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Winter Custom Yachts 46 Reviewed

• By Sam White
• July 22, 2024

With several 38-foot walkaround boats on the water, Tim Winters and his team at Winter Custom Yachts in North Carolina have optimized the walkaround concept in order to take full advantage of its inherent versatility. Anglers are no longer confined to the limited space in the cockpit and have the freedom to fight fish 360 degrees. Even just taking the family on a shorthanded picnic cruise is safer and easier since everyone has full access to the bow without having to navigate a slippery deck. 

If there’s a drawback to the walkaround design, it’s a loss of interior volume, as the boat’s command deck and salon are compact to accommodate the walkaround alleys that span the perimeter of the hull. To make up for it, Winter upsized his latest version to 46 feet. The result is Hull No. 37, Thumper . This 46-footer was designed to be a fishing tender as part of a globetrotting mothership-and-game boat operation, and is a tough-as-nails workhorse designed to fish hard and well. 

The 46 is a yacht tender, and it has yacht-level finish to match the mothership. Descending from the air-conditioned command deck via a semi-spiral staircase, the galley and couch are immediately below, along with a day head. The full-beam en suite master is forward, with a guest stateroom with twin bunks aft. 

Power is a pair of 850 hp MAN i6 engines. At a 35-knot cruise, Thumper is riding comfortably while burning 60 gallons per hour; with 600 gallons of fuel, that’s a range of 350 nautical miles. At top hop, it hits 39.3 knots on initial sea trials while burning 80 gallons per hour. The performance illustrates the vessel;s efficient hull form and the CJR flow-aligned running gear and propellers. 

The program for this mothership-gameboat operation includes fishing adventures in far-flung destinations such as Magdalena Bay, Mexico and the distant seamounts off Costa Rica. 

Other notable features on the Winters 46 include a 25 kW Northern Lights generator and a Seakeeper 9 gyrostabilizer. The satin-finish interior showcases the builder’s woodworking talents, with the horizontal grain teak veneer selected to match the interior of the owner’s larger yacht. 

On the command deck, the peninsula helm stretches from port with multiple Garmin displays as well as joystick control, FLIR night vision and omnidirectional sonar. 

“Since our inception, I have strived to perfect every technique and component to optimize the unique fishing experience my clients want to achieve,” Winters says. “During the process, I work alongside my clients to make the build process enjoyable, so much that some have repeated the process several times. They recognize their boat is not only a fun venture, but it also affords an excellent investment. I never compromise on details and will always deliver the finest custom sportfishing boats that my clients are proud to own.” 

Winters considers Thumper to be the ultimate gameboat, thanks to the smooth transitions from bow to stern with no steps to impede an angler as well as the boat’s overall size and nimbleness.

Take the next step : wintercustomyachts.com

Quick Specifications

• Maximum Beam: 14’2”
• Draft: 3’2”
• Displacement: 33,000 lb.
• Fuel Capacity: 600 gal.
• Water Capacity: 75 gal.
• More: Reviewed , Sportfish Yachts , Sportfishing Boats , Under 50' , Winter Custom Yachts , Yacht Reviews , Yachts
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Winter Yachts For Sale

Built in the sportfish mecca of coastal North Carolina, Winter Yachts build custom boats in multiple styles including convertibles, express sportfishing boats, walk-around, and center-consoles. Customized to the owner's wishes, each Winter Yacht is unique, traditionally styled, and outfiitted with the only the very best equipment. United Yacht Sales is pleased to have sold several Winter Yachts and are happy to assist you in the sale of yours or help you find the perfect boat on the brokerage market.

Learn More About Winter Custom Yachts And Find Your Next Boat

2023 is the 20-year anniversary of Winter Custom Yachts that began in 2003 with Hull W-1 (“GALOT”) built by 20-year-old Tim Winter and team, while completing his mechanical engineering degree. This first Carolina-Style custom sportfishing boat was a 62-footer constructed using the cold-molded method with three layers of Okoume plywood, on a CNC jig. Quite a splash for a first boat, which was designed to tournament fish the East Coast and travel. Though born and raised in eastern North Carolina, Tim Winter did not have the typical Coastal Carolina charter fishing background; but he dreamt of boatbuilding and was drawing boats since childhood. Growing up working in his father’s cabinetry shop, he learned skills and became an accomplished carpenter, all the while constantly drawing boats, developing his own style—a sleeker, softer exterior and, of course, with excellent carpentry and meticulous fit and finish. Tim Winter transitioned to boat building by working for local Carolina Style sportfish boatbuilders, gaining valuable experience, before pursuing his engineering degree.

