RELEASE 301 RX
I started liking the Release 301 RX seconds after throttling up. It transitioned to plane easily, without loss of sightlines. More, I coaxed it to stay on plane at just 12.1 mph. Two great attributes.
Of course, discerning boat buyers seek more than just a good ride. Take, for instance, the 301 RX’s wood-free construction with fiberglass stringer system and handlaid hull. Rigging exceeded my every expectation, with neat, well-supported wiring and plumbing consisting of quality hoses, double clamps, and pumps located for easy service.
Comfort and style? The helm seat featured twotone, pebbled vinyl, folding armrests and footrests, and a commanding view for the captain and mate. A handy catch-all tops the helm, and switches, instrumentation, and big-screen, flush-mount electronics exist in ergonomic splendor. Overhead, the T-top’s brawny pipework refused to wrack or shake underway and also boasted an underside colored to match the hull. (A variety of hull colors are available.)
Inside the console hides a standard electric head plumbed to a holding tank, one of many niceties that populate the 301 RX’s long standard-equipment list. It’s a bright, glossy, gelcoated space with an opening port for ventilation and a nice, handy vanity and sink.
On deck, there’s a folddown transom bench, both fresh- and saltwater washdowns, a generous swim platform with room to walk across the boat in front of the engines, a transom door and a swim ladder. The RXS version of this boat comes with V-seating in the bow.
Fishing ? The Release 301 RX offers a standard 43-gallon livewell with a blue-painted interior to keep bait calm. Ten gunwale-mounted rod holders come standard, as does undergunwale racks for four rods per side, and a trio of insole fish boxes totaling 321 quarts of insulated stowage. The recessed bow rail and six standard pop-up cleats, while not fishing equipment, per se, enhance fishability by allowing for a rod to be held lower while in the bow, minimizing line snags.
The best advice? See your local dealer, where you can run and inspect the boats for yourself.