2003 Campion Explorer 602
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Testers Notebook: |
Centre console boats have been around for quite a while and recently they've really grown in popularity - because they're rugged and versatile. However many centre consoles lack style and performance. Today we're going to take a look at the new Campion Explorer 602.
A centre console that Campion claims handles like a sport boat with a bold, new look. The Campion Explorer 602 has a centre line length of 20 feet, 10 inches and measures seven feet, eight inches in beam.
Complimenting the curvaceous hull is this rounded console complete with a motor cycle like widescreen. Even the helm layout breaks from tradition. The speedometer and tachometer mounted vertically rather than side by side.
While many centre consoles put a premium on storage, the 602 is designed to accommodate the needs of the modern boater. Beneath the removable cooler there's floor storage. More storage under the hinged bow seats and this large storage area under the forward bow cushion that can be converted to an aerated live well.
This anchor roller and rope locker will help keep ground tackle ready at all times. These recessed bow lights are both stylish and practical. Inside the console there's room for a marine head and lots more storage. There's even storage in the base of the helm seat.
A leaning post is standard or the 602 can be equipped with two individual fully adjustable chairs that make it easy to find a comfortable driving position while seated. The 602 was designed to have equal appeal to both water sports enthusiasts and fishermen.
For fishing, standard equipment includes a self-baling fibreglass cockpit, vertical rod storage, removable stern cushions, these clever footholds and a dedicated transom area to mount a trolling motor.
Serious anglers will want to add this aerated bait tank and this stainless steel t-top with rocket launchers and spreader light. Now it was time to see how Evinrude's 225 horsepower outboard with fixed ram injection would push the 2300 pound Explorer 602.
Up on plane is less than four seconds, the bow never lifts in a way that would block the view from the helm. Finding the ideal running angle with the 602 requires very few trim adjustments. Although the water was calm during testing, it was easy to see how the 602's chine's are designed to throw spray out and away from the hull.
Cold autumn air on test date also gave me a chance to experience firsthand how effective the stylish new windshield is. Pushing the throttles to the max, the 602 hit 54.3 miles per hour with the Evinrude turning 6000 rpm. Putting the Explorer 602 into hard turns can be made with the utmost confidence. No bouncing, no sliding just steady tracking.
With the Evinrude 225 set at 4000 rpm, the Explorer 602 cruises comfortably at 33 miles per hour. What impressed me was the accuracy of the speedometer, from 16 to 45 miles per hour, there was never more than one mile per hour difference between the handheld gps and the speedometer reading.
The Explorer 602 rides high and dry on Campion's performance proven apex hull, and up close or from a distance, there's no mistaking the 602's curved look that bears no resemblance to the slab sided centre consoles of many competitors.
With a top speed of over 50 miles per hour, a hull that carves steady turns and this bold new look, Campion Boats are really pushing the limits as to what a centre console can be.
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Test boat engine: Evinrude's 225 horsepower outboard with fixed ram injection.
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For the dealer nearest you contact:
Campion Marine Inc.
200 Campion Road
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1X 7S8 Canada
250.765.7795
www.campionboats.com