List Of Winter Yachts On The Brokerage Market

• Page 1 of 1

Twenty years later, Tim Winter and his highly skilled team have launched, or are currently in-process designing and building nearly 40 hulls. Model varieties include Center Console, Walk Around, Express, Convertible Sportfish. The largest yacht to date will be the new 80ft Convertible Sportfish. Over the years, Winter Custom Yachts has gradually moved away from the extreme flare and tumble home associated with the “Carolina Style” for a sleeker, faster looking hull with softer lines and more interior volume for living spaces, especially the below deck accommodations. The hull running bottom has also been refined to improve speed and efficiency. Winter’s primary objective is to “build exquisite custom boats with flawless lines that perform like no other.”

A new division is being started—Winter Yachts, which will be a line of molded boats. A Sport Coupe capable of 50-knot top speed is on the drawing board. Winter Custom Yachts builds in a variety of methods and materials—wood, composite, and molded construction. Some of the design and style distinctives of Winter Custom Yachts are the predominant lines of the bridge and hull, along with the “belly lines” of the transom, while the last five Convertibles have established a consistent window style. Interiors also distinguish Winter Custom Yachts with appealing combinations of textures and materials—glass, leather, marble, and were one of the first to use quarter-sawn horizontal grain walnut (instead of the classic vertical teak) for a more modern and elegant look. Winter places a tremendous emphasis on design, in excruciating detail, to satisfy an owner’s specific personal preferences. Winter Custom Yachts doesn’t use subcontractors; eight different trades work on a project under the same roof—custom boat building relies heavily on highly skilled, experienced shipwrights to bring an owner’s vision to beautiful, finished reality. And they must adapt to new technologies, materials, styles, and production processes.

Some of those technologies include wake-adapted running gear, used on all new builds and any yachts coming back to the Winter yard for repowering. The multiple benefits justify the expense—smoother running with less vibration and noise; no prop blowout (cavitation), and greatly reduced prop burn (pitting). It also allows a boat to go faster for a given amount of power and fuel efficiency is improved across a range of speeds. Other technologies that have become necessities, especially on custom sportfish vessels, are Seakeeper gyro stabilizers and sonar. Power trends include higher horsepower inboard engines such as 2,200 hp V12s that are lighter in weight, 600hp outboards in multiples, and the CAT C32B with V-drives for a more aft position and enhanced performance.

All Winter models are custom designed, built, powered, and equipped according to the owners’ orders, and therefore, no two are identical. Yet all are recognizable as Winter Sportfish Boats and Yachts with refined classic Carolina lines, a seaworthy, performance hull, and the superb Winter joinery fit and finish. The Convertible model is designed and built to handle every offshore adventure, traveling to destinations near and far in luxurious comfort, with efficient performance.

Hull W-1, a 62ft Convertible launched in mid-2000s, was designed and built for deep sea and tournament fishing with speed and extended run capabilities. She features Winter’s classic cold-molded hull construction and Carolina styling with moderate deadrise for stability and performance—characteristics of Winter Custom Yachts. She is elegant and comfortable with beautiful joinery. Hull W-9 is 64ft and currently the largest the largest convertible launched; larger convertible models are in the works.

The next model to be designed and built was a Center Console Hull W-2 in the length range of 25’ to 39’. Hull W-24 is a 24ft basic Center Console without a T-top built for pioneering offshore sail and marlin fisherman, Nick Smith, for inshore and near shore fly fishing. Hull W-31 is a new stepped hull with tower and quadruple outboards. Winter Center Consoles are often designed as tenders to superyacht vessels; they are easily towed and rugged to withstand the rigors of towing in open water, making them great support vessels for various activities—diving, fishing, or transport to and from shore.

