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34 IPS

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While it may look similar to the previous generation Rampage 33, there’s nothing on the water like Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts’ new 34 IPS. Making big waves with its revolutionary new handling technology, the new 34 IPS is one of the most fisherman-friendly and smoothest rides on the water, and ideal for long days spent on the Great Lakes.

Rampage 34 IPS 

As Rampage’s first boat with an open cockpit and pod-drive propulsion, the 34 IPS was one of the first sport fish boats on the market to offer the Volvo Penta Inboard Performance System, which provides more nimble handling and increases fuel efficiency over conventional inboard models. More importantly, with the joystick technology, the captain can drive the boat in any direction (sideways and diagonally) with precision unseen elsewhere, upping the ante for fishing the big lakes.

At the heart of the 34 IPS is its balance of performance and comfort, starting with what every fisherman needs in a ride: agile handling. While the joystick steering improves low-speed maneuverability, the big breakthrough is the revolutionary Sport Fish Mode propulsion system. It dramatically increases power to make the most of days spent on the water chasing salmon and trout. Engage this feature and the pods cock outward. The adjustment of shift and throttle causes the 34 IPS to maneuver like a hummingbird; it disengages with a slight turn of the wheel.

“When a big fish runs, you need to be able to follow the fish quickly and smoothly. Sport Fish Mode allows you to back down on a fish, turn from side-to-side in reverse and spin on a dime much faster than a standard IPS,” said Tony Martens, director of product development and engineering, Rampage Sport Fishing Yachts.

The 34 IPS has some serious power under its deck to match its serious fishing features: either twin IPS 500s (370 hp) or IPS 600s (435 hp) that can cruise from 26 to 30 mph, to top out at 38 mph with surprising fuel efficiency. The 70 square feet of cockpit space offer enough action for several anglers to mount their attack. Standard features include six stainless-steel rod holders, a half-inch thick aluminum plate in the cockpit for a fighting chair, insulated fishbox with macerator pump and fresh- and raw-water washdowns.

Everything about the 34 IPS has been thoughtfully designed and engineered from an avid fisherman’s point of view. “We’ve also been able to add fuel capacity and increase its range,” said Martens. “There’s not another 34-foot boat with that kind of range.”

And, he added, “Because of the IPS configuration, we actually have additional space below decks that we have better utilized. We’ve taken that space and added another fish box; something fishermen are always asking for. The 34 IPS has a fish box aft and another fish box forward.”

The boat’s broad shoulders at the bow help it maintain exceptional buoyancy, and, with minimal bow rise when throttled up, the boat cuts into the water, making running down-water more safe and secure.

Even at rest, the 34 IPS maintains stability.

Smaller touches that make it easier to stay focused on the water (and on the fish) include the exhaust design and the smoothness of the ride. The engine’s exhaust is incorporated into the underwater pod drives, so these is no diesel smell, even in the following water and wind. With no long shafts running from the transmissions through the hull to the props, there is no chance of vibration to cause a shaky ride. The 34 IPS is pulled through the water rather than pushed and with no shaft angle, the hull planes faster and moves more efficiently through the water.

“Anyone who spends long days trolling big lakes will appreciate the fresh, clean air and quiet ride,” said Martens.