You can raise fish on this rugged offshore express, and then kick back in comfort in a well-done cabin.
By Jim Daly
I was setting a simple trolling spread aboard the Rampage 41 Express as Capt. Chris Leyden ran the boat out of Florida's Jupiter Inlet when I realized the experience was Zen-like. It was without effort. Everything I needed was precisely where I wanted it to be.
Indeed, the layout of this express-style sport-fisherman — which was recently reintroduced with a double-stateroom configuration as an option — is highly functional, yet with no unnecessary flash. At the bait-prep station, two doors conceal multiple drawers of various depths and widths, along with two compartments in which you can hang those prized chuggers and teasers. In addition, the doors of the bait-prep station are held open with gas rams; if you bump into them while moving around the cockpit to manage a fish, they'll close quietly and easily.
The 65-gallon transom livewell has a removable center partition and can be fitted with optional tuna tubes. The Frigid-Rigid cooler (it doubles as a seat) has removable stainless-steel shelves to make it easier to stow dead baits. To manage your catch, there are two 85-gallon, macerated, in-deck fish boxes.
The companionway between the cockpit and the helm deck is wide, so even if you're watching baits from a seat under the hardtop, you can spring to action when a fish hits your line without breaking your neck. And, there are secure handholds everywhere, so you'll find it easy to steady yourself while moving about the boat in a sea.
The only feature on the Rampage 41 I'm not crazy about is the rod storage in the stand-up shower. You may have to deal with a rod clip tapping against your head while you're washing your hair. Other than that, serious anglers will find a lot to like about this offshore express.
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COMMON AREA. The settee in the salon. |
| Rampage 41 |
| Specifications |
| Price (approx.) |
$855,215 |
| LOA |
44' |
| Beam |
16'0" |
| Draft |
4'0" |
| Disp. |
30,000 lbs. |
| Transom Deadrise |
12 degrees |
| Fuel |
700 gals. | |
| Performance |
| TEST POWER: (2) Caterpillar C12 Diesels. |
| RPM |
MPH |
GPH |
dB-A |
| 700 |
9.1 |
6.8 |
75 |
| 1000 |
10.8 |
15.8 |
83 |
| 1300 |
13.2 |
27.1 |
85 |
| 1600 |
23.8 |
34.0 |
94 |
| 1900 |
31.9 |
45.3 |
93 |
| 2200 |
38.8 |
63.5 |
92 |
| 2360 |
40.2 |
68.0 |
92 |
Speeds measured by GPS in the ICW west of Jupiter Island, Florida with three adults on board, 600 gallons of fuel and full water. Sound levels measured at the helm in dB-A.
GRACE UNDER POWER: Trolling slowly enough to keep a spread of live bait lively can be a challenge when a boat swings props large enough to handle the 715mhp(metric horsepower) Caterpillar C-12 diesels on our test boat. The Rampage 41's ZF transmissions, trolling valves and electronic controls made for easy maneuveuring, even when we pulled away from and then landed at the dock. The ZF system lowers propeller rpm so much that you don't lurch into gear. Engine synchronization is automatic and can be "dialed-in" in 50-rpm increments. With a 16-foot beam, the 41 is very stable while trolling or drifitng, yet also very nimble when backing down or spinning to catch a big fish.
ENGINE ACCESS: The hatch, ladder and catwalk on the Rampage 41 are ample for quick, safe access to the big Caterpillars, even for larger adults.
Rampage Yachts www.rampageyachts.com |
Other Sea Trials featured this month:
- More Electronics from past issues.
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