The Sea Hawk 200 CF is a wood-free center-console fisher, fully armed for stripers in the Chesapeake, tarpon in the passes or redfish in Baffin Bay. It's got just the features you need and plenty of room for aftermarket upgrades, and comes at a price that leaves lots of gas money in the bank.

Top speed with our test engine would be plenty to get anglers to the fish quick, and the midrange power could push a load through choppy waters. We think it's no slouch in performance and an ideal choice for inshore anglers wanting to conserve cash and weight while maximizing power. To enhance the package, we'd prefer the hydraulic steering instead of the standard steering. We also liked the standard Yamaha LCD gauge package -- we haven't seen one fog or fail yet.

The Sea Hawk 200 CF has a handy aerated bait well at the transom, plenty of storage and nonskid decking wherever you step. There's a huge fish locker at the transom and a battery locker for the starting battery.

The sole and gunwale are covered with nonskid -- everywhere boaters are likely to step, at least. We also found four cup holders on board, two on the helm and two at the convertible jump seats at the stern. The carry-on cooler at the front of the helm doubles as a comfortable seat with a padded backrest.

For serious anglers there are four gunwale rod holders for drifting or trolling. Four horizontal storage racks (two port, two starboard) are tucked under the gunwales, too. We found a huge gelcoated fish locker on the bow casting deck that will hold the catch and enough ice to keep it fresh. There's an anchor locker on the bow, plus room to mount an electric trolling motor. Our test boat was equipped with a flip-back cooler helm seat that adds even more storage. Your favorite lures go into the optional built-in tackle box, so the deck will be clean on the run to the next fishing hole. 

Stats

Length Overall: 19'8" Beam: 8'3" Dry Weight: 2,100 lb. (w/out engine) Seating/Weight Capacity: 8/1,850 lb. Fuel Capacity: 75 gal. Max HP: 200 MSRP (test boat): $23,557

 Test Drive

Test Engine: Yamaha 150 Carbureted Test Prop: 17-inch, aluminum Test Load: Fuel (35 gal.); People (220 lb.) Top Speed: 46.7 MPH @ 5,500 RPM Time to Plane: 2.1 sec. Time to 30 MPH: 6.0 sec. Min. Plane Speed: 17.3 MPH @ 2,500 RPM

 Notable Features

*Nonskid decking and gunwales.

*Yamaha LCD gauges are reliable and simple.

*Circuit-breaker panel eliminates fuses.

*Handy cup holders at helm and transom.

*Flip-back console seat gives aft-facing seating when fishing.

*Compartment below seat can be a cooler, fish box or dry storage.

* Two below-floor storage areas for casting nets or miscellaneous gear.