Topaz Boats

In 1974, Pat Paterson of Owning, Maryland, started Topaz boats with the launch of a 28-foot center console. Over the next 30 years, Topaz went on to build hundreds of hard-core fishing boats in both express and flybridge models. Today the company builds 33- to 40-foot express models and recently put a 42-footer on the drawing boards.

Dr. Ira Trocki purchased Topaz in 2005 with the intent of adding a well-built entry-level fishing line to his Davis and Egg Harbor offerings. "Topaz does a great job of covering the smaller, entry-level express boat market with a little bit of a higher-end product. We can start an owner with a Topaz and then move him up the line whenever he is ready to make the jump," says Bob Hazard, vice president of sales and marketing for Topaz.
 
Because the owner of a Topaz is the one most likely running the boat, it's especially important to make the boat responsive and comfortable to operate. "Our boats handle well," says Hazard, "and we make sure that everything belowdecks is easy to maintain and easy for the family to use."
 
Just like the bigger boats of Egg Harbor Yachts, Topaz utilizes the vacuum-resin infusion technique to build light, strong parts, and increase fuel efficiency. "We use Diab foam core material on all our boats now," says Hazard. "This technique produces parts eight times stronger and 17 times stiffer than a comparable solid-fiberglass laminate. And by using the resin infusion process, we have basically eliminated any styrene emission problems as well."
 

At a Glance: • Express models for serious fishing • Excellent entry-level boat • Built for ease of use

Engineering a dry, fast ride out of a small hull is an ongoing challenge, but it's one that Topaz gladly meets head on. "We are always looking for ways to save weight without sacrificing strength. We get over a 30-knot cruise and so far our customers seem very happy with our speeds. We are also taking a close look at Volvo's IPS pods and have a contract with them to outfit an express boat presently in production," says Bob Weidhaas, chief operations officer of EH Yachts.
 
"Topaz builds boats for serious fishermen — the guys who really want to fish instead of lounge in an overstuffed salon. They make a great first stepping stone out of a center console or for the small family wanting to make the move to diesel power," Hazard says.
 
For more information, contact Topaz Boats of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, at 609-965-2300, or visit www.topazboats.com.

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