The Charger VMAG 2010 features a go-fast fiberglass hull on the bottom and a seriously tuned catfish tournament fishing boat on the deck. Yep, catfish tournament fishing boat. We will tell you what it takes to make one here.
Performance, for one—and it proved strong, tipping the speedo to 63 mph at 5,750 rpm on a Merc 300 Pro XS. And it made 4 miles per gallon. Catfish are slow, but anglers are not. Running, the VMAG 2010 sticks to the water through big lake chop and boat wakes. Turning proved sharp and precise, and we weren’t afraid to crank the wheel at a pretty good clip.
The clean, efficient deck layout features a large forward casting deck with a convenient step up and a cooler beneath it. The hatches are all durable aluminum, and the latches are convenient slam latches. A secure locking bar fits over the hatches, preventing access while stored.
A Garmin Force trolling motor is standard with a recessed foot pedal. Storage abounds with a large rod locker that sits to port, an 11-gallon livewell, and an 8-gallon baitwell with bucket. The entire deck is fitted with SeaDek woodgrain flooring for comfortable footing.
Multifunction Mercury Smartcraft gauges keep you informed, and a foot throttle keeps you in control. Hydraulic power steering, Bob’s Machine hydraulic jack plate, and paddle-style helm-mounted switches for trim and jack add to easy handling. Four fold-down bucket seats are removable and adjustable.
An enormous 150-gallon L-shaped livewell for huge catfish is equipped with a custom filtration system to remove slime from the livewell to keep the catch lively. An insulated, aerated bait-bucket well on the port side keeps minnows and other bait healthy and alive.
Other aft underdeck compartments are a built-in cooler, dry storage, and access to the fuel, livewell and electrical systems under a deckwide aft hatch. A boarding ladder is standard, and our rig was fitted with optional 10-foot Blade Series black Power Poles. Whether you’re a tournament catfisher, a weekend angler or a family boater, the VMAG 2010 offers best-in-class utility and performance.
How We Tested
- Engine: Mercury 300 hp Pro XS FourStroke
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/Mercury Tempest 14.5″ x 24″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.85:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 500 lb.
High Points
- Self-bailing cockpit enhances seaworthiness; eases washdowns.
- Optional Minn Kota trolling motor uses I-Pilot link for positioning.
- Dual consoles wrap around windshields for wind protection.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $99,500 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 20’10” |
| Beam: | 8’1″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 1,900 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 6/1,800 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 50 gal. |
| Livewell Capacity: | 11 gal; 150 gal. |
Speed, Efficiency, Operation
Charger Boats – Richland, Missouri; chargerboats.com
