In Depth Look: Sportsman Open 352 Review
Meet the Sportsman Open 352: A Center Console Built to Impress
Center consoles often face the challenge of balancing hardcore fishability with family-friendly features—but the Sportsman Open 352 nails it. Sportsman’s flagship model is more than just a fishing machine; it’s a versatile powerhouse designed to deliver luxury, performance, and practicality in a single platform.
At 35 feet 2 inches in length, the Open 352 provides ample space for serious anglers while ensuring passengers enjoy a comfortable ride. Whether you’re chasing pelagic species offshore or spending a relaxing day with the family, this boat has you covered. With triple outboards and a full suite of Garmin electronics, it’s built for speed, style, and seamless operation. Plus, features like refrigerators, premium JL Audio sound system, and an air-conditioned console make it feel like a floating entertainment hub.
But what truly sets the Open 352 apart is its commitment to versatility. It doesn’t just cater to anglers or families—it excels at both. Whether you’re planning a day of casting lines, snorkeling at the reef, or just cruising along the coast, the Sportsman Open 352 is ready to meet the moment.
Specs
- Length: 35’2″
- Beam: 11’2″
- Dry Weight: 9,850 lbs
- Capacity: Yacht Certified
- Draft: 24″
- Deadrise: 23 Degrees
- Max Horsepower: 1200 HP
- Fuel Capacity: 355 Gallons
- Base Price: $445,860
First Impressions:
From the moment you step aboard the Sportsman Open 352, it’s clear this is no ordinary center console. The clean lines, modern aesthetic, and premium fit-and-finish immediately signal a boat designed to impress. Its commanding presence on the water is enhanced by the sleek Carolina bow flare, giving it not just an unmistakable look but also better performance in rough conditions.
Exterior Styling That Turns Heads
The Open 352 features an elegant, contemporary design with subtle curves and bold details. Its fiberglass hardtop seamlessly integrates with the console, creating a cohesive, polished look. Whether you choose a vibrant hull color or a more classic shade, this boat is a showstopper.
Built to Last
Crafted with Sportsman’s advanced SportTech construction, the Open 352 features a fully infused fiberglass hull designed for exceptional strength without unnecessary weight. This innovative, wood-free design enhances durability and longevity, ensuring the boat withstands the challenges of saltwater adventures. Details like stainless steel fasteners and a robust gel coat further contribute to its rugged build. To demonstrate their confidence in their boats, Sportsman backs the hull with a standard 10-Year Limited Warranty, offering peace of mind to owners.
Deck Layout: Spacious and Smart
Step aboard, and you’ll notice the deck layout is exceptionally well-thought-out. The wide beam (11 feet 2 inches) provides plenty of space for both fishing and relaxing. A spacious open cockpit at the rear caters perfectly to anglers, while the forward sculpted chaise lounge and wraparound bow seating provide inviting spots for passengers to unwind in comfort. The helm station is equally well-designed, featuring triple captain’s chairs with armrests and bolsters, ensuring both the captain and crew enjoy a comfortable experience, even on extended journeys. For those seeking added luxury, the Release Marine Package offers an upgraded helm, chairs, and bow backrests with authentic teak accents, delivering a striking aesthetic.
Attention to Detail
Little touches make a big difference on the Open 352. Flush-mounted cleats, hidden storage compartments, and beautifully upholstered seating show that Sportsman paid attention to every detail. There’s even under-gunwale LED lighting, adding a touch of elegance during those twilight hours on the water.
Fishing Features and Practicality: A Serious Angler’s Dream
When it comes to fishing, the Sportsman Open 352 doesn’t hold back. This boat is packed with purpose-built features that make it an ideal choice for serious offshore anglers, all while maintaining the versatility to handle a family outing with ease. From ample storage to high end tech, every inch of this boat is designed with practicality in mind.
Rod Storage and Organization
When it comes to rod storage, the Open 352 offers a solid setup, though it’s more of a balanced approach than a rod-holder overload you might find on hardcore fishing machines. You’ll find six flush-mounted rod holders—enough for most casual outings, but serious anglers don’t have too many options for additional rod holders. That said, Sportsman makes good use of other areas for storage. The hardtop is equipped with dual-row rocket launchers, holding up to 10 rods securely, while the lockable console features five vertical rod holders—a perfect spot to stash your prized rigs away from the elements. Additionally, the under-gunnel rod racks can accommodate six more rods, keeping them out of the way but easily accessible. While the overall capacity might not rival some dedicated offshore rigs, it’s a thoughtful compromise for a boat that blends family comfort with solid fishing capability.
