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HCB 65 Estrella Review – Full Specs, Performance, and Features Explained

The HCB 65 Estrella is not just another center console—it’s the world’s largest, redefining what offshore luxury and performance can mean. Stretching an incredible 65 feet in length, this powerhouse is more akin to a superyacht with outboards than a conventional sportfisher. Designed for those who want it all—speed, capability, luxury, and sheer presence—the Estrella is the flagship of HCB’s lineup and a boat that consistently turns heads at every marina it enters.

From the moment you step aboard, the Estrella’s scale is astonishing. Wide walkways, towering freeboard, and an expansive layout create a sense of space that most center consoles can’t approach. Yet, despite its massive footprint, this boat retains the agility and raw performance that HCB is known for. Let’s explore how the 65 Estrella measures up in specs, handling, comfort, and ownership.

The Mission Behind the Estrella

The Estrella was built with a very specific purpose in mind: to give boaters the offshore confidence of a sportfishing yacht while maintaining the speed and layout advantages of a center console. It’s not simply a large boat—it’s an entirely new category.

Tournament anglers benefit from an enormous cockpit, extensive rod storage, livewells, and top-tier fishing amenities. At the same time, the Estrella doubles as a luxury cruiser, with cabin accommodations, plush lounges, and refined finishes more commonly seen on superyachts. The mission is simple: one boat that can do everything.

Who Is the Estrella Designed For?

The HCB 65 Estrella isn’t built for casual weekend boaters—it’s for owners who demand both scale and sophistication. If you’re the kind of boater who alternates between hosting high-end gatherings at the marina, running offshore to chase big game fish, and cruising long distances in style, the Estrella delivers.

Families will appreciate its stability and safety, with towering gunwales and expansive deck space giving peace of mind. For professional anglers, it’s a dream machine with a cockpit that can support multiple anglers working lines simultaneously. And for those who see their boat as a statement, nothing in the center console world has the presence of the Estrella.

How Does the Estrella Compare to Other Offshore Boats?

While many center consoles in the 40–50 ft range offer impressive performance and comfort, none match the scale of the Estrella. Boats like the Boston Whaler 420 Outrage or the Valhalla 55 push the limits of luxury fishing platforms, but the Estrella sits in a category of its own.

Its closest comparisons are actually small superyachts or express cruisers, but where those vessels rely on inboards, the Estrella’s quad or quintuple outboards deliver both power and accessibility. Simply put, if you want the amenities of a yacht but the speed and handling of a center console, the Estrella is unmatched.

Design & Specifications

  • Type: Center Console
  • Length Overall (LOA): 65 ft
  • Beam: 16 ft
  • Draft: Approx. 3.5 ft
  • Fuel Capacity: 1,800 gallons
  • Engines: Typically quad or quintuple outboards (Mercury V12 600s are a popular option)
  • Horsepower: Up to 3,000 hp total
  • Top Speed: 65 mph (56 knots, depending on configuration)
  • Cruise Speed: 40–45 mph (35–39 knots)
  • Hull Design: Deep-V, multi-stepped hull for stability and efficiency
  • Seating Layout: Expansive forward lounges, triple helm seating, aft cockpit mezzanine, fold-down cockpit seating, and multiple social zones

The Estrella’s design is where function meets scale. With 16 feet of beam, the deck plan accommodates everything from a full summer galley to plush social lounges, while still leaving plenty of room for hardcore fishing. Below deck, there are yacht-level accommodations, including sleeping quarters, a head, and galley space for overnight trips.

On-Water Performance

Despite its massive size, the Estrella performs like a boat half its length. With up to 3,000 horsepower on the transom, this center console can blast to top speeds of around 65 mph—a jaw-dropping figure for a boat of this magnitude.

Cruising feels equally effortless. The stepped deep-V hull allows the Estrella to glide over chop without pounding, while the sheer weight and beam of the boat deliver a stable, confident ride. Whether you’re running the Gulf Stream or crossing the Bahamas, the Estrella feels every bit a long-range luxury sport machine.

Dockside maneuverability is another surprise. With joystick controls and advanced thruster systems, this 65-foot giant can be managed more easily than many smaller yachts.

Safety Features and Seaworthiness

HCB designed the Estrella to handle serious offshore conditions, and it shows. High freeboard and wide decks create a secure environment for passengers, even in rough seas. Integrated grab rails, non-skid decking, and robust construction further add to safety.

