The new MARC VI is a 2018, Mako 334 Sportfish Edition center console, powered by triple Mercury Verado 400hp outboards and rigged to the hilt for serious fishing.  The 334 is a brand new model for Mako with three editions available:  the Sportfish Edition for hard core anglers, the Bluewater Family Edition with a layout more conducive for family oriented fishing, and a standard version with fewer amenities and options. This long-awaited Mako model has been generating tons of excitement since its introduction at the 2016 Miami International Boat Show.

The new MARC VI is based on a 100% composite construction hull with a one-piece molded fiberglass stringer grid with integrated transom knee supports and gelcoat finish. Its heavy-duty fiberglass-encapsulated transom, with fiberglass-impregnated high-density composite core, provides the strength and integrity to handle the triple 400hp Mercury Verado outboards, the maximum horsepower recommendation for the 334.

A 24-degree deadrise with performance lifting strakes results in its fast, dry and comfortable ride through temperamental offshore waters. Its stability in rough seas (at anchor and while drifting) is due in large part to the hull’s 9’ 10” beam and precision balancing in its design. The beam, incidentally, makes the vessel trailerable with a special Over-Wide Trailering Permit from the state. Poveromo constantly trailers his new MARC VI throughout Southern Florida and the Keys.  Fully loaded and with its triple outboard set up, the new MARC VI weighs approximately 14,000 pounds. As for Poveromo’s trailering vehicle, it’s a Ford F-350-Platinum with a 6.7 L Power Stroke diesel.

LET 'ER RIP! -  The new MARC VI has a 306-gallon aluminum fuel tank with four baffles, plenty for its offshore exploits and trips into the Bahamas.  The triple 400hp Mercury Verado outboards, paired with Merc’s Enertia ECO Props in pitches of 21”, 21” (center), 21”, yielded a top end speed of 70 miles per hour at 6439 rpms - when the boat was light and with only 70 gallons of fuel. With a topped off fuel tank, both live wells filled and fish box iced, the MARC VI, at its heaviest, tops out at 63 miles per hour at approximately 5,900 rpms.  To date, the best economical cruising speed is 32 miles per hour at 3200 rpms and 1.4 mpg; the best “fast” cruising speed is 4,000 rpms and 43 miles per hour and 1.14 mpg. Conditions permitting, Poveromo claims the boat feels “just right” around 4,600 rpms and 51 miles per hour and 0.94 mpg.

DESIGNED FOR SERIOUS ANGLING – The Sportfish Edition center console features spacious and unobstructed, one level walk-around access from cockpit to bow, complete with a high-density, marine grade vinyl coaming bolster lining its entire inner gunwale.  Whether fighting large fish on heavy stand up tackle or with several people knees-to-the-gunwales having fun with school dolphin or blackfin tuna, the new MARC VI is a comfortable, stable and roomy fishing boat.

HOOKER SEA CHEST - There are two 34-gallon transom live wells on the MARC VI. The advantages of two wells are that live baits can be separated based on species, heartiness or size, and that an abundance of them can be taken offshore; the latter a big plus when chumming with live baits. In between the wells is a rigging board, two cup holders and four rod holders just aft.  Open the large in-deck bilge hatch and there’s easy access to a custom HOOKER Electric corrosive resistant, 316L stainless steel Sea Chest. The Hooker Sea Chest features two 4500 gph pumps, which circulate the water inside the chest. The chest holds approximately five cubic feet of water, virtually eliminating air infusion, dry pumps and pump failures. The volume and velocity of water entering each well is conveniently controlled by a dial on Poveromo’s console.

SEATING - The seating module of the new MARC VI is as functional as it is comfortable. The module’s aft side surface includes a fresh water sink and storage hold, whereas a series of compartments within its backside house numerous tackle trays.  There’s a portside door where more storage can be found, and a starboard compartment where a fire extinguisher and air horn are located.  There’s a starboard grip lining the back of this module, for those who choose to stand here while underway. The seating is posh and oversized, complete with storage underneath. The module can be used as a leaning post when underway, or for full seating via fold-out sections – complete with retractable arm rests. A 38-gallon freshwater tank feeds the sinks and washdown hose.

