IN THE DETAILS: SeaVee sweats the small stuff, such as finishing hatch covers on both sides and using waterproof, breakered switches throughout.
TIP TOP: The optional fiberglass T-top sports integrated overhead lighting while cutouts above console racks allow 14 rods to be stowed. The rocket launcher holds six more outfits.
HEAD INDOORS: The console has a full interior liner with an available electric head for comfort on daylong excursions, while electronics-cooling fans are mounted in service areas.
GO POSTAL: Equipped with four rod holders, the combination leaning post and tackle center incorporates a lipped drop-down shelf to hold tackle boxes for rigging. Divided drawers and additional storage bins let you tailor boxes to the day’s targeted species.
GLIDE ON ICE: The optional fiberglass cooler stows under the leaning post, but slides into the cockpit on stainless steel tracks, where it doubles as a cushioned seat.
GAME CONSOLE: A lockable flush-mount electronics panel, molded footrests and toe kicks are highlights of this beefy helm.
WELL ENOUGH: A standard transom live well holds 50 gallons, while the optional 90-gallon bait box in the cockpit sole adds more capacity for die-hard live baiters.
The crew at seavee have built rugged center consoles since 1994, mainly for demanding South Florida anglers. The latest model, the 290 Open Fisherman, will gain notice throughout the rest of the country.
The PVC-cored, vacuum-bagged hull is beamy and strong and includes an integrated transom bracket, loads of stowage and meticulous fit and finish.
Performance
|| |—| |Length 29′ 6″ Beam 9′ Draft 1′ 6″ Deadrise 25 ¿ Fuel 225 gals. Price $105,000 with twin 200-hp Mercury Verado four-stroke outboards| Quartering into the confused slop, the 290 Open Fisherman is as dry as they come, thanks to its aggressive hull design. Running into a stiff wind and outgoing tide, the twin 250-horsepower four-stroke outboards pushed the test boat 33.6 miles per hour. Wide-open throttle with a four-man crew and a normal load onboard produced 51.4 miles per hour while burning 43 gallons per hour.
How It Fished
|| |—| |Test Conditions Key West, Florida Partly Cloudy 68 ¿ Winds: 20 mph southwest Seas: confused 3 to 5 feet Target: Yellowtail snapper| Anchored on a reef, the 290 was a comfortable platform. We free-lined glass minnows into the chum slick as spunky snapper arrived. With multiple hookups in the roomy cockpit, we released a pair each of sharks and AJs and put seven flag yellowtails on ice. SeaVee Boats; (305) 759-6419; www.seaveeboats.com
