F&S Boatworks gained its notoriety by producing great-performing, ultramodern designs. F&S' founder and proprietor, Jim Floyd, made it clear to me that it's not always geography that drives a boat's design and construction. Rather, it's the creativity and zeal of the builder that shapes the hull and allows for innovation and improved performance. With the recent launch of its new 45, F&S strives to continue its archetype of ultramodern custom builds with a roomy walkaround that's beautifully chic.
 
Performance
This 45 represents Floyd's first boat to come with prop pockets, so we weren't surprised to find that the props needed some minor tweaking. 
 
Nevertheless, the 45 rocketed onto plane with ease, felt light and airy underfoot, and topped out at 37.5 knots at 2,250 rpm. Pulling her back to 1,950 rpm afforded a 34-knot cruise burning around 60 gph with the pair of 800 hp, 6-cylinder common-rail MAN diesels. 
 
Floyd boasts that the small pockets of air and a unique series of longitudinal steps built into the hull soften the ride and boost efficiency by reducing drag. I've heard many crews boast about F&S boats' rough-water performance, but with nary a ripple on the water to challenge it, I'll just have to take their word for it.  

Helm Deck
Most builders who step down from larger convertibles to smaller express designs tend to transpose their established bridge layout to the helm deck. Consequently, this 45 features a console placed somewhat aft and elevated only steps away from the cockpit, with a large, well-cushioned settee wrapping around its forward face. This seating affords greater comfort and views without sacrificing visibility for individuals sitting in the dual helm chairs. Additional features include air-conditioning vents to cool both the helm and seating area, a large freezer beneath the settee and a huge, fully enclosed overhead rod locker.

Interior
Belowdecks, a small galley features custom refrigerator/freezer drawers, a sink, microwave and plenty of cabinet storage along the backside of the Corian countertop. To port you'll find a small head. With interior space highly limited by the true walkaround design, F&S placed the toilet inside the walk-in shower. The forward region of the interior holds a large wraparound couch, which snuggly sleeps two.
  
Cockpit
F&S has long been known for some of the biggest cockpits in the business. Thankfully, cockpit space sacrificed to the 45's length has craftily been compensated for with an unobstructed single-level walkaround to the bow — complete with plentiful rod holders, electric kite reel plugs and a cushioned sun lounge. Don't get me wrong — it's still a big cockpit! Clean teak decking complemented by rounded teak covering boards runs the full length of the bow and up through the helm deck. Slant-backed, cushioned mezzanine-style seats off to each side conceal a drink box and machine-fed ice dump. A big livewell at the bow augments a large livewell/fish box in the transom. 
 
This 45 represents Floyd's drive to build the boat of the future, not only in design and construction, but also in style and function.

LOA......45'
BEAM......14'6''
DRAFT......3'
WEIGHT......24,000 pounds
FUEL......600 gallons
WATER......100 gallons
POWER......370 hp Volvo I/O
PRICE......On request

F&S Boatworks / Bear, Delaware / 302-838-5500 / www.fsboatworks.com