PBC logo

Canada's Premier Boating Publication
Walking The Walk (19-4)
By Steve Fennell
Fire up the engine and head for open-water destinations. Power Boating Canada showcases six walk-around models designed to offer performance, user-friendly amenities and the utmost functionality.

Seaswirl STRIPER 1851 WA I/0
Seaswirl StriperWhile the 1851 WA may not qualify as the driest model in eight-foot seas, its tough-as-nails-construction offers plenty insurance for a safe return to port when the waves do pick up. This 18-footer is the smallest model in the Striper line, but don't let its length fool you. There's ample space to house several exciting fishing features including gear storage, a 30-gallon bait tank, two 19-gallon fish boxes, and a bait station to keep messy chores at bay. Standard flush-mounted stainless steel rod holders and a handy tackle drawer are also included.

But if wetting a line isn't everyone's favourite pastime, those along for the ride can relax in the well-appointed cabin with the comfortable V-berth, table and the galley with sink and stove (optional). There's also plenty of storage offered throughout. Some other key amenities are a Sunbrella bimini top, forward buckets, rear jump seats and swim platform with boarding ladder. A Clarion CD stereo with four speakers is also available.

Specifications
LOA: 18'6"/5.6m
Beam: 7'5"/2.28m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Approx. Weight with Std. Engine: 2,750 lbs/1247kg
Draft Drive Down: 30"/.76m
Maximum Horsepower: 225 hp
Fuel Capacity: 62 gal/234L
Base price: $39,946 w/190 hp 4.3L MerCruiser

For more information visit www.seaswirl.com

Boston Whaler 255 CONQUEST
Boston WhalerThe 255 Conquest is designed for boaters who love to fish, while still offering all the amenities to keep the family happy. In addition to featuring a long list of thoughtful fishing appointments, there's a standard cooler, telescoping swim ladder, comfortable seating arrangement and fully appointed cabin. There's no need to worry about toughness, Whaler's unsinkable Unibond construction and deep-V hull is designed to cut through the rough quick and clean. Another appealing feature is its 27-inch freeboard to keep children and passengers safe and secure.

Drivers will appreciate the helm with TeleFlex hydraulic tilt steering, Mercury's SmartCraft deluxe gauge package, stainless steel wheel and compass. There's even ample room to mount personal electronics. Storage space is featured throughout while the cockpit shower, three drink holders and aluminum-framed tempered-glass windshield are other niceties. With many more standards and a nice option list, this Conquest is an ideal choice for cottage boaters seeking new alternatives on the water.

Specifications
LOA: 26'11"/8.2m
Beam: 8'9"/2.66m
Deadrise: NA
Weight: 4900 lbs/2222 kg
Draft: 16"/.40m
Maximum Horsepower: 225 hp
Fuel Capacity: 150 gal/567L
Base Price: $75,667 w/Twin Mercury pre-rig

For more information visit www.bostonwhaler.com

Trophy 2052 WALKAROUND I/O
TrophyTrophy's 2052 Walkaround could easily be called the Òlittle big boat." This performer is primarily designed for inshore fishing but its solid-as-a-rock fiberglass foam-filled stringer system is designed to take on heavier water when the duty calls. Some interesting highlights include Trophy's exclusive Drainage Response System (DRS), which is claimed to drain access water and keep the cockpit dry and safe, plus a large tempered safety glass windshield to cut down wind and spray. When conditions are really miserable, passengers can escape from the elements in the well-appointed cabin with a V-berth, removable table and plenty of storage.

Drivers will feel confident at the fully loaded helm highlighting a non-glare dash, rack and pinion steering, three-inch flush-mounted illuminated compass and swivel helm chair. Cumbersome gear can be tucked away in the large port/starboard compartments and up to eight rods can be placed in the horizontal-mount rod holders. When the fish are really active, two 64-quart aerated fishwells can store the day's catch.

With such options as the available hard top and several power packages, the 2052 is a model worth considering if you want the extra muscle to handle unpredictable weather forecasts.

Specifications
LOA: 18'6"/5.6m
Beam: 7'5"/2.28m
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Approx. Weight with Std. Engine: 2,750 lbs/1247kg
Draft Drive Down: 30"/.76m
Maximum Horsepower: 225 hp
Fuel Capacity: 62 gal/234L
Base price: $39,946 w/190 hp 4.3L MerCruiser

For more information visit trophyfishing.com

Pursuit 2460 DENALI
PursuitCombing good looks with practicality is Pursuit with its 2460 Denali. A key highlight on the 2460 is the self-draining, spacious cockpit with the ample room for water sports, plus the comfort for pleasure cruising or fishing. An aft bench, complete with a built-in cooler/storage, plus two more seats forward offers plenty of seating for guests. The starboard side chair is a custom back-to-back lounge that folds down and uses removable cushions to create a large sunpad. Drivers can cruise in style thanks to the deluxe helm seat and fully loaded fiberglass console complete with simulated wood grain wheel, Lowrance digital depth sounder, Ritchie Helmsman compass and full range of instruments.