Hull W-9 was the first of at least nine Winter Express models. The Express is a very versatile vessel, whether chasing the tournament circuit or island hopping with family or friends. The Winter Express features a similar hull and deck layout to a Convertible, but without a flybridge; navigation console is on a raised helm deck under a hardtop that is usually enclosed on 3 sides for air-conditioning comfort and spray protection. The helm deck includes seating, table, storage, and other amenities for socializing, meals and more with the captain included, which is one of the Express model’s benefits. The 30’ Express was designed as a compact sports fisherman to fit a marina configuration, but still features the details of larger Express models. Hull W-23, a 65’ Express launched in 2018, is the largest Express sportfish built in North Carolina. She was designed and built for bluewater travel and fishing with family, featuring plenty of comfortable living areas in helm deck, mezzanine, and interior cabins.

The Walk-Around model is the optimum fishing platform whether fishing shorthanded or with a party. The Winter Walk-Around is like a combo Sportfish and Center Console with a flybridge-style raised helm deck. The hardtop with side curtains and forward wind screen provides protection from weather and spray. The Winter WA models feature a fishing cockpit, mezzanine, tower, and walk-around side decks to the bow, protected by high side and forward freeboard. Gunwale rod holders are in the cockpit and bow coaming. Exquisite teak finishes and styling details combine with functionality for a great fishing or cruising experience with family and friends.

Currently there are less than half a dozen Winter Custom Yachts available in the brokerage market, ranging from a 27’ Winter Custom Center Console to a 63’ Winter Custom Convertible. Pricing ranges from under $200K to about $3.9million for a 2022 53’ Winter Custom Express.

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Speak to A United Sales Professional About Winter Yachts

• Our Process
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• The Prop Box
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• Current Name: Jaydid
• Length: 38'
• Beam: 13' 2"
• Power: Twin CAT C7.1 500 HP Engines

Take a look at Hull W35 “Jaydid”.  This Winter Custom Yachts build will be based out of Ocean Reef, FL. We are super excited to add another beautiful walk around to the Winter Fleet. We can’t wait to see the adventures that this family has on their custom boat.

DISCOVER OUR LATEST POSTS

wintercustomyachts

We rang in the New Year with the delivery of our latest 24 CC, T/T Triton II. We look forward to following her throughout 2023 as she tests her new waters. Thank you for the beautiful photography @fishhuntphoto 📷 ...

Merry Christmas from Winter Custom Yachts! Wishing you a relaxing Holiday Season🎄🛥 ...

Start ➡️ Finish Happy First Day of Winter❄️🛥 Check out the preliminary drawings from W35 our latest Walkaround Delivery! ...

We’re dreaming of a Winter Custom Christmas 😉❄️🛥 Hull: W30 LOA: 39’2” Power: Triple @mercurymarine 400 Verados Name: Ricochet 📸: @fishhuntphoto ...

A “Boujie” Interior ❤️‍🔥 She is outfitted with a horizontal walnut grain and leather details can be found through the boat. We can wait for her fishing adventures with her crew next year! #wintercustomyachts #wintermagic #winterishere ...

Beginning ➡️ End Here at Winter Custom Yachts we believe that each build is perfected down to the details. Our team is fully committed to giving you the boat of your dreams 👏 Check out these construction photos from Hull W33, our 53’ Express “Reel Risk” ...

Order your favorite Christmas Present today! Prop boxes available in sizes: 35”, 40”, 45”, and 50” Check out our website or Call 8048944227 for more information! ...

What’s Santa working on this year? Tag your favorite elf and tell them which one you want! Or pick multiple 😉 1- Hull W29 50’ Express 2- Hull W28 63’ Convertible 3- Hull W27 46’ Walkaround 4- Hull W26 37’ CC 5- Hull W25 46’ Walkaround 6- Hull W23 65’ Express 7- Hull W22 60’ Convertible 📸: @fishhuntphoto ...

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Winter Custom Yachts 50, Moonstruck

• By Sam White
• February 16, 2023

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Just outside Swansboro, North Carolina, Tim Winters and his team at Winter Custom Yachts have been quietly producing some of the sport’s most beautiful boats. He’s also not one to shy away from a challenge, so when a client approached him with a concept for something truly unique, Winters was all in.

