Meet the Sportsman Open 252: Redefining Versatility on the Water

When it comes to versatile center consoles that seamlessly blend family-friendly amenities with serious fishing capabilities, the Sportsman Open 252 is an excellent option. Measuring 25 feet 3 inches in length with a 9-foot 3-inch beam, this boat offers ample space for both leisurely cruises and offshore adventures. 

Designed to cater to both anglers and families seeking on-water adventures, the Open 252 boasts a thoughtfully crafted layout that accommodates a variety of activities. Whether you’re casting lines in the morning or hosting a family gathering in the afternoon, this boat adapts effortlessly to your needs.

For power the Open 252 offers flexible options, including twin Yamaha F150s or a single Mercury or Yamaha 350, providing a balance between performance and efficiency. While a 400HP max would be idle, the available configurations provide plenty of power for this vessel.

One of the standout features of the Open 252 is its comprehensive suite of standard electronics. Equipped with a 12-inch Garmin GPSMAP display, Garmin Apollo stereo, and JL Audio M3 speakers, this boat is ready for action straight from the dealership. The inclusion of the SportLink® Electronics Integration System further enhances the user experience, allowing seamless control over all onboard electronics. 

Specs

• Length: 25’3″
• Beam: 9’3″
• Dry Weight: 4,672 lbs
• Capacity: 12 Persons
• Draft: 20″
• Deadrise: 21 Degrees
• Max Horsepower: 350 HP
• Fuel Capacity: 140 Gallons
• Base Price: $127,705

First Impressions and Design: A Balance of Form and Function

The Sportsman Open 252 strikes an ideal balance between aesthetics and utility, delivering a design that’s as inviting as it is practical. At 25 feet 3 inches, it offers plenty of space for both family outings and fishing trips without feeling overwhelming at the dock or on the trailer. Its clean lines, fiberglass hardtop, and integrated windshield give it a modern yet rugged look, ensuring it turns heads wherever it goes.

A Thoughtful Layout

The deck layout is where this boat really shines. The wraparound bow seating with port and starboard backrests provides a comfortable lounging area, while the optional filler cushion transforms it into a full sunpad for ultimate relaxation. Moving aft, the flip-down transom bench seat offers additional seating when needed and conveniently stows away to create a wide-open fishing cockpit.

Helm and Hardtop

The helm station is equally well thought out, featuring twin premium captain’s chairs that deliver exceptional comfort on long runs. The fiberglass hardtop not only offers shade and weather protection but also integrates seamlessly with the full windshield, a feature not often seen on boats in this size range. This combination of style and practicality sets the Open 252 apart.

Attention to Detail

Little touches make a big difference, and the Open 252 doesn’t miss a beat. From the non-skid deck surfaces to the stainless steel fixtures, every detail has been crafted with both durability and usability in mind. The recessed cleats and flush-mounted rod holders maintain a clean, uncluttered deck, while the integrated swim platform with a telescoping ladder ensures easy water access for swimmers or divers.

Fishing Features and Practicality: Ready for the Catch

The Sportsman Open 252 walks the fine line between a family-friendly cruiser and a capable fishing machine. While it doesn’t boast the hardcore fishing layout of a dedicated tournament boat, it offers a suite of features designed to satisfy weekend anglers and recreational fishermen alike.

Livewells and Storage

At the heart of its fishing setup is the 30-gallon aquarium-style transom livewell. Positioned conveniently at the rear, it keeps bait lively and visible, making it easy to monitor throughout the day. While the Open 252 lacks the dual livewell configuration found on its larger sibling, the Open 262, the single livewell is more than adequate for most fishing excursions. The boat also features dual in-floor macerated fishboxes at the rear, providing ample storage for your catch or additional gear.

Rod Holders and Rigging Options

The Open 252 includes four flush-mounted gunwale rod holders, rocket launchers on the hardtop, and kingfish rod holders for trolling setups. While these are sufficient for casual outings, anglers seeking a more robust setup might wish for additional rod holder options. That said, the design prioritizes versatility, making the boat equally adept at family cruising when the rods are stowed.

