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10/01/2005
Flying High
When
FISHER® boats introduced its all-welded Hawk 186 Sport last summer, we were among the first to test it on Missouri's Table Rock Lake during TRACKER® Marine's press intro. It was a hot, balmy day with little wind and little to no chop on the lake's surface. While the conditions weren't exactly ideal for getting the most out of any rig, they were after all, typical of summer fishing.
FISHER® boats introduced its all-welded Hawk 186 Sport last summer, we were among the first to test it on Missouri's Table Rock Lake during TRACKER® Marine's press intro. It was a hot, balmy day with little wind and little to no chop on the lake's surface. While the conditions weren't exactly ideal for getting the most out of any rig, they were after all, typical of summer fishing.The new-for-2005 multispecies boat was rigged with a Mercury® 150 XR6, a carbureted 2.5L V-6, which was the only upgrade to this well-endowed package. I have to admit that when BWB Advertising Director Richard Holroyd and I took our first glance at the engine, we were saddened knowing this would be the last year Mercury would be building these tried-and-true work-horses thanks to the new 2006 EPA laws. But, as the saying goes, we had a job to do.
Althoughthe lake was pretty flat, we could easily find- or make- some waves to cross, but a boat wake here and there does not emulate real-life chop. Yet there were enough other things to test for, such as holeshot, top end, range, fuel economy, fit and finish, stability at rest, cornering, overall handling, and layout.
the lake was pretty flat, we could easily find- or make- some waves to cross, but a boat wake here and there does not emulate real-life chop. Yet there were enough other things to test for, such as holeshot, top end, range, fuel economy, fit and finish, stability at rest, cornering, overall handling, and layout.COMMAND PERFORMANCE
Whileidling out of the marina, there was little else to do but kick back, take in the scenery and check out the comfort and overall layout of the test boat. The first thing we noticed was that there was plenty of legroom for both driver and passenger- a fine start, indeed. In addition, we could see that the walk- through, radiused windshield was high enough and deep enough to keep spray off of us in choppy conditions- had there been any.
Evensporting a carbureted two-stroke V-6, the Hawk was very quiet at the helm. At idle (800 rpm), we measured just 58 dBa, while at the transom, the reading of 84 dBa was indicative of what we had expected of the throaty carbureted two-stroke.
Onceout of the no-wake zone, we ripped off three 0-to-30 mph sprints that averaged a very respectable 6.6 seconds. The XR6 provides the Hawk 186 Sport more than enough power to pop a 'skier out of the water. This boat is, after all, designed to accommodate a family whether it's fishing, cruising, waterskiing or wakeboarding. And speaking of cruising, at 3500 rpm and a speed of 30.6 mph, we measured 81 dBa at the helm. We could speak to one another without shouting. Yet at wide-open throttle, we said only what we needed to say, and said it loud.
Topend was exactly 50 mph- not bad, not great, but it was about what you'd expect of a fairly heavy, deep V multispecies boat. Rigged with the maximum 175 hp, we'd have seen a few more mph, and even better holeshot. Readers with bass boats are probably shrugging their shoulders, but the thing to remember is that the Hawk is no lightweight aluminum boat. Nor is it a bass boat. This 18½- foot deep V weighs in at 1800 lbs.
Bycomparison, 21-foot production 'glass bass boats, such as our Stratos 201 Pro XL project boat (20 feet, 8 inches), Skeeter's FX 210 (21 feet, 2 inches) and Ranger's Z21 (21 feet, 2 inches) average slightly more than 1800 pounds- and yet they're not deep V's. Yet, as 18-foot aluminum deep V multispecies boats go, 1800 pounds is pretty typical. The G3 Angler V185F we tested in the June issue weighed 1820 pounds. But, when it comes to taming rough water, a deep V with some weight to it is a winning combination and worth giving up a little on the top end for.
Rangeis one of the things we report on under the "performance" heading. Fuel economy is what it is, but the number of mpg you're getting means nothing if your fuel capacity prevents you from reaching your destination and returning without needing to refuel. Based on 90 percent of its 50-gallon fuel capacity, the Hawk 186 Sport has a range of 126 miles when turning 3500 rpm and rigged with an XR6. At that rpm, it clips along at 30.6 mph. Every 500-rpm increment thereafter up to wide-open throttle brings with it an average of 5 mph while range drops off just slightly, for an average loss of 4.5 miles per 500 rpm increase. At wide-open throttle (5500 rpm), our testing rig still gave us a range of 108 miles at 50 mph.
Again,we were not provided the opportunity to test the Hawk Sport's rough water ride and handling due to flat lake conditions, but we did assess its corning and "stopping" abilities. With the engine bolted directly to the transom and no engine height to fiddle with, our Hawk Sport/XR6 test rig cornered extremely well in turns with no skipping or sliding and no prop blowouts. When shut down from a full gallop, very little backwash made its way to the carpet on the rear deck. What water did come over the transom ended up in the splashwell.
