Intrepid 51 Panacea

Intrepid Powerboats, manufactured in Largo, Florida, promotes the new 51 Panacea as offering more room, more power and more luxury than the model’s predecessor, the 475 Panacea. I will tell you that whatever “more” they put into the 51 is plenty. The 51 Panacea is a smooth-running, head-turning craft that checks all the boxes — and then some.

Have the con

This is a special machine, as evidenced by the quad Mercury V-12 Verado 600-hp two-speed automatic outboards; our test boat had them in a metallic blue paint that glistened in the sunlight. Not holding back, when we pushed them to wide-open, skipping across the 2-foot chop of the Atlantic Ocean, we saw just over 65 mph. That is an exhilarating speed on a 51-foot boat. Pulling back on the sticks, we ran a comfortable 26 mph at 3000 RPM burning 45 gph. Running through the speed ranges, the 51 Panacea delivered instant response to the throttles, excellent handling from the electronic steering and impressive sea-keeping agility thanks to the 21-degree deadrise and single-stepped transverse hull that reduces drag and increases speed.

Controlling the 51 is a dream thanks to the well-laid-out helm station. The console is sufficiently sized for three 24-inch Garmin 9024 MFDs that can display everything needed including engine operating specs, navigation, radar, cameras and more. Just below is a stylish console, arranged with push-button switches in a track that runs across the top of the dash. This layout offers plenty of space for additional controls including, but not limited to, high-performance trim tabs, a thruster stick, a Seakeeper 6 display, a joystick with Skyhook, etc.

Take a seat

Seating is a key feature of the 51 Panacea and it’s prominent at the helm. Here are two rows (yup, a double setup) of four helm seats each. Typically the best seat is for the captain, but here, everyone is treated to the best seat. With diamond stitching and inches of plushness, each seat has fold-down armrests and thick bolsters for sitting or standing. Included also are fold-down footrests. This a big deal as everyone can be seated in close proximity, the chairs wrap the body for a secure feel and the second row is slightly raised so everyone can see the action. All this happens under an oversized fiberglass hardtop that protects from the blistering sun and drenching rains. An in-floor platform right in front of the wheel rises 4 inches if the captain needs better visibility, which is already great thanks to the single-pane, tempered curved windshield. Noticeable are the several wireless phone chargers, keeping devices juiced all day.

Speaking of seating, there’s a foldout aft bench seat across the transom that is well hidden but easily pops out with a cushy backrest.

In the bow, there are choices for sitting and lounging. In front of the console is an oversized sunpad for two (or three, if you’re close friends) with a backrest. You can spread out on this oasis and enjoy the sun. With the flick of a switch, the center section tilts up creating a forward-facing seat, perfect for mingling with the crowd, armrests and drink holders included. Side bow bench seats also have backrests that flip up, creating port and starboard loungers. These features allow guests to configure their seating depending on the number of guests and activities.

Forward is U-shaped seating across the bow, with well-cushioned backrests that offer excellent padding when jumping off the waves. And the floor raises flush to the seating level to create a ginormous sunpad with filler cushions. Send it up higher and it becomes a dinette table. Under-seat storage is all over. Intrepid doesn’t waste any space.

Must-haves

A few niceties include dive tank/fender storage cabinets built into the gunwale sides, a hidden cooler in the starboard gunwale and built-in gunwale steps for boarding, thereby eliminating that “big step” from gunwale top to deck (a great idea for physically constrained boaters). Other ways to board are via the transom door and starboard hull door that opens inward and is flush with the hull side with a drop-out ladder, keeping it out of the way. Add in the portside hydraulic hull platform. There’s also an aft-covering Sureshade built into the hardtop.

In the lower machinery space are the Kohler 11kW diesel generator, batteries, Glendenning 50-amp shore power cord system, piping, pumps, Seakeeper and other ancillary systems.

Heading to the cabin

The center cabin is surprisingly large with 79 inches of headroom clearance. Comfortable digs with a hi-low V-berth — along with a galley with sink, microwave, fridge/freezer drawers and electric flat stovetop — make this a perfect weekender. Also included is a head with an electric toilet, a separate shower stall and a hot water heater. No need to rush home at the end of the day; find a quiet anchorage or new marina and enjoy the time onboard. The 51 Panacea may be a go-fast boat, but it can slow down.

Wood veneer cabinetry, solid countertops, wood flooring and a 16,000 BTU AC system fit out the cabin.

Did someone mention fishing? The 51 Panacea has saltwater in her veins and is ready to hit the offshore fishing grounds. In the corners of the aft deck are dual 50-gallon live baitwells. Count ’em up and you’ll find seven rod holders across the transom and an additional five on port and starboard gunwales.

The center of the action is the central work- station. Open the lid and reveal the electric grill, stainless sink and cutting board. Underneath are the garbage receptacle, fridge, storage drawers and pull-out cooler. Just think of taking the catch from the ocean to the grill. Yum!

I have to hand it to Intrepid and its website. Besides the photos, videos and selection of its fleet, the “Build Yours” button will show which options are available, from gelcoat and paint to mechanical things. My favorite is the Fishing options column. Here you can select additional rod holders and racks (because you can’t have too many), those aforementioned baitwells, pressurized baitwells, telescoping outrigger systems in various lengths, custom tackle center and so much more.

Intrepid did an impressive job crafting the 51 Panacea — so much so that there isn’t more to add. Maybe Intrepid could even say “Enough is enough,” but that’s probably unlikely, as the company is always looking forward.