Washdowns and Clean-Up

A 15-gallon freshwater tank and raw water washdowns make post-fishing clean-up simple and effective. Whether you’re rinsing off gear, spraying down the deck, or cleaning up after a big catch, these features are thoughtfully integrated to keep your boat looking shipshape.

A Multi-Purpose Approach

While the Open 252 is clearly outfitted for fishing, its adaptable layout ensures that the boat doesn’t feel overly specialized. The step-through transom door entry is a practical addition for easy access to the water, but it does come at the cost of dual side entry doors—a feature that would add more flexibility to this 25-footer.

Comfort and Family-Friendly Features: Designed for Everyone Onboard

The Sportsman Open 252 strikes an impressive balance between hardcore fishability and family-friendly design, ensuring that everyone on board has a place to relax and enjoy the day. Whether it’s a casual cruise or a weekend fishing trip, this boat has the versatility to keep all passengers happy.

Ample Seating for Relaxation

Starting at the stern, the flip-down transom bench seat is perfect for lounging while underway or at anchor. When it’s time to fish, the bench folds neatly out of the way, opening up valuable deck space. Moving forward, the twin premium captain’s chairs at the helm offer excellent comfort for the captain and co-pilot, with bolsters and armrests that make long days on the water enjoyable.

The bow is where this boat really shines for families. Wraparound seating with port and starboard backrests creates a welcoming social space, ideal for relaxing or entertaining. For added versatility, the optional filler cushion converts the bow into a full sunpad, perfect for soaking up the sun or creating a play area for kids.

Convenience and Functionality

The forward console seat provides additional seating and doubles as a convenient spot for quick breaks between activities. Beneath the console, you’ll find a spacious head compartment with ample room for storage or changing, adding to the boat’s comfort for longer outings.

Entertainment Onboard

The Open 252 doesn’t skimp on entertainment. The Garmin Apollo stereo paired with JL Audio M3 speakers delivers crystal-clear sound throughout the boat, ensuring your favorite tunes are always on deck. Whether you’re anchored at the sandbar or cruising along the coast, the premium sound system keeps the energy high.

A Boat for Everyone

Thanks to its adaptable design, the Sportsman Open 252 transforms seamlessly between a serious fishing platform and a leisure vessel. It’s a space where anglers can rig gear in the morning and families can picnic in the afternoon—a true multi-purpose center console that fits a variety of lifestyles.

Performance and Handling: Smooth, Stable, and Ready to Go

The Sportsman Open 252 delivers a performance package that combines power, efficiency, and handling, making it a versatile option for both offshore fishing trips and coastal cruising. With multiple engine configurations and thoughtful design elements, this boat is built to perform in a variety of conditions.

Power Options

The Open 252 offers the choice of twin Yamaha F150s or a single 350-horsepower engine. While the 350 provides plenty of power for most applications, some boaters might prefer a bumped-up maximum horsepower to 400 for extra speed and acceleration. With the twin 150s, you get excellent balance and reliability, ensuring smooth operation even during extended trips.

Smooth Ride

One of the standout features of the Open 252 is its ride quality. The boat’s hull design delivers a stable, comfortable experience, even when conditions get choppy. Combined with standard SeaKeeper Ride trim tabs, the Open 252 minimizes roll and keeps passengers comfortable, whether you’re cruising at speed or drifting at the fishing grounds.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

The 140-gallon fuel capacity (124 usable gallons) gives the Open 252 plenty of range for a day offshore or multiple shorter trips without refueling. Paired with efficient Yamaha engines, this boat strikes a good balance between performance and economy, making it a practical choice for boaters who want to go farther without breaking the bank on fuel.

Handling in All Conditions

The helm design, complete with intuitive controls and excellent sightlines, makes handling the Open 252 a breeze. Whether you’re navigating tight marina spaces or running at full throttle, the boat responds predictably and confidently. The fiberglass hardtop and full integrated windshield not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide added comfort and protection, ensuring you’re ready for any weather.

