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Sylvan
1600 Expedition DC By Craig
Ritchie
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A
well-designed multi-species boat that seems to do everything
well.
 One
of the biggest questions anglers face when they look
for a new aluminum boat is, do you choose one with an
open stern for trolling, or opt for a model with a big
rear casting deck? What if you want both?
Sylvan’s 1600 Expedition DC lets you have your
cake and eat it too, thanks to a unique folding rear
seat. In its up position you have a comfortable upholstered
rear bench that easily accommodates three adults yet
still provides ample room to access rod holders or downriggers.
Simply pull the seat back forward and down, and it quickly
converts to a sprawling rear casting deck. Not a narrow
spine to stand on either, but a full, carpeted deck
with a 12-gallon livewell and plenty of room to move.
In the bow, there’s an equally large carpeted
deck with an integral 30-gallon livewell plus a bow
pad and plug for an electric motor. You’ll also
find ample storage.
There are six seat bases in this boat, which comes with
three movable pedestals, each featuring no-pinch hinges
for safety. The side-console helm features full instrumentation
(tach, speedometer, volt meter and fuel gauge) with
ample room for additional electronics. Both the driver’s
and passenger’s consoles are protected by a large,
curved, walk-thru windshield. The port and starboard
gunnels offer rod storage, while spacious compartments
everywhere provide plenty of storage for gear.
The 1600 is built on a gull-wing hull with five keels,
so it offers racecar-like handling on the water. The
boat we tested was powered by a Yamaha 75 hp four-stroke,
fitted with the stock three-blade aluminum prop. With
a full tank of fuel and two people onboard, it hopped
up onto plane instantly. Although the boat is rated
to handle 90 hp, the 75 delivered plenty of power and
excellent acceleration.
Numerous options allow anyone to trick out the 1600
to fit their own particular needs. The bow cover and
mooring cover and AM/FM/CD stereo are must-have items,
while the fisherman’s top with side, aft and walk-thru
curtains are worthwhile if you like to fish late into
the season.
Sylvan has a strong reputation for producing well-designed
boats that seem to do everything well. The 1600 Expedition
DC lives up to this tradition, and should prove to be
one of the company’s more popular models on Canadian
waters.
Specifications
LOA: 16’ 1”/4.9 m
Beam: 90”/2.2 m
Draft: NA
Dry Weight: 1,050 lbs/476 kg
Fuel Capacity: 24 gal/90 L
Maximum
Horsepower: 90 hp
MSRP: $21,999 w/trolling motor, graph, trailer, morring
cover, quick release
Price supplied By
Sylvan Marine, New Paris, Indiana, www.sylvanmarine.com
(866) 766-9698 |
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