freely.However,to befair,thetwinoutboardsdotake
up moretransom roomthanthe inboardswith their
standard marlin board covering the sterndrive legs.
The new model includes moulded platforms either
sideof theenginewell,witha gatedentryandfolding
ladderontheportsideforeasyaccessaftera swim,or
to helphaulsubstantialfishaboard.
Thesternalsoprovidesanupholsteredfoldingseat,
a largestarboard-sideplumbedlivebait tank,a fresh
and saltwater deck wash/shower and tackle storage
drawers. There’s additional space for tackle in the
full-lengthsidepocketsandin a giantstoragehatchin
thecockpitsolethatcouldbesetupasa fishbox.The
cockpit’s surroundsprovidedeeptoe holds and high
gunwalesthatgiveyoua securefeelingin sloppyseas,
with padding low down on the gunwales to protect
yourshinswhenfightingfish.
Fromthecockpitit is possibleto movefreelythrough
to theopensaloon.Attheentryis a largechestfridge
to port and a moulded fibreglass console opposite,
housing a sink witha closing lid, which is handy for
food preparation. Thetest boat hadnot
been fitted with a stove as the owner
plansto installa barbecueat thetransom
forcooking.
The cork floor covering gives the
appearance of teak and flows through
to the forward cabin bulkhead, neatly
integratingthesaloonandcockpit.
OPEN SALOON
There’s a step down into the saloon,
providing generousheight so you won’t
bang your head. Neatly upholstered
creamloungesrunaroundthesidesand
there’s a polished timbertable that can
seatupto four.Theseloungesareperfect
forthecrewtositlengthwaysfacingthe
sternsotheycankeepaneyeonthelure
spreadwhentrolling.
Entryto thesleepingquartersis through
a lightweight timber door that opens
towardstherear.However,I suspectthis
might be somewhat awkward to use at
sea, so a thoughtfully designed, sturdy
slidermightperhapsbea betteroption.
Inside is a full-width infill upholstered
in a cream material to create a roomy
double bed. The walls have a grey felt-style lining
andthewideshelvessurroundingthecabinarelarge
enoughto stowseveralgamerodswithreels.There’s
alsoa Jabscotoiletlocatedunderthebedanda roof
hatchforlightandventilation.VIEWFROMTHE FLYBRIDGE
Fivesteps upa stainless-steel ladder withaluminium
treadstakesyou tothe flybridgewhere a low bimini
presidesoverthe simpleL-shapedbenchseatlayout.
It seemsa bit cramped,butwhen youconsider that
thisis aneight-metreboat,somecompromiseshaveto
beexpectedto gainthesubstantialbenefitsof a flying
bridge.Forexample,youmightneedto stoopto move
around,and with the helm set to starboardit’s also
a littledifficult togetpastthe skippertothe portside
seating.However, the greatlyimproved view of your
surroundingsandlurespreadmakesit worthit.
Ahead of the stainless-steel steering wheel is a
neatlyarrayeddashcompletewithSuzukiinstruments
and two 23cm (9-inch) Raymarine Axium displays
networkedto GPS, sounder and autopilot. A pair of
1kW CHIRP through-hull transducers provide both
wide and medium/low signals for full coverage of
what’shappeningbelow.The cork-clad cockpit provides 13-square-metres of uncluttered fishing
space, with a bench seat neatly recessed in the transom, plus a large
livebait tank, a fresh and saltwater deck wash/shower and tackle
storage drawers. The giant storage hatch in the deck could be set up
as a fishbox.
The saloon’s open-
plan design makes
it easy for the crew
to relax in comfort
while still overseeing
the lure spread, able
to be in the action at
a moment’s notice.Sylvania Marina’s
Nathan Ghosn is a
gamefishing master
and a Caribbean
expert. With his
tournament-winning
expertise he has
guided hundreds of
boatowners to set-up
their Caribbeans for
serious gamefishing.bluewatermag.com.au 47Boat Test: Caribbean 2700