Additional seating on the MARC VI can be found in the aft cockpit (pull down transom bench), in front of the console (and with access to an insulated cooler) and on the forward coffin box. Naturally, the 290-quart coffin box can be used to carry additional ice when traveling to the Bahamas, as well as accommodate additional fish catches. And, the port side tuna/dive door will make it that much easier to boat a large fish the likes of a tuna or swordfish.

THE HOLDS - Within the aft cockpit are port and starboard side, 290-quart, insulated fish boxes with macerators and overboard discharge.  The MARC VI utilizes one box for fish, and the other to store brushes, a hose, bait nets and boat fenders. Forward of these boxes – and on each side of the console – are smaller, insulated holds for additional storage or icing down smaller fish.  In the bow area, a portside switch activates the hydraulic lift which tilts the coffin box hatch and exposes a 740 quart in-deck storage compartment. Oversized drains rid the entire cockpit of water. The spacious and stylish T-top on the new MARC VI offers plenty of protection from the sun and harsh elements. The top is a highly-polished white, with glare-thwarting strips strategically affixed to its underside. Two small E-Boxes are incorporated into its underside, each housing a Simrad VHF radio.

TEEZER REELS - There are also two ELEC-TRA-MATE TEEZER REELS, MODEL TR 310.  The teaser reels complement Poveromo’s use of teasers when trolling. The teaser lines, incidentally, run through all three outrigger eyes, to position the teasers in the clean water to the outside of the boat.

ACTION CANVAS ENCLOSURE - Poveromo ordered his new Mako 334 without the console windshield, opting to have Drew Caterson from Action Canvas in Marathon, Florida Keys, fabricate a full enclosure. The polycarbonate front and side enclosures are crystal clear and distortion free. The roll up side wings, for use when the weather turns from bad to worse, are made from Strataglass.

THE LEE CONNECTION – Poveromo has been a long-standing proponent of Lee rod holders and outriggers, citing their quality, functionality and durability.  For trolling, there are three rod holders per side within the aft gunwales: two 30-degree, stainless steel, Lee swivel rod holders – model RH575, and one 15-degree stainless steel, Lee flush mount rod holder – model RH534HS. Strategically positioned along the length of each gunwale are eight, model RH534HS rod holders aimed seaward for drifting baits or bottom fishing, and a pair of model RH575 Lee Swivel Rod Holders in the bow.  Within the transom cap are four model RH532VS 0-degree Lee holders.  In all, there are 26 gunwale-based Lee rod holders. Under-the-gunwale rod storage can accommodate up to three rods per side. Two gaffs are also secured up underneath the forward starboard bolster.

Above the T-top are a pair of Lee Sidewinder Outriggers, with Lee’s 20-foot Carbon Fiber poles, model CX3920. These one-piece, semi-tapered carbon fiber poles are almost half the weight of traditional aluminum poles and nearly twice as strong. The center rigger is a 15-foot Lee Carbon Fiber pole. For a clean and sharp look, the Carbon Fiber poles feature internal halyards. Poveromo rigged each pole with two separate adjustable halyards, for trolling two baits per pole. The beauty of these Lee Sidewinders is that they have five positions – 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 degrees; various height adjustments which provide a lot of latitude when dialing in the running angles of trolling baits.  The poles lay down easily and quickly for clearing bridges or when trailering, by depressing a collar at their bases.

SIMRAD FINDS THE FISH - The MARC VI has the latest state-of-the-art, fish-finding technology from SIMRAD, including SIMRAD’s new NSO evo3, 24-inch multi-function display touch screen. That’s 24-inches of active viewing area! Complete with built in processor, the unit’s 8mm low profile all glass design enabled it to be neatly flush-mounted within the big Mako console. Impressive features include a 1000 nits Hi-Brite Sunlight Viewable Screen – ideal for open center consoles, on-glass menu keys, Multi-touch Touchscreen Control, Picture-in-Picture insert and sizing for simultaneously viewing various features (sonar, radar, map, Active Imaging side-scanning, etc.), Autopilot, SiriusXM Satellite Weather and countless other fishing and navigational aids.