The result was Hull No. 34, the 50-foot Moonstruck , a two-year project from design to completion that would incorporate a long list of custom features, many of which had never been seen before in a sport-fisher of any kind.

“This client had many things on the list, foremost being the functionality for this boat to not only fish well, but to also cruise along the coasts of New Jersey and South Florida as well as trips to the Bahamas,” Winters says. “They wanted an automotive feel, something they could handle without a crew—just the owner and his wife—and they also wanted speed.” The result is a one-of-a-kind walkaround coupe with a full forward windshield, sunroof, and quad Mercury 600 hp outboards that tips the scales at just 32,000 pounds, thanks to its all-composite construction.

Stepping on board Moonstruck , it’s clear that Winters made full use of the boat’s available space, from the large, ­air-conditioned bridge deck to the two-stateroom/­­one-head layout below. There are two full-size bunks aft beneath the helm area where the engine room would normally be in an inboard boat, with the salon up, galley ­mid-down and a full queen master forward. The ­galley area is highly functional and designed to seat five to six guests in comfort; the ­woodwork is a beautiful reconstituted teak veneer that is stained and then finished in high gloss, with genuine teak doors and ­furnishings. The helm is well-laid-out, with two ­multifunction displays within easy reach, along with controls for the accessories and VHF radios. Beneath the bench seating is customized storage for the boat’s ­complement of rods and reels.

Moving aft, it’s clear that the goal of easy operation with minimal crew is continued here, with an aft helm station with ­joystick. There’s mezzanine seating with ample storage throughout, with a Carolina-style transom fish box/livewell with viewing window. The impressive list of additional options includes a Spot Zero system, Frigibar ice maker, refrigerated plates in the in-deck fish boxes, Seakeeper 6, ElectroSea system, Side-Power bow thruster, and multiple redundant air-conditioning systems throughout the boat. A 17 kW Kohler generator supplies house power while underway. “We were able to incorporate a lot of the systems normally found on larger boats into this one, while still keeping everything accessible for routine maintenance and ­service,” Winters says.

Perhaps one of Moonstruck ’s most distinctive features is the 8-foot partially retractable sunroof. “It’s a product that came from Sweden,” Winters says. “At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but it really opens up the natural lighting on the bridge deck, and it also has a blackout feature if you don’t want the light. It’s a unique feature of the boat.”

Winters says he ran Moonstruck during its initial delivery. “It was raining and blowing 30 [knots], and yet we were dry and comfortable,” he says. “The sunroof and the additional insulation all around really give the boat an automotive feel—it’s solid and quiet.”

Because the owners also enjoy bottomfishing, Winters was tasked with setting up multiple anchoring systems. After a bit of head scratching, his team came up with a way to incorporate three anchors—plow, fluke and grapple—along with two large anchor lockers and two windlasses on the bow. For nighttime swordfishing, light bars placed strategically around the boat can provide full illumination—just another custom touch based on how the owners intend to use the boat. The walkaround design means safe, easy access to the foredeck, whether fighting a fish, anchoring up or handling the lines at the dock.

Read Next: Our review of another winner from Winter Custom Yachts, the 53-foot express known as Reel Risk .

With 1,100 gallons of fuel, plus another 50 gallons of diesel for the generator, range with the 600s is more than enough to cover the bases without being overloaded. Of the new Mercury engines, Winters had plenty of praise as well. “The 600s are quiet, fuel-­efficient, fast, and have the torque we need for a big boat like this,” he says. “Normally it’s difficult to stay on plane at slow speeds in rough conditions, but we designed this boat right from the start for the additional weight of the engines, and with the torque they give us, it’s not an issue at all.”

Having had larger boats, the owners are now able to enjoy the intimacy of running their own rig with just family and friends aboard. It’s a testament to the versatility and unique nature of a builder willing to start with a blank sheet, creating a ­one-of-a-kind masterpiece in the end.

• More: Boats , Custom Boats , February 2023 , Outboard Boats , Small Craft Advisory , Winter Custom Yachts

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