As an added bonus, the company features its ÒPursuit Plus" transom featuring a bait/tackle rigging station, sink, three-step boarding ladder, ski tow eye, and transom door. The 2460 can also accommodate overnight adventures with a cabin boasting a berth, china head, interior lighting and skylight deck hatch. In the power department two standard packages are available, a MerCruiser 350 MAG 300 hp with Bravo III drive or 280 hp Volvo Penta 5.7L EFI DP.

Specifications
LOA: 25'5"/7.75m
Beam: 8'6"/2.59m
Deadrise: 21 degrees Approx.
Dry Weight: 4800 lbs/2177 kg
Hull Draft: (drive up) 1'6"/.46M Hull Draft: (outdrive down): 2'10"/1.07M
Maximum Horsepower: 300 hp
Fuel Capacity: 100 gal/379L
Base Price: $86,288 w/Volvo 5.7L MPI 280 hp DP

For more information check out www.pursuitboats.com

Thundercraft 235 HT
ThundercraftThunderCraft's 235 HT is a heavy water powerhouse designed to offer optimum protection for the often-demanding Canadian boating season. For inclement weather, the 235 boasts a fiberglass pilot house-design featuring a large wraparound windshield providing a clear view. Inside is a wood grain dash with full instrumentation, two adjustable pedestal seats, beverage holders and lockable acrylic door leading to the cuddy cabin. To escape from the sun (or bad weather), users will appreciate the galley, convertible table, filler cushions and pump-out head. Deck hatches with screens are also included.

Above decks, Thundercraft designers didn't miss beat with the array of amenities. There are bait and fishwells, recessed rod storage, rod holders, two iceboxes and cockpit courtesy lights. There's even more seating with the fold down aft jump seats. Other appointments include a bow rail, gunwale moulding and four eight-inch mooring cleats Ð all heavy-duty 316 stainless steel. For those days when the fish aren't biting, passengers can enjoy the integrated non-skid swim platform with stainless ladder and waterproof Clarion CD player.

Specifications
LOA: 23'6"/7.16m
Beam: 8'6"/2.59m
Deadrise: 18 degrees
Weight: 5314 lbs/2045 kg Max Draft: NA
Maximum Horsepower: Twin 200 hp
Fuel Capacity: 100 gal/379L
Base Price: $67,174 w/150 hp Mercury OptiMax

For more information visit www.doralboat.com

Campion 622i WA
CampionSome thoughtful appointments on Campion's 662i WA include stainless steel hardware, a welded stainless bow rail and self-bailing cockpit. But the real value of this hefty performer is found in the construction process. Some signature design features include XL panels, which reinforce the traditional stringer system, floor and transom to prevent rot or decay, and the exclusive 3TEX three-dimensional fiberglass system, which is designed to create a lighter, stronger and stiffer laminate.

More value is found in the cockpit with the pair of stern seats and two large, cushioned pedestals forward. One chair faces a narrow console with a stainless grab handle, while the other is positioned in front of a well-organized helm. In between is a door leading to a cabin featuring eight feet of headroom, a V-berth, and Porti-Potti with pump-out. Families will enjoy the single swim platform with three-step telescoping ladder while fishermen will appreciate the gunnel rod storage, two fish and bait tanks plus down rigger support brackets. For 2004, Campion offers an all-new optional stainless steel T-top equipped with additional rod holders, a work light and even a Sunbrella cover.

Specifications
LOA: 23'6"/7.16m
Beam: 8'/2.44m
Deadrise: 18 degrees
Weight: 3420 lbs/1555 kg Draft Pp: 20"/.50m
Draft Down: 41"/104m
Maximum Horsepower: 225 hp
Fuel Capacity: 50.3 gal/190.8L
Price: N/A

For more information visit www.campionboats.com (Page Top)
Annual Buyer's Guide: FishBoats

PBC French Edtion:
Les Plaisanciers

PBC Clothing

Performance Boating Magazine:
Poker Runs America

Poker Run Video

Camping Canada's
RV Lifestyle

 


Home | About PBC | Magazine Archives | Boat Tests | Boating Events | Subscriptions | Boating Links

Copyright © Power Boating Canada.  All Rights Reserved.