Captain's Report

Mission Statement

The mission of the FX 1750 SC is to serve as a multi-species fishing boat operating in protected waters. She has all of the advantages of both fiberglass and VEC construction which means she has the beautiful curves that can only be created in glass, and she has the hull-toughness that can only be made by the VEC process. Certainly the boat's bottom shape is easily contoured in fiberglass whereas aluminum is relatively limited in its sections. Some people don't like that sound of aluminum hulls rattling through a chop, others don't like the marine plywood under the thin synthetic carpet stretched over the wood, and still others prefer the prestige often associated with a fiberglass boat. For these people, the Larson FX 1750 SC is a boat to consider.

Distinguishing Features

•

VEC Tech.

Without a doubt, this is the most distinguishing feature of the FX 1750 SC. VEC stands for Virtual Engineered Composites, and it basically replaces the time-honored method of having a man lay-up a sheathed, head-to-toe in protective (and hot) suit breathing through a mask, painstakingly rolling resin onto fiberglass mat, cloth or roving. It eliminates the tedious (and odious) hand work of rolling out any air bubbles or imperfections in the resin or glass to get a uniform layered hull.

With VEC, resin is injected into an extremely expensive steel, clamshell mold along with fiberglass fabric. The result is a uniformly perfect hull, consistent from one to the next with near surgical precision. And the hulls pop out of the mold at the rate of roughly one every 45 to 60 minutes! Just a few techs oversee the whole process which is computer controlled, handling over 400 variables. The best part is, because it’s computer-controlled, buyers don’t have to worry about a boat being built on a Monday or Friday anymore. They all come out uniformly perfect.

•

Lightweight.

Because of the VEC process the exact amount of resin is metered into the mold during manufacturing -- no more and no less. As a result, the Larson FX 1750 SC’s hull has the highest glass to resign ration of any fiberglass boat in class, which also makes it lighter than any glass boat the same size that is expected to do the same work. This makes the Larson fishing boats the only ones that can compete with aluminum boats on weight.•

Extended Keel.

The FX 1750 SC has a long keel that extends forward almost all the way to the bow. This not only allows the hull to track better when underway but gives the lateral stability needed for back trolling. •

Strong Warranty.

The FX 1750 SC comes with a limited lifetime warranty that’s transferrable to a second owner. That should provide piece of mind and better resale value. •

19 Engine Choices.

With horsepower options between 90 and 150-hp and offerings from each of the big four outboard manufacturers, the best consideration of what brand to buy can be based on what an owner's favorite mechanic works on. Then pick how big to go. •

6 Seat Bases.

Two fishing seats are included and they can be moved between 6 seat bases distributed throughout the 1750 SC. •

4 Color Choices.

Colors may not be all that big a deal, but when most offer a boat in only white, it becomes noteworthy to bring up when alternatives are offered. Here, the 1750 can be ordered in black, burgundy, dark blue, or grey, all at no additional charge. White is not an option. •

3 Versions Available.

We’re focusing on the Side Console version here but the 1750 is available in a tiller and dual console version as well.

Things We’d Like To See

•

Standard Slide Tracks.

These hold all sorts of accessories and Larson offers them as options. We’d like to see them as standard. •

Standard Reboarding Ladder.

ABYC standards call for a means of unassisted reboarding from the water. A reboarding ladder is optional here ($264) but it’s another item that should be moved to the standard list. It would also go a long way towards establishing the family aspect of the FX 1750 SC.

Features Inspection

Clearly the prime mission of this boat is for fishing so let’s address how she handles that role.

Starting with storage

, there are four bow storage compartments, and two lockable side storage compartments to swallow up all the gear needed. Next to the helm there’s a center rod storage locker that holds up to four 7’6” (2.29 m) rods and four 6’6” (1.98 m) rods for a total of eight. Six more rods are stored in side compartments, 8’ (2.44 m) to starboard and 7’ (2.13 m) to port. All rod compartments are lockable.

Her fishing features

start with a large casting deck forward, and a smaller casting deck to the stern. There’s a single 29-gallon (110 L) livewell in the stern, but for those that may find it to be too tedious to have to keep going back to it from the bow, an 18-gallon (68 L) aerated livewell can be added in lieu of one of the forward storage compartments. An optional livewell pump timer is available ($79). There are two pedestal fishing seats that can be moved to any of the 6 bases. She comes with a trolling motor wired to a 12/24V plug at the bow. Batteries store under the center rod locker where they belong, close to the center of gravity.

Helm

With this single console layout, the captain gets the protection of the elements when underway. The console is a fiberglass pod unit, molded separately from the deck structure. A windscreen deflects the breeze and a vinyl eyebrow just below blocks the glare of the sun from the gauges. The wheel is connected to a fixed base driving anti-feedback steering. Full instrumentation includes a separate tachometer and speedometer. The fishfinder flush-mounts to the starboard side.

The deck is noteworthy

in relation to aluminum boats. This one is all fiberglass, self draining and molded with non-skid. What it is not however, is carpeted, pressure treated marine grade plywood as we would see in an aluminum boat. That means that at the end of the day, simply break out the hose, rinse the boat off and it’s done. And it will never rot -- or not rot, but go soft.

Options Available

While the FX 1750 SC comes quite well equipped, some owners will always want to add upgrades to the stock package. For those customers, Larson accommodates, starting with the trailer.

The base trailer

is a painted model with no brakes. Everything from color upgrades ($1,286) to disc brakes ($900) can be added. Saltwater boaters will want to add galvanized protection ($1,166) and this comes with disc brakes. We’d also consider load guides ($133), rollers ($179) and the spare tire ($346).

Moving to the boat’s exterior

, some may want to consider a kicker. Two 9.9-hp engine models are offered, one from Mercury ($3,721) and one from Yamaha ($4,614). Larson can do the install as well ($493). For those long runs between fishing holes, consider hydraulic steering ($1,329).

As for fishing options

, some of the more notable choices include six pop-up cleats ($220) to replace the 4 fixed cleats. This will ensure a snag-free perimeter. Instead of the standard fishing seat, we’d go for the smaller butt-seat with pedestal ($181). They’re just easier to maneuver around and allow for quicker transitions to the standing position when the fish strikes.

For comfort and convenience

choose from deluxe seats for the captain and passenger ($626 ea) that will add an adjustable pedestal and slider. While we’re at it, go with the air ride pedestal for both seats too ($193). With the sliding seat, some may need to have a tilt wheel ($194). If the FX 1750 SC will be serving dual purpose as a family boat, then add on the snap-in carpet ($759) and ski tow pylon ($1,000). We’d absolutely add the stereo option as well ($514) that includes 4 speakers.

Pricing

There really isn’t a “standard” engine and boat package, but starting at the most cost-effective end of the spectrum we arrive at the FX 1750 SC being powered by the Mercury 90 4-stroke having a package price of $26,703. Maximum price before options will be reached when powering with the Yamaha F150 for $33,861. With a fair share of options selected the price can easily increase by another $13k if desired, even though she’ll fish just fine as equipped with standard features.

Observations

The FX 1750 SC is a well-equipped boat, and more can be added to that to dial-in to the desires of the individual owner. More to the point, she’s a strong boat and built to standards that aluminum can’t touch. Her fiberglass construction makes the difference in everything from the strength to the handing. That makes it easier for Larson to stand behind it and add a lifetime warranty. Much is made out of how light aluminum boats are, but once again VEC construction makes the Larson FX 1750 SC competitive here, running just 150-lbs. to 200-lbs. (68 kg to 91 kg) more than many comparable alloy boats.

Standard and Optional Features