Sylvan 206 Viper
By Capt. Rob Smith
Smoker Craft built the 206 Viper as more of a high end boat with ski boat styling that would run well with an engine as small as a 150 hp. The idea was to eliminate the need to spend the extra for the 200 to 250 hp engine just to have some fun skiing with the family on a lake. This saves you on not only the initial outlay for a larger engine, but it will save you in the long run on fuel costs. The 206 has some fishing boat features like rear jump seats rather than a ski boat bench, and bow rod storage. Truly, this is a cross-over ride.
From the foredeck
If you looked only at the bow deck, you would believe you are looking at a fishing rig due to the five lockers in the bow as well as a pedestal chair. The bow panel has a battery monitor, light switch and trolling motor socket all within easy reach. Two compartments house the batteries for a 12/24v trolling motor (it is already rigged, just add your motor choice). The builder had a Minn Kota trolling motor on this one. I was quite impressed with the cable. It had dry connectors that are designed to keep water out, and connector caps to cover them when it is all disconnected. Dry lockers give the angler space to keep their favorite lures ready, along with some life jackets and other necessary gear. There are tray liners that lift out concealing a livewell in the bow which is really clever and handy. The center locker stows your rods and all of these lockers have locks to keep your gear secure. Just in front of the helm is a small tackle locker for your special lures. The step locker looks like it can double as a small cooler, at least that is what I would be using it for. The bow area measured about 88 ½” by 70”, rather generous for a cross-over fish and ski rig.
In the cockpit
The cockpit was fishing and family friendly. The interior freeboard was generous enough to allow you to lean into the gunwales without flipping overboard when working a fish. The cockpit itself is very spacious, and even with people in all the seats, you still have knee room, unlike the coach compartment in today’s commercial aircraft. The windshield is more than large enough to deflect any chilly or damp air. The sole locker is designed to handle skis, boards, paddles and other bulky gear. Open rod storage is wisely placed under the starboard gunwale, taking advantage of this otherwise unused space.
In the driver’s seat
The helm seat had one adjustment rarely seen on this size or style of boat, height adjustment. I am sure many people will find this makes driving much easier and safer. The steering had Sea Star Hydraulic assist. The driver is in control of the tunes onboard. The MP3 means you can be your own DJ, or let someone else have the honors for the day. Instruments were located high in the dash panel for excellent visibility. The only issue I had was that my long, big legs and feet needed a bit more space, so I propped my left foot up on the center step going to the bow and let my right foot have the space under the dash. You may find it has plenty of room for you.
Stern features
The stern converts rather easily from ski to fish mode. The jump seat cushions are on sail slides that allow you to slip them off and stow them when you want the extra room. With the jump seats removed, you have a sizeable aft casting deck to work from. The cranking battery is stowed in the starboard compartment. In the center and port compartments, there is a large fishbox/livewell with a bait bucket.
Specifications
Sylvan’s Viper 206 measures 20’6” length overall with a beam of 8’. She tips the scales at 1960 lbs. dry without engine and carries 50 gallons of fuel. This model is rated for up to 225 hp outboards, and 6 people, or a total of 2050 lbs.
Test results
I found this boat ran better the more people I had onboard. With two passengers, it performed adequately, but with three, it performed even more smoothly. Interior freeboard is more like a walleye boat, yet the ride is more like a ski boat. Designed to be a fish boat first, and a ski boat second, Smoker Craft has struck a nice compromise. I clocked her top speed at 42.5 mph, while at a more reasonable cruising speed of 26.8 mph she was turning at 3500 rpm for a full tank range of 160 miles. She popped up on plane in 5.2 seconds, and made 30 mph in 12 seconds with a Suzuki 150 four stroke on her stern.
If you enjoy fishing a lot but want to have the option to ski or tool around with the family, this boat is a great option. She is designed well for the colder northern climates, yet will still serve you well in the south or any place in between.
