Sportsman Specs: Open 252 Center Console

The Open 252 marks a clear step into a more capable class of center consoles, where size, range and offshore performance start to take a noticeable jump while still maintaining the versatility and manageability that define the Open Series. It’s a platform that opens the door to longer runs, more people on board and a wider range of conditions without feeling like a jump into an entirely different category of boating.

At 25 feet 3 inches in length with a 9 foot 3 inch beam, the Open 252 carries a wider footprint that immediately translates into more usable space throughout the boat. That added beam creates more stability at rest and more room to move, whether you’re working a fish around the boat or simply spending a full day with family and friends.

With a 20 inch draft, the Open 252 still maintains the ability to operate in shallower water when needed, but this is where the shift toward offshore capability becomes more apparent. A 140 gallon fuel capacity, with approximately 128 gallons usable, gives the Open 252 the range to run farther and stay out longer without constantly thinking about fuel.

That increased range pairs directly with the hull design. A 21 degree deadrise at the transom gives the Open 252 a deeper, more aggressive entry into the water, allowing it to handle chop and offshore conditions with more confidence than smaller models. At the same time, it maintains the stability and predictability that make it comfortable to fish and cruise throughout the day.

Performance reflects that balance. The Open 252 is capable of pushing into the upper 40 to 50 mph range while maintaining efficient cruising speeds around 30 mph, giving you the flexibility to prioritize either speed or range depending on the conditions and your plan for the day.

That performance starts with how the Open 252 is built. Every Open 252 is constructed using Sportsman’s SportTech® advanced fabrication approach, built with 100 percent composite construction and a fully integrated fiberglass stringer system. With no wood in the build, the structure is strong, consistent and designed for long-term durability in the same environments the boat is built to perform in.

The full fiberglass stringer system creates a rigid foundation that helps absorb impact and distribute energy throughout the hull. As the size of the Open 252 increases and the distances get longer, that structure plays an even bigger role in delivering a solid, controlled ride when running offshore or crossing larger bodies of water.

At the helm, the Open 252 integrates the SportLink® electronics system, connecting Garmin electronics, digital switching and onboard systems into a single interface. This keeps the dash clean while giving you full control and visibility, with navigation, system monitoring and key functions all centralized into an intuitive and easy-to-use layout.

The layout is where the Open 252 really starts to show its range of use. Up front, the bow is designed as a comfortable seating area with the ability to convert into a sunpad or table setup, making it just as functional for relaxing and cruising as it is for fishing. In the cockpit, a large livewell, in-deck fish boxes and rod storage support serious fishing, while maintaining clear walkways and open space to move throughout the boat.

Features like the leaning post with tackle storage, integrated swim platform and available head inside the console add to the overall usability, making longer days on the water more comfortable and practical for a wide range of activities.

Everything about the Open 252 is designed to expand what a center console can do. It has the range and ride to comfortably move offshore, the space and layout to support a full crew and the versatility to transition from fishing to cruising without compromise. It’s a platform that gives you the freedom to plan bigger days on the water and know the boat can handle it.