Steady design and ride set apart the Renegade Nomad 20.
August 2011 WebXtra Coverage
Offshore in the morning, inshore in the afternoon—both trips are feasible on the 20 Nomad from Renegade Marine. The 20-foot, 3-inch center console received an overhaul when new owner Kevin J. Yeman took over. Overhaul, yes, power upgrade too! Yeman has clocked this boat topping out at 77 mph on his GPS unit.
All-new T-top, console with side entry and windshield, and poling platform designs are now available. Topside features include one 35-gallon livewell and a single 15-gallon baitwell for live-baiting, plus an oversize casting deck for anglers to pitch baits. Standard fishing comforts include 12-inch walkaround gunnels, recessed hydraulic trim tabs and a bench seat at the console.
For dependability, the Nomad 20 hull is built with a full stringer system from composite materials. A 6-foot running pad and lightweight hull allow this boat to run in surprisingly shallow water. Expect to draft about 8 to 10 inches of water with a full boat, says Yeman.
Renegade Marine
161 N.W Flagler Ave.
Stuart, FL 34994
www.RenegadeMarine.com
772 220.3000
Specs:
Hull material: fiberglass
Length: 20 feet, 3 inches
Beam: 7 feet, 10 inches
Draft: 8 inches
Deadrise: 48 degrees
Transom height: 20 inches
Max HP: 250 hp
Fuel Capacity: 50 gallons
Weight: 1,450 pounds
Base price: $17,994
A wide-open casting platform at the bow without obstructions. The recessed front deck is a breeze to fish from. The hatches are flush to the deck, the cleats are pop-up, and lipped gunnels keep fly line inside the boat.
The oversize bow storage compartment covers the anchor locker when both hatches are opened. Throw your tackle bags, dry bags, rain gear and cameras inside and still have room. Notice the gutters around the hatches lead excess water to the cockpit, which is self-bailing.
Along the gunnels, there are standard pop-out holders for your pushpole. For traditional flats fishermen, one option is an available custom poling platform with rod holders. Farther back, notice one of five popup stainless cleats. Gunnels measure 12 inches wide and feature extra rod holders.
Kevin Yeman, of Renegade, maneuvers the Nomad 20 along a mangrove shoreline. A fully-loaded center console sits at the center of the self-bailing cockpit. Features include windshield, stainless steel hand rails, and room at the dash for a full electronics package and engine gauges. Extra storage is available inside the console.
Having a bit of fun, Kevin takes on a sportfish wake at high speed. About the boat: The Renegade hull material is fiberglass. Inside, a redesigned foam-filled, transom-to-bow stringer system allows the boat to run in tough conditions. At the bow, 48 degrees of deadrise.
Open up the console seat to get to the 15-gallon baitwell. This is one of two standard wells on the Nomad 20.
The lipped gunnel looks naked without under-gunnel rod storage. But Kevin explains that each side will be outfitted with rod holders. Florida Sportsman previewed one of the initial boats which had not been completely rigged.
A three-person bench seat with dry-foam cushion is standard behind the console, though a leaning post option is available. The foam cushion can be removed if anglers need the extra walking space. A 50-gallon aluminum tank (not pictured) sits in the floor. Behind the seat, a flush deck with storage hatches on the outside and a livewell and motor well at center.
Open the bench seat to reveal more storage. This is a good option for tackle bags and other gear. Anything you want to stay completely dry probably needs to stay in a dry bag.
The center livewell, with standpipe, measures 35 gallons total.
Motor well with hatch leads to boat’s insides. Access the bilge and livewell pumps, and any hardware that needs regular maintenance through this hatch. Items such as the motor well, baitwell and console access hatches are all powder-coated.
With help from an optional jackplate and trim tabs, the Nomad 20 cruises on its 6-foot running pad. Minimal spray from the bow makes for a dry ride. Many anglers may choose to add a poling platform and “stick” anchor, such as the Power-Pole or Minn Kota Talon. The Renegade Nomad 20 is available in two-tone colors.
They’re tough to spot, but the hydraulic trim tabs come standard. Maximum engine rating on this boat is 250 horsepower. Different engine packages are available—Kevin feels the 200 horsepower is plenty of muscle.
© 2011 InterMedia Outdoors