A SIMRAD NSS9 evo3 multifunction touch screen display is also housed within the new MARC VI’s console. Similar to the MO24-T, this unit integrates Broadband sonar, chart-plotting, radar, autopilot, Active Imaging side-scanning and SiriusXM Satellite Weather, among its most heralded features. The NSS9 is keyed via TouchSensible (touch screen technology), and has an ultra-fast processor, ultra-bright screen and the option of viewing functions independently or simultaneously as split screen displays. Naturally, the units can share information.

For the clearest and most concise bottom readings, particularly for offshore, the MARC VI has a Simrad BSM-3 Broadband CHIRP Echosounder, capable of reading depths to 10,000 feet. CHIRP technology utilizes advanced digital processing that provides up to 30-percent more clarity and definition over standard technology fishfinders/transducers. Plus, it enables fine-tuning or tweaking of high and low frequencies, for an even more precise definition of specific bottom as well as better bait- and game fish separation and identification. For example, if you wish to fine tune outside the typical 200 kHz (shallow water) or 50 kHz (deep water) frequencies, CHIRP enables you to dial in a range from 28 kHz (for ultra-deep fishing, like in trenches and canyons) to 210 kHz (for shallow water work).

The Active Imaging side-scanning shows an ultra high resolution view beneath and off to the sides of the MARC VI, for life-like readings of contours, nooks, crannies and other bottom features along with suspending bait- and game fish. The new MARC VI is also outfitted with the new Active Imaging transducer. 

HALO PULSE COMPRESSION RADAR – Simrad’s hottest radar technology is featured on the new MARC VI, more specifically, a HALO-4 Pulse Compression system.  Pulse Compression utilizes an unprecedented mix of long and short detection range transmissions for high target definition and minimal clutter. What’s more, its low-power pulsed transmissions make it safe to run in marinas and other heavy populated areas. Yet, the best news about this system is its custom processing which, at the press of a button, dials in the radar for the most precise readings when offshore, in a harbor, in foul weather, or in a custom or Bird mode.  Their Bird Mode eliminates the need to fine-tune the radar to locate birds; just push the Bird Mode button and the radar fine tunes itself to locate birds, which can lead to fish.

SIRIUS XM - The MARC VI also has SiriusXM Satellite Weather and two SIMRAD VHF radios, each flush-mounted inside their own electronics box. The VHFs are each paired to a SIMRAD antenna. The SiriusXM Marine package includes weather monitoring and alerts, wind speed and direction, local marine forecasts, water surface temperature overlays and much more.

MERCURY POWER - These state-of-the-art, in-line six-cylinder, supercharged 400hp Verado outboards in Warm Fusion (white) feature a cold air intake system designed to capture cool, fresh air from outside the cowl and deliver it directly and efficiently to a water-cooled supercharger. The larger, straighter airflow path is a more efficient design that creates less turbulence.  And by tapping into the engine’s cooling system to cool the supercharger, less effort is required to condense air. This, in turn, will increase efficiency and durability. The unique labyrinth design in the top cowl keeps the powerhead dry.

At 668 pounds, the 400hp Verado is 95 pounds lighter than its competition. The outboards generate an abundance of torque and power throughout the boat’s full rpm range – resulting in quick hole shots, eye-brow raising top end speeds, and good fuel economy. Their SmartCraft Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) delivers smooth shifting and instant throttle response, by eliminating the hesitation of traditional mechanical systems.

The 400hp Verados also feature robust 5.44-inch gear cases, engineered by Mercury to withstand the tough rigors of offshore fishing, and running in rough seas - where ventilation sometimes occurs. Mercury’s Dual Water Inlets, which includes the company’s patented low water pickup located on the front tip of the torpedo, ensures a constant flow of cooling water.

Even with triples, the MARC VI’s Verados are impressively quiet. Credit this to Mercury’s multi-chambered Intake Sound Attenuators, which tune engine sounds to a more pleasing tone. Additionally, acoustic foam linings along the upper and lower cowlings absorb high frequency engine and driveshaft noises.

