Testing the Sportsman 352: Impressive Performance with a Game-Changing Second Station

JJ Ballew

Customer Service Manager

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to take the new Open 352 out for a spin down in West Palm. This isn’t just any Sportsman boat — it’s the updated flagship, complete with the all-new second station and hardtop. And let me tell you, this boat is a game changer.

Loaded to the brim with top-tier features, the boat was equipped with a Seakeeper 3 for stability, air conditioning for comfort, and of course, the highly anticipated Yamaha 350 engines. From the moment I fired it up, I was impressed by how smooth and powerful these new engines felt.

Quick to Plane, Even With a Load

Once I made my way through the no-wake zones of the intercoastal waterway and got the green light to resume normal operations, I was eager to see what this boat could do. I punched the throttles and immediately felt the boat spring to life. The acceleration was surprising — it leaped out of the water with minimal effort. Even with 330 gallons of gas, two people, and a full cooler (plus camera gear), the boat didn’t even flinch.

The new Yamaha 350s delivered an incredible amount of low-end power, making the boat responsive even with a load on board. This was one of the first things that stood out to me about the Open 352: it doesn't matter what you have onboard — the performance is rock solid.

Impressive Cruising Efficiency

After getting a good cruising speed heading toward Peanut Island, I glanced down at the fuel efficiency display and was shocked. At nearly 40 mph, I was getting 1.2 mpg with three engines screaming at almost 4,000 rpm. Not bad at all, considering the boat’s power and the conditions.

The new Yamaha 350s are not just great off the line — they continue to impress as you throttle up. Whether you're cruising at 35 or 40 mph, these engines have plenty of grunt to make passing others or just having fun effortless. I decided to push the throttles down all the way, and the boat’s acceleration was instant and forceful. Before I knew it, I was up to 50, then 55, and finally hitting 63.4 mph, all while the boat remained stable and in control. And this was with a nearly full tank of fuel and that new second station with the buggy top.

The Perfect Match

Wrapping up my time with the Open 352, I can confidently say that the new Yamaha 350s are a perfect match for this boat. Whether you're running it with the second station or not, these engines provide exceptional performance across the board. However, if you’re considering an Open 352, I highly recommend opting for the second station. It’s a blast to operate, gives you an excellent view, and the wind in your face just adds to the thrill.

All in all, the Open 352 with Yamaha 350s and that new second station setup is a standout combination. It’s got the performance, the technology, and the comfort for a truly unforgettable boating experience.