Sportsman Boats Open 352 Center Console: Second Station with Buggy Top
The Sportsman Boats Open 352 now offers an optional second station with a buggy top, providing an elevated helm with full controls and unmatched visibility for fishing and navigation. Debuted at FLIBS 2024, this feature enhances comfort and practicality with a sun-protective buggy top and seamless integration for on-water adventures.
The Sportsman Boats Open 352 Center Console has introduced an optional second station with a buggy top, enhancing both functionality and comfort for boating enthusiasts. This feature debuted at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), marking a significant advancement in the vessel's design.
Elevated Command with Full Functionality
The second station is seamlessly integrated through a stand-through hardtop design, providing the captain with an elevated vantage point. Equipped with a full helm, it includes a Garmin 1243XSV Multi-Function Display (MFD) that synchronizes with the main helm below, ensuring consistent control and access to all navigational and operational features. The station also features a leaning post with a backrest and flip-up bolsters, offering maximum comfort during operation.
Last week, I spent time in West Palm capturing new product shots of the Open 352 and filming an updated walkthrough to showcase this incredible boat. The weather was perfect—cool, crisp mornings and warm afternoons that made being on the water an absolute pleasure. The boat not only looks stunning but also drives effortlessly, making it a joy to operate.
Enhanced Visibility and Navigation
Operating from the elevated station offers several advantages:
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Improved Fish Spotting: Anglers benefit from a higher viewpoint, making it easier to locate fish and monitor water conditions.
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Better Navigational Awareness: The elevated position provides a clearer view of the surroundings, aiding in the identification of potential hazards, especially in shallow waters or congested areas.
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Comfortable Operation: The open-air design allows the captain to enjoy the elements, such as feeling the wind on a warm day, enhancing the overall boating experience.
The second station is a feature I believe we’ll see many people adding to their Open 352. It’s especially valuable if your boat will primarily live on the water and you enjoy fishing or navigating coastal areas.
Buggy Top for Sun Protection
A notable addition to this second station is the buggy top, offering protection from the sun and allowing for extended periods of comfortable operation. While the buggy top is removable to accommodate transport needs, it's designed with the expectation that the vessel will primarily remain on the water, minimizing the necessity for removal. It provides a shaded, elevated vantage point perfect for long days on the water, whether you're fishing or simply cruising.
For anyone considering the Open 352, this second station with the buggy top is an option I’d strongly recommend. It’s a practical, comfortable, and game-changing addition for those who want to maximize their time on the water.