In Depth Look: Sportsman Open 212

October 16, 2024

When you’re looking for a boat that effortlessly combines the best of both worlds—serious fishing and family-friendly comfort—the Sportsman Open 212 stands out. This 21-foot center console is designed to handle it all, whether you’re chasing fish on an early morning trip or cruising around with the family on a sunny weekend. With its thoughtful design and features, the Open 212 offers a versatile experience that caters to both fishing enthusiasts and those who just want to relax on the water.

Specs

Length: 20′ 11″
Beam: 8′ 5″
Weight: 2,300 lbs
Deadrise: 15 degrees
Draft: 12″
Fuel Capacity: 64 gallons
Max Horsepower: 200 HP
Base Price: $85,970

Fishing Features

If you’re a serious angler, the Sportsman Open 212 has everything you need for a successful day on the water. The 25-gallon transom livewell is built to keep your bait fresh throughout the day, thanks to a high-speed livewell pickup system. This feature ensures a constant flow of water, maintaining an ideal environment for your bait, even when you’re cruising at higher speeds.

What makes fishing even easier on this boat are the under-gunwale rod racks that can hold up to six rods. This storage system keeps your gear organized and within arm’s reach for when you need to grab a different setup quickly. The four flush-mounted gunwale rod holders offer added flexibility for when you’re trolling or simply dropping some lines.

For those moments when you’re hooked into a big one, the toe rail under the gunwale provides a sturdy brace point, giving you extra stability, especially in choppy conditions. Plus, with large, insulated fish boxes onboard, you don’t need to worry about your catch losing freshness before you make it back to dock. These built-in fish boxes are a huge bonus for anglers who spend all day on the water and need ample storage space.

And let’s not forget about the built-in tackle storage system. With dedicated spaces for your tackle boxes, everything stays neatly organized, so you’re not fumbling around for gear at a crucial moment. The helm’s ergonomic layout and easy-to-read displays also make navigation a breeze, so you can focus more on fishing and less on getting there.

At the end of a long fishing trip, cleaning up is a breeze thanks to the integrated raw water washdown system. Just spray down the deck and equipment to wash away the day’s mess. The T-top also adds practicality for both fishing and leisure, providing shade and the option to add accessories like outriggers for those offshore excursions.

Family Features

Though the Open 212 is a fantastic fishing boat, it’s just as good at catering to family outings. Up in the bow, you’ll find a cozy seating area with wrap-around cushions and removable backrests, perfect for lounging in comfort or hanging out with friends and family. Need some extra space for snacks or drinks? The console-front seat doubles as an insulated cooler, keeping your refreshments chilled and ready throughout the day.

For those looking to relax, you can easily transform the bow seating into a sun pad or even set up the optional bow table for a casual meal on the water. The cockpit bolsters and anti-fatigue helm pad ensure a smooth and comfortable ride for everyone on board, no matter where you’re seated.

The enclosed head inside the console is a big win for families or anyone spending extended time on the water. Whether you use it for extra storage or a private changing space, it adds an extra layer of convenience that turns long boat trips into stress-free adventures.

The hard-top comes standard, equipped with integrated lights and speakers, turning the boat into a floating entertainment hub. With a Bluetooth-compatible sound system, you can set the vibe with your favorite playlist while enjoying the ride. In the stern, the fold-away jump seats can be stowed when you need more deck space or unfolded to provide additional seating for guests.

For the families who love watersports, the Sportsman Open 212 has optional features like a ski tow bar and swim platform, making the transition from fishing to fun a breeze. After a swim, the freshwater washdown system comes in handy for rinsing off the saltwater and keeping the boat clean.

Safety is also a priority with the Open 212. The self-bailing cockpit ensures that any water on the deck drains quickly, keeping the area dry and reducing slip hazards. High freeboard adds an extra layer of security, especially for younger passengers, by keeping water from easily splashing onboard.

Other Notable Features

Beyond fishing and family fun, the Sportsman Open 212 comes packed with additional features that make your time on the water even more enjoyable. The SportLink® Electronics Integration System is a standout, offering advanced navigation and entertainment systems at your fingertips. A Garmin 12″ GPS, VHF radio, and Fusion Bluetooth stereo system are all included, so you’re covered on both the communication and entertainment fronts.

The SeaStar tilt helm with a stainless steel wheel gives you easy control of the vessel, making maneuvering a breeze whether you’re cruising or navigating tight spaces. For added comfort, the deluxe leaning post features flip-up bolsters, letting the captain and co-captain choose between sitting and standing, all while staying comfortably supported.

Even the aesthetics of the boat have been carefully thought out. The sleek, stylish lines make this boat look as good as it performs. With its durable, high-quality materials, you can rest assured the Open 212 will maintain its great looks and functionality for years to come.

Conclusion

The Sportsman Open 212 offers a perfect mix of fishing-focused features and family-friendly amenities. Whether you’re out for a serious day of fishing or taking the family for a leisurely cruise, the Open 212 excels in every situation. Its thoughtful design, cutting-edge electronics, and top-notch comfort make it a go-to option for anyone seeking versatility on the water. If you’re in the market for a reliable, well-designed center console that doesn’t compromise on performance or comfort, the Sportsman Open 212 needs to be on your list to check out.