The new MARC VI features Mercury’s Joystick Piloting for Outboards, along with Mercury’s Skyhook Digital Anchoring. Joystick Piloting is a technologically-advanced system which enables a twin- to quadruple- outboard powered boat to be moved effortlessly in any direction with a push of a Joystick.  Where is this beneficial?  Poveromo has grown accustomed to using it to crab sideways when approaching and leaving fuel- and floating docks, eliminating the need to jockey the throttles or have a friend help shove off.  If a dock is crowded, and especially if there’s a brisk wind or current, the ability to crab sideways via the Joystick is a pure luxury. “When backing in a slip, we typically get a rope on the windward piling first,” says Poveromo. “We’ll then either ease or back up a bit, and let the bow drift downwind so a rope can be affixed to that piling. When complete, we’ll ease back into the slip and secure the stern lines. With any current and/or strong wind, this becomes challenging.  However, I use the Joystick to steer my bow or stern in the desired direction, making docking nearly effortless, regardless of conditions.

And, not long ago, after launching at a small ramp and idling through a very narrow and shallow winding creek, I discovered I could use the Joystick to execute pinpoint turns with no stern or bow drift. Navigating that creek was accomplished in a sports car-like fashion! Ditto for the tight marina confines we occasionally find ourselves in".

Mercury’s Skyhook Digital Anchoring, when activated, utilizes a GPS satellite antenna to pinpoint the boat’s precise position, and independently-moving and shifting outboards to hold it in place. Navigational benefits include the ability to maintain position while waiting to refuel at a marina, for a bridge to open, for your buddy to retrieve the boat trailer and back it down the ramp, etc. 

Skyhook is also beneficial for fishing.  “I’ve been using it to hold above wrecks as deep as 220-feet while we lowered baits”, says Poveromo. “We do this to see if a wreck or section of reef is alive enough to warrant deploying the regular anchor, chumming and fishing on it for several hours.”

“Skyhook also comes in handy to temporary hold over a ledge or shelf within an inlet and to drop baits down on schooling fish, like snook,” reports Poveromo. “Physically anchoring in an inlet or pass is illegal, but you are allowed to drift, providing you’re not an obstruction to traffic.  If you need to move, simply deactivate the Skyhook feature.

What’s more, the prop wash generated by Skyhook holding over a wreck attracts some fish, particularly cobia and amberjack - both curious species which are easily teased to the surface.  And, I’ve used Skyhook a few times to churn up water near weedlines, to tease up dolphin.”

The vessel is also equipped with Mercury’s new Active Trim, a GPS-based control system that – when activated – automatically trims the outboards to enhance performance and fuel economy across the boat’s entire operating range. This includes trimming outboards back down in turns, to avoid cavitation, and trimming them back up accordingly as the vessel exits the turn. There are five selectable trim profiles to accommodate any boat application.

For monitoring performance and vital engine functions, Mercury’s VesselView 703 ( does it all with up-to-the-second updates. For example, information on fuel range, fuel levels and even fuel flow enables Poveromo to select his most economical cruising speed given current sea conditions, and – when making a long-range run – to know exactly how far he can go on a tank of fuel in those sea conditions. Full engine and vessel information can be monitored through this system.

ROCK AND ROLL TIME - The new MARC VI has an incredible stereo system designed exclusively for it by JL Audio. The head unit is JL Audio’s new MM100s Mediamaster, complete with Bluetooth and SiriusXM marine weather and satellite radio.

JL AUDIO SPEAKERS - There are three pairs (six speakers) of JL Audio model M880-CCX-SG-TB full range speakers, one pair of JL Audio M770-CCX-SG-TB full range speakers, and one pair of JL Audio MX650-CCX-SG-TB full range speakers.  These speakers are designed and engineered for heavy duty marine use and greatly exceed industry standards for salt, fog and UV exposure. Needless to say, corrosion and UV-resistant materials are prominent throughout.

Acoustics-wise, the speakers are engineered to deliver a powerful, clean sound in open-air boat environments (i.e. center consoles). They feature 0.75-inch silk dome tweeters for sparkling high frequency detail, whereas a long excursion, high-efficiency woofer design delivers impressive bass energy and clean mid-range. They’re designed to benefit from operation with quality amplifiers up to 125W per channel.

JL AUDIO SUBWOOFERS – The MARC VI has three JL Audio model M10IB5-SG-TB subwoofers. These subwoofer drivers are engineered to withstand the rigors of marine use and deliver the kind of bass that has made JL Audio famous in the automotive sound arena. This bass will not only impress you with its sheer level, but also its smoothness, balance and precision. Equally impressive, especially for center console owners, is that the M10IB5-SG-TB is optimized for infinite-baffle operation so that it can be installed in a variety of locations, without the need for a dedicated enclosure.

