NEW BOATS: TOURNAMENT 1900 CENTRE CONSOLE
At last year’s Club E-TEC, an event that brings together BRP’s dealer network and the boating media, several newly released boat models were on hand for show and test drive purposes. In between stints on BRP’s other product lines – Can-Am quad bikes and frighteningly fast Sea-Doo PWCs – we had a chance to check out some interesting boats first-hand. While most had been featured in Boat Fishing, one particular model not previously seen caught our eye.
Tournament’s 1900 Centre Console is a “from the ground up” new model and one of five for the company that took over the building of several popular Mustang boat models under the Tournament banner.
Tournament’s range covers craft from 16-26ft, from small fishing boats through to bowriders, large pleasure boats and bluewater fishing weapons. A cuddy cab version of this featured boat is now also available, the 1900 Bluewater. The 1900 Centre Console is based on a foam-filled fibreglass hull that utilises fibreglass stringers for structural longevity; the hull also carries a 10-year structural warranty. Squarely aimed at serious fishos, this boat looked to have a lot going for it.
I jumped on board the 1900 at Tangalooma alongside Fisho editor Jim Harnwell and BRP technician Jayson Ginn. The first thing I noticed was the boat’s bow height, which is relatively low in comparison to similar layouts. As a result it offers an excellent view of forward proceedings. Any thoughts of copping spray over the bow were quickly dispelled as we zoomed around a busy section of water close to shore. With enough boat and PWC wake to provide “testing” water, the hull was very quiet as it went about cutting the chop and delivering a clean fuss-free ride. The hull features a reasonably deep 21 degree deadrise, a factor that helps provide comfortable rapid passage through messy water. The hull’s big 190mm reverse chines ensure good stability at rest. This facet of the boat was put to the test by editor Harnwell who grabbed a soft plastic rigged rod from a gunwale holder and hauled aboard a couple of flatties in quick time.
The prominent console features a fairly large dash area and a rounded windscreen that offers some protection – if you’re tucked down behind it and nearer to the centre – and is at a good width to offer easy deck passage either side.
The 1900’s hull is rated to 150hp, but personally I found the 115hp E-TEC bolted to the transom delivered more than ample power. One thing I really liked about the boat was the way its bow stayed “flat” and tidy under power. It didn’t show a tendency to want to lift the nose vertically when coming out of the hole from a standing start. The 19-footer was also a lot of fun to throw around in turns at speed.
Steering at the helm is done with a lean over stance due to the wheel’s angle to the console – something those accustomed to a more angled-back wheel would have to get used to. Ideally it’s a two-man fishing boat. The console and bench seat are perfect two-up with the seat featuring that neat American style of padded back support and rod holders behind, and good storage below. Four flush-mount rod holders are fitted to the gunwales.
Interestingly, the carpeted deck doesn’t feature a forward casting platform. Instead, the deck runs at one height stern to bow, which should provide added security if you’re working the pointy end in any chop. Grab rails are within easy reach up there as well as along the hull sides amidships. Deep side pockets run half the hull length for storage and a large kill tank is on offer below deck at the bow. Other niceties on show included a bait prep station, boarding ladder, transom door, motor well shelf curtain, Humminbird colour sounder/GPS, UHF radio and live bait tank aft.
If you’re in the market for a good looking centre console that delivers in the ride department and is designed to fish, Tournament’s 1900 is well worth a look. And if you want it to stand out from the crowd it’s available in a range of colours via Tournament’s 18 dealer Australia-wide network.
By Mick Fletoridis
TOURNAMENT 1900 CENTRE CONSOLE
Length: 5.8m; 6.05m LOA Beam: 2.34m Weight: Dry approx. 900kgs Deadrise: 21 degrees Power: Max 150hp Price: Around $46,000 as reviewed Contacts: (07) 3807 6999; www.tournamentpleasureboats.com.au
