2013 Sportsman 229 Heritage

Step aboard and you’ll notice how much usable space Sportsman squeezed into this 22-footer. The wide bow with wraparound seating gives you room to fish forward in the morning, then flip into lounging mode for the ride home. Coamings are nicely padded, and the helm seating keeps you comfortable on longer runs offshore. Storage is smartly laid out, with in-deck fishboxes and plenty of dry stowage to keep gear organized and out of the way. The hardtop provides welcome shade and solid grab rails when the chop builds. High freeboard and a Carolina-style bow flare keep the crew drier than many boats in this size class.

The Heritage 229 really shines in warm, mixed conditions where you might run from calm backwaters to choppy nearshore reefs in a single trip. Its moderate draft lets you explore skinny bays and tidal creeks, yet the hull has enough deadrise and bow flare to comfortably cross an inlet or push offshore on the right days. The layout works equally well for trolling, bottom fishing, or sandbar duty with family and friends. Fuel economy with a 250 outboard is friendly for frequent runs to popular islands and nearshore structures, while the size makes it easy to trailer, store, and handle at busy ramps and marinas.