Sea Fox celebrates with sale

As summer is nigh and the fish are on the chew, the Sea Fox importer on the Gold Coast is celebrating. It’s been another success year for JSW Powersports, taking out the 2015 Top International Dealer of the Year award, after strong local sales of the popular US Sea Fox boats.

The big Gold Coast boat yard is now staging an end-of-year Sea Fox sale to make way for more 2016 stock. There are savings up to $15,000 off 2015 showroom boats that are ready to roll for the summer season.

The clearance stock includes selected models from the Centre Console and Walkaround ranges, JSW Powersports says. As more 2016 models are on the way, the run-out stock represents a buying opportunity.

2016 MODELS
Considered the sixth biggest "saltwater boat" builder in the US, Sea Fox currently offers 15 models from 18-28ft. There is a new 328 flagship with twin 300-350s outboards launching after the 2016 Miami boat show.

Sea Fox also has a new “8” series which denotes a side door on this 328 and the new 288 sister ship, which JSW Powersports has just ordered.

These bigger boats now feature pressurised live wells to keep the bait and water in the tank during high-speed offshore runs.

TESTS AND BEST SELLERS
Meantime, we’re about to smite the keyboard for our test of the new entry-level 186 Commander. It’s a cracking bluewater model with true seaworthiness from a compact platform.

While it's not one of the clearance models, the 186 does represent great value. It's also a best seller, with JSW Powersports ensuring plenty are arriving in staggered shipments.

The 2016 186 Commander packages start from $57,760 with a 115hp outboard engine with factory standard kit, such as aerated live well, bow storage/insulated fish box, removable carry-on cooler, hydraulic steering and twin high-volume bilge pumps.

At the same time, we drove the 226 Commander with 250hp Evinrude ETEC G2. Priced around $115K on trailer, this loaded sportfisher looks the goods with the Ultima hardtop and runs beautifully with its nice big flared bow and 19-degree hull.

Joining the Commander range for 2016 is the new 206 (third shot above with the new Sea Glass green hull colour) to fill the gap between the 186 and 226. The 206 Commander arrives at JSW Powersports in the first week of December. We are planning our tests soon after.

Powered by a single 150hp-175hp outboard, the 2016 206 is priced from around $75K excluding trailer. More details after we jump aboard.

VIPER BAY BOATS
A Sea Fox with a difference, the 220 Viper (opening two shots) from the Bay Boat range is currently being run as a demo boat by JSW Powersports. The flatter, lower-profile bay and inshore boat has loads of deck space, storage and stability, making it a perfect lure casting and fly fishing platform.

Powered with an Evinrude G2 200 HO outboard, the 220 Viper is a fast boat and following a bit of a trend to tricked-up inshore sportfishers. JSW Powersports says the bay boats are becoming a popular choice — the Hervey Bay fishery for small marlin over the flats is going from strength to strength — and it’s a different style of boat, too.

There are about 200 Sea Fox boats in Australia. The boats don't preclude social activities, with plush convertible seating and sun pads, easy water access, deck showers, dry storage, tow hooks and pull-out ski pole options, even concealed toilets among the comforts. More from www.seafoxboats.com.au.