Pathfinder 2300 HPS (High Performance Step)

Florida Sportsman's David Conway headed down to the Keys in June where Skip Lyshon, Sales Director at Maverick Boat Company, spotlighted the innovative 2300 HPS packaged with a Yamaha F250 SHO (Super High Output).

“The gelcoat was barely dry when we ran it,” said Skip Lyshon. “It's a high performance Pathfinder, designed for the power of the Yamaha F250 SHO. Right now that's the only motor anybody wants, and Yamaha is having great success with it.

“On a stepped hull, weight distribution is critical,” said Lyshon. “We've got it all worked out for perfect balance. The weight goes pretty much in the back of the boat. The boat is flush in the water, sits level and rides level—not bow up, but level—even at high speeds. It takes a new engine from Yamaha and lets it perform at peak capacity and utility. It's a natural progression for our customers, too, who wanted more high performance.”

Upgrades to the deck layout include 9½-inch gunnels, increased space on the bow for two anglers, a newly-designed livewell that drains ammonia away from baits, increased storage space, and improved rod storage at the center console and in port and starboard rod lockers. Two anglers can now stand and cast on the bow, clear of each other, and there's more room to either side of the console to move freely up and down the boat.

“The deck has wider gunnels, and now you can easily walk them,” said Lyshon. “The bow, which is clean, can now have two anglers on it fishing, one by the trolling motor, and plenty more space for another by that angler's side. The rod lockers are larger and so is the anchor locker. Also, in addition to the rod lockers, we have under-gunnel rod storage, and of course, upright rod holders on the console. No way could there be considered a shortage of space for long, one-piece rods now, including fly rods.”

One last highlight that must be mentioned before getting to the photos is the newly designed livewell. “The livewell took a lot of science to develop,” explains Skip. “We used to do the round livewell with circulating water.” The newest well features a stand pipe to the side, out of the way, and a clear panel with drain holes. “The holes are supposed to drain ammonia out of the livewell water to keep baits fresh and in better shape for longer,” says Skip. “There are no dead zones in this livewell.”

Pathfinder Boats

3207 Industrial 29 Street

Fort Pierce, FL 34946

772-465-0631

www.pathfinderboats.com

Specifications:

Base price with engine package: $58, 521

Length: 23 feet, 6 inches

Beam: 8 feet, 4 inches

Draft: 12 inches

Max horsepower: 250 hp

Weight: 3,000 pounds with engine

Deadrise: 15 degrees

Baitwell: 28 gallons

Skip Lyshon gets ready to prepare the boat at the docks. From this angle, notice all the deck space up front, the under-gunnel rod storage, one (bow) of five flush-mount cleats that carpet this boat, and the standard console windshield and grab rail.

 

A view from overhead. From up top, notice how clean the deck looks. All hardware is recessed for snag-free fishing. Not pictured is a standard 72-quart cooler/seat that can sit in front of the console.

 

The larger anchor locker has room for more chain and more rope. Even though most anglers will employ some style of stick anchor system, like the Power-Pole, improved traditional anchor space can be invaluable in nearshore waters.

 

Deck hatches opened up at the factory. All lids have hydraulic rams to hold open compartments. Far left, the large storage compartment can hold tackle, foul-weather clothing, cameras, and other gear. Top, one of two lockable rod lockers. At right, the in-floor storage.

 

Skip Lyshon opens the starboard lockable rod storage that can handle up to 9-foot rods. There's a twin on the port side.

 

Skip opens the in-floor storage that's ideal for 5-gallon buckets to store a castnet—hose out this compartment and it drains into the bilge.

 

The cooler mounted in front of the console doubles as the “coolest” seat on the boat. The 72-quart cooler can be removed if needed.

 

Remove the backrest to have full access inside the console, which includes wiring.

 

A shot of the inside of the console. Wiring for electronics and gauges, and batteries are easy to access.

 

Console has a re-done dash panels with all the switches to the left of the steering wheel. Above, there's room for a large 12-inch GPS/finder and stereo speakers. Notice the grab rail and vertical rod holders.

 

Below, bi-fold door on console opens to more storage space for personals like cell phones, keys, etc. A toe-kick allows boaters to wedge in while running, plus there's LED lighting under the console for running at night.

 

A shot of the newly designed 28-gallon livewell located in the center rear deck. At left, notice the clear panel that drains ammonia (baitfish pee) to keep the baits and water fresh.

 

Skip sits on the rear deck and sticks half his body inside the rigging area to show how big it is. Increased space allows boaters to access items like bilge pump, and pumps and filters while on the water.

 

Two rear storage compartments stay open via hydraulic ram. The livewell's in the middle. Storage compartments feature gutters to keep water out.

 

A shot of the brand new 250 SHO (Super High Output) from Yamaha. Initial performance testing in the Keys found that rigged on the 2300 HPS it burned 4.5 mpg at 37 mph; 2.5 mpg at 62 miles per hour.

 

A level platform when running. Not much hull sits in the water when this boat's moving—less drag equates to faster speeds.

 

Now it's time to prep for a sea turtle release as part of the Yamaha press event. Skip readies the boat as members from The Turtle Hospital in Marathon will soon be here.

 

The rehabilitated turtle's pulled from the white bin and readied to be released. Its eyes are kept covered to prevent it from going wild while still on the boat.

 

And the moment of release, the sea turtle swims off to freedom. Look behind the turtle and notice the redesigned transom on the 2300 HPS. A jack plate comes standard with this boat. With engine set back farther, the engine's prop can run in “cleaner” water that can increase performance and speed.

FS Classics, August 2010