6 New Fish Boats for 2022

While it is true that you can fish from any boat, purpose-built fishing boats are designed to maximize your angling pleasures.  Features to look for include large live wells, level casting decks, and plenty of rod and gear storage areas. Most fish boats also include family-friendly non-fishing-related features like swim ladders, tow pylons, full canvas enclosures, and extra seating for guests to ensure that you get the most out of your time on the water. Easily trailer-able behind most vehicles, a fishing boat is where many start their boating journey.

* prices and specifications subject to change without notice

Alumacraft Trophy 205

Offers a dry ride and comfort.

By: Captain Christopher Kourtakis

With a starting price of $21,230, the Alumacraft trophy series is known for handling the larger waters. The hardened keel and double plated hull give the boat a solid build with the speed and comfort for watersports after all the fishing is done. The ride is dry and will give you a comfortable and confident ride with the one-piece bottom that provides structural integrity, better tracking, and rough water confidence.  

The stern casting platform has two integrated jump seats to either side of the casting platform. The optional removable ski pylon can easily be installed or conveniently stored on the starboard side with the designated clips when not in use. The 18-gallon aerated live well with timer is located underneath the starboard side jump seat. The second 18-gallon live well is in the bow casting platform.      

The 10-foot lockable rod locker on the portside can accommodate up to five of your favourite rod and reels. There is also a rod locker in the bow of the boat for the additional rods that you might want to bring along. Additional storage can be found throughout the boat as needed.

The walkthrough windshield protects both the driver and passenger on those colder mornings. The helm has the option for either analog or digital gauges depending on the powerplant that you choose. I recommend the optional captain chair upgrade for added comfort and support.  

Standard with the Mercury 150XL, you can opt for a few more horses under the hood all the way up to a Mercury 300XL with electric start, digital shift and power trim and tilt. The optional power steering package will automatically be added to engines over 200 HP.  A 9.9 HP prokicker can be mounted on the transom as well and integrated into the steering as needed.  The optional Minnkota trolling motor that mounts in the bow area is a must have no matter where you are fishing.  

With three hull colors to choose from and five interior colours to brighten up the cockpit, the all new 205 is a head turner that is functional and sporty. Made to fish the bigger waters, this craft will not disappoint.

Specifications

LOA: 20’8”
Beam: 98”
Fuel Capacity: 45 gallons
Weight: 1,915 lbs dry
Seating: 5
Max Horsepower: 300 HP
MSRP: $21,230 USD

For more information:    www.alumacraft.com

Lowe Fishing Machine 1800 WT

This year it offers versatility in both watersports and fishing.

By: Captain Christopher Kourtakis

The Lowe Fishing Machine Pro Series 1800 WT lives up to the Lowe tradition of building quality boats as this may be the last Deep-V boat that you will ever need. The 1800 Walk Through combines tournament-level performance and fishability with an elevated comfort level to please anglers and boaters of all ages.   

The rear casting platform has a versatile live well and bait well built in. The forward casting station has an additional live well built into the floor on the starboard side, just in front of the helm. I really like how the rumble seats can be folded down to extend the casting platform into the cockpit area. When pulling a skier, flip them back up for additional seating.    

The forward casting platform also has an eight-rod holder built into the step as you walk up. Dry storage for your gear and tackle can be found throughout the boat. The optional bow filler cushions are a must have addition when you are looking to cruise the lake instead of fishing.    

The helm features a tilt steering wheel so that it is easy to get out from underneath when you have your cold weather gear on. The analog tachometer is on the left, fuel and volts are mid with a speedometer to the right. The aircraft rocker switches are immediately to the right of the wheel. The stereo remote is on the opposite side of the wheel. The walk-through windshield is mounted directly in front of the rotomolded dash. The standard Lowrance fish finder is top mounted to the right side of the helm.   

Opposite of the helm is the passenger side console with a built-in locking glove back that is perfect for your phone, wallet and truck keys. The seats can be moved throughout the boat to eight different locations. The vinyl floor option isn’t a bad idea depending on where you fish.

Tradition runs deep in families and so does owning a Lowe boat. The 1800 fishing machine offers versatility of both watersports and fishing in a boat that you know will be around for a lifetime and hold its value for years to come.   

Specifications

LOA: 17’10”
Beam: 95”
Fuel Capacity: 26 gal
Weight: 1,622 lbs
Seating: 6
Max Horsepower: 150 HP
MSRP: $32,922 USD base

For more information:   www.loweboats.com

Lund 1675 Adventure SS

With its 90hp Mercury outboard, it hits over 56 kmph.

