New 2017 Sea Fox centre consoles for fishing and family

From humble beginnings in 2010 with a lone 206 centre console, Sea Fox has evolved into a recognisable and reputable brand Down Under. There are now around 200 of the South Carolina boats on our waterways and they've sold as far afield as Groote Island in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Sea Fox produces a range of bluewater centre consoles (Commanders) and bay-style centre consoles (Vipers), with a lone dual-console 226 Traveler model, a 249 side-console Avenger, and a 256 Walk Around.

Thus, it’s due mainly to the centre consoles that Sea Fox is the sixth largest boat manufacturer in the US. This year, the boatbuilder has been busy updating its range of 18 feet to 32ft saltwater boats, ramping up production and letting the brand continue to make its mark.

A key part of the Sea Fox appeal is that the hardcore fishing models don’t preclude the family. In other words we’re finding that the centre console has gone mainstream.

STRONGEST YEAR SO FAR
Jeff McNiven, proprietor of Sea Fox Australia on the Gold Coast, which was awarded International Dealer of the Year, says 2016 was the strongest yet for Sea Fox  in Australia.

"Sea Fox boats remain a value-for-money proposition and have proven themselves to be durable, dependable and affordable.

"We have sold about 200 boats since we’ve been going with the brand. We’re aiming for 50 boats a year and Sea Fox has gained a lot more recognition."

McNiven says the the serious fishing guys doing 200-300 hours a year are his main customers, but that everyone’s buying them. They’re also for the family, he adds, with flip-up casting platforms that create extra seating, coolers, drink holders and good water access via swim ladders and hull side doors on the bigger models.

NEW BOATS IN STOCK
The entry-level 186 Commander (review) remains a hot seller. The boat we tested was recently traded — selling the day after it was  displayed — as those owners have now moved into the new 206, which is the latest model on the block.

The first new 206 Commander has arrived in Australia and, in fact, we were the first ones to complete a recent test. Rigged with a 150hp ETEC G2 outboard, this 20-footer starts at about $69k driveway (without trailer). With goodies, engine upgrade and trailer, our test boat as about $93k. Look for the review (opening image above) on our sites soon.

The 226 Commander has proven to be a strong model in 2016, too, with two of three stock boats sold. The Gold Coast yard has the third one as their demo. We tested this boat early in the year. You can read our
226 Commander review here.

The 246 and 266 remain in the line-up, but the 288 has been the hero boat. The first one in the country was sold off the back of 2016 Sanctuary Cove Boat Show in May, the second one is McNiven’s own boat with more options than a lolly shop, and now the third boat is on the way Down Under.

Heads up: look for the review of McNiven’s wild Sea Fox 288 Commander on our sites. The boat is the current 'cover girl' on our Facebook page, too.

Launched mid-2016, the new 328 is the flagship of the Commander range and, given the brand’s reach, surely destined to arrive Down Under before too long.

The boat cracked almost 50 knots (91km/h) during sea trials with twin Yamaha F300s (or V8 F350) outboards. With a 22.5 degree of deadrise hull measuring 3.30m across the beam, the new 328 Commander is an unstoppable machine. Read our Spotlight on the 328 Commander.

In the bay boat range, Navico Australia recently bought a 200 Viper as their new display boat. We tested the 220 Viper (review) earlier this year.

There is 249 Avenger with side console and massive wraparound bow seating in stock with a new colour scheme. There is also a dual console 226 Traveler with tee top. You can now get a new hardtop on this boat and could run clears and radar if you want to go full crossover.

Look for our 288 and 206 Commander tests. On the water, you shouldn’t have to look far to find a Sea Fox, either.

"You see them running around the Broadwater all the time. They're really getting around and the brand has great recognition now," McNiven adds.
More at seafoxboats.com.au.