Captain's Report

Comfort at the Helm The helm had a footrest that was at the perfect height for me at six feet tall. The large wheel should make handling the boat while someone fights a fish simple. Toggle switches and breakers are arranged to the left of the wheel along with a 12 volt socket for portable gear and cell phones. Analog gauges are arranged in an arc above the wheel with a compass centered on the top of the dash. Our model was outfitted with a NavMan Fish 4500 fishing system with fishfinder and GPS as well as a NavMan VHF radio to stay in touch with your buddies on the other boats. The seats for the helm and navigator are wood-free and ours had removable cushions for easy clean up.Fishing FeaturesOur test boat was also outfitted with comfortable combing pads to keep the legs bruise-free. The rear cockpit area offers lots of space for fishing. Our optional hard top had four rocket launcher style rod holders and a fish light mounted across the heavy duty aluminum rail along the back. Two more rod holders are in each gunwale, angled slightly from each other to prevent fouling while trolling. You also have two cup holders in each gunwale for your buddies to keep their cool drinks handy. A folding bench seat across the stern adds more capacity when you take a larger group out. There is a baitwell in the starboard stern corner and a removable trash bin in the port corner. A three-step boarding ladder makes getting back on board from the water easier after cooling off with a dip.BelowdeckThe cabin offers respite from the weather or the blazing sun, if you can set the rods down long enough. A lockable door keeps things inside safe when stored on the trailer or in a slip. Several can relax inside or at least two can stretch out and nap. Life jackets can be stored in a mesh net in the peak. Our boat had a portable head installed just under the bench on the starboard aft section. In addition, we had a four rod holders mounted above the seat on the starboard side. If you want to serve snacks or play your own game of world class poker, a small table sets up in seconds.SpecsThe 2302 Walkaround for 2005 is 23 feet 5 inches in length overall with a beam width of 8 feet 5 inches. Fully rigged on the trailer, she measures 28 feet 1 inch. She weighs 3,832lbs dry and had a fuel capacity of 101 gallons. Her draft requirements are 19 inches with the outboard up and 37 inches with it down.PerformanceWe tested the 2302 on an inland lake and found her top speed to be 42.1mph powered by a 225hp Mercury Salt Water Series outboard. Her cruise speed was 28.6mph with a full tank range of 333 miles. She was out of the hole in just 3.7 seconds and passing 30mph in only 7.2 seconds.If you are looking for a 20 something fishing boat that offers amenities for tournament fishing and for a day outing with the family, the new 2302 Walkaround from Trophy should definitely be on your list of boats to test.

Standard and Optional Features