By: Captain Christopher Kourtakis

The Lund 1675 Adventure has the perfect balance between fishing and pleasure boating. The Adventure SS (side console) offers versatility from water sports to fishing. This 16-footer is packed with adventure and ready for anything that you can throw at it.

As look at the boat, you’ll notice the openness of the features and functionality of the boat. Two seats are midship that can be moved either forward or aft when you want to fish. The rear platform has two large jump seats integrated into it. In the center is the mount for the ski pylon. Just forward of that is a large live well. One thing that Lund did a really nice job on is the swim latter on the starboard side corner which is deck mounted with a nice cover over it that blends into the casting platform for additional foot space as needed.  

The casting platform to the bow is open and has two large storage compartments on either side of the center mounted seat pedestal. These compartments are great for life jackets, gear, and other dry storage. There is a large locking rod locker just prior to stepping onto the platform. This compartment is large enough to hold ten plus rods comfortably. There is also storage in the side gunnels of the cockpit. These open storage boxes are perfect for tackle boxes, water skis and more.    

The dash is compact and function with two large analog gauges for speed and rpms. The fuel gauge is in the middle of the two. The switch panel is immediately to the right of the steering wheel and just in front of the throttle. 

Equipped with a 90 HO Mercury outboard, this little rocket should reach speeds in excess of 56 kmph plus. The 1675 Adventure is the perfect entry boat for a cross over so that you have both fishing and watersports covered.  Looking to downsize, look no further as you adventure awaits.      

Specifications

LOA: 16’ 10”
Beam: 87”
Fuel Capacity: 26 gal
Weight: 1010 lbs
Seating: 6
Max Horsepower: 90 HP
MSRP: $22,798 USD base

For more information:  www.lundboats.com 

Princecraft Platinum SE 227

Comfortable fishing done right.

By Captain Christopher Kourtakis

The Princecraft Platinum SE 227 is top of the line in the Princecraft line up. She is the biggest, deepest, and longest boat that you can get from the manufacturer. Available with up to a 350 HP Mercury, this boat will get up and go. This boat is an absolute beauty with the two-tone hull colour option.  

Starting at the back of the boat, the rear casting platform has storage throughout. Two jump seats can be found on either side of the platform. Under the starboard side seat is your engine cranking battery and the battery switch that are both easy to access. There is a freshwater washdown system integrated into the platform as well. Under the port jump seat is a privacy enclosure and the optional porta potti. Husbands, listen up, tell your wife that the boat has a bathroom, and you will be able to buy the boat. The stern of the boat has an integrated stainless steel swim ladder on the starboard side of the boat. 

There is lockable storage on either side of the cockpit area. These are perfect for your gear, PFD’s and more. Three seats are included with the boat. A must have option is the larger captain’s chairs that are plush, have arm rests and headrests. The seats are also heated, which is a must for fishing in the early spring and late fall. 

The helm is wrapped with a soft touch material. Immediately forward of the tilt steering wheel is the Simrad multi-function display. There is a second Simrad immediately to the right of the wheel as well. Lighted rocker switches can be found on the right side of the dash panel. There is a lighted cup holder just below the ignition and throttle on the starboard side of the helm. 

The passenger console has a large glove box, netted storage, and a carpeted drawer at the base. The frameless windshield was taken from the auto industry. This windshield adds to the sleekness and changes the look and feel of the boat.

The optional bow cushion package is a must have for the bow area on the boat. Two stainless steel grab rails are on either side of the boat for your passengers to hang onto. One very cool feature is that there are two seat bases as the platform is large enough for two people to fish. There is storage large enough for three batteries for your trolling motor (36V system). There is anchor storage and several other dry compartments throughout the floor in the bow. 

The large live well with a minnow bucket is standard, located in the middle of the platform for easy access from any position. Another very cool feature is the main motor power trim and tilt switch in the bow area for when you are trolling and enter shallow waters. There is even an optional ventilation fan for your rod locker to keep everything dry.    

As you can see, this is a top-of-the-line fishing machine with all of the well thought out options and standard features. Equipped with the Princetrack system, you can purchase accessories and options that easily mount anywhere on the boat. There is nothing more that you will need from your boat that the SE 227 doesn’t provide. If you want a top-of-the-line fishing machine, this is it!

