Sea Fox 226 Traveler Review

The Sea Fox 226 Traveler is a versatile and comfortable family runabout that does everything well. Let’s dig into our full review of this dual console boat.

Dual console runabouts have made a big splash in recent years and for good reason. Providing more occupant protection and overall creature comforts than center console designs, dual console models are particularly popular in more northerly regions where their big walk-through windshields and cockpit doors that can be closed against the wind allow boaters to extend their season much later or earlier in the year. Yet, while still providing the same comfort, versatility and seaworthiness as the popular center console layout.

One of the most interesting models in the 2021 model year is the Sea Fox 226 Traveler, made by Moncks Corner, South Carolina-based Sea Fox Boats.

A flared bow, wide beam and plenty of freeboard give the Sea Fox 226 Traveler the feel of a much larger boat than it really is.

Stretching a little over 22 feet long, the Sea Fox 226 Traveler feels like a much, much larger boat once you’re onboard and the company’s deep-water hull is a big part of that. Made for the open Atlantic, the 226 Traveler enjoys the high freeboard and big flared bows that Sea Fox boats are noted for, yet it manages to pack a lot of boat within its easily trailerable footprint.

Built for families who want to do multiple things at once, the Sea Fox 226 Traveler is really two boats in one thanks to its versatile seating layout. Board via the deep aft swim platform and you step into the cockpit. A full-width stern bench seat accommodates five people in considerable comfort, while concealing a 36-quart removable Igloo cooler nestled in a purpose-built recess beneath. Facing this bench is an aft-facing seat to starboard, and a multi-function lounge to port that can provide back-to-back forward-aft seating, or lay flat to form a comfy sun pad. LED lighting sets the mood in the cockpit at any time of day or night.

The cockpit bench seat conceals a removable Igloo cooler.

The fishermen in the family will feel right at home here, with the 226 Traveler’s integral 19-gallon transom bait well, multiple flush-mount rod holders and more. Fish boxes under the helm seats take care of the day’s catch, and there’s even a standard wash-down system, allowing anglers to deal with any stray scales with a quick blast of the hose.

A 19-gallon live well is neatly integrated right into the transom.

But it’s the driver who really gets spoiled on this boat, with a comfortable Captain’s chair on an elevated platform facing a neatly designed helm that includes space for a seven-inch flat-screen display. There’s also room for a pair of digital engine gauges, two rows of illuminated toggle switches for electrical accessories, and a gorgeous stainless steel steering wheel with a turning knob. There’s also the control head for the standard audiophile Fusion stereo, which comes with four speakers.

An adjustable cockpit sleeper seat provides back-to-back seating, or folds flat to create a comfy sun pad.

The driver’s companion gets a generously-proportioned passenger console, which opens to reveal a full head compartment that can double as a change room. A cockpit door that runs between the consoles can be closed with the walk-through windshield for more comfortable travel in cooler weather.

The driver gets spoiled with a Captain’s chair mounted on an elevated platform.

Underfoot, snap-in carpeting provides an ideal balance of comfort and easy care while still providing access to the huge in-floor storage compartment that’s big enough for a wake board. The entire cockpit is fully self-draining, allowing any spray or rain to simply run down the deck and over the side.

The helm in the 226 Traveler is all business, with space for a flat-screen display, engine controls and illuminated toggles for the electrical accessories.

Overhead, a standard Bimini top provides relief from the mid-day sun. This can be upgraded to an optional hard top, which includes a molded-in electronics box and LED lighting.

The wide beam of the 226 Traveler allows Sea Fox to provide three-wide seating in the bow.

Up in the bow, the Sea Fox 226 Traveler makes the most of its beamy hull to provide two forward-facing lounges and three aft-facing seats – all served by stainless drink holders and neatly recessed stainless steel grab handles. There’s additional storage space under the seats for even more gear, and full coaming for added comfort. Right up front, an anchor locker provides a safe space to stow the hook.

Sea Fox gets a lot of things right with its 226 Traveler. With an almost ideal balance of comfort and practicality, this is a boat made for families who like to get out on the water and enjoy it all.