Boat Review: Radovcich 45

There seem to be three kinds of sport-fishing boats these days. There are those boats that are so opulent you’re afraid to fish on them for fear of smudging the brightwork, and those that are such tremendous fishing machines that every inch has been dedicated to either storage or fishable space. Then there are those rare few that give you everything you need to fish, combined with convenience and all the comfort you could want at sea.

Radovcich introduced just such a jewel this past spring. The launch of their new, highly customized 45-foot flybridge sport-fisher Reel Trick. The company’s largest hull to date, epitomizes the cutting edge for Radovcich’s designs. Even a cursory glance at the cockpit suggests nothing less than pure sport-fisher. A more detailed look reveals innovations like an exclusive remote-controlled “drop-back bait” tuna tubes built into the transom doors, designed to release liveys at the touch of a button. The fully integrated swim platform is designed to act as a “reverse bow” when backing down, cutting into the water rather than pushing it. The “reverse bow” also provides more speed and control in reverse and keeps the transom and cockpit drier in choppy conditions.

At a total length of 45 feet 3 inches and a beam of 15 feet 7 inches, the design allows plenty of room belowdecks while still providing over 175 square feet of cockpit space, giving her one of the largest open fishing areas among boats in her class. The space has been further bolstered by the bait-tank mounted fighting chair, multiple control stations (including tower, flybridge and cockpit), a tackle-rigging center with sink, and enough storage space for any and everything you might need.

The hard-core fishing exterior almost belies the fact that the interior is far from spartan. Corian countertops, an ice-maker, a fully appointed galley, two heads, a guest berth and a queen-berth master stateroom ? all custom designed and laid out by the owner ? allow for every comfort to be met.

Power options include Caterpillar, MAN or Cummins diesels ranging from 600 to 800 hp, with an anticipated top speed of 34 mph with 660-hp Cats. A 1,050-gallon fuel tank should provide all the cruising range needed to reach virtually any destination easily, while getting you there comfortably. A pair of optional electronic ZF two-speed forward shift transmissions provide greater fuel economy and faster throttle response.

In creating the flagship of their line, Radovcich managed to meet the need for a comfortable mid-size, long-range sport-fisher by creating a functional hybrid between beauty and beast.

SPECIFICATIONS