Specifications

LOA: 6.7 m | 22’-0”
Beam: 2.5 m | 100”
Fuel Capacity: 208L
Weight: 915 kg | 2017 lb
Seating: 6-8
Max Horsepower: 300 HP
MSRP: $105, 309 CAD

For more information:  www.princecraft.com

SmokerCraft Ultima Legacy 182

Sporty and Stylish.

By Captain Christopher Kourtakis

Picture perfect moments have taken place on Smoker Craft boats for decades. The 182 Ultima fishing boat will create new moments for you and your family for years to come.  Whether you are out for an early morning fish or an afternoon ski, the 182 is going to fill your camera’s photo gallery with so many different memories.  

Stylish, function and sporty all describe the Smoker Craft Ultima Legacy 182. Functionally equipped for any adventure that you want to throw at it, the 182 is outfitted to handle it. Pull out your favourite rod and reel from the locking rod locker or inserting the optional ski pylon. Use either the forward or aft casting platform to cast that line and reel in the biggest fish that you ever imagined.

Equipped with three movable seats and two jump seats in the aft, you will have plenty of room for you and your family. Add the optional bow filler cushion and you will have even more spots to soak up some rays. Use the extended swim platform on the starboard side of the boat with a fold down ladder to enter the water.

The dash is equipped with two large gauges and a Richie compass in the center. The tachometer is on the left and a multi gauge with speed, volts and fuel is on the right. Standard in 2022, is the new aircraft style switches on the dash that are easily accessible from either side of the tilt steering wheel. The Hummingbird GPS / fishfinder is mounted topside right. There is also a 12v charger for your phone and a MP3 plug to blast your favourite tunes. The shifter is mounted on the gunwale at a nice height.

The port side passenger console has a large locking glove box and a small storage compartment to the immediate left that is perfect for your phone and wallet. One thing that I really like is that Smoker Craft has built in a tackle box on the top of the console for easy access to your fishing gear. The black framed windshield completes the package and protects you from the elements on those cool mornings.  

The vision that I have for the Smoker Craft 182 is simple. Teaching your kids to fish. Taking the grandkids water skiing for the first time. Sunset cruises with your significant other. This is where memories are made. They are made on the 182.

Specifications

LOA: 18’2”
Beam: 96 in
Fuel Capacity: 25 gal
Weight: 1875lbs
Seating: 3
Max Horsepower: 175 hp
MSRP: $27,796 USD

For more information:  www.smokercraft.com 

Starcraft 210 Fishmaster

Comes with lot’s of room for the Big Catch.

By: Captain Christopher Kourtakis

The Starcraft – 210 Fishmaster is the ultimate big water boat. With a wide beam, deep interior, large fuel capacity and high-performance power on the transom, you have a fishing boat that screams bring on the big water. Add in the top-of-the-line features, the heritage of the Starcraft boat builders and the safety and control that you need, the 210 will not disappoint.

The first thing that you notice when you board the 210 is the topside gunwale track system that allows you to add downriggers, rod holders, and other accessories. The second thing that you notice is the open cockpit and gunwales. You can easily access your larger rod and reels quickly as the current changes. The vinyl floor throughout is perfect for the big water as you won’t have to worry about getting things dirty while pulling in the large salmon, pike or walleye.  

The dash console is open underneath for plenty of leg room and storage options. The large analog gauges are nicely laid out in front of the tilt steering wheel. There is room for dash mounted electronics or side mounted GPS / fishfinder if needed. The locker switches to the right of the steering wheel are labeled and light up when they are on. There is also a cup holder and 12v plug on the top right side of the dash. The portside console has upper and lower storage compartments for those items you want to keep dry, but access easily. The lower compartment has two tackle storage boxes for quick access to your favorite hooks and lures.   

The Minnkota trolling motor is mounted on the port side of the bow area. The in-floor storage and live well are easily accessible with a pull of the lid. The step up can accommodate up to three batteries for a larger 36V trolling motor. The bow also has a deeper than usual gunwale for when you are bobbing up and down in the middle of the lake.  

This big water, big fishing machine is made for the Georgian Bay or Lake Ontario. This boat will give you the room you need for the large catch and for your fishing buddies. Everyone will feel safe and confident going to, bobbing in the water and coming back with the day’s catch. If you are in the market for a big water fishing machine, this is the boat for you.     

Specifications

LOA: 25’7”
Beam: 101 inches
Fuel Capacity: 53 gallons
Hull Weight: 1,596 lbs
Max Horsepower: 250 HP
Max Persons: 4
MSRP: $46,558 USD

For more information:  www.starcraftmarine.com