The Striper 200 Walkaround (WA) from the Minnesota-based Larson Boat Group feels bigger than its 20-foot-1-inch length overall, and it packs an impressive number of features.
Striper’s Fibercore hand-laid composite stringer system translates into a solid hull and a quiet ride. With 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom, This boat handles choppy seas with confidence. Six-inch-wide reverse chines add stability at rest, while a sweeping bow flare helps knock down spray and lends the 200 WA a big-water personality.
The fully lined cockpit offers deep freeboard. Padded vinyl coaming bolsters on each side cushion your knees and thighs. Underneath are horizontal rod racks. Two gunwale rod holders on each side facilitate trolling.
A pair of jump seats residing in the stern quarters are easily removed when it’s time to fish. A starboard transom gate makes boarding at the dock a cinch, and a stainless-steel swim ladder eases reboarding after a dip.
The Alaska package included a hardtop with a wraparound tempered-glass windshield, defroster, windshield wipers, aft drop curtain, overhead rod rack and a floodlight. Both padded, swiveling bridge seats featured armrests. The helm accommodates two 10-inch multifunction displays.
Crew can stretch out in the cabin V-berth, which measures 7 feet 6 inches to starboard and 5 feet 9 inches to port. A hatch atop the cabin offers ventilation, while port lights on each side add illumination. For dining indoors, there’s also a pedestal table. A portable marine head is also standard. A galley option for the cabin added a 12.5-gallon pressurized freshwater faucet, sink and single-burner butane stove.
The 200 WA includes a 16-gallon livewell with a cutting board lid in the port quarter. Twin 12-gallon macerated fish lockers reside under the cockpit sole. Eight-inch walkways provide access to the bow, a roomy anchor locker and an anchor roller.
The Striper brand represents a strong and long-lasting value among saltwater anglers, and the 200 WA carries that reputation forward in spades. |