the world today.
Design and Construction
Release Boatworks utilizes the state-of-the-art Vacuum Infused Resin (VIR) molding process. Only a few manufacturers are using this highly sophisticated “closed-molded” process, which results in a more consistent resin to cloth ratio, stronger and lighter parts, and an environmentally friendly process. This process is not related to what is commonly known as “vacuum bagging,” a process used by many builders.
The Release 43 hull consists of ISO/NPG gelcoat, vinylester resins and multi-directional fabrics all sandwiching Airex coring. All of this is vacuum infused, resulting in an optimal resin to cloth ratio. A layer of carbon fiber is added to the molded stringer system for added stiffness. These boats are designed for the rigors of charter fishing for hundreds of days each season with minimal upkeep—they will perform at the highest levels for any owner.
Accommodations
While the Release 43 is designed as a fishing machine, there’s no need for the rest of the crew to suffer needlessly. Built in two different configurations, Express and Day Boat, there’s a design and layout to suit virtually any owner. The Day Boat design, with its open aft bulkhead, offers sleeping accommodations for three in a queen plus an over/under bunk, while the Express omits the bunk arrangement in lieu of more on-deck space. Each design is spacious, with six feet four inches of headroom.
Specifications
Power Options:
- Inboard: Single or Twin; Cummins, Caterpillar or Volvo
