Specification:
Length 16'4" (5.0m)
Beam 7'0" (2.10m)
Weight 450Kg
Engine Max 75hp
Country of manufacture: UK
Made from 1983-1991 (sold on to Seahog after this date)

More details on full specification can be found at http://www.seahog.co.uk

Alaska 500XL

By courtisy of Jim Whippy - Boat Fishing Magazine

I have had the above boat for a full season and here is my verdict.

Roomy
Having fished from Alaska 500's over the past 15 years, I'm now very familiar with them and still very much enjoy fishing from this small but roomy boat.
With a severn foot beam amd no bulkhead the impression is of a bigger boat when inside.
The XL has new trim and a full seat across the transom under which is plenty of storage for the fuel tanks and battery. The plastic cover under the seatwas fine for about three months hard work but the press studs eventually pulled out and something more perminent will have to be used.

Stability
I've always liked the high gunwale on the Alaska as you can stand against it with confidence with your thigh giving excellent support. We tested the stability of the boat in the lock and two people standing right on one sideand measured the amount the boat leaned overand found it dipped only six inches. So for netting fish or hauling the anchor you have a stable craft. There are two boat rod holders but I think four would be a more realistic number to have fitted.

Hull
The shallow V hull means the boat doesn't cut so cleanly through the water as some of the cathedral hulls, making it slightly less econamical to run, although this can be overcome by using a 4-stroke outboard.
These engines have made a big difference in fuel economony. The Alaska 500XL cruises at 20 knots with two up using a Suzuki 50hp. For more than two people on board I would recomend a bigger engine to ensure the boat comes easily onto the plane.

Seating
The padded plastic covered swivel seats are a must and if they are not included in the deal I would get them as an extra. Everyone who comes onto the boat with me comments on how comfortable they are to fish from. The plastic cuddy took a bit of getting used to but I've found it has not restricted me in anyway and find I can cast uptide without any problems and it keeps you dry even in a heavy burst of rain. The only slight problem is until the boat comes up on the plane, the view forward is restricted as it's not easy to stand up because of the cuddy. A minor problem that's outweighed by the advantages of having a dry spot to sit in.
The other thing about this cuddy is it reduces windage as it maintains a low profile compared to the full standing room cuddy on some craft.

Cost
With some packages coming in at under £10,000 the Alaska is a boat that will give the owner years of safe fishing from a stable craft at a price that won't break the bank.

Disclaimer: Everything written in these reports are based on personal experience and the individual's opinion only. I have tried my best to present the facts correctly, but I/we take no responsibility for any mistakes or omissions.