JL AUDIO AMPLIFIERS – One M700/5 – a 700 watt, five-channel full range amplifier which drives all six of the M770-CCX-SG-TB speakers, and one M800/8 – an 800 watt mono-block subwoofer amplifier, round out the system. The JL Audio M-Series amplifiers are amazingly small in size and the perfect solution for space-conscious installations. Furthermore, JL Audio's exclusive NexD switching technology achieves total amplifier efficiencies exceeding 80%; this means far less heat and strain on your vessel's electrical system, compared to a large, conventional amplifier. This efficiency advantage, combined with state-of-the-art microelectronic components, allows JL Audio to use very compact unitary cast alloy heat sinks. As with their more expensive MHD siblings, the M-Series also deploy the company’s Advanced Thermal Rollback System, to completely eliminate annoying thermal shut-down events.

Behind every M-Series amplifier's removable control cover, you will find studio-grade signal processing with fully variable crossover filters. Also included are noise-killing, differential inputs with remote level control capabilities via the HD-RLC remote level control (optional).

The volume, crispness and clarity of this system are concert-like, particularly when “cranked up”!  There is no distortion, just sharp and clear audio that will rival the best home-based sound systems.  JL Audio wanted the new MARC VI to “make a statement” with its sound system, and it does exactly that.  It has to be heard to really be appreciated!

To insure there's enough power for all these electronics, the MARC VI has five batteries.  Four are mounted within the console firewall, with the fifth battery mounted to the inside console floor. Inside the console, you'll find the circuit breaker panel, a sink, and six feet of head room. An ACR GlobalFix 406 EPIRB with Integral GPS is also located here, within easy reach, as is a fire extinguisher. Blue diffused LED lighting illuminates the console at night.

LIT UP AND READY TO RUN – An ACR halogen light on the forward T-top guides the MARC VI at night, whereas integrated forward and aft LED T-top spreader lights can brighten up the entire cockpit whenever needed. In lieu of a fluorescent T-top light, the MARC VI has diffused, LED lighting.

SHADOW CASTER MARINE LEDS - The boat also has blue, diffused LED lighting along the console’s base, the lower gunwales of the boat, inside deck hatches and fish boxes, and within the console. Shadow Caster Marine LED lights illuminate from underneath the gunwales in blue, green, red or white, or a combination of these colors.

The MARC VI was outfitted with eight Shadow Caster Marine LED lights (six 6”units on the transom, and two 6” units affixed to both the aft port and starboard sides of the vessel), with “Bimini Blue” the main color theme. Each of the eight Model SCM-6 LEDs provides a light spread angle of 120-degrees and a lamp life expectancy of 40,000 hours; they operate at 94% efficiency while drawing a mere 2.1 amps at 12 volts

The MARC VI’s Shadow Casters utilize the company’s SCM-PD-PLUS Power Distribution Box, which distributes power and individually merges multiple Shadow Caster underwater lights. This enables the boat to broadcast one of five colors, or to rotate them. The colors are Ultra Blue, Great White, Aqua Green, Cool Red, and Bimini Blue. The compact and sleek lights are framed in chrome and lend a sharp look to the boat, especially when it’s on the trailer.

Shadow Caster’s Integrated Lighting Control system can now be integrated with Simrad electronics. The advantage here is that the lighting can now be displayed and controlled on Simrad screens.

SAFETY AT SEA – The MARC VI relies exclusively on ACR for its safety electronics.  Mounted just inside the console door and within quick and easy reach is an ACR GlobalFix PRO with internal GPS EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon).  When activated manually or automatically (submerged), the GlobalFix PRO broadcasts a unique registered distress signal that not only tells rescuers where you are, but who you are.
    
Upon activation, the unit’s internal GPS automatically turns on and acquires the boat’s position. It then utilizes a powerful 406MHz signal to relay the distress call to orbiting satellites, which, in turn, broadcast the information and boat’s GPS position to local search and rescue teams. These rescue teams will also rely on a separate homing signal from the unit and an integrated LED strobe light to reach the boat’s exact location.