While
idling out of the marina, there was little else to do but kick back, take in the scenery and check out the comfort and overall layout of the test boat. The first thing we noticed was that there was plenty of legroom for both driver and passenger- a fine start, indeed. In addition, we could see that the walk- through, radiused windshield was high enough and deep enough to keep spray off of us in choppy conditions- had there been any.Even
sporting a carbureted two-stroke V-6, the Hawk was very quiet at the helm. At idle (800 rpm), we measured just 58 dBa, while at the transom, the reading of 84 dBa was indicative of what we had expected of the throaty carbureted two-stroke.Once
out of the no-wake zone, we ripped off three 0-to-30 mph sprints that averaged a very respectable 6.6 seconds. The XR6 provides the Hawk 186 Sport more than enough power to pop a 'skier out of the water. This boat is, after all, designed to accommodate a family whether it's fishing, cruising, waterskiing or wakeboarding. And speaking of cruising, at 3500 rpm and a speed of 30.6 mph, we measured 81 dBa at the helm. We could speak to one another without shouting. Yet at wide-open throttle, we said only what we needed to say, and said it loud.Top
end was exactly 50 mph- not bad, not great, but it was about what you'd expect of a fairly heavy, deep V multispecies boat. Rigged with the maximum 175 hp, we'd have seen a few more mph, and even better holeshot. Readers with bass boats are probably shrugging their shoulders, but the thing to remember is that the Hawk is no lightweight aluminum boat. Nor is it a bass boat. This 18½- foot deep V weighs in at 1800 lbs.By
comparison, 21-foot production 'glass bass boats, such as our Stratos 201 Pro XL project boat (20 feet, 8 inches), Skeeter's FX 210 (21 feet, 2 inches) and Ranger's Z21 (21 feet, 2 inches) average slightly more than 1800 pounds- and yet they're not deep V's. Yet, as 18-foot aluminum deep V multispecies boats go, 1800 pounds is pretty typical. The G3 Angler V185F we tested in the June issue weighed 1820 pounds. But, when it comes to taming rough water, a deep V with some weight to it is a winning combination and worth giving up a little on the top end for.Range
is one of the things we report on under the "performance" heading. Fuel economy is what it is, but the number of mpg you're getting means nothing if your fuel capacity prevents you from reaching your destination and returning without needing to refuel. Based on 90 percent of its 50-gallon fuel capacity, the Hawk 186 Sport has a range of 126 miles when turning 3500 rpm and rigged with an XR6. At that rpm, it clips along at 30.6 mph. Every 500-rpm increment thereafter up to wide-open throttle brings with it an average of 5 mph while range drops off just slightly, for an average loss of 4.5 miles per 500 rpm increase. At wide-open throttle (5500 rpm), our testing rig still gave us a range of 108 miles at 50 mph.Again,
we were not provided the opportunity to test the Hawk Sport's rough water ride and handling due to flat lake conditions, but we did assess its corning and "stopping" abilities. With the engine bolted directly to the transom and no engine height to fiddle with, our Hawk Sport/XR6 test rig cornered extremely well in turns with no skipping or sliding and no prop blowouts. When shut down from a full gallop, very little backwash made its way to the carpet on the rear deck. What water did come over the transom ended up in the splashwell.TOTALLY BUILTY
TheFISHER® Hawk 186 Sport features an all-welded, reverse- chine hull. The seams are nice and clean and the hardware is neatly installed. Our only complaint is that there's a shortage of rod storage, but that's something that can be easily remedied.
Likeother boats in the TRACKER® family, FISHER®'s Hawk 186 Sport has a solid feel both at rest and underway. In fact, everything on the boat feels solid, from the windshield to the grab handles to the lids. FISHER cuts no corners when it comes to construction.
Fitand finish are top-notch, as well. Carpeting is cut to fit, stitching is neat and even, hinges are attached cleanly and fasteners of the proper lengths are installed perfectly flush, which can only be done when the holes are drilled straight. Good job, FISHER®.
The
FISHER® Hawk 186 Sport features an all-welded, reverse- chine hull. The seams are nice and clean and the hardware is neatly installed. Our only complaint is that there's a shortage of rod storage, but that's something that can be easily remedied.Like
other boats in the TRACKER® family, FISHER®'s Hawk 186 Sport has a solid feel both at rest and underway. In fact, everything on the boat feels solid, from the windshield to the grab handles to the lids. FISHER cuts no corners when it comes to construction.Fit
and finish are top-notch, as well. Carpeting is cut to fit, stitching is neat and even, hinges are attached cleanly and fasteners of the proper lengths are installed perfectly flush, which can only be done when the holes are drilled straight. Good job, FISHER®.ALL THE FIXIN'S
Westate earlier that with the exception of the 150 RX6 mounted on its transom, our test boat was rigged with nothing but standard features, of which there were plenty. Beginning at the bow, the Hawk sports (no pun intended) a Minn Kota® 12-volt 55-pound-thrust trolling motor with foot control. The bow electrical panel has tackle trays built into it. Beneath the forward seating, which feature snap-in cushions, there's plenty of storage space. In addition, there are two grab handles for passengers seated up front when the boat is underway and a pedestal seat mount, as well as storage for it beneath the deck. A 19-gallon aerated livewell with timer is located just aft of the center storage.
