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When Jim Smith launched Envelopeus, a lot of custom sport-fishing builders were already trending darker and more modern with their interiors. This boat didn’t follow. She’s a 72-footer finished in teak and tan from the cockpit through the staterooms, and what Smith got right is that she feels traditional without feeling dated—a harder line to walk than most people realize.
I ran her off Palm Beach with Capt. Ryan VanderKooy in 2- to 3-foot seas and a 10-knot breeze—conditions a boat like this barely registers. But easy weather gives you time to pay attention, and there’s plenty here worth noticing.
Cockpit and Bridge
The cockpit is full teak and centered around a Release fighting chair. Built into the mezzanine step is custom tackle storage, but instead of slide-out drawers, the step lifts to reveal concealed compartments. It’s a small detail, but one that shows how much thought went into how this cockpit fishes.of the Jim Smith 72 sport-fishing boat
Up top, a Palm Beach Towers hardtop and frame support Rupp Big Rigs 44-foot triple-spreader outriggers. With a 21.5-foot beam, there’s room to run a serious trolling pattern.
Interior and Layout
She’s built with a centerline salon door, something many newer builds have moved away from. Step inside, and the first thing that stands out is how the galley works. The oversize dinette common on 72-footers is scaled back to a smaller L-shape on the starboard side, with the galley split across both sides. Port handles the stove and heavy cooking; starboard carries counter space, a wine cooler and additional storage.
On paper, giving up a large dinette might seem like a strange trade. But spend time on a sport-fisher during tournament week, and you realize people don’t sit in one place. They spread out—sofa, bar stools, wherever there’s room. This layout fits how passengers actually use the boat.
Behind the galley, the pantry is finished in teak flooring, with clean, organized cabinetry. Notably, the washer and dryer are located here instead of down the companionway, and the space is finished well enough that it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Below, Envelopeus features four staterooms and four heads, sleeping eight comfortably. Two bunk rooms share a head, the VIP offers a queen berth with a private head, and a day head serves the salon. The forward master is where the boat separates itself: a king berth, a dedicated rod storage room with custom racks, and a head with an oversize shower and built-in seat.
Engine Room and Performance
Now to the power. The engine room itself is wide open and well organized. At 6-foot-2, I notice tight engine rooms immediately. This one gives you room to move, which says a lot about the layout and access.
Twin MAN V12X-2200s push roughly 98,000 pounds through five-blade 38-by-58 props on MGX6620A transmissions with a 2-to-1 gear ratio. She hit 43 knots at rated rpm, and 45 at max during the MAN sea trial. At 1,800 rpm, she cruises at 33.5 knots while burning 110 gallons per hour combined. That trial was conducted with just 500 gallons aboard out of a 2,450-gallon capacity. Fully loaded, those numbers will come down.
Envelopeus carries the lineage of South Florida sport-fishing boats the right way. If you’re after a traditional fit-and-finish, tournament-ready systems, and a layout that reflects how people fish and live aboard, this is exactly what Jim Smith built her to be.
Jim Smith 72 Boat Specs
- LOA: 72′
- Beam: 21’6″
- Draft: 5’
- Displ.: 98,000 lb. (approx.)
- Fuel: 2,450 gal.
- Water: 500 gal.
- Power: Twin MAN V12X-2200
- Generator: Onan 29 kw (2)
- Stabilization: Seakeeper 18 (aft) / 9 (forward)
About the Author
Steve Momot is a South Florida-based marine photographer and founder of AH360 Photography, specializing in sport-fishing boats, yachts and offshore tournaments. With more than 25 years behind the lens, his work is trusted by leading boat manufacturers and teams nationwide. Momot also runs the popular @steve360fishing platform, showcasing dynamic on-the-water content.