Also on board are several ACR ResQLink Personal Locator Beacons.  Should the MARC VI run at night or in extremely rough seas, each crew member is assigned one – in the event a crew member, for whatever reason, exits the boat.  With three levels of integrated signal technology: GPS positioning, 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability, the individual’s position will be quickly and accurately relayed to a network of search and rescue satellites, and then down to local search and rescue teams; rescue accuracy is within 100 meters or less.  To activate, the PLB’s antenna must be deployed and aimed skyward and the unit turned on.

Note that an EPIRB has an activated life-expectancy of around 48 hours, whereas a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) has an activated life-expectancy of around 24 hours.

The new MARC VI is also equipped with an ACR AISLink Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) Transceiver. This ensures that when visibility is poor, or during the evening, the MARC VI can be seen by other vessels with AIS, and Poveromo can see other vessels in his waters with AIS in real time – and on his electronic chart or radar.

LOOKING GOOD! – Poveromo is a stickler for a clean, highly-polished boat. He relies exclusively on Star brite boat care products. His main “go to” cleaners include Star brite’s Biodegradable Boat Wash, Non-Skid Deck Cleaner with PTEF, Xtreme Clean spray, Vinyl Guard spray, View Guard, Screen Cleaner & Protectant, Boat Guard Speed Detailer (spray on polish), and – for that once a year full protection – Marine Polish with PTEF.

HAULING IN SAFETY AND STYLE - To haul the MARC VI to and from the local ramp, as well as to various coastal cities along the U.S. when shooting for his NBC Sports Network television show, Poveromo relies on a custom-built trailer from the FLOAT-ON Corporation in Vero Beach, Florida. The aluminum, I-Beam, immersible, triple-axle trailer is rated for 16,860 pounds and features a hot-dipped, galvanized torsion axle suspension (a FLOAT-ON exclusive for over 30 years). It is equipped with 16-inch radial tires, hydraulic surge disc brakes with booted bronze pistons and stainless-steel rotors (for increased braking performance and longer life), PVC-covered heavy-aluminum guide rails for centering the boat on the trailer, LED lights, and reflective decals for higher visibility and safer traveling in low light conditions, or at night. FLOAT-ON is an industry leader in the boat trailer business, and the only trailer worthy of carrying the MARC VI.

SPECIFICATIONS:

LENGTH........ 33'4"
BEAM.......... 9' 10"
TRANSOM HEIGHT............... 30"
INTERIOR DEPTH............ 34"
MAX. RECOMMENDED HP......... 1050 HP
HULL WEIGHT (approx.)............. 9,000 lbs.
TOTAL WEIGHT (approx. with power, fuel & loaded).......... 14,000 lbs.
FUEL CAPACITY....... 306 Gallons
DEADRISE........ 24 Degrees
DRAFT........ 21"

VALUE OF BOAT (as rigged and including trailer): $ 375,000.00

WITH THE HELP OF MY FRIENDS:

The lettering design for the MARC VI is by Image Graphics 2000 Inc. 2450 West Sample Road, Pompano Beach, Florida; 954-425-8199.  Wade Davis and team specialize in professional graphics/designs and wraps for both boats and vehicles.

SEADEK MARINE PRODUCTS  – SeaDek provides the custom helm pads for Poveromo’s Makos. In shock-absorber-like fashion, they cushion the ride and provide extra comfort for the boat operator and passenger.

The Mercury outboards on both the MARC VI and SHALLOW-WATER MARC are maintained by Guy Radiano at TNT Custom Marine on Biscayne Boulevard and NE 135th Street in North Miami, Florida, 305-931-3157,

Special thanks to Carl Grassi at Carl's Automotive, 7801 W. Sample Rd., Coral Springs, Florida, 954-755-8799.

When at rest, Poveromo's MARC VI and SHALLOW-WATER MARC are kept at Garnett Storage in Coral Springs, Florida - 12101 NW 42nd Street, Coral Springs, Florida, 954-753-1930; E-Mail: garnettstorage@aol.com.

Drew Caterson at Action Canvas in Marathon, Florida Keys, has done the enclosures and canvas work on Poveromo’s boats for decades. There’s no one better; 305-481-7606.