Cabo 52 Sportfisher Review

Big fish special   

This express sports cruiser is set to tackle the big guys

Relative newcomer to Aussie shores Cabo has released a new 52ft sportfisher that’s set to create quite a stir in game-fishing circles.

According to Cabo design chief, Michael Peters, the 52 is the most capable boat that Cabo has put in the water to date. Sea trials off Miami revealed that fitted with a pair of 1550hp C32 Caterpillars, the Cabo 52 hit a top speed of 41 knots.

At a fast ‘get me to the grounds on time’ cruise speed of 37 knots at 2100rpm, the Cat electronics indicated a fuel burn of 461lt per hour.

Cabo also offer MAN and MTU engine packages with similar horsepower and performance as well as 1360hp MANs that cruise comfortably at 35 knots. Peters said the hull handles the horsepower well.

“This 13,200kg vessel will deliver a comfortable ride when others are forced to reduce speed due to the conditions,” he said.

“Her convex forward sections are designed to keep head seas in check. Two strakes (per side) control spray forward and, together with a flat chine, keep seawater outside the boat.

“The outboard strake extends aft adding lift while her 16-degree transom deadrise is perfect for her length, weight and speed capabilities.”

Construction
Core-Cell foam is used to add stiffness to the hull without adding weight. The 52’s hull is a hand-laid blend of stitched multi-directional fibreglass. Vinylester resin is used throughout the laminate and two coats of epoxy are applied to the bottom of the hull prior to the application of anti-foul.

All core materials are vacuum-bagged in place to insure a proper bond and a foam-core fibreglass stringer system, plywood bulkheads and web frames provide support.
The fuel tanks are fibreglass and the tank under the cockpit is fitted with a large top-fill screw cap. This allows a high-speed pump to be used or transferring fuel from a bladder or drum.

Layout

The cockpit is clean and uncluttered, finished in non-skid and features live-bait tank, large under-floor fish boxes and a bait-prep station with a sink and tackle storage. Her raised bridge station has L-shaped seating facing a table and three Stidd chairs. The helm is set on the centreline and there’s a phone-booth style shower near the transom door.

The main saloon has a fully functional galley L-shaped seating around a high-low table and a day head adjacent to the entryway. There’s a luxurious main stateroom with a queen-sized island bed and en-suite. The guest’s stateroom has upper and lower bunks and satin-finished teak cabinets.

The Cabo 52 is large for her length, has plenty of power and her price reflects high standards throughout.