Versatility in Action

The Open 252’s performance is as versatile as its layout. It’s equally at home on calm bays as it is slicing through offshore swells, giving boaters the confidence to explore a wide range of waterways. Whether you’re fishing, cruising, or entertaining, this boat delivers a smooth and enjoyable ride every time.

Technology and Electronics: Smart Systems, Seamless Integration

The Sportsman Open 252 comes equipped with a host of advanced electronics and features that make it ready to hit the water straight from the dealership. From navigation to entertainment, the technology onboard ensures a modern, user-friendly boating experience.

Standard Electronics Package

Sportsman sets the standard high by including a 12-inch Garmin GPSMAP display as part of the base package. This multifunction display integrates GPS, chartplotting, and sonar capabilities, giving captains all the tools they need for confident navigation and fish tracking. For those who want more screen real estate, there’s an option to upgrade to dual 12-inch Garmin displays, offering even greater functionality and visibility.

SportLink® Integration System

One of the standout features of the Open 252 is Sportsman’s proprietary SportLink® Electronics Integration System. This system ensures seamless connectivity between all onboard electronics, allowing for easy control and monitoring. From navigation to stereo settings, everything is designed to work together intuitively, simplifying the boating experience.

Entertainment Onboard

The Open 252 doesn’t just deliver on performance—it also knows how to entertain. A Garmin Apollo stereo system, paired with JL Audio M3 speakers, fills the boat with high-quality sound. Whether you’re setting the mood for a leisurely cruise or pumping up the energy at the sandbar, the audio system ensures a premium listening experience.

Practical Features for Everyday Use

Beyond the helm, the Open 252 integrates thoughtful tech for convenience and comfort. LED lighting throughout the boat enhances visibility during early morning or nighttime outings. Digital switching makes operating onboard systems intuitive, and the integrated hardtop lighting provides illumination for both the deck and helm area.

Advanced Options

For those looking to upgrade, the Open 252 can be outfitted with additional tech to enhance your time on the water. From radar systems for offshore navigation to autopilot functionality, this boat offers customization options that cater to a wide range of needs.

Final Thoughts: Who Is the Sportsman Open 252 For?

The Sportsman Open 252 strikes an impressive balance between versatility and performance, making it an excellent choice for boaters who want a center console that can do it all. Whether you’re an angler looking for a capable fishing platform or a family seeking a comfortable day boat, the Open 252 has something for everyone.

For the Angler

Anglers will appreciate the thoughtful fishing features, including the 30-gallon aquarium-style livewell, in-floor macerated fishboxes, and rocket launchers on the hardtop. While the rod storage and livewell capacity may not rival a purpose-built offshore fishing boat, the Open 252 offers enough functionality to satisfy most recreational fishermen. It’s a boat that can take you offshore for a day of fishing and bring you back in style.

For the Family

For families, the Open 252 is a true winner. With ample seating options, including the wraparound bow seating, flip-down transom bench, and premium helm chairs, there’s plenty of space for everyone to relax. The optional bow filler cushion transforms the bow into a full sunpad, creating an ideal space for lounging. Add in the integrated hardtop with a full windshield, premium JL Audio sound system, and a spacious console with a head compartment, and it’s clear this boat is designed to keep everyone onboard comfortable and entertained.

For the All-Around Boater

This boat is perfect for the all-around boater who wants a vessel that transitions seamlessly between fishing and family outings. Its combination of rugged build quality, intuitive tech, and practical layout makes it adaptable to a variety of activities. Whether you’re trolling for fish, cruising along the coast, or anchoring at the sandbar, the Open 252 is ready to meet the moment.

Final Verdict

The Sportsman Open 252 delivers exceptional value with its comprehensive suite of standard features and versatile design. While there’s room for improvement in areas like rod storage and entry doors, these are small trade-offs for a boat that excels in so many categories. For those seeking a 25-foot center console that’s equally adept at fishing and family fun, the Open 252 is hard to beat.

Comparable Boats

• Sea Pro 262 Offshore
• Sea Fox 248 Commander
• Grady White Fisherman 257
• Key West 263 FS