SEASWIRL 2901 WA

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

The BoatTEST.com team traveled to Sarasota Florida this spring to find some new products at the Sun Coast Boat Show. As usual, the Genmar family of boats has released several new and stimulating models for the start of the boating season. One of their brands in particular, Seaswirl, is expanding and transitioning their line of recreational craft with a large concentration on the Striper series of salt water vessels. The increased development of the brand comes with many changes though, such that some of the details of the revamped 2901 WA (walk around) model in this article will change as the company continuously improves the product.

At one time the 2901 was the company’s flagship cabin boat, that position is now held by the beefier 3301 WA. Still, the popular 2901 is a hot seller and fits the ‘under 30 foot’ niche. For ’07, the slightly smaller and more economical 2901 has been completely re-tooled, and modernized for today’s competitive market place, but will retain her classy looks and choice of stern drive or outboard propulsion formats. Due to popularity, we tested the later configuration, equipped with a pair of Evinrude E-TEC’s strapped to the stern.

Performance

With 450 horses on tap the Striper ran well, giving a solid, confident ride. Even though running around the Gulf Shore waters in 1-2 foot chop was hardly a challenge for this boat. The 2901 is designed with a high shear line for rough water angling and is a favorite among Pacific North-West’rs. Hydraulic assisted steering and good sightlines made for well-behaved drivability, yet she lacks contentment at the helm. Besides ultra-basic pilot controls and instrumentation, the skipper’s seat is not comfortable for long jaunts behind the wheel. The companion’s side wasn’t any better with the balance of the seating in the cockpit following the same ideology; a narrow cushion and thin padding. The bridge deck could also use a glove box or other small locker for stashing a boater’s basic needs.



On the other hand, I was keen on the molded steps up to the foredeck and the wide side decks. I found access to the bow and pulpit to be care free with assistance from a high bow railing fabbed from stainless, welded tubing. The fiberglass hardtop was also a big plus, especially since it comes as standard equipment. The top includes molded radio boxes, spreader lights and rocket launchers, but you’ll have to pay extra for the canvas enclosure and windshield wiper. Below, the cabin and head compartment are built around a smooth fiberglass liner making for easy housekeeping. While an optional bunk system provides berths for up to four adults and two children.

In the Cockpit

The cockpit’s fishability and the cabin’s features ranked fairly well too, despite coming to the show loaded with fiberglass dust from the construction process. I guess some minor things like detailing have to be tolerated, considering a key focus of the Striper line is price and family functionality. On the plus side, the boat comes with a very extensive list of standard features, (we’re talking big value here), and a comparably short options list. Items you’ll have to consider adding are such luxuries as cabin air conditioning and a 5 Kw generator. Your power package and hull side colors are options to think about too.

• Top speed for the Seaswirl 2901 Walk Around (2009-10) is 49.3 MPH (79.3 KPH), burning 45.2 gallons per hour (GPH) or 171.08 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Seaswirl 2901 Walk Around (2009-10) is 28.2 MPH (45.4 KPH), and the boat gets 1.74 miles per gallon (MPG) or 0.74 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 374 miles (601.89 kilometers).


• Tested power is 2 x 250-hp Evinrude E-TEC.

Seaswirl 2901 Walk Around (2009-10) Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Air Cond./Heat
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Power Steering
Shore Power
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Windlass
Galley
Icemaker
Microwave
Refrigerator
Stove
Exterior Features
Carpet: Cockpit	Snap-In
Hardtop
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Transom Door
Canvas
Full Canvas

= Standard = Optional