re: is there a more formidable offshore fishing machine than the Freeman 34 ?

Brother, a new 66' Viking is pushing $5M now completely rigged. You would have to really like burning money to buy a new sport fish. Don't get me wrong, they are great...but I'd rather have $5M in land in the Delta that produces income and appreciates in value.

Interestingly, I have a friend that fishes South Florida sailfish tourneys that says due to their speed, large center consoles rule those events now.

Conversely, northern gulf billfish tourneys are ruled by sportfishers.

I suppose it is whatever floats your boat.