Tournament 1900 Centre Console

This time around, the difference was the fact that our test boat was fitted with a powerhouse of a 150hp E-TEC, and it came dripping with accessories and high-grade electronics. You name it, this boat had it -- twin Lowrance HDS-5 sounders and GPS, trim tabs, a decent sound system, a custom alloy T-top, a windlass anchor system and more.

So does a centre console have the edge over boats with cabins or forward consoles? Well, as is the case with any boat format, there are pros and cons. Centre consoles, and in particular the larger ones, are generally a niche product -- in my opinion they’re ideally suited to serious fishos who require plenty of fishable space.

Put simply, a centre console’s open bow allows you to fish more comfortably when you have extra people onboard, and gives you 360-degrees of fish-fighting space.

Other centre console benefits include their ability to handle short chop and their inherently dry ride. Remember, these boats don’t have the protection of a nice, big cabin with a screen and clears, so a soft, dry ride is essential if long distances in rough waters are on the agenda.

The outboard featured Evinrude’s I-Control fly-by-wire system, which is ultra-smooth to operate and very responsive. In fact, it’s so responsive it takes a little time to acclimatise -- with these controls you can knock the donk down to WOT very easily. A hydraulic steering system had also been employed -- something of a necessity for a powerful engine like this.

Dual I-Command gauges were fitted, and the engine was fully integrated with the Lowrance HDS-5s through NMEA.

With the gutsy E-TEC on the back there was no hesitation when it was time to get up and go. A tap on the fly-by-wire controls rocketed the boat onto the plane in an instant, seeing it leap out of the hole. This kind of power demands respect -- make sure any passengers are holding on tight, or they’ll be on their backsides before they know it.

Although that last figure constitutes serious business, to be honest I expected a little bit more out of the 150hp E-TEC at the top end. Judging by these figures, I think a slight adjustment to the engine height would pull the revs up and add a little to the top end. Having said that, this motor was set up slightly lower to eliminate cavitation, which is the way I would prefer it. Huge top-end power is not a priority of mine anyway.

As for the ride, the 1900’s hull handles that big E-TEC without a worry. Stability is excellent and it’s a dry ride -- the chine design effectively deflects spray down and away from the boat. A dry skipper is a happy skipper!

The Tournament took the offshore swell, chop and 15-20kt wind of Pittwater in its stride. These waters are a great proving ground for any boat, especially when there’s a south-easter blowing. Around the heads, the swell comes from all directions, and combined with tidal movement and the wind, it can get pretty nasty. At lower speeds, between 14-18kts (26-33km/h), the 1900 hull rode superbly; this is a really nice speed to maintain in rough conditions.

Slightly higher speeds in the rough were also no problem, although you’ll get bumped around a bit if you don’t work the throttles effectively between the swells. It’s the old compromise -- having a reasonable ride with better stability, or a super-soft ride with less stability. Personally, I like good stability offshore and I don’t mind losing a bit on the speed side if need be. Indeed, earlier on in the day, with conditions still relatively calm offshore, I had the boat sitting comfortably at 25-30kts (46.3-55.6km/h) in all directions to the swell.

I’d certainly be happy to take the Tournament 1900 centre console some distance offshore, and I wouldn’t be too concerned if the conditions deteriorated -- the hull can handle it. You can also bash this hull into some serious turns at speed, and it holds firm on the water without sliding or grabbing on the outer chines.

Generally speaking, this hull offers impressive performance and is a great match for the varied conditions we experience in Australian waters.

The gunwales are at a comfortable height, with side pockets and toe-locks in the stern. On this model the side pockets also have optional, lockable gunwale storage compartments -- a nice added feature. The gunwales are also wide enough to accommodate rod racks.

The deck area has a clip-in carpet which was pleasant underfoot and easy to remove for washing.

Up in the bow there’s a stepped section that serves as the main casting deck, as well as some hatch stowage, an anchor well (with windlass), and stainless bow rail. It’s fairly simple as far as layout is concerned, but that’s exactly what centre consoles are all about -- uncluttered, open, fishable space.

The boat has a wide double-seat you can sit and drive from, or stand and lean against. The backrest also pulls out to open up the extra rod holders behind it.

The console definitely catches the eye as it bristles with all manner of electronics, in this instance twin Lowrance HDS-5s, dual I-Command gauges, a Fusion stereo system, Bennet tabs, Lewmar windlass anchor system controls, Lowrance VHF radio, dual switch panels and LED lighting. It’s all protected by a very sleek aluminium T-top and full screen.

This Tournament 1900 had been set up perfectly for fishing , and it just shows how well a simple centre console can be configured to make your life on the water that much better.

This is definitely one of the few Australian centre consoles that ticks most boxes. At $46,990 for a standard package, it represents good value, especially when you compare it to some of the imports available at nearly double the price.

Superb performance, nice ride, good finish, tough looks -- it’s a winner.

MANUFACTURED BY:
Tournament Pleasure Boats
2/13 Octal Street
Yatala, Qld, 4207
Tel: (07) 3807 6999
Web: www.tournamentpleasureboats.com.au

SUPPLIED BY:
Australian Marine Centre
3491 Pacific Highway
Springwood, Qld, 4127
Tel: (07) 3808 7333
Web: www.australianmarinecentre.com.au