“I fell in love with the lines at the Providence Boat show 15 or so years ago. After researching the ride, build quality, and reviews I knew I wanted to own one at some point in my life.”
Elixir, Southport 29′
Interview with the Captain — Nick Svencer
On Fishing
Do you fish commercially or for pleasure?
Pleasure fish.
Who first introduced you to boating/fishing?
Grandparents on both sides of my family were avid boaters as were my parents, so I grew up around the water. My parents owned a seafood restaurant in a marina for a few years growing up and I remember bringing a bucket of snapper blues in to see if the chef wanted them. Snapper blue bite appetizers on the menu that night!
What’s your favorite game fish (and/or season)?
Tough call for sure, as I do love fishing for everything. I would have to say that I always look forward to flounder in the spring. Usually, they are the first fish of the year for me and some of the best eating too. Following that, the excitement of the fall is tough to beat due to the many options. Having to decide between chasing the stripers inshore, the tuna offshore, and the false albacore off the Cape can be difficult.
What’s your most memorable catch (or story from a trip)?
My two most memorable fish were both stripers caught on the fly: a 37” many years ago sight casting the Monomoy flats off Chatham, and a 45” last summer on the menhaden schools.
What’s your advice for less experienced anglers?
Ask lots of questions! If you ask and listen, people are generally willing to help share basic tips to get you going.
Most under-rated piece of equipment or tackle?
A dehooker for taking mackerel off the sabikis.
Any recent fishing/boating-related purchase you’ve been enjoying?
I’ve really started to enjoy the side scan sonar that I have on the boat. It has taken a bit to learn it, but I now find it invaluable looking for bait, fish, and structure around the harbors and rocky coastline.
Do you have any other notable resources you use (apps, devices, etc)?
Garmin ActiveCaptain and Navionics apps are pretty invaluable. You can pick out potential fishing spots and plot courses from the comfort of your couch the night before a trip.
About the Boat
Why did you choose to buy a Southport?
I fell in love with the lines at the Providence Boat show 15 or so years ago. After researching the ride, build quality, and reviews I knew I wanted to own one at some point in my life.
What other kinds of boats did you consider before buying this model?
I looked into Gradys, Pursuits, Edgewaters, as well as the larger offerings from Cobia and Sea Hunt. The unique look of the Southport, along with the beamy design kept bringing me back.
How did you come to find/locate her before purchasing?
I was visiting my brother in the Maryland area and happened to see that a local dealer had one in the water for showings. Having never rode on one, I contacted them to see if they were willing to take me out. It was the perfect day for a test ride: overcast, light rain and blowing 25 with tight 2’ chop in the Chesapeake. The boat performed great and I was hooked.
What boats have you previously owned?
My boats have grown along with my family, moving from a Aquasport 165 to a Sea Hunt 212 and then a Sailfish 2360. They all provided great memories and fantastic times on the water.
What are the features you like most about your boat?
The big Carolina flare, 10.5’ beam, and shallower deadrise at the transom bring unique attributes to the hull. It is fast and efficient, while still being able to stay on plane at low speeds and plow through heavier seas when needed. These qualities also make it an exceptionally dry center console. Beyond that, I enjoy the balance between cruising and fishing that this layout offers. It has a great bow table and forward seating for dinner with the family, while still offering great fishability all the way around.
What features/improvements have you added, or do you plan to add?
The boat comes pretty well setup and I really only added extra rod holders.
How do you typically use your boat over the summer, and where do you go?
I love being on the water and as such, use the boat any chance I get. I’ve taken it cruising as far as Maine and fishing both inshore and offshore. We actually did an overnight on the boat as a family last summer in Provincetown, but I’m not sure my family will be signing up for that again on a center console.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
I used to do a lot of work on my previous boats, but with the size of this one, trailering isn’t in the cards.
Do you have any advice for those looking to buy a Southport like yours?
Be ready to buy when the right deal comes along. There’s a reason used ones are not on the market very long.
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
My grandfather used to make a cinnamon whiskey “moonshine“ for lack of better description and pass them out to my parent’s generation at Christmas. Blank bottles with a big bandaid on them as a label and “Popo’s Elixir“ written in marker.
Check it Out
Click the gallery below for more photos and information about Elixir!
