The Sportsman Open 282 is a high-performance center console boat that combines fishing functionality with family-friendly comfort. Enhance your experience on the water by adding a LaPorte Boat Shade Kit for extended sun protection and sleek style.
If you're a passionate angler or an avid boater, you know that choosing the right boat is crucial to making the most of your time on the water. One boat that stands out for both performance and comfort is Sportsman Open 282 for serious fishing and family adventures alike. Combined with all of the designed in creature comforts, one way to enhance the luxury and functionality of the boat is with a LaPorte Boat Shade Kit.
Our team at LaPorte recently took out Sportsman’s 2025 demo Open 282 and threw up one of our iconic shades, which made for the perfect day on the water.
The Sportsman 282 Open: A Fishing Machine with Family Comfort in Mind
The Open 282 is part of Sportsman’s highly-regarded line of center consoles, built with the idea of combining hardcore fishing performance with family-friendly amenities. Here’s a quick overview of its standout features:
• Length & Performance: At 28’ 2” long and with a wide 9’ 3” beam, the Open 282 offers a balanced ride in choppy offshore waters. The twin 300 HP engines provide plenty of power for reaching distant fishing grounds quickly, while the 24-degree deadrise ensures a stable ride.
• Fishing Amenities: This boat is loaded with features for the serious angler, including dual 30-gallon aerated livewells, insulated fish boxes, and ample rod storage. You also get a fiberglass T-top with built-in rocket launchers and a tackle center for all your gear.
• Comfort & Luxury: The Open 282 isn’t just about fishing; it’s also designed to keep the family comfortable. Plush seating throughout the boat, a console with a head compartment, and a forward sun lounge ensure that everyone on board enjoys a relaxing experience.
Why Add a LaPorte Boat Shade Kit?
Now that we’ve covered what makes the Sportsman Open 282 a fantastic boat on its own, let’s talk about the LaPorte Boat Shade Kit and how it enhances your time on the water.
1. Extended Shade for All-Day Comfort
One of the most significant advantages of the Boat Shade Kit is the extended sun protection it offers. The Open 282 comes with a standard oversized hard-top that provides shade at the helm and surrounding areas, but it leaves the forward and aft seating partially exposed to the sun. The shade system fixes this by extending coverage both forward and aft, ensuring everyone on board can enjoy shade, even on the hottest days.
2. Easy to Install and Remove
This system is designed for user-friendliness. It can be quickly installed or removed without specialized tools, making it perfect for changing weather conditions or storage.
The shade kit is made with high-quality, UV ray reflecting, Resilience material that can withstand salt, UV rays, and constant exposure to the elements.
3. Sleek and Seamless Integration
Some boat shade systems can look bulky or awkward, detracting from the sleek profile of your boat. That’s not the case with the LaPorte Boat Shade Kit. Its design seamlessly integrates with the lines of the Sportsman Open 282, maintaining the boat's modern, streamlined aesthetic. You get the extra coverage without sacrificing style.
4. Added Value for Fishing
If you're out for a long day of fishing, the extra shade can make a big difference. It keeps coolers, bait, and tackle from overheating in the direct sun and helps you avoid fatigue caused by prolonged sun exposure. The added shade also ensures better comfort during those downtime moments between bites.
The Sportsman Open 282 is already a standout in the offshore boating world with its combination of performance, style, and versatility. However, pairing it with a LaPorte Boat Shade Kit takes it to the next level of comfort and functionality, making it a perfect choice for both hardcore fishing trips and family outings. Whether you're cruising inshore waters, chasing game fish offshore, or just enjoying a sunset cruise with loved ones, this boat-shade combination offers an ideal balance of protection and style.
Looking to maximize your boating experience? Consider the Sportsman Open 282 and add a LaPorte Boat Shade Kit for the ultimate blend of performance, luxury, and all-day comfort.