SEASWIRL 2101 WALK AROUND REVIEW
FISHERMAN'S FRIEND
The Walk Around (WA) version of the Seaswirl Striper 2101DC tested last issue cost another $10,000 over the bowrider version ($69,100) as tested, and that's without a trailer - but it appeals even more than the DC to this angler.
Based on the same hull, the 21ft Walk Around has an identical 2.59m beam. The wide beam means the boat has walkaround decks - backed by moulded toerails and a bowrail - that you can navigate safely at sea.
The wide footprint of the hull equates to superb stability for fishing at rest and on the troll. Three blokes leaning into a gunwale barely shifted the boat. The width also contributes to a big cockpit for fishing with a team of four.
No less impressive is the cabin. The generous depth of the boat results in a very accommodating craft in which a couple can overnight comfortably. Incredibly, there's even headroom of about 170-175cm at the foot of the cabin.
The cabin is a lock-up model, so you can stow tackle inside while you are ashore.
Cabin amenities included an optional moulded galley with sink, freshwater and stove. Across the way is a Porta- Potti with optional pumpout. There was a small optional cabin table, too. Remove it and fit the infills to create a bed big enough for three anglers.
The boat's broad beam results in plenty of room between the helm seats to reach the cabin door. The seats are adjustable every which way, including aft. Beneath them are two 87lt fishboxes. Under the cockpit floor is a large storage area with a hatch and overboard drains big enough to take tubs, hardware, bait and berley.
There was a built-in two-tray tacklebox and recessed rod storage. The boat had a removable aft seat, padded coamings, steps to the walkarounds, a raw-water washdown and H-U-G-E central 114lt livebait tank.
The Seaswirl comes with twin batteries and isolators. All the plumbing hoses are double clipped, and there are bronze skin fittings. The decks, including the walkarounds, are self-draining.
Despite the big transom, it won't be too much of a reach to clear the outboard when fighting a fish. The owner added a sliding bracket for the sounder transducer. He was also going to fit a berley bucket, and a Seiwa chartplotter was on its way. Suffice to say, it was a comfortable and well-set-up helm.
The 2101 WA was powered by a standard 150hp motor - in this case, a four-stroke Yamaha spinning a 17in stainless prop. The combination didn't make for a quick boat; nor one that wanted to plane below about 3400rpm and 24kmh. I would add aftermarket trim tabs (about $1000 fitted) if this were my boat - that way, I could get a flat low-speed heavy-weather plane.
At 3800rpm the boat delivered a comfortable long-range cruise speed of 36kmh (on the GPS) where you could sit in the seat and voyage well out to sea. The four-stroke motor will be very frugal at such a setting. Fast cruise at 4500rpm gave 48kmh, while 5500rpm resulted in a 62kmh top speed.
The Seaswirl 2101 Walk Around displaces a bit of water, but with aftermarket clears around the T-top, that spray won't be an issue. The advantage of having a high-volume hull is that there's more room for fishing, sleeping and entertaining.
It has a big-boat feel reminiscent of a pocket gameboat, and so much freeboard that you should be able to fish in a storm.
Specifications: Seaswirl 2101 Walk Around
HOW MUCH?
Price as tested: $79,100
Options fitted: Custom T-top, electronics suite, engine upgrade plus more
Priced from: $71,395 w/ trailer and 150hp two-stroke to about $90,000 w/ Yamaha Z250
GENERAL
Material: GRP fibreglass with stringer system
Type: Deep-vee planing hull
Length overall: 6.55m
Beam: 2.59m
Deadrise: 20°
Weight w/ standard engine: 1567kg
CAPACITIES
Rec/max hp: 200/250
Fuel: 397lt
Berths: Three
Water: n/a
Passengers: Eight adults
ENGINE
Make/model: Yamaha F150
Type: Inline four-cylinder DFI four-stroke
Rated hp: 150
Displacement: 2670cc
Weight: 212kg
Gearbox ratio: 2.00:1
Propeller: 17in stainless
BOAT SUPPLIED BY
Enterprise Marine, 1416 Pittwater Road, North Narrabeen, NSW 2101, tel (02) 9913 7767 or visit www.seaswirl.com
Originally published in TrailerBoat #186