Massive Livewells and Fishboxes
Sportsman has done a great job equipping the Open 352 for serious fishing trips, starting with the twin 30-gallon pressurized livewells at the transom. These aquarium-style wells aren’t just eye-catching—they’re incredibly practical, allowing you to easily monitor your bait’s condition without lifting a lid. The dual-well setup is another win, letting you keep different bait types separated instead of mixing them in a single tank or being forced to pick just one.
When it comes to storage, this boat doesn’t disappoint. At the rear, you’ll find port and starboard 235-quart in-floor fishboxes, complete with macerators to handle the messy cleanup after a successful day of fishing. Up front, the 65-quart built-in cooler under the console lounger is ideal for keeping drinks, snacks, or other day-trip essentials chilled and ready. But one of the best storage compartments is the 88-quart transom center cooler—perfectly positioned for quick access, whether you’re grabbing a cold drink or need a spot to stash frozen bait. Sportsman has struck a nice balance here, delivering the kind of storage and bait solutions that work just as well for family outings as they do for serious offshore pursuits.
Tech for the Modern Angler
Advanced electronics have revolutionized both fishing and navigation, and the Sportsman Open 352 is fully equipped to take advantage of this technology. The helm boasts an impressive amount of dash space, accommodating up to twin 22-inch Garmin displays—plenty of room for serious anglers and tech enthusiasts alike. Standard equipment includes a Garmin GPSMAP 9222 Chartplotter, which combines GPS navigation, sonar, and charting capabilities in one powerful package. For those who want to go all-in on their electronics setup, the option to add a second display provides even greater functionality and convenience.
For offshore anglers or boaters who value enhanced situational awareness, the Open 352 offers optional radar upgrades like the Garmin GMR™ 434 XHD3 Open Array or the Fantom 18X Radome radar. These systems add another level of precision and safety, making navigation and fish finding easier, especially in low-visibility conditions.
Thoughtful Add-Ons
The Open 352 anticipates the needs of every angler. Tackle storage is conveniently located near the transom, while the standard cutting board and sink let you prepare bait with ease. And when trolling, you’ll appreciate the built-in aft rocket launchers and the optional outrigger setup.
Final Thoughts: Who Is the Sportsman Open 352 For?
The Sportsman Open 352 is a versatile and excellent choice in the world of center consoles, blending hardcore fishing features with family-friendly amenities and luxurious touches. Whether you’re an avid offshore angler, a boating enthusiast who loves entertaining, or someone who values versatility on the water, this boat has something to offer everyone.
For the Angler
Anglers will appreciate the open cockpit design of the Sportsman Open 352, which provides plenty of space and easy maneuverability for fishing from all sides of the boat. While it doesn’t have the sheer number of rod holders found on dedicated fishing boats, it offers enough for most family fishing outings, striking a good balance between practicality and versatility. The twin 30-gallon livewells at the transom and multiple storage compartments ensure ample capacity for bait, tackle, and gear, making it well-suited for a full day on the water.
Though it may not meet every demand of hardcore offshore anglers, the Open 352 delivers a solid platform for fishing with its thoughtful design and layout. Combine that with the boat’s smooth ride and stable hull, and it’s clear this model can handle long runs to productive fishing grounds while keeping everyone on board comfortable. It’s a great all-around option for those who want a capable fishing boat that doubles as a family-friendly cruiser.
For the Family
The Sportsman Open 352 excels as a family-friendly vessel, offering an array of features designed for relaxation and enjoyment on the water. With abundant seating options, including the wraparound bow seating, triple captain’s chairs, and a generously sized forward console lounger, there’s no shortage of comfortable spots for passengers to unwind.
The console itself is another highlight for families. Its spacious interior stands at six feet tall, providing plenty of headroom, and includes an electric porcelain toilet for added convenience. The inclusion of a full berth inside the console is a thoughtful touch, offering a comfortable space to retreat from the sun or take a quick nap during a long day on the water.
For those looking to enhance the experience, the premium JL Audio sound system brings entertainment to life, whether you’re cruising, anchored at the sandbar, or hosting a gathering. Whether it’s a leisurely family outing, a snorkeling adventure, or just relaxing in luxury, the Open 352 has everything needed to create memorable days on the water.
Final Verdict
The Sportsman Open 352 strikes an exceptional balance between rugged fishability and refined comfort, positioning itself as a top contender in the competitive large center console category. Whether you’re heading offshore for serious fishing or enjoying a relaxing cruise with family and friends, this boat is designed to meet the moment. The Open 352 isn’t just a boat; it’s a platform for creating memorable experiences, whether chasing trophy fish or simply soaking up the sun.
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