Sea Fox Pro Series 226CC

The 226CC is as close as you could get to a perfect sport fishing trailer boat that can double as the family bow rider and weekend toy tower for those that want to play on boards and floats.

Its high shoulders in the forequarters and big flare in the bow is sure going to be a crew pleaser when in the big waves and underway generating very little on-board spray even with wind coming over the fore quarters.

It was fitted with a shore power battery charger, and the fibreglass hard top was mounted on a very sturdy tubular framework.

Optional blue mood lighting was fitted and for the fastidious tackle organiser, ther was a console tackle box with lure bag. The deck is bare non-slip dimpled fibreglass with an optional cushioned foot mat for those standing at the helm. The gauges on the helm were digital and Garmin’s 4208 combination depth sounder/GPS chart plotter was flush mounted. Jenson’s stereo system was mounted inside a cabinet on the face of the console and a remote control was installed within reach of the helmsman.

A spray shield on the console and a cargo net for under the T-top is optional as is the trim tab indicator switch.

The base boat fitted with Mercury’s 175 hp engine is $72, 880 inclusive of trailer, drive away.

Safety grab rails for the occupants are fitted in a rebate on the inner coaming making shoulder comfort more easily attained as well as keeping the forward profile low to make it easier for occupants to board and alight here.

The anchor well at the bow is spacious though the hatch is small which is no big-deal as an electric winch is fitted and there will be little or no need to access inside save for the usual rinse down.

Under the side seating in the bow pit, a couple of hatches access stowage space and another stowage box is under deck between the seats. This hatch is the correct size for a 20-litre bucket which is handy as most states require a baling bucket or two and such an item tends to find no home; rather roll around the deck annoying everyone.

Another two-seater lounge is installed in the moulding of the centre console and the overhanging hard top will offer some shade for those parked there.

The cockpit liners are sheer to the deck and where any fishing is likely to take place padded thigh cushions are installed to give those standing more controlled balance when rod is in hand.

On the port side of the console a large vertical hatch allows access to a portable head installed there but a big bloke will have to squeeze to get inside and once in there they will find deck to ceiling head room of 1.46 metres.

A handy set of pockets were sewn into the canvas curtain that clips over the back of the dashboard to secrete the mass of cables and wiring from the occupant; ideal for stowing an EPIRB and flares as they are quickly accessed and high off the inner deck.

The helm wheel is set to port on the console and the available fascias mostly taken up with radio, chart plotter and switch gear. The top of the console was large and flat with the acrylic wind deflector rising vertically from the front. This will allow large electronics cabinets to be mounted here to one side so the skipper's view is not impeded. A 12-inch cabinet will leave plenty of room to view.

A spread of rod holders was fitted to the aft of the hard top and we loaded it with three bent butt 50 series game rods. Their weight failed to move the hard top frame; attesting to its robust construction. The rods were joined by a pair of aft deck flood lights on swivel mounts.

Under the padded coamings are a set of rod or tag-pole racks which are high enough off the floor so as not to interfere with those walking about and standing close to the edge.

The top of the coaming was fitted with a pair of rod holders and a pair of drink holders. The drink holders were large enough to take a can in a foam insulator or a 600mm water bottle. It’s good to see a manufacturer catering for those working up a sweat and wanting cold drinks at hand.

Unfortunately, many Australian-built boats are fitted with drink holders that struggle to take just a can.

A centrally-located rear lounge has stowage under the cushion base and a small cushion to starboard holds the battery. The isolator switch is rebated into the box section for this seat, out of the way but very quick to access when needed.|

The back rest of the rear lounge is fitted to a framework that features two more aluminium rod holders. The entire section may be lifted out should you need to full tilt an engine with a prominent power head.

In the port corner, a large live-bait tank forms part of the transom and it protrudes out in the area normally taken up with a boarding platform. In the opposing corner the boarding platform is fitted with a stereo control mounted on the face of the transom for those swimming beachside.

The hulls are not the lightest in the game and neither should they be considering what this boat will be used for and the places it will have the capability of going.

The hull bottom is formed with seven layers of fibreglass making a solid sheet and the hull sides are cored fibreglass composite to keep the weight down. The finish to the hull is faultless and its smooth lines further add to its very smart appearance.

The external lines of the hull are exquisite to say the least. A very sharp forefoot rises to a Carolina style flare. In larger boats you will see this well-proven hull shape in the Hatteras and Viking hulls. It works (they wouldn’t be using it if it didn’t) and its pretty!

Manoeuvrability was impeccable as was hole shot and torque in acceleration throughout the range.

At WOT and trimmed right out the GPS had us at clipping along at 85km/h. It all seemed so effortless -- and it was.

In the water and backing down (should you not want to do battle from the bow) the Sea Fox was as agile as the best of them and all round we found no blemishes in its behaviour or its character for that matter.

If you are on the prowl for a spectacular trailer boat sport fisher you will kick yourself if you don’t have one of these on your list.