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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: A prominently flaring bow and flat, clean sheer line lend the Sportsman Heritage 229 the air of a Carolina-style battlewagon. Indeed, Sportsman Boats designed the hull, as well as the pod-style console, with that goal in mind. This South Carolina builder also incorporated innovative touches within the boat’s solid construction that let you make the most of your time on the water.
TARGET MARKET: Boating anglers who value quality, good looks, versatility and fuel efficiency will immediately gravitate to the Heritage 229. In terms of performance, the new Yamaha F200 four-cylinder outboard on the transom of my test boat offered gutsy power and great range. The 229 reached a top speed of 45.2 mph, but achieved its best fuel efficiency at 23.5 mph, attaining 4.5 mpg.
FISHIEST FEATURES: I applaud Sportsman for equipping the Heritage 229 with two transom livewells. I also liked the leaning-post seat, which features a backrest that incorporates four vertical rod holders. If you order the optional T-top, there are four more rod holders along the aft edge. Four gunwale rod holders are conveniently positioned for trolling or drift-fishing. A trio of compartments in the bow offers abundant dry storage, but they also drain overboard, and so any one of them can also serve as a fish box. The forepeak houses a large anchor locker.
THE LAYOUT: A two-tier forward platform provides extra elevation for cast-netting, working a fish around the bow or manning the anchor. Boaters who do their own maintenance will love the big, yacht-style Total Access Hatch in the transom, which lets you easily reach pumps and other rigging. Inside the pod-style center console is a roomy head compartment with a screened port light. The helm features an integrated footrest and a spacious vertical panel for flush-mounting electronic displays up to 10 inches. The front of the console features a seat and backrest with a built-in 12-gallon cooler below. The bow platform can be fitted with cushions and optional backrests. Plus, you can convert the transom area to a comfy full-width bench seat.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS: With 55 degrees of deadrise at the bow entry and its Carolina flare, the Sportsman Heritage 229 offered an exceptional smooth and dry ride during my test on the choppy waters off Miami. The boat felt solid underfoot, with nary a creak or rattle as I powered up and over big waves generated by the wakes of passing yachts. The 299 has a big-boat feel, but in a package that’s easy to trailer, easy to handle and easy on gas. If you’re interested a center-console in the 22- to 23-foot range, the Sportsman Heritage 229 deserves a serious look.
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA: 22 ft. 9 in.
BEAM: 8 ft. 6 in.
DRAFT: 1 ft. 2 in.
DEADRISE: 14 deg.
WEIGHT: 2,750 lb. (w/o power)
FUEL: 103 gal.
MAX. POWER: 250 hp OB
YAMAHA 200 HP FOUR-STROKE
TYPE: Inline-4
DISPLACEMENT: 163 cid
MAX RPM: 6,000
HP/LB RATIO: 0.409
GEAR RATIO: 1.86:1
WEIGHT: 489 lb.
ALTERNATOR OUTPUT: 50 amps
MSRP as tested: $69,300
PERFORMANCE AT A GLANCE
TOP SPEED: 45.2 mph
TIME TO PLANE: 4.5 sec.
0-30 MPH TIME: 7.2 sec.
BEST MPG: 4.52 @ 23.5 mph (3,500 rpm)
MAXIMUM RANGE: 465 miles
