LARSON 1750 SC REVIEW

Having seen a number of the Larson LX series of sports bowriders over the years I was not prepared for the low-slung purposeful look of the 1750 SC, which Larson calls “… a serious fishing boat for serious fishing families.”

If ever a boat was going to score X-factor points by just resting on its trailer, it would be the Larson FX 1750 SC. Its sleek, low lines and sporty graphics give emphasis to the tall 150hp Mercury on the transom in a way that evokes images of a ground-seeking missile.

IS THE LARSON 1750 SC A FISHING BOAT?

Larson does a great job of disguising the 1750 SC’s real nature by providing sensible and innovative concessions to fishing. As I explored the boat more I found storage bins everywhere and an uncluttered layout that would encourage casting from every corner of the deck.

Sitting on its Dunbier Super Roller trailer at the ramp, the planing strakes, big reverse chines and 16° deadrise were on display along with beautifully finished gelcoat on the hull. The high quality of the finish is down to Larson’s Virtual Engineering Composites construction (VEC) that uses a robotic close-moulded, fully composite construction with an integrated stringer system for a one-piece hull with perfectly formed gelcoat. It not only looks good, it’s light and strong.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

I noted more hatches than a chook farm. Along with the walkways, these were covered in a bamboo weave vinyl that stood out in a distinctive pattern against the white gelcoat, softened by the same colour theme on the richly upholstered seats. Raised casting decks front and rear overlook a cockpit section where skipper and passenger sit lower in the hull with the helm protected by a narrow console finished in black to match the hull colour.

Seats can be moved around to various favoured fishing spots in the boat and the test boat came with a high leaning post in the bow, which can similarly be moved to a location on the stern platform.

To port was a livebait or keeper tank and to starboard a storage bin with a removable frame for spinner lures. Towards the front are two more storage bins.

There’s a 24V 80lb Minn Kota ST electric motor fitted right into the bow. Pop up cleats, neatly recessed in the bow, offer some concession to anchoring. I also liked the sliding brackets along the side decks.

The raised deck at the transom has a wide aerated bait tank, storage for the engine battery to starboard and another storage locker to port. In the cockpit, rod lockers run along each side and there are more of the nifty rails for the Cannon rodholders. More storage is found in another locker at the passengers’ feet

ELECTRONICS

I have described the console as compact, but it contains all that’s necessary in a neat and very sporty package. Rocker switches sit aside Faria and there’s a three-spoke wheel with black vinyl rim. Set low in the dash is a Jenson stereo. To the right of the instruments is a Humminbird 788dHD sonar/GPS on its own shelf. While it might be adequate, there didn’t seem much room for a larger screen.

HANDLING AND RIDE

From rest the 1750 had a smooth and fast progression onto the plane at 2500rpm and 10kts. At just over 3000rpm it started to clear the water, before scooting up to 3500rpm, showing 22kts. Opening the throttle gave a fast cruise of 30kts at 4500rpm and flat stick it managed 42kts at 5600rpm.

Cruising along and taking in the changing scenery at every turn I rounded Borpa Bend where dozens of houseboats snuggled up to their mooring on the riverbank, before sweeping into the aptly-named Hair Pin Bend.

I found the ride soft and stable and at high speed in a straight line it felt safe and predictable. Through the big sweepers the boat had a tendency to drift sideways into the turn giving a feeling a bit like being on a dirt road in a smooth-handling sports car.

At low trolling speeds the boat tracks well and at rest it is extremely stable as might be expected from the wide 2.44m beam and the relatively flat hull shape at the outer edges.

THE VERDICT

The boat dealer that supplied the test boat, Boats and More, had the price at $54,990 as tested. With a raft of options and ready to go on a trailer, that’s good value. It would be cheaper with a 115hp engine but I think you would miss half the fun of owning such a boat. Larson opens itself up to comparison by suggesting in the brochure that the FX 1750 SC has the amenities of a traditional aluminium fishing boat but with the smooth ride and style of fibreglass. I’d love to see a head-to-head comparison with one of the Crestliners that have surprised the judges at the last two Australia’s Greatest Trailer Boats shootouts. Maybe a showdown against some of the Aussie contenders at the next fibreglass shootout in 2014 could be in order.

ON THE PLANE…

• Sporty looks and high quality finish
• Fun to drive
• Stable platform for fishing

DRAGGING THE CHAIN…

• Prop was wrong but it’s been fixed

PERFORMANCE

2kts (4kmh) @ 1000rpm

3kts (6kmh) @ 1500rpm

6kts (10kmh) @2000rpm

10kts (18kmh) @2500rpm — on the plane

11kts (21kmh) @3000rpm

22kts (41kmh) @3500rpm

26kts (48kmh) @ 4000rpm

30kts (56kmh) @ 4500rpm

33kts (62kmh) @ 5000rpm

39kts (72kmh) @ 5500rpm

42kts (77kmh) @ 5600rpm — wide open throttle

LARSON FX 1750 SC SPECIFICATIONS

HOW MUCH?

Price as tested: $54,990

Options fitted: Engine upgrade, aerated baitwell, hydraulic steering, more.

Priced from: $44,590

CAPACITIES

People: 6

Rec. HP: 150

Max. HP: 150

Fuel: 83lt

GENERAL

Type: Monohull fishing boat

Material: Full composite construction

Length: 5.31m

Beam: 2.44m

Hull weight: 726 kg

Deadrise: 16°

ENGINE

Make/model: Mercury 150

Type: four-cylinder, in-line, EFI four-stroke

Weight: 206kg

Displacement: 3000cc

Gear ratio: 1.92:1

Propeller: 17” Enertia

MANUFACTURED BY

Larson Boats

Little Falls Minnesota USA

Web: www.larsonboats.com

SUPPLIED BY

Boats and More (Shepparton store)

207 Numurkah Road, Shepparton, Vic. 3630

Tel: (03) 5822 2108