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Brief Summary
Go ahead! Go for the gold, but don’t feel like you have to take out Fort Knox to afford a tournament level fiberglass bass rig. Compared to most of the aluminum competition, the 294XL offers more storage capacity, more deck space, and more stability at a much better overall cost to the buyer. Hydraulic steering is standard as well as the Lowrance X-52 depth finder with temperature sensor. The 294XL has sharp acceleration, smooth dry ride, and great top-end speed.
Key Features
- All composite construction
- Hydraulic steering
- 34 gallon divided aerated livewell
- Minn Kota Maxxum 70SClb 42'' trolling motor 24V
- Bow panel with switches
- Lowrance X-52
- Capret trim
- Insulated cooler with drain
- Runnin' rod rack with strap
- Trailer
- N.M.M.A. certified
Test Results
RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | STAT. MILE | NM | dBa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
625 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 0.8 | 5.07 | 4.41 | 164 | 143 | 64 |
1000 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 2.1 | 2.59 | 2.25 | 84 | 73 | 68 |
1500 | 6.5 | 5.7 | 3.6 | 1.83 | 1.59 | 59 | 52 | 72 |
2000 | 7.8 | 6.8 | 4.9 | 1.61 | 1.4 | 52 | 45 | 78 |
2500 | 22.2 | 19.3 | 5.7 | 3.89 | 3.39 | 126 | 110 | 92 |
3000 | 34.7 | 30.1 | 6.9 | 5.02 | 4.37 | 163 | 141 | 90 |
3500 | 40.2 | 35 | 8.4 | 4.79 | 4.16 | 155 | 135 | 90 |
4000 | 47.3 | 41.1 | 9.5 | 4.98 | 4.33 | 161 | 140 | 94 |
4500 | 54.4 | 47.3 | 12.9 | 4.23 | 3.68 | 137 | 119 | 99 |
5000 | 60.1 | 52.2 | 14.4 | 4.18 | 3.64 | 136 | 118 | 101 |
5500 | 67.9 | 59 | 16.5 | 4.11 | 3.58 | 133 | 116 | 102 |
5900 | 71.6 | 62.2 | 19.1 | 3.76 | 3.27 | 122 | 106 | 104 |
Specifications
Length Overall | 19' 6'' |
---|---|
Beam | 91'' |
Dry Weight | 1,700 lbs. |
Draft | N/A |
Deadrise/Transom | N/A |
Max Headroom | open |
Bridge Clearance | N/A |
Fuel Capacity | 36 gal. |
Water Capacity | none |
Acceleration Times & Conditions
Time to Plane | 2.1 sec. |
---|---|
0 to 30 | 4.6 sec. |
Ratio | 2.33 : 1 |
Props | VMAX 25T1 15 1/8 3-blade stainless steel |
Load | 2 persons, 1/2 fuel, no water, min. gear |
Climate | 78 deg.; 37% humid.; wind: 7 MPH; seas; calm |
Engine Options
Tested Engine |
1 x 200-hp Yamaha VMAX HPDI |
---|---|
Std. Power |
Not Available |
Opt. Power |
1 x 200-hp Yamaha VMAX HPDI |
Warranty
Gelcoat Warranty Extended | No/ Only by review |
---|---|
Hull Warranty Extended | Lifetime (original owner) |
Captain's Report
Tournament Level Fiberglass Bass Rig
By Capt. Bob Smith
Starting at the Front
The 294 XL offers fishermen plenty of room to cast lines and control the standard trolling motor. Whether you choose to stand or to use a bike seat, you will find it comfortable up here. On the port gunwale, a Minn Kota Maxxum 70SC 42” 24V trolling motor is standard with a recessed foot pedal in the center of the bow peak. On the panel at the bow are switches for the anchor light and the big motor trim. The four cleats on the 294XL are recessed and canted in to keep the gunwales snag-free. When running from one honey hole to the next, the rod straps with retractable running rod straps on both the starboard and port sides will keep them secure. When the day is done or you stop for a long lunch, the starboard and port lockers with locking lids and carpeted holds can store up to 7’ sticks. The anchor and bow lights are stowed neatly in clips in the starboard locker and the center locker is huge.
Into the Cockpit
The step into the cockpit has a padded step down on the port side and an in-step cooler near the center to keep a few beverages cold and ready. In the cockpit there is tons of legroom to stretch out. Custom bucket seats wrap you in heavily padded luxury so you can get some real comfort while running. Beneath the seats, the fuel cell is mounted for increased balance and stability. Between the plush seats is a wide step up to the aft casting deck. Next to the buddy fishing seat is a very functional four-rod running rack complete with reel pad and strap to secure the sticks. Above on the wall is a port for the A/C cord to the charger.
Over on the starboard side is the fiberglass helm station with excellent leg room beneath. The low profile windshield features a handy quick release for better compact storage. Hydraulic steering is standard on this model along with a three-spoke wheel. The dash is covered in a low glare cover with gauges mounted for great visibility underway. Some more features include a Lowrance X-52 depth finder with temperature sensor that rests on the top to the right and lighted rocker control switches which are grouped to the right lower section of the dash with a 12 volt socket for portable gear like a GPS or cell phone.
Casting Deck
Stepping up to the aft casting deck, there is nearly the same amount of room as the front complete with matching dry storage boxes on the port and starboard side. These have plenty of room for Plano style storage boxes to pack in vertically or to store the extra life jackets and rain gear inside. A 34 gallon divided and aerated livewell is centered between the dry boxes to keep the catch alive until the weigh-in. A beam-width hatch at the back gives access to the main cranking battery, bilge and livewell pumps, trolling motor batteries, main breakers and on-board battery charger.
Specifications & Perfomance
The 294XL measures 19’6” length overall and has a beam width of 91”. She weighs 1700 lbs without the outboard and can be mated up to a maximum of 200-hp. This model carries 36 gallons of fuel and can carry up to 1130 lbs of people, gear and engine.
I tested the 294XL on an inland lake with two people on board. I found she was easy to handle with sharp, smooth acceleration, and a dry ride. Chop was no problem for this model. She shoots out of the hole and is on plane in just 2.1 seconds and up to 30 mph in only 4.6 seconds. She is comfortable on plane at 47.3 mph turning 4000 rpm for a range of 161 miles on a full tank of fuel. She hit a top speed at 5900 rpm for a blazing speed of 71.6 mph.
The 294XL gets you on the circuit in fine shape with performance, fishability and money left in the bank for new sticks to tease the bass.