The Sportsman 252: A Worthy Boat Purchase?

Sportsman boats are a great choice for those looking for quality and value. The Sportsman 252 is a 25-foot center console boat that offers a perfect blend of family-friendly features, cruising comfort, and offshore fishing capabilities. It is designed to meet the needs of both seasoned anglers and families seeking water adventures. The boat delivers exceptional performance and handling, making it a top choice for boating enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the Sportsman 252 is its comprehensive list of standard features included in the base price. This includes a complete electronics package, family perks like bow cushions, and a freshwater system, as well as fishing essentials such as a livewell, rod holders, and fishboxes.

The boat also boasts an innovative Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) that ensures a safe, dry, and comfortable ride by reducing up to 70% of underway pitch and roll motions. With its sleek design, ample deck space, and high-end finishes, the Sportsman 252 is an excellent option for those seeking a versatile, functional, and stylish boat.

The Sportsman 252 is a great family boat

The Sportsman 252 is an easy-to-trailer 25-foot package, with a sleek and stylish design. It has a comfortable bow layout, with wrap-around seating, removable backrests, and large insulated fish boxes. There is also a spacious in-floor storage box and recessed bow handrails for safety and convenience. The boat has a dedicated console front seat with a backrest and a cooler underneath. The console itself is a highlight, with a modern look and several innovative features. It has a large horizontal window to let in plenty of sunlight and a built-in lockable storage area that can be used as a changing room.

The boat is also equipped with the latest electronics, including a Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) and SportLink®, a set of factory-installed electronics that come standard with every Sportsman Boat. The VACS system automatically adjusts the heeling angle of the boat during turns and improves fuel economy. The Sportsman 252 also has dual batteries, a SeaStar Tilt Helm, and a wireless phone charger.

In addition to its family-friendly features, the Sportsman 252 also offers a smooth and comfortable ride. It has an offshore hull design for a safe, dry, and soft ride, and its high-speed livewell pickup ensures a consistent water supply even at high speeds. The boat is also self-bailing, with a collector box drainage system that directs water overboard without mechanical assistance.

The Sportsman 252 is a great choice for families looking for a boat that offers both comfort and functionality. With its range of features, smooth ride, and latest electronics, it is sure to provide a memorable experience on the water for the whole family.

It's also good for fishing

The Sportsman Open 252 is a great choice for fishing. Its 25-foot deck provides ample space for all your fishing needs, and it comes with a range of standard features that make it an exceptional value proposition.

The boat's beam measures 9'3"”, offering a generous amount of deck space comparable to boats with a longer length overall. This extra space is ideal for fishing, providing room for all your gear and comfortable movement around the boat.

For fishing enthusiasts, the Sportsman Open 252 comes equipped with a comprehensive set of features as standard. These include a 30-gallon aquarium-style livewell, four flush-mount rod holders in the gunwales, five rocket launchers, and kingfish holders on the T-top, as well as four additional rocket launchers on the leaning post. There are also under-gunwale racks, two in-deck insulated and macerated fish boxes, and underwater lights. The boat even has a sandbar stern anchor, making it easy to set the perfect angle for a successful day of fishing.

The Sportsman Open 252 also boasts an impressive electronics package. It includes a 12" Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv MFD, GT12M CHIRP through-hull transducer, VHF 115 radio and antenna, and an Apollo RA670 eight-speaker stereo system. This suite of electronics ensures you stay connected and entertained while out on the water.

In addition to its fishing capabilities, the Sportsman Open 252 offers a comfortable and family-friendly experience. It features an oversized hard-top with lighting and speakers, as well as a comfortable bow layout with wrap-around seating, removable backrests, and large insulated fish boxes that double as coolers. The boat is also easy to trailer, making transportation a breeze.

Overall, the Sportsman Open 252 is an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts and families alike. With its spacious deck, comprehensive standard features, and family-friendly design, it offers a versatile and functional boating experience.

It's a good deal for the price

The Sportsman Open 252 Center Console is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich and versatile boat that offers a seamless blend of functionality, style, and value. With a starting price of around $400,000, it may seem like a significant investment, but considering everything that's included, it's a good deal for the price.

Firstly, the Open 252 stands out for its exceptional standard features, which are typically offered as cost-adding options by other boat builders. This means you won't have to worry about the initial cost inflating due to essential add-ons. The comprehensive list of standard features includes a full electronics package, family-friendly perks, and fishing-specific amenities, ensuring that the boat is ready for action from day one.

For anglers, the Open 252 is a dream come true. It boasts a 30-gallon aquarium-style livewell, flush-mount rod holders, rocket launchers, under-gunwale racks, a raw water washdown, and insulated fish boxes. Additionally, the Seakeeper Ride vessel attitude control system, which comes standard, significantly reduces overall motion by up to 70%, ensuring a smoother ride.