Thecockpit area is both comfortable and refined. The dash includes speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter and fuel gauge. A Lowrance® X37 fishfinder is mounted off to the side of the gauges, directly above the rocker switches. Tilt steering is also standard, as is a horn and paddles. We always give extra points for fire extinguishers that are mounted out of the way but within easy reach of the driver. Ours was located against the gunwale next to the driver where it should be. There's also a 12-volt power point for keeping your cell phone charged.
Movingover to the passenger side, there's a glove bow that's large enough to hold sunglasses, binoculars and a couple of hats. Beneath that is an AM/FM/CD stereo with speakers on each side of the cockpit. Both the driver and passenger's seats swivel, which facilitates getting in and out- especially if you have long legs. Two additional seats are located behind the driver and co-pilot's seats. There's storage along the gunwales for rods or other items, and they're lockable, but there were no rod or tackle organizers. A Bimini top with color- coordinated storage boot is also standard.
Therear deck sports a 23-gallon, 42-inch aerated livewell with timer that runs off a 500-gph pump. A baitwell insert makes live bait easy to access while protecting it from disgruntled gamefish. A pedestal seat base is conveniently located for your fishing partner. Rigging was neat and clean in the battery compartment, which contained a 12-volt cranking batter and 12-volt trolling battery. It's important to note that the wiring harness for the trolling motor will accommodate a 24-volt motor if you later choose to upgrade.
Thetrailer, which is part of the package, is painted to match the boat and comes with 14-inch chrome wheels, a swingaway tongue, TRACKER®'s famous GalvaShield™ anti- corrosion protection, retractable safety cables and a transom saver. The only available options are for the trailer, and you can choose trailer brakes as well as rollers rather than bunks. Base price, which includes a 90 hp Mercury® carbureted two- stroke, is $20,100. Our rig, as tested with a Mercury 160 XR6 is $23,000, which includes everything we've mentioned and then some.
In the tradition of FISHER® and its parent company, TRACKER® Marine, the new FISHER Hawk 186 Sport flies high above the competition in terms of value. This boat is rigged and ready to fish right out of the box, and although it's moderately priced at a little over 20K, it sacrifices nothing in terms of quality and craftsmanship.
We
state earlier that with the exception of the 150 RX6 mounted on its transom, our test boat was rigged with nothing but standard features, of which there were plenty. Beginning at the bow, the Hawk sports (no pun intended) a Minn Kota® 12-volt 55-pound-thrust trolling motor with foot control. The bow electrical panel has tackle trays built into it. Beneath the forward seating, which feature snap-in cushions, there's plenty of storage space. In addition, there are two grab handles for passengers seated up front when the boat is underway and a pedestal seat mount, as well as storage for it beneath the deck. A 19-gallon aerated livewell with timer is located just aft of the center storage.The
cockpit area is both comfortable and refined. The dash includes speedometer, tachometer, voltmeter and fuel gauge. A Lowrance® X37 fishfinder is mounted off to the side of the gauges, directly above the rocker switches. Tilt steering is also standard, as is a horn and paddles. We always give extra points for fire extinguishers that are mounted out of the way but within easy reach of the driver. Ours was located against the gunwale next to the driver where it should be. There's also a 12-volt power point for keeping your cell phone charged.Moving
over to the passenger side, there's a glove bow that's large enough to hold sunglasses, binoculars and a couple of hats. Beneath that is an AM/FM/CD stereo with speakers on each side of the cockpit. Both the driver and passenger's seats swivel, which facilitates getting in and out- especially if you have long legs. Two additional seats are located behind the driver and co-pilot's seats. There's storage along the gunwales for rods or other items, and they're lockable, but there were no rod or tackle organizers. A Bimini top with color- coordinated storage boot is also standard.The
rear deck sports a 23-gallon, 42-inch aerated livewell with timer that runs off a 500-gph pump. A baitwell insert makes live bait easy to access while protecting it from disgruntled gamefish. A pedestal seat base is conveniently located for your fishing partner. Rigging was neat and clean in the battery compartment, which contained a 12-volt cranking batter and 12-volt trolling battery. It's important to note that the wiring harness for the trolling motor will accommodate a 24-volt motor if you later choose to upgrade.The
trailer, which is part of the package, is painted to match the boat and comes with 14-inch chrome wheels, a swingaway tongue, TRACKER®'s famous GalvaShield™ anti- corrosion protection, retractable safety cables and a transom saver. The only available options are for the trailer, and you can choose trailer brakes as well as rollers rather than bunks. Base price, which includes a 90 hp Mercury® carbureted two- stroke, is $20,100. Our rig, as tested with a Mercury 160 XR6 is $23,000, which includes everything we've mentioned and then some.In the tradition of FISHER® and its parent company, TRACKER® Marine, the new FISHER Hawk 186 Sport flies high above the competition in terms of value. This boat is rigged and ready to fish right out of the box, and although it's moderately priced at a little over 20K, it sacrifices nothing in terms of quality and craftsmanship.
Article by Steve Quinlan
Reprinted with permission from Bass & Walleye Boats, October 2005.