Dec 12/2021
2022 Adventure 16 Elaho
The crossover of boats
After 2 years of extensive research and development, and 3 prototype boats, Adventure Marine is finally ready to begin deliveries of our Adventure 16 Elaho line of 16’ fishing boats. The owner and CEO Greg Epp said,
“I have been working hard for over 2 years to see this day arrive. I’m really excited to start this next chapter in the company’s 48-year history.”
The boat is a local design that originated as a highly stable tiller-motor-only bass fishing boat for the US market. The high gunnels and wide beam made it exceptionally stable compared to other boats in its class. But it lacked the appeal and characteristics required to perform well as a short fishing boat on BC’s rugged coastline or inland lakes. Customers wanted a boat that was seaworthy enough to keep up with the larger boats yet small enough to easily tow and park underground.
“The Elaho has the potential to fill a gap in the market that doesn’t exist. It’s like the crossover of sportfishing boats,” remarked Bryn, one of the engineers who works on Adventure Marine products.
Adventure Marine added and extensively tested some key features that turned this boat from a simple lake boat into a very capable and professional fishing boat. This article will provide details about those changes that aim to make this an exciting addition to the 2022 roster of welded aluminum boats currently on the market.
Safety is paramount
All boaters have a healthy respect for mother nature. During our 500 Mile Review, we encountered high winds, large waves, rain squalls, and large tidal swings. It was obvious to the team at Adventure Marine that this boat needed to exceed transport Canada requirements for a 16’ vessel.
“I wanted a boat that, if the weather turned on you, you had the confidence you could get back home safely,” said Greg after a particularly harrowing outing on Harrison lake, a lake famous for its high winds.
The Adventure 16 has a wide beam (76”, 1.9 meters), high gunnels (28”, 0.71 meters), and is filled with enough flotation foam to keep it afloat in the event of total swamping, a transport Canada requirement. Swamping normally happens when a large wave comes over the bow and fills the boat with water; subsequent waves sink the vessel. We added not one, but two, bilge pumps, so that in the event of large amounts of water coming aboard, the primary pump will automatically begin expelling water to re-stabilize the boat. To improve the redundancy, each bilge is on its own dedicated wiring circuit isolated from the other.
The Elaho is equipped with handrails, including grab rails around the two front consoles, designed to give the driver and passenger excellent security while standing or in rough weather. There are additional rails at the rear and bow of the vessel.
Strength and usability
When we say “all-welded aluminum boat” we mean it. This boat is made from 4mm thick bottom plates at the keel, 3/16” thick transom and everything else is ⅛” 5000 series Aluminum. All watertight seams are fully welded on both sides. There are no rivets to leak on this boat.
We wanted to build a boat that you could play rough with. Something that could be crashed upon a rocky shore, hauled down an FSR loaded up with gear, and not spring a leak after a season of hard use.
There are 5 cleats onboard and two rear attachment points. Coupled with abundant handrails, there are no shortages of places to lash equipment down, tie off the boat, affix fishing gear, or tow another boat.
“I’m very utilitarian by nature and I wanted this boat to reflect that, but still retain clean lines that are aesthetically pleasing,” said Greg.
Ultra Deck flooring
Aluminum can get very hot in the summer and can be very slippery when wet. We needed to find a floor that would mitigate this, be cost-effective, and stand up to the abuse of the marine environment. Ultra Deck, another BC-based company, offered a tailor-made solution for our boat.
The material is specifically designed for the marine environment and offers the attributes we were looking for. UV resistant, easy to clean, tough, and high grip. Aesthetically speaking the floor is fantastic. Ultra Deck offers a multitude of color options and this gives us the ability to really customize this boat.
Ultra Deck flooring options
Power and performance
There are many great motor manufacturers out there but we settled on a Honda for this boat. Our last boat had one so it was a logical choice for us.
The latest generation of Honda ’50s comes with EFI and their legendary V-tech system. It produces excellent bottom end grunt for getting out of the hole and climbs through the reves quickly. It’s very quiet and runs well at WOT. You really can’t ask for much more than this from an engine, and we really are pleased with it. The boat is rated for 60HP max, but unless you’re planning on running a very heavy boat, the 50 HP is more than adequate coupled with a 17 pitch prop.
The EFI motor is fuel-efficient and the onboard 44L tank will be more than enough for most outings. The boat can reach top speeds of 30 knots (55 kph) with this configuration, and about 26 knots when fully loaded.
Ergonomics
Superior handling is accomplished by a cable steering unit. This could be upgraded to a hydraulic system, but most people will find this steering system adequate. The throttle is located on the starboard side and care was taken to ensure it’s in the most comfortable position possible. Whether you prefer to sit or stand, the throttle is always within reach.
The two forward seats are captain’s chairs. This provides extra security and comfort while underway. The seats can be swiveled or locked in position.
The rear seats are identical, minus the armrests. This is to allow more freedom while fishing and moving around the vessel. The handrails provide something to hold onto while underway. These seats are also mounted on swivels with a 360-degree rotation.
Final thoughts
Over two years in the making, and Adventure Marine is ready to start deliveries of their 2022 Adventure 16 Elaho. Built for customers looking for a tough boat that bats above its weight class, yet still safe and functional for the North American market, it’s a boat you can take fishing or the kids tubing, but still small enough to fit in a standard parking stall. It’s a lot of boat packed into a 16’ package, and that was the idea: to create a crossover-style vessel. Strong and tough like the 18’ – 22’ boats, but small enough to easily tow and store.
If you would like to learn how you can get a hold of the Adventure 16 Elaho, email us for a list of dealers in your area, or see how you can buy directly from us.
Call 604 945 2628 – ext 2
Or click the link below to build and price your very own Adventure 16 Elaho
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Customer Review ADV 16 Elaho
Some ancient mariner once told me, “Everyone has their own reasons for owning a boat and what is
important to you might not be important to them.”
Adventure 16 Elaho the crossover of boats
Dec 12/2021 2022 Adventure 16 Elaho The crossover of boats After 2 years of extensive research and development, and 3 prototype boats, Adventure Marine is finally ready to begin deliveries of our Adventure 16 Elaho line of 16’ fishing boats. The owner and CEO Greg Epp said, “I have been working hard for over 2 years to see this day arrive. I’m really excited to start this next chapter in the company’s 48-year