Power moves

Built at Crownline’s cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Illinois, the 280DC delivers premium fit and finish and a bevy of clever on-board technology making the connection with the parent brand clear, but Finseeker craft features skew more toward serious fishing or adventure activities.

Primarily, the hull has a deeper gunwale for more serious fishing and this example has been optioned with live bait tank, onboard tackle storage, generous underfloor catch storage, underfloor rod storage, net and gaff holders, fold-away seating, and onboard shower for washdown after a busy day’s fishing.

It’s a striking boat with a black hull and white upper deck. The EuroCity Marine appreciate a well-engineered power unit and they didn’t hesitate to option the boat with two 350Hp Mercury Verado outboards. Needless to say performance is more than adequate to get to where the fish are and have time to spare and with Honda’s reputation for reliability, this is a package well-suited for regular use.

Seasoned mariner and EuroCity Marine Sales Manager, David Clark, says it’s a deeply impressive combination on the water.

“This isn’t a small boat at 8.2 metres, but with 700 horsepower on tap it’s performance is like something much smaller and lighter, it’s pretty exhilarating with an epic top speed of 55 knots.”

Mercury’s latest generation Verado outboards utilise a potent 2.6 litre, supercharged inline six-cylinder configuration which ensures very smooth and quiet performance as well as great torque and fuel economy. Compared to some rivals, Mercury claim an acceleration advantage of 20% and 8% superior efficiency.  The engines are quiet at idle and cruise with significantly less vibration.

Controlling the engines and steering is made easy with the advanced Mercury drive-by-wire Digital Throttle & Shift (DTS) system. The DTS controls are completely digital, eliminating the clunkiness and fluctuations of a mechanical system, enabling much finer control for smoother acceleration and predictability. This makes the boating experience safer for your passengers, especially young children and is a godsend when navigating choppy waters.

The DTS is system is paired with Mercury’s Skyhook electronic anchor system which uses GPS to lock in your position and works with the engines to maintain position and heading regardless of wind or current. The Bowhook feature unlocks heading and maintains position, allowing your boat to point in whatever direction the winds and currents dictate.

The technology suite also features two Garmin 12” touchscreens. Considered among the most intuitive chart plotters and fish finders in the industry, all the critical navigation data at your fingertips with beautifully responsive, high contrast colour displays and they are easily configured to your personal preferences.

While a very fishing focused, the Finseeker 280DC doesn’t skimp on plush features that will make all occupants comfortable. The head is spacious and contemporary with granite and glass surfaces and quality fixtures.

And leveraging Crownline’s expertise in configurable space and comfort, the Finseeker 280DC is extremely well thought out in terms of its packaging. A compact but functional galley boasts a drawer fridge, countertop and sink with a stacked tool/tackle cabinets. Meanwhile ample under floor storage keeps your catch and equipment safe and out of your way when it’s time to just relax and enjoy the beautiful ergonomic loungers in the bowrider positions. All seating is very well finished in durable waterproof textiles and there’s plenty of configuration available with flipping and foldaway seats in the rear.

It's an extremely serious piece of kit that’s perfect for experienced anglers. But the stunning styling and very practical format offer a broader appeal that suits an active Kiwi family.

EuroCity Marine have competitive inhouse financing available and for more information on this 280DC or the rest of the Finseeker range: www.eurocitymarine.co.nz