Vectra 2040 with Fish Package
By Capt. Rob Smith
I recently enjoyed visiting Phil Smoker and getting a chance to drive 16 of the family’s new boats. When the Vectra 2040 I/O began sliding up to the docks, all I could do was scratch my head and wonder what the devil? Two fish chairs were perched on the front deck of what is supposed to be one of their most popular deck boats! Well, of course they would do that! So many of today’s active families are interested in the joys of fishing, yet still want to strap on the boards and do a few tricks on top of the water themselves. It just makes good sense.
At the Bow
Starting up front, there are two fish chairs waiting to be set up on pedestals. They fold down to reduce drag or can be left in the garage when you plan to just cruise and ski. Tucked in behind the port seat is a connection for a trolling motor. An upgrade on our test boat was a stainless steel protective rub rail around the boat and docking lights to lead the way into a dark slip or boat ramp. A concealed 4-step beach boarding ladder is tucked into the nose. When you are in fish mode, there is a livewell in the front just aft the boarding ladder.
Seating in the bow section is spacious and fills both the port and starboard side. Seat bases provide long lockers for gear. The seats have heavy-duty hinges on one end that lift them high into the air. I would prefer to have simple front edge mounted hinges that don’t get in the way. Low grab rails surround the top edge behind the seats for a good grip in rough water or just a little more secure feeling underway. If you have sun-worshippers on board, add filler cushions in the bow and let them relax and soak up some rays.
Time for snacks? A table sets up quickly in the bow to serve breaks on.
At the Helm
Moving aft, the helm pod creates a nice storage box itself. A courtesy deck light is just over it to shed a little light into the box and onto the deck at night. In the top, forward of the quick-release windshield, is a sink with pull out sprayer for rinsing off after a cool dip or washing up before snacks.
You have excellent leg room at the helm, even for a guy 6 feet tall. The wheel is a typical sport, three-spoke type with tilt adjustment. A Seaworthy stereo provides soothing sounds, and an MP3 jack allows you to become your own DJ. The dash has simulated aluminum accents for a more modern look and a 12-volt socket for your portables. Besides the basic instrumentation gauge set, there is a livewell pump switch in the side panel.
On Deck
Over on the port side is another nice bench seat so your family can relax with you on the way. Drink holders are molded into the hull and a three rod racks are in the aft port gunwale liner. A huge sole locker is placed between the port lounger and helm seat and has a plastic protective liner. Back in the aft bench seat is more storage and the cranking battery. Just under the small aft sunpad is the engine; in our case a 4.3-liter MerCruiser. Stepping through the port-side walk through, you reach a small aft platform for playing at anchor or setting up one of the casting chairs for fishing. An LED light provides deck illumination. Fender storage and a wet locker are also on the stern.
Performance
The 2040 I/O Fish Package measures 20’4” length overall with a beam of 102”. She weighs approximately 2,325 lbs. dry and has a fuel capacity of 51 gallons. I found she handled well around the docks and cut through the heavy chop of a wind-blown inland lake with ease. Even in the rough stuff, she had smooth turns without significant loss of speed. She reached top end at 4500 rpm and 42.4 mph and cruised at 24.7 mph and 3000 rpm. She leapt onto plane in 1.8 seconds and reached 30 mph in 7.8 seconds.
Vectra is going to garner quite a following from their friends who like the deckboat style yet still want to wet a line. She had the performance to do some tricks with skis, yet had enough fishability to bring home dinner.
