Intrepid's 407 Panacea is a Do-it-all Center Console

To understand the Intrepid 407 Panacea center-console, consider the model’s name. Panacea is a word not often used these days, but it means an elixir or a solution to everything. Intrepid could have called this boat a sport utility, but that’s an understatement for a boat that does many things well.

For fishermen, the 407 Panacea has a 52-square-foot cockpit that accommodates several ­anglers at once. Twin 50-gallon livewells hold a day’s worth of bait. Prefer to spearfish or snorkel? A hullside door swings inward for boarding from the sea or the finger slip, and a ladder folds out for water access.

For families, the folding transom has a lounge, and there is bow seating with handrails for nine people. Want to catch some rays? The sun pad forward has an electric backrest. Entertaining? Opt for the sink, grill, ice ­maker, fridge and slide-out cooler abaft the centerline helm. For overnighting, the dinette in the 6-foot-3-inch-tall cabin lowers electrically to form a double berth. The galley has a microwave, fridge and sink, and the enclosed head has a shower.

The 407 Panacea has Intrepid’s trademark straight sheer line with a one-piece windshield. The helm is ergonomic with adjustable seating, flip-up bolsters and folding armrests. Twin 22-inch monitors are also here, with illuminated Bocatech push buttons.

Strong construction is a selling point for Intrepid. The 407 Panacea has a resin-infused fiberglass hull and liner with PVC foam coring. Unidirectional and nonwoven fibers are used in high-stress areas to add toughness.

Owners can choose twin or triple outboards. With a trio of Yamaha F300 four-strokes on our test boat, she topped 52 knots. For serious thrills, order the twin 627 hp Seven Marine outboards for speeds above 70 knots.

Wind through your hair at that speed will cure just about any saltwater bug.

Each semicustom Intrepid is different, but every 407 Panacea starts with Intrepid’s single-step hull form. It has deep-V forward sections to soften the seas, followed by a transverse step with side vents for airflow, and then a planing pad. The result is a boat that runs flat, fast and smooth in offshore conditions.