Tournament 1900 Bluewater

The 2000 Bluewater had a strong following and still does. Seeing the need to cater for the angler and to downsize for those afore-mentioned reasons, the manufacturers removed a cross-section slice of the hull about three quarters of the way along its length. Then a completely new topside mould was employed which shortened the internal cabin length slightly but resulted in a slightly longer cockpit compared to the 2000. It gave the serious fishers just what they need -- more work space.

Garmin’s 750s is flush mounted in the helm station on a brow separate from that armed with the standard Evinrude ETEC electronic engine management system.

Also flush fitted here was a small module from Tallon who manufacture a variety of accessories for marine and RV applications. This particular one is called the Elite Socket and has two sockets, one for a 12-volt plug and the other for a USB plug. The latter has a USB extension connector at the rear and considering the numerous electronic devices we cannot live without these days it will be handy for getting those valuable items out of the weather while keeping them in use.

There are bases that mount behind that make the third hole utilised to fit all manner of accessories from cup and bottle holders to rings and hooks for hanging gear. Quite handy items really, and available as an after-market accessory from www.tallonsystems.com.au

The canvas bimini is pulled taught over a stainless-steel framework that is fixed to the rear shoulders of the cuddy cabin surround. Its base has a locking pin and a tensioning screw and when both are released the bimini may be collapsed and folded back into the boat for stowage under a low carport or for more economical road hauling. Of note was the quality of the fittings on this bimini. Being all stainless steel rather than a combination of plastic and stainless steel the type fitted to the Tournament are typically found on boats with a higher price tag.

The swivel bucket seats are mounted on the lift-up lids of purpose-built stowage boxes fixed to the deck. Their open bottoms will allow moisture to creep across the carpet on the outside deck necessitating regular checking on the contents therein lest they suffer from water ingress. It would be a big plus to have these boxes sealed off from the elements.

The positive point about these boxes is that their aft end is stepped into a shallow seat allowing for a couple of people to rest their legs while at sea.

We noted that the cushions inside were wet, most likely from the overnight dew on the hull being pushed up and into the hatch when towing to the boat ramp. The hull failed to generate any spray onto the windscreen during the review so it wasn’t that. A rubber seal under the hatch will alleviate this issue which might become more dramatic once you are towing the boat or running at sea in heavy rain.

The usual side pockets were fitted in the cabin and under-bunk stowage was available under the synthetic boards covering the apertures.

The review boat was fitted with a vinyl zip down/roll up flap leading to the cabin which will be handy should one utilise a portable toilet inside or just to keep prying eyes at bay when on the hard somewhere.

Side pockets were fitted each side of the length of the cockpit with the aft shoulders of the cabin super structure hosting a large aperture leading into a pocket for the skipper and passenger.

The Garmin 750s filled out the flat fascia in which it was flush mounted and should a second cabinet or a single but larger unit be required there is plenty of room behind the acrylic screen to mount them on brackets. The flat area of the dashboard bulkhead in front of the passenger has a shallow but large tray in which gear may be temporarily stowed when on the water.

A reasonable sized storage or fish box is found under a removable hatch between the two seat boxes. It is bunged to the bilge for drainage externally.

The rear lounge covers around three quarters of the transom. The backrest is permanently fixed here while the lounge base is one piece supported on two fold down struts. Once the lounge is lowered there is room underneath for the front part of the feet whilst standing and fishing.

Access to the battery and bilge is underneath the lounge seat which unfortunately does not have the ability to be removed; something the designers might look at addressing in future model design alterations. It would be more maintenance friendly to have the lounge base out of the equation when working in the confines under the transom.
The oil bottle feeding the Evinrude ETEC is filled from a port outside of the cockpit on the other side of the transom. This part of the superstructure features a half height transom aperture with a synthetic door which is lockable.

A grab rail is handy to the telescopic boarding ladder fits flush with the top of the boarding platform portside.

The hull lay-up is based on a fibreglass stringer matrix system with 300mm between longitudinals which are hollow fibreglass. The system of this build is such that the matrix is glued down to the hull with polyester adhesive and then glassed over before the voids are pumped with foam. This foam measures a density of 38kg per cubic metre. The volume of foam is such that it encapsulates or fills most structure and voids including around the under-deck kill tank making it an ideal insulated ice box.

Externally, the top side has a high cabin brow well forward to offer a good amount of headroom inside with only a narrow strip around the cabin should you wish to walk forward to the bow.

On the underside, a sharp forefoot preceded a deadrise of 21-degrees at the transom with two strakes either side of the keel line in between.

The 130hp ETEC would be about the minimum you would want on a serious offshore 1900 Tournament. It handled the boat well with good hole shot and offered plenty of torque at the throttle throughout the range. Load the boat with ice boxes, a couple more bodies than the two we reviewed the boat with, a swathe of heavy tackle and you might be left wanting. Another 20 or more horses would be appreciated in those circumstances.

We found the 1900 happy to loaf along at around 18 knots (33 km/h) at which point the ETEC was running at 3500 rpm and using 18.5 lph. WOT of 5700 rpm and it was using 43.1 lph which is more than acceptable should you be watching the dollars and cents at the fuel pump.

While not the sort of conditions that brings out any ‘banging’ in the hull of a boat we put it over enough chop to realise that it is a soft rider and that ride will get better with some more weight on board. And at the end of that, it still is a lot of boat for the buck!

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