Kingfisher 2025 Escape HT question/advice

[Lineman11]

Hi everyone,

I am currently in the process of deciding between the Escape HT with the aft steering and full Alaskan bulkhead or basic HT with drop curtain/no aft steering.

Any advice on which may be better?

I will be doing 3 ocean trips a year to Bella Bella and Prince Rupert, and the rest of the time fishing larger lakes.

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Rain City]

Full cabin and aft steering if money is no option. No brainer in my eyes.

 

[M1SF1T]

I used to think that getting the Alaskan bulkhead was a no brainer, but on a boat that size I think now that it gets in the way. Curtain up has the effect of a bigger dance floor, opens up the space if you're moving back and forth to the front at all with no door to duck through, plus lighter, faster, lower fuel burn... With the money you save install an autopilot and then some.

Unless you're planning on being out there in the worst of it regularly? I'd skip the Alaskan bulkhead. You can still have a heater with curtain to take the edge off on cold/wet days, and have a boat you can enjoy more on the rest.

 

[kaelc]

I’d agree skip the bulkhead unless you want to lock everything up at the dock, or fish in the winter lots. My buddy just bought a 21 footer hard top with just a drop curtain and it feels bigger than my 25 footer.

 

[Lineman11]

Thanks guys! I am kinda leaning towards no bulkhead, it might save some money.

How does the auto pilot work while trolling? I have never gotten to try it

 

[M1SF1T]

I think you have varied function depending on brand/model, but on a basic level you can just set a straight track and it holds it...

No AP on my boat yet so I get distracted for a minute and I'm turning into the shallows and hanging up my gear...

It's on the list when my boat goes in this off season.

 

[Rain City]

Engine type plays a massive role in how AP will work

 

[explorer321]

We just purchased the 2025 escape HT this year new. First of all - this boat is amazing! It worked so well for us on varied water conditions.

We are biased - but the HT with aft steering was great this year. Great sight lines with all the windows and kept the driver back in the action. Throw rods in and lock up at night is amazing. And quiet warm ride out in the morning is awesome.

If you have any detailed question about the boat let me know.

 

[Cookie's Cutter]

If you like being cold and having your stuff stolen from your driveway or the marina then
get the drop curtain

 

[M1SF1T]

Appropriate clothes and bring your rods inside... it's not THAT hard...

 

[Aquaholic]

 

[Rockin Johnny]

I struggled with this same option back when I was ordering up my Hewescraft Searunner 220. Kaelc is right, the curtain does open up the boat which is especially noticed on a smaller boat. But I do love closing up my cabin and cranking the heat on cold days also locking her up while travelling on the road and stopping for supplies or grabbing a room. As far as auto pilot goes I run the Lowrance which is great for running and trolling but it is a little complicated to set a coarse on the fly. There is a red button that keeps your heading, which is what I use when fish is on or if it’s windy but for your situation I would recommend the panther system which gives you a remote to control steering from anywhere on the boat. Panther also has the option of micro throttle control which I have in the troll master version and I absolutely love it.