With redundant systems for power and navigation, as well as top-tier electronics packages, owners can have confidence on long runs offshore. Of course, the sheer size of the Estrella makes it less vulnerable to conditions that might rattle smaller boats.

Trade-Offs to Consider

Owning the Estrella does come with realities. First, the price—this boat starts in the multi-million-dollar range, and fully loaded models push higher. Operating costs are substantial too, with quintuple outboards requiring dedicated maintenance and the fuel capacity exceeding that of many yachts.

Storage is another factor. At 65 feet long and 16 feet wide, the Estrella demands serious marina accommodations. This isn’t a boat you casually park at a local dock. Ownership also requires a certain level of seamanship—while the technology makes it easier to handle, its scale still demands respect.

Standout Features and Benefits

  • Fishing-first design: Gigantic cockpit, multiple livewells, fish boxes, rod storage, and mezzanine seating.
  • Luxury accommodations: Below-deck cabin with sleeping quarters, head, and galley.
  • Entertainment spaces: Multiple lounges, galley options, and premium sound systems.
  • Technology integration: Massive helm with triple or quad displays, joystick controls, stabilizer options, and digital switching.

The benefit here is simple: versatility at a scale that no other center console offers. It’s both a serious fishing platform and a luxury cruiser—no compromises.

Reviews & Owner Feedback

Owners of the Estrella consistently highlight the “wow factor” as one of its biggest draws. Passengers describe the ride as smooth and commanding, while the helm provides excellent visibility for a boat of this size. Reviewers often note how it blurs the line between superyacht and center console, giving owners the best of both worlds.

Some feedback does caution about the ongoing maintenance demands of multiple outboards, as well as marina storage limitations. However, nearly every review concludes that for those who want the largest and most capable center console ever built, the Estrella is unrivaled.

Storage and Ownership Considerations

The Estrella’s onboard storage is exceptional. With cavernous fish boxes, integrated rod lockers, under-seat compartments, and galley storage, there’s space for everything from tackle to provisions for extended cruising.

Ownership costs, however, are not for the faint of heart. Fuel consumption, outboard servicing, insurance, and marina fees add up quickly. Yet for buyers in this category, those considerations are often part of the lifestyle. If you’re in the market for a boat like the Estrella, you’re likely prepared for its scale of ownership.

Final Verdict

The HCB 65 Estrella is more than a boat—it’s an icon. As the world’s largest center console, it offers unmatched versatility, speed, and luxury. For those who want the fishing capability of a tournament sportfisher and the comfort of a superyacht, all in a single platform, the Estrella is a dream realized.

It’s not for everyone, but for those who can embrace its scale and cost, it represents the pinnacle of offshore boating. Few boats in the world can do what the Estrella does, and even fewer can do it with such style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many people can the HCB 65 Estrella accommodate?
With its wide beam and expansive layout, the Estrella can comfortably host large groups, making it perfect for entertaining or big fishing crews.

What makes the Estrella different from a traditional yacht?
Unlike inboard-powered yachts, the Estrella uses multiple outboards, giving it both higher speed and easier maintenance access while still offering yacht-like comfort.

Can the Estrella be used for overnight trips?
Yes. The cabin offers sleeping quarters, a head, and galley amenities, making overnight or multi-day adventures possible.

Is it suitable for serious sportfishing?
Absolutely. The Estrella’s cockpit is tournament-ready, with livewells, fish boxes, tackle centers, and mezzanine seating designed for anglers.

What is the price range of the HCB 65 Estrella?
Pricing starts in the multi-million-dollar range, with final cost depending on engine setup, electronics, and customization options.

Fly Yachts provides a full range of services, starting with a large inventory of yachts for sale and information about luxury yachts, super yachts, and center consoles, all easily found from their homepage. To learn about their company history and team, and their expert knowledge, check their About Us page, and if you want a custom yacht built, visit Build a Yacht. They feature charter destinations around the world and list many yachts for charter for private bookings. If you want to sell your vessel, the Sell Your Yacht page explains their process and support. For private aviation, they offer a selection of aircraft for sale. You can stay up to date on industry updates and company activities on the Gulfstream News page, and find yachting tips or advice in their Compass Articles. For any help or to get in touch, use the Contact page.

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