Twin Yamaha 300 power provides an economical 30-mph cruise at 3400 RPM but will top 50-MPH if you're feeling froggy.
July 28, 2021
By George LaBonte
The 295 Sport from Release Boats fills a space in the upper size range of their line for the family boater who likes to enjoys a bit of fishing or diving, but places a higher priority on the comfort level of its entire family. For the boater who might not have a large family- but rather, enjoys relaxing and socializing with a group of friends on the water- the 295 Sport fills a similar requirement. This is a large 30-foot center console that offers a wide open floor plan with plenty of room for a sizable group to stretch out on and relax.
At 29 and a half feet long by 10 feet wide, the 295 Sport is roomy and exceptionally stable. Powered with a pair of 300 Yamahas as our test model was, the 295 jumped up on plane instantly and settled into a comfortable 30 MPH cruising speed at 3400 RPM. Top speed would surpass 50 if I wanted to push it there. The 21-degree deadrise offered a soft head sea ride despite her considerable beam. For someone looking for a comfortable riding model you certainly wouldn’t be disappointed here.
The seating layout on this model is geared towards handling a large group both from the amount of available seat space as well as the open space around it. On the bow, a wide open foredeck is framed in forward by a large horseshoe shaped wraparound bench with room for 4-5 adults to sit comfortably.
At the forward console seat- a high backed double wide lounge seat faces the group seated forward making a comfortable setting for over 6 adults to enjoy drinks and conversation. Beneath the forward seats there’s a pair of dry storage compartments for gear and another larger compartment is located below the center deck forward.
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A notable item that stood out to me was the way that the console joined the deck as a single unit. The structural integrity of this design enable Release to attach the hard top legs directly to the console without extending them outward to the deck. This makes what is already a very wide boat even more roomy to navigate around, leaving tons of room to move past the console going forward and aft. The rear legs of the top merge with the back of the helm station to extend the reach of the sun protection offered by the hard top. The helm station rigging surface opens to reveal a cockpit sink and livewell.
The helm seating features a pair of convertible Llebroc seats facing a curvy blacked out dash display with room for two MFD units and instrumentation. A sporty curved glass windscreen wraps the forward edge of the helm.
A pair of long, in-deck fish boxes flank the console to port and starboard and access to bilge systems is available through another large hatch in the cockpit deck.
Across the transom, a completely flush folding wide bench seat can be stowed into a transom pocket neatly or deployed for a couple of adults to share for a comfortable riding spot. To port in the corner of the transom is a second livewell and opposite to starboard, a clean pass through door provides access to the transom fantail which is trimmed out in SeaDek.
For trim and finish work, the 295 Sport offers a luxury appearance all around the deck with plush upholstery and quality hardware. The console interior offers plenty of room for a porcelain flush head and shower sink along with space for changing for the girls. Storage for extra gear is easily handled within this space as well.
With a target buyer in mind that wants to take social activities to the water and have the flexibility of bringing everyone along for some cruising and water sports combined with fishing or diving related action mixed in- the 295 Sport should fill a spot in the roster for Release Boats nicely and definitely bears a look.
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Length: 29-5 Beam: 10-1 Draft: 20” Deadrise: 21-degrees Weight: 7800 Dry (w/o power) Max HP: 600 Fuel: 180 Gal Base MSRP: $205,000 www.releaseboats.com
More Features
A large forward U-Shaped Wraparound seating area offers comfortable lounging for 4-5 adults.
Under the foredeck, access to your anchor windlass and rode locker are accessible and deck mat trim adds a bit of style.
Plenty of dry storage for gear is available beneath the forward seating to port and starboard.
At the forward edge of the console you'll find a double width seat with a high padded backrest that's large enough to seat two.
The combination of incorporating the console into the deck mold enables Release to attach the hard top tubing directly to the console to free up walking room alongside.
A quality marine audio system and plenty of available drink holders adjacent to the seating makes pleasure cruising more enjoyable.
Twin Llebroc helm chairs for the helmsman and companion are extremely comfortable for a long ride out.
Access to your batteries and switching doesn't get much more convenient than this.
All white powder coated tubing on this hard top features a clean appearance and functionality for both shade and rod storage.
The rear of this helm station is a convenient location for this rigging sink and second live well.
The console interior of the Release 295 Sport is roomy enough to handle a marine head and sink with vanity while still offering lots of space to handle more storage items.
Transom seating is offered here on a double fold down bench with extra plush upholstery.
One of two live wells is located here at the port transom corner and features a calming blue interior to keep baits chilled out.
A fresh water pullout shower at the transom is perfect for a quick rinse after a swim at the boarding location.
