This Alaska 500 has undergone lots of changes from the original being retooled with enclosed sides and the neat looking swept back cabin, plus the hull is double skinned incorporating woven sandwich construction with built in wiring channels. The boat is said to be virtually unsinkable.
The windows are split in to three at the front, the middle one being a Houdini hatch for access for anchoring, pop us navigation lights and stainless steel sampson post with spacious side windows. Sat in the helm seat you have full forward, sideways and rearwards vision.
The rear cabin edges each have a stainless steel grab rail fitted, with the gunnel tops also carrying a short stainless grab rail.
On deck the helm seat is positioned on the starboard side. The boat is fitted with two upholstered seats with locker access in to the seat console. The helm console features a stainless steel wheel with room for all the instruments on the facing console which incorporates the Mercury vessel view, plus the state of the art Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 and Richie compass on the consoles flat top.
Inside the cabin you have U shaped seating with locker access underneath. Access to the Houdini hatch is easy and gives a comfortable position for hauling anchor.
The rear cabin was fitted with an Antrim Fishing canopy and it makes this 500 into a real cabin boat with maximum protection when running in to wet weather, also for keeping the sun at bay should we ever see another decent summer here in the UK. It does not limit working deck space much either and is quick and easy to remove.
The main deck area is spacious and uncluttered, plus is painted non-slip grey for minimum light reflection. Inside also features low lever LED deck lighting which makes night fishing a real joy.
The transom is fitted with a full width seat with incorporated inner space with room for main and additional fuel tanks when running the boat to long range.
The splash well is deep with the stern quarters carrying tying off cleats. The starboard side has a stainless steel grab rail with a dive step bolted at the base of the stern. The port side carries an auxiliary engine bracket for the 4hp auxiliary mariner 4-stroke.
The 7’ beam gives you the feeling that the boat is way bigger than her actual size, but also contributes to the overall stability of the craft which allows two big blokes to stand on one side and pull in a 50lb plus fish without the boat heeling over at a sharp angle.
Underway, the boat is very responsive to the throttle and sits up on the plane in a flash as it is powered by the super reliable Mariner 90hp.
The boat is well finished with no expense spared and looks smart with the contrasting hull and upgraded stainless steel fittings.
This boat is brand new and only been of the water once for testing. As you can see from the extensive list of specifications this is the ultimate fishing weapon.
