Strike 37 Walkaround

Let me step into the realm of personal opinion for a moment. When considering the most functional and utilitarian design for a small fishing boat, I have to go with a center console. If, however, you need cabin space, then the true walkaround design of the Strike 37 represents the best possible option. When fishing, you can still walk 360 degrees around the boat without the need to climb stairs or sidestep your way forward while holding a fishing rod with one hand and clinging to the boat with other.

Performance

It's rare to build a diesel inboard boat with such a dramatic deadrise, but that angle comes in handy when punching into a head sea - especially when combined with a knife-sharp 54-degree entry.

Strike also incorporates propeller pockets, allowing for a more efficient shaft angle. When the shaft angles are parallel with the water's surface (0-degree shaft angle), a greater percentage of the engines' thrust goes toward moving the boat forward. This directly translates into improved fuel economy.

Shallower draft, another advantage of prop pockets, lets you get into places other inboards can't. And finally, I've found that pockets do a good job of giving you better control and higher speeds when backing down hard on a fish. Strike also includes multiple running strakes on the bottom for increased lift, which also equates to better fuel efficiency.

Cockpit

If you take your fishing seriously, you'll love the work space in the rear of this 37. Wide open, even with a fighting chair, the intelligent layout gives you everything you need - exactly where you need it. Standard items include three (not two) rod holders in each gunwale, with more on the legs of the optional tower. Modules at the forward end of the cockpit house whatever you want them to, from baitwells to tackle storage, from a deep freeze to an ice maker.

Strike places a fish box in the transom, but it can just as easily be plumbed for a livewell. Walking around the perimeter, you'll discover that Strike puts more rod holders amidships and forward; adding even more poses no problem. Many anglers put 12VDC electrical outlets under the forward gunwale to handle kite rods. And if you throw your own cast net, you'll particularly appreciate the gunwale width forward - it's wide enough for you to make a toss and still feel good about staying in the boat.

Bridge Deck

The bridge deck sports a single helm seat at the starboard-mounted helm station and a bench seat that can accommodate two passengers to port. The helm boasts an expansive area for mounting today's large-screen navigation displays. Strike also does a good job mounting sturdy handholds everywhere one should be. In addition to the day hatch that provides ingress to the engine compartment, the entire bridge deck rises on electric rams for complete access both inboard and outboard of the engines.

Interior

To accommodate that spacious walkway on either side of the Strike 37, you have to take the space from somewhere, and the cabin winds up on the short end of this stick. But before you dismiss this petite space out of hand, spend some time below. You'll find beautiful, fine woods and elegant radius curves throughout. In fact, Strike creates precious few right angles and sharp corners. And the remarkable headroom makes the space seem much larger still. Although a tad small, the cabin still provides comfortable sleeping space for five in air-

conditioned splendor. The galley holds a microwave and a refrigerator, and the stand-up head and shower are big enough to handle large guests.

I also love the creative use of space for rod storage. It treats your expensive tackle like works of art.

Design and Construction

This new 37 sports higher gunwales than you might historically associate with Strike. This works better both for tall people, whose shins used to brace against the caprail, and for small children who need to stay safely inside the boat. You can even let the kids walk from bow to stern with impunity. Anglers benefit from this layout as well, since you can fish single-handedly much more safely.

Strike uses the finest ingredients to build its boats, from vinylester resins to composite materials. The company builds boats to last a lifetime, boats that you can pass down to your children one day. Think that's just hype? If you travel to some of the world's best, most remote fishing spots, you'll find Strike yachts working all day, every day charter fishing. Ask the owners and crew if they're happy with their boats - you'll see.

Strike Yachts

Deerfield Beach, Florida

954-596-6611