KINGS OF THE SEA
10/5/2007 9:08:23 AM by Bill Lindsey
Fishermen fish because they like to catch fish and win tournaments. Forget all about the serenity and relaxation associated with angling. The goal is to bag big ones or at least bigger ones than the boat next to you. Cash prizes are good as are full grills, of non-endangered species only, of course. With that in mind, the following fishing machines are designed to help you attain your personal ambitions.
Hydra-Sports Vector 3300VX
Just about everyone uses the Internet these days, but how many people have customized their new boat online? Click on the “Build A Boat” link on the Hydra-Sports Vector 3300VX webpage and simply check off those features you want and ignore those you don’t. It’s the closest you can come to a semi-custom fishing boat in this size range and style. The Kevlar hull and integrated structural grid are as Chevy Trucks would say “Like a Rock.” This is a boat ready to take on the elements that sometimes spring up suddenly in tropical summer months when miles from shore fishing a weedline. Comfort is not an afterthought. The forward cabin is spacious with a lush V-berth and well-appointed head with hot/cold shower. Plenty of storage is available down below and in the outsized cockpit. The attention to giving the angler what he/she wants is evident starting with the baitwell, a 55-gallon Kodiak Pro Flow with a light, 3800 gph pump, overboard drain and sealed clear bait lid positive latching cover. Dual oversized fish boxes and a handy tackle prep with sink add up to a great starting point from which the angler can design the vessel of his dreams. 
For more information, go to HydraSports.com.
Triumph 235CC
Not all boats are created equal and next to the new Triumph 235CC, the competition’s 23 just got a lot smaller. Triumph Boats, the world’s leading producer of rotation-molded sport fishing and pleasure craft, has unveiled its largest model yet — the 235 Center Console. Packed with enough creature comforts and sea-worthy features to make even the most hardcore fisherman — and his family — happy, the 235CC is the largest roto-molded boat in the world. “We wanted to create a ‘big’ 23-footer with generous freeboard, an aggressively flared bow to deflect spray, plenty of dry storage and a traditional transom to maximize cockpit space,” says George Blaisdell, Triumph’s VP of operations. Triumph designed the new 2008 model to deliver offshore fishing capabilities in an arrangement that emphasizes open-water performance, functionality and exceptional ergonomics. The development process using Roplene technology includes extensive research into the preferences of boat owners that led to the multiple details incorporated into the 235CC’s design. Features include 105 square feet of truly usable deck space, a deluxe bait prep station, big bucket helm seats and six compartments that add up to 150 gallons of self-draining storage, with room enough for everything from tackle and tools to sunglasses and cell phones. Best of all, the 235CC is trailerable. For more information, go to TriumphBoats.com.
Seaswirl 2901 Walk-Around
Seaswirl takes the best of their popular 2901 Walk-Around and updates it for 2008. Enhanced fishability was the goal and Seaswirl exceeded their objective. The changes seem simple but make a big difference. A prime example of this is the bait rigging station just aft of the port helm sea, which includes sink, removable cutting board and knife rack to make onboard bait prep a snap. A useful option that will probably be chosen by most anglers is the 30-gallon second livewell, cleverly nested behind the helm seat. Comfort is enhanced with a wider standard helm seat and revamped port guest seating which includes general and tackle storage that’s easier to reach than previously, topped by a generously-sized companion seat. In addition, all cockpit cushions feature a special high-density foam for a better ride and happier boat guests even in choppy waters. Wrapping up the on-deck enhancements, the bright spotlight and windshield wipers are now standard. Luxury below is significantly improved upon with the addition of a teak and holly cabin floor, granite-coated countertop in the head, and convenient microwave. New optional gelcoat colors in Ocean Blue, Sand Shark and Yellowtail allow boat owners to express their individuality and make a bold statement. For more information, go to Seaswirl.com. 
Scarab 27 Tournament
When a Scarab shows up at a tournament start, the other anglers know they’re up against serious competition. The new Scarab 27 Tournament lives up to that promise with a maximum 600 hp rating. Talk about getting to the fishing spot before the pack. Once there, open up the 84-quart lighted baitwell and it’s lines out. Nine rod holders, a deluxe transom rigging station and plenty of room for tackle means there’s no excuse not to fill the twin 122-quart cockpit fishboxes. The head in the center console makes long hours at sea much more pleasant no matter how rugged the men (or women) on board. This lighted, fully fiberglass-finished compartment features a handy molded sink with pressurized cold water, additional storage underneath the steps and a curtained storage area that also provides efficient access to essential rigging. Other notable highlights include a sturdy FRP T-top with electronics box, rod holders and PFD storage. There’s additional rod stowage under the gunwales, and a locking storage compartment underneath the forward sole, as well as a few other storage compartments located throughout. For more information, go to Wellcraft.com. 