New Boat: Intrepid 477 Evolution
Intrepid 477 Evolution
The 477 Evolution represents Intrepid's brand evolution, with features that make it versatile for fishing, cruising, entertaining or a romantic weekend on the hook.
Intrepid 477 Evolution
Founded in 1983, Intrepid built its reputation as a builder of performance fishing boats, cruisers and yacht tenders. In 2005, the company’s 475 Sport Yacht captivated boaters with two spacious staterooms and yacht finishes in a performance package. Fifteen years later, Intrepid has tweaked its design DNA by listening to its clients, who VP of Sales Alex Rizo calls “the best designers.” The process culminated with the recent debut of the 477 Evolution.
“Everybody is pushing to raise the game,” said President Ken Clinton of the current outboard-oriented manufacturers. “We’ve all had to work harder to be better, and I remind my team that we’ve been first in a lot of areas.” He recounts firsts like dive doors, a center console head, gyrostabilizer on an outboard vessel, painted engines, vacuum bagged and infused decks and liners. “But now, what’s the next thing?” Clinton asked. “We have to keep doing it better.”
The 477 Evolution represents Intrepid’s brand evolution, with features that make it versatile for fishing, cruising, entertaining, embarking on a water sports adventure or a romantic weekend on the hook.
Gallery: Intrepid 477 Evolution
Her “Bentley blue” Imron paint playing off the white gelcoat made the Evolution a dock standout, with matching blue diamond stitched upholstery. Even interior flat surfaces were painted in the same matte Imron blue, tying together the décor package and exterior.
In the cockpit, I could envision fighting a fish or eyeing the two 40-gallon, pressurized live baitwells. A fiberglass and upholstered bench seat folds flush into the transom for extra cockpit room when dropping a line, then unfolds when enjoying the view. Two freshwater washes keep the deck clean; large insulated fishboxes flank the hatches in the center, which make the bilge, mechanical gear, pumps and generator easy to access. A SureShade provides sun protection to the aft deck.
The outdoor kitchen makes for easy prep, with a grill, sink, refrigerator/freezer and optional ice maker set conveniently behind the helm. Rod and cup holders have equal placement, including along the ample bow seating and huge sunpad with electric backrests; removable cushions here reveal skylights to the lower cabins.
One of the Evolution’s most innovative features is the port side hydraulic platform. While many vessels now boast extensions, the 477 created a 4-foot by 3-foot extended platform with robust supports and a manual, integrated ladder—ideal for descending and returning from the water. To starboard, a transom door with Intrepid’s signature lift-and-rotate design saves dock space while boarding.
Interior designer A La Mer provided other yacht-like finishes in the soft goods and upholstered headliner with recessed LED lighting. Neutral overtones of the Obeche veneer wood and Corian-topped cabinetry creates a fashionable look, highlighted by teak soles. The cabin, galley and two staterooms present unexpected details like a recessed wine cooler at the armrest of the U-shaped lounge, just under the flatscreen TV, at the starboard side. The bow table, when lowered, creates a third berth to supplement the starboard aft master and port guest staterooms.
Quad Yamaha 425 engines push the 477 to a 59-knot top speed and 43-knot cruise. A joystick, bow/stern thrusters and owner’s choice of electronics make operation easy, and air conditioning for bolster helm seats provide comfort to the captain and passengers.
Adaptation over time is integral to perennial success as a boatbuilder. With Evolution 477, Intrepid shows they’re in it for the long haul.
Intrepid 477 Evolution Specifications:
LOA: 47'6"
Beam: 13'8"
Draft: 2'8"
Displ.: 26,000 lbs.
Fuel: 548 gal.
Water: 80 gal.
Power: 3 or 4 outboards from 350 hp to 627 hp
Cruise Speed: 43 knots
Top Speed: 59 knots
Price: $925,000
