Seaswirl, one of six saltwater brands in the Genmar fold, recently introduced the 22 Striper Bay Boat.
Part of the name makes perfect sense: This boat is just shy of 22 feet in length, and the lines and hull weight (1,900 pounds) position her squarely in the bay boat fleet.
We suspect some buyers may struggle with the Seaswirl-Striper thing: It's an artifact of a previous name-game, wherein 50-year-old builder Seaswirl had saltwater (Striper) and freshwater boat lines. We're told Seaswirl no longer makes "freshwater" boats, leaving Striper.
Of course now it's all Genmar, a company which supervises eight manufacturing centers and reported $1 billion in sales in 2007. Genmar appears confident in its production techniques and quality control. The Seaswirl Striper 22BB (why don't they just call it "Striper"? It's a cool name...) is backed by a 10-year transferable hull warranty. An all-glass stringer system is bonded to the deck; transom is composite.
The 22 BB is built in Murfreesboro, Tennesee, at the same plant, and by the same personnel, as Hydra-Sports and Stratos boats. About 150 of the 22 Striper Bay Boat hulls will be built per year, according to company spokesman Mike Rodriguez. They'll be sold through a nationwide network of 45 dealers, 8 of which are located in Florida. Manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 22 with 200-horsepower four-stroke engine, as photographed here, is right around $40,000 (not including trolling motor, Power Pole and electronics). A variety of options are available, described on the company's Website, www.seaswirl.com. There is also a 19-foot Bay Boat, and several power options, including Evinrude E-Tec 2-stroke and Suzuki 4-stroke.
Console tricked out with options, including sighting handrail; stainless tilt steering wheel with hydraulic steering; and Raymarine electronics package, with A65 chartplotter/fishfinder combo and VHF. Standard features shown include weather-resistant switch panel, drink holders and glove box. Yamaha digital instrumentation--standard with Yamaha power--reports fuel burn, among many other details. Manufacturer's performance data for 150-horsepower four-stroke power indicates 5 miles per gallon and 26 miles per hour at 3,500 rpm. That power option brings the MSRP down a few clicks, as well.
About that sighting console: It's a neat option for getting a better view of the waters at slow or idle speed, but no substitute for a designated custom tower with controls, if running down fish at speed is your goal (we hope not). There is a built-in step on each side of the console.
The inverted U-shaped handrail telescopes for support.
Screws for tightening the handrail.
Security for casting at distant fish.
Power Pole is a handy option for short-term anchoring while drifting or under trolling motor power. Choose between manual and remote operation.
Lockable rod storage is standard on starboard (shown) and port sides. Gear storage hatch in center.
Bay boats are almost by definition trolling motor boats, and this one's no exception. Dealers rig the Minn Kota 24-volt, 80-pound-thrust model, in manual or remote operation. We've also opened the anchor locker for a look. Also note the round black receptacle for running lights (not shown), which you'll have to plug in after dusk and stow after sunrise. Sighting bar mounted inside the console makes it tough to mount lights up there, we're told.
A typical, proven design for a bow casting deck. That little molded-in toe rail does add a feeling of security. This boat has a mount for a bow seat.
Inside of the console are starter and house batteries (foreground), trolling motor battery charger, and trolling motor batteries. Round white inspection plate leads to fuel tank sending unit.
Twin standard livewells: Center is 30 gallons; port side is 18 gallons.
Grate on livewell overflow, to prevent baits from clogging.
Starboard view of aft deck. In foreground are mounts for aft bench seat with removable backrest. On gunnel, from left: rodholder, pop-up cleat, anchor light receptable, GPS antenna.
Leaning post with rocket-launcher rodholders, cooler storage and flip-up seat with storage.
Here are some views of the 22 Bay Boat going through the paces.
Rodholders mounted on each side of the console.
Sirius satellite radio system with CD player and four speakers is another option.
View of bilge (not showroom clean; this one's been in the water a bit).
Hardware for securing cooler in front of console. An extra 30-gallon livewell may take this place, if the sighting console option is not selected.
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