Campion Explorer 682 SC Review

Story by Craig Ritchie Sep. 08, 2017

The Campion Explorer 682 SC offshore fishing boat does a great job of demonstrating Campion Marine’s reputation for innovative designs, meticulous build quality and attention to detail.

Although not a new model, the Kelowna, British Columbia manufacturer gave the Campion Explorer 682 SC a nice update for the 2018 model year that makes this boat more attractive than ever. Spacious and comfortable, it’s proven walk-around layout offers the 360-degree access of a center console, with the four-weather protection afforded by a full windshield and a small cabin. Being able to stay comfortable in cold, wet or windy conditions is a huge factor in open water fishing, and it’s the one area where center consoles simply come up short. Not so the big Campion, which can be opened up on nice summer days or closed up on nasty ones, allowing anglers to greatly extend their season.

Built on Campion’s Apex hull design with three-dimensional woven fiberglass, a fully composite transom and Kevlar laminate reinforcement, the big Explorer is simply built like a battleship. It also incorporates Campion’s F.I.S.T. (Fiberglass Integrated Stringer Technology) stringer system, which bonds the bulkheads and decks directly to the stringers for a stronger, stiffer hull and optimal handling. Look under the skin and you’ll notice that internal bulkheads are neatly finished, with no rough fiberglass to be seen anywhere – not even in the bilge. Wiring is neatly grouped and completely sealed, to eliminate not only annoying rattles but any chance of corrosion. The attention to detail and overall build quality are a big reason why Campion has been steadily growing its customer base over the past 44 years, one which now extends worldwide with its boats sold into more than 30 different countries.

The massive cockpit includes a removable stern seat.

Step aboard the Campion Explorer 682 SC and you can’t help but notice the big open aft cockpit that’s made for fishing. The self-draining floor features overboard drainage, and the expected niceties like full-length toe holds are exactly where you expect them. The wide gunnels and transom provide plenty of space for mounting rod holders, downriggers and other fishing equipment, while a walk-through transom passage on the starboard side provides easy access to the rear swim platform.

The Explorer 682 SC comes with flush-mounted in-deck rod holders, a built-in tackle box, and a bait tank located in the transom. In-floor storage and fish boxes are a given, along with the stainless steel cup holders, but what’s really nice is the removable transom seat. This comfortable, full-width bench removes to make more space for serious fishing, or installs in a few seconds to give the big Explorer more seating for family appeal. And unlike a lot of removable transom seats, this one actually looks like it belongs there, and is surprisingly comfortable with excellent back support. It faces a pair of rear-facing bucket seats, creating a great conversation space on twilight cruises with the family.

Toe holds, in-gunnel rod storage and comfortable rear-facing cockpit seats speak to the Explorer’s fishing pedigree.

The main cabin features two comfortable Captain’s chairs for the driver and navigator, each mounted on a swivel base that also slides forward and aft to accommodate people of different heights – just like a car seat. There’s cockpit courtesy lighting for fishing early or late in the day, a dash light dimmer to help preserve one’s night vision when returning late to the dock, and substantial in-gunnel storage adjacent to each seat.

The helm is very clean, with ample space for one or more multi-function displays and “glass cockpit” capability. A compass, heavy duty wipers and trim tabs with indicators are standard equipment, as is the beefy stainless steel steering wheel. The helm also contains a 12-volt Powerpoint and the control head for the standard KMC10 media center, which drives two Kicker exterior speakers and two more inside the V-berth. The large side cabin windows open for ventilation, and provide considerable protection in foul weather.

The clean helm station is built with glass cockpit installations in mind, with room for multiple touch-screen displays.

All of the deck hardware on the Campion Explorer 682 SC is stainless steel, including the pull-up cleats and the substantial full wrap-around rail leading to the bow. There you’ll find a pulpit with an anchor roller, and bow rope storage. An optional anchoring package with a windlass is a popular upgrade.

Captain’s chairs for the driver and navigator each feature swivel bases which also slide.

Back in the main cabin, stepping down through the locking bi-fold door leads to the V-berth. This space converts from a comfortable dinette served by a galley with a sink, ice box and butane stove, to a comfortable sleeping area on overnight trips. There’s also a marine head with a holding tank and monitor, which can be upgraded to an electric head with macerator.

Step into the comfortable V-berth and you’ll find a small but efficient galley, and a spacious dining area that converts to a comfortable sleeping spot.

As one would expect, the Campion Explorer 682 SC comes with a mouth-watering option list, allowing owners to configure the boat to suit their precise needs. Our review boat came with a raw water wash-down system that’s great for keeping the boat clean while fishing, a shore power package, a cabin heater and a full hard top with an aft drop curtain. The hard top adds rocket launcher-style rear rod holders, as well as grab handles that are appreciated when walking forward up to the bow.

Our review boat also came with a pair of Yamaha F150 outboards mounted on its large rear bracket. Although rated to handle up to 350 horsepower, the twin 150s make a magical combination on the big Explorer, giving it superb handling and acceleration with a top speed approaching 50 mph. Further, the twin engines make it much easier to handle the boat at low speed, such as when docking or navigating in confined spaces, along with the extra safety consideration since it’s unlikely two engines would ever conk out at once.

Anyone looking for a big-water fiberglass walk-around that can take on big water while keeping its occupants safe and comfortable should definitely look closely at Campion’s Explorer 682 SC. Its thoughtful design makes it an ideal open water fishing boat, while its attention to detail and comfortable amenities make it an equally capable family runabout and weekend cruiser.