Tested By Capt. Bob Smith

Trophy delivers a solid dependable fishing boat that can turn a last minute idea to go fishing into action with this trailerable compact boat. This model is packed with lots of standard fishing features and many options for your own special fishing needs. It is obvious to the casual observer, this boat is designed by people who fish and have a passion to get more people on the water filling the fish boxes on the weekend.

Starting at the Bow

There is an anchor roller and anchor locker on the bow which has welded bow rails and stainless stanchions. You have a nice walkaround on each side of the windshield for working with the anchor or chasing a fish forward. The windshield is high profile, so you get more protection when taking spray over the bow.

Cockpit Features

In the cockpit, you have an aerated 13-gallon baitwell. Bucket seats for the navigator and driver have removable cushions for cleaning. Buddy seats are just behind the helm section. Molded steps lead up to the walkaround and rod holders are mounted in the top of the gunwales. The engine hatch is a bit heavy, but makes a great stand for getting up higher for casting. The deck has aggressive grip textured surfaces for sure footing.

The non-glare dash console has analog instrumentation set in a non-glare panel, a 12 volt socket for portable gear and a cupholder for the driver. An illuminated compass will help make finding your way back after sunset easier. Engine controls are top mounted binnacle style with trim and tilt switches in the handle.

Down Below

The cabin door locks so you can keep your gear stowed in here when you jump off for a bite at the marina. The berth inside has plenty of storage below for the life jackets and usual gear on board. One section of the seat lifts up to for access to a portable head in the cabin. Overhead lighting helps after dark and a large portal brings in lots of light and air during the day time.

Specs

The Trophy 1952 measures a full 19’ length overall and 26’11” rigged on the trailer. She has a beam width of only 8’ for true trailerability. She weighs 3,200lbs and has a 55 gallon fuel tank. Draft is 17” with the out drive up and 35” with the outdrive fully down. Rigged and sitting on the trailer, this boat needs 9’2” clearance in the garage, on the water she’ll need 6’1” bridge clearance. This handlaid fiberglass hull carries a 10-year structural warranty. Trophy uses fiberglass stringers that are foam filled for rigidity and improved durability.

Performance

We tested the 1952 Walkaround on an inland lake in eastern Tennessee with the 4.3L MerCruiser sterndrive installed. She handled around the docks very well and climbed up on plane smoothly. Although we didn’t have a chance to take any heavy seas or wakes, she seemed to be capable of a dry ride in most conditions, especially with the high profile windshield. On our test run she had a hole shot time of 4.1 seconds and 0-30mph in just 9.1seconds. She cruised most economically at 25.5mph turning 3000rpms and burning 6.7gph, for a range of 188 miles on a full tank. Wide-open-throttle delivered a speed of 43.7mph at 4800rpms burning 14.7gph for a range of 147 miles.

If solid, dependable fishability are keys to your decision for your next fish boat, then get down to the Trophy dealer in your neighborhood and test one this weekend.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions