Campion Explorer 632 with 200HP Mercury V6

by Steve Morgan •

I’ll admit it, I had to Google Campion boats when this test was scheduled. I thought it was a Champion with a spelling error. But once I got sucked down the rabbit hole of research, I found out that these boats were a lot more than a spelling mistake.

Let me introduce Campion boats to you. They’re Canadian built and brought into Victoria by Crawford Marine’s Terry Raymond. Terry’s been in the business a long time and isn’t quick to jump into a brand before doing his research, and he’s liking the results.

A quality build, Campion is Canada’s largest independent boat builder and makes a range of boats from wake boats through to family and fishing boats. To Fishing Monthly readers, the Explorer range will be of most interest. Trailerable fishing boats between just-under 5m to over 8m that are a nice balance between comfort and practicality.

This test, we got to take a 632 Campion Explorer Sport Utility for a spin. The Canadian boat was powered by a Wisconsin, USA built Mercury 200hp, 3.4L naturally aspirated V6 4-stroke and was cradled on a locally-built Dunbier dual axle trailer.

Terry’s literally brought this craft together from all parts of the world.

It wasn’t hard to detect the excitement in this veteran boat dealer’s voice, these boats were straight out of the container and it was just days since the rig was assembled.

Admittedly, my first impressions were pretty good as well.

Usually, when I test a rig that sports 100hp less than the maximum allowed, hole shot can’t be described as spectacular. Testament to the mid range torque of the new Mercury V6, this rig jumped onto the plane and still pushed you back in the seat when you’re tired of the most economical speed.

The Campions I have been in have all featured high gunwales and quality fittings.

The test rig was fitted with a 200hp 3.4L V6 Mercury 4-stroke. These engines have become easier to get in recent months and the demand for them has been massive.

Initial impressions were a little critical of the new Mercury’s looks, but a year down the track and nobody admits to that any more. In fact, the older models now seem dated in comparison.

A steep angle at the bow tapers off to a 19º transom deadrise, a feature of Campion’s Apex hull.

Campion’s Apex hull flattens out to 19º at the transom.

Small luxuries like a transom door make it easier to load the family on board after a tube or swim.

Some boat companies fit a portable cooler under the seats, but the Campion features a built in multi purpose compartment.

The helm looks great, but only flush mounts moderate-sized electronics. The small compartment to the lower left of the wheel is great for wallet, keys and other items that are better undercover than out of it.

There’s plenty of space in the cabin for stretching out, especially with the infill fitted.

Set-up for a relaxing day on the water with the spigot-mounted table fitted. Transformed for fishing, this gear can be locked in the cabin for’ard. The cabin door is lockable for road trips, too.

A boat this size needs electric braking systems and a decent tow vehicle with a 3.0t or greater towing capacity.

There’s no doubt that this rig will turn heads at the local ramp. Mercury’s angular and minimalist design complements the Campion’s lines well.

The seemingly smaller horsepower didn’t really dent top end performance, with 5,600 RPM yielding 80km/h at a thirsty-ish 1.2km/L. Back the stick back to 3,500rpm, however, and you’ll get 2.1km/L at 48km/h. Couple this with a 220L tank and there’s a theoretical range of well over 400km for your weekend adventures.

For me, this boat is about halfway between serious fishing and family comfort, and right in the range of what many of us need to get the deal across the line with the rest of the family.

Small comforts like tables, lockable cabins and wet-wells for your gear are easily transformed into a snapper-ready craft and well suited to venturing offshore Lakes Entrance, where we rode in this boat.

Serious anglers will probably want more flush mounted sounder mounting space, but then again, a 16” Simrad doesn’t get the kids across the line, the cushions and transom door does.

Also, most people buying this boat would install an anchor winch up front.

Packages with the 632 Campion Explorer Sport Utility start from around $90,000. Visit www.crawfordmarine.com.au for more details or drop into their yard at Morwell to say g’day to Terry and the team and see one in the flesh.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length (max) – 7.31m
Beam – 2.34m
Hull weight – 1,120kg
Max HP – 300
Fuel – 220L
Transom Deadrise – 19º
Capacity – 7 persons

PERFORMANCE
RPM.. Speed (km/h)…….. Economy (km/L)
Idle…………………… 5………………………… 2.6
1000…………………. 8………………………… 1.9
2000………………… 14………………………… 1.2
3000………………… 32………………………… 2.0
3500………………… 46………………………… 2.1
4000………………… 53………………………… 1.7
5000………………… 68………………………… 1.3
5600………………… 80………………………… 1.2