With a history in custom boatbuilding that goes back more than 35 years and includes a stint as president of Rybovich, Stuart’s Mike Matlack has built a reputation for designing sport-fishers that are as pretty as they are functional. Based around the “fishing first” principle, each of Matlack’s Gamefisherman designs features super-clean layouts, lengthy lists of fishing amenities, and a fuel-efficient bottom that maneuvers on fish with ease. His boats have found their way to the world’s most intense fisheries, including Madeira, Kona, Costa Rica and the Azores.
Joining Gamefisherman’s current line of 30-, 34- and 40-footers is the brand-new 37. Available as an express, walk-around or flybridge, the Gamefisherman 37 ranks as the company’s most versatile performer. Though similar in design to the company’s 34-footer, the 37 features 16 inches more beam, which provides much more space below for features like a separate shower and a dinette. Sleeping accommodations exist in the form of upper/lower berths, with the convertible model also offering a starboard-side galley.
The extra beam also makes the walk-around model a feasible option, as well as allowing more space for larger engine packages. Twin 370-hp Cummins are listed as standard equipment for all three 37 models. With this power, the builder expects the 37 to maintain a 30-knot cruise.
Matlack builds his Gamefisherman boats in both Costa Rica and Stuart (the 37 will be constructed in Stuart), using an epoxy cold-molded process. All hulls are painted in Awlgrip and feature varnished trim and a teak cockpit deck.