The boat also shines when it comes to family-friendly features. It offers a comfortable bow layout with wrap-around seating, removable backrests, and large insulated fish boxes that can double as coolers. The console-front seat has a unique feature – flip the bottom cushion, and you'll find an insulated cooler. The oversized hard-top provides ample shade and includes lighting and speakers for an enjoyable cruising experience.

Another standout feature of the Open 252 is its versatility. Whether you're an avid angler, a family seeking water adventures, or both, this boat is designed to meet your needs. With its offshore hull design, it promises a safe, dry, and comfortable ride. The 25-foot length and 9'3" beam provide ample deck space, and the twin-engine option gives you the power to explore further.

Lastly, the Open 252 delivers exceptional performance and handling, thanks to its cutting-edge Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS). This system automatically adjusts the boat's heeling angle during turns and optimizes acceleration and fuel economy. The SportLink® electronics, standard with every Sportsman Boat, further enhance your boating experience.

In conclusion, while purchasing a boat may not be a traditional investment, the Sportsman Open 252 Center Console is a wise choice for those seeking a feature-rich, versatile, and well-performing boat. With its extensive list of standard features, exceptional performance, and focus on comfort and functionality, it offers excellent value for the price. So, if you're in the market for a boat that checks all the boxes, the Sportsman Open 252 is a smart choice that will keep you sane and happy on the water.

It has a lot of features

The Sportsman Open 252 Center Console boat has a wide range of features that cater to both family-friendly outings and offshore fishing capabilities. The boat's design strikes a perfect balance between versatility, functionality, and style.

One of the most notable features of the Sportsman Open 252 is its comprehensive electronics package, which includes a 12" Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv MFD, a GT12M CHIRP through-hull transducer, a VHF 115 radio and antenna, and an Apollo RA670 eight-speaker stereo system. This advanced electronics suite not only enhances your navigation and entertainment experience but also sets this boat apart from others in the same price range.

The boat also comes standard with a Seakeeper Ride vessel attitude control system, which uses sensors to take up to 1000 measurements per second and adjust a pair of paddles on the transom. This system significantly reduces the pitch and roll of the boat, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride, even in choppy waters.

For family outings, the Sportsman Open 252 offers an array of features that make it a pleasure to spend time on the water. It has a comfortable bow layout with wrap-around seating, removable backrests, and drink holders. The boat also includes a spacious in-floor storage box, recessed bow handrails for added safety, and a removable filler board with a cushion for additional seating. The console-front seat has a unique feature—flip the bottom cushion, and you'll find an insulated cooler, perfect for keeping your beverages chilled during those long days on the water.

When it comes to fishing, the Sportsman Open 252 is well-equipped to handle your needs. It boasts a 30-gallon aquarium-style livewell, four flush-mount rod holders in the gunwales, five rocket launchers, and kingfish holders on the T-top. Additionally, there are four rocket launchers on the leaning post, under-gunwale racks, and two in-deck insulated and macerated fish boxes. A raw water washdown system and underwater lights further enhance your fishing experience.

The boat's oversized hard-top is a standout feature, providing ample space for electronics and offering protection from the elements. The hard-top includes lights, speakers, and other amenities that contribute to an enjoyable boating experience.

The Sportsman Open 252 also offers a range of optional upgrades, such as a second Garmin GPSMAP screen, a Garmin GMR Fantom 18x Radome, a Garmin Fusion Signature DSP audio upgrade, a bow sundeck/table with a removable cushion, and a half tower with a second station. You can even add a windlass with an anchor and 300' of rope, making anchoring a breeze.

With its blend of family-friendly features, cruising comfort, and fishing capabilities, the Sportsman Open 252 is a versatile and well-equipped boat that is sure to enhance your time on the water.

It's easy to manoeuvre

The Sportsman 252 is a highly manoeuvrable boat. Its Vessel Attitude Control System (VACS) is a proprietary, first-of-its-kind technology that gives the boat full underway control. The VACS eliminates up to 70% of underway pitch and roll motions, automatically adjusts the heeling angle during turns, and uses a customised Trim Command Curve to optimise acceleration and fuel economy.

The Sportsman 252's SeaStar Tilt Helm offers over 40 degrees of tilt and locks into 5 different positions. The console layout has been designed with comfortable ergonomics, ensuring the perfect steering position whether you are standing up or sitting down. The SeaStar Tilt Helm is paired with a high-quality stainless steel Sportsman-branded steering wheel with a knob.

The Sportsman 252 also features a SportLink® electronics system, which comes standard with every Sportsman Boat. The boat's overall manoeuvrability is further enhanced by its twin-engine configuration, high-speed livewell pickup, and self-bailing cockpit.

The Sportsman 252's combination of innovative technology, ergonomic design, and powerful performance makes it an incredibly easy boat to manoeuvre and a top choice for boating enthusiasts.

Frequently asked questions