FINVAL 475 EVO – Is It The Best Choice For Fishing?

FINVAL 475 EVO Review

Reference price: from €21,999 (excluding trailer)

Type: Bass Boat

Weight: 1125 pounds (net)

Capacity: 4 persons

What we like about it: Ample storage areas, separate livewell covers, and a spacious deck.

What we didn’t like about it: The seats are not the most comfortable, and there aren’t many lockable rod holders.

Rating (4.75/5)

With the “filling all the hulls with high-quality two-component closed-cell foam” technology, Finval ensures the safety and buoyancy of all their aluminum boats. The Finval 475 Evo is no exception, offering excellent performance and a roomy hull.

At 4.7 meters long, the Finval 475 Evo is a top favorite for most people. It also boasts the widest hull among all models, with a whopping 192 cm wide rear deck, making it comfortable for two people to fish together or sunbathe.

The spacious layout provides more comfort for passengers, and the huge windshield in front of the console shields both front and rear passengers from the wind. Numerous storage compartments and racks efficiently utilize the interior space, avoiding clutter. All these features have made it one of the most popular boats in Europe.

Now, let’s analyze the driving experience, passenger experience, and other versions of the Finval 475 Evo.

If you want to learn about more similar boats or find the right one for yourself, make sure to follow us or contact us directly. We will keep updating our blog with different types of boats.

Overall Impression

My father, Jackson, is a retired serviceman and a fly-fishing enthusiast. Under his influence, I also frequently join him for outdoor fly fishing. My children, Branson and Blaine, have started showing interest in our activities and often want to go fishing with us. Unfortunately, my father’s boat is not large enough to accommodate their wishes.

Considering that our family boat is getting old, I decided, with the family’s approval, to purchase a brand new FINVAL 475 EVO. It’s a very cool boat, and we all agree on that. After driving it a few times and becoming familiar with operating it, I decided to take Jackson, Branson, and Blaine to GRAND LAKE, COLORADO for fly fishing on the weekends.

My children were thrilled as soon as they boarded the boat, even though they had seen it several times before. I was a bit worried about them moving around and possibly falling, but this boat remains steady without any uncomfortable swaying. The boat’s high speed made me take precautions, and I made sure they were wearing life jackets.

Cockpit Details

Jackson and I occupied the driver and co-driver seats, respectively, while Branson and Blaine sat behind us. I’m very satisfied with this seating layout because I can simply turn my seat to keep an eye on them. Moreover, their seating positions are not on the edge of the boat, which gives me peace of mind.

In fact, after a few driving experiences, I have become very comfortable with operating the boat. I can hardly find any faults with the console. The large windshield and sturdy handrails create an aesthetically pleasing curve and provide both visual enjoyment and safety assurance.

If the boat becomes unstable due to strong winds, we can hold onto the handrails. The large echo sounder helps us better locate schools of fish. The driver’s seat height is also perfect, and I can see the front clearly without any issues.

The only aspect that I find slightly unsatisfactory is the position of the instrument panel, which is a bit far from the line of sight. Sometimes, I need to lean in closer to see it.

Riding Experience

With the speed it brought, we reached the perfect fishing spot in no time. Jackson couldn’t wait and took our fishing rods from the left side rod storage compartment. The storage area is quite spacious and can accommodate assembled fishing rods up to 3 meters long, which is crucial for us.

However, it only has two fixed holders, which may not be enough in certain scenarios. Fortunately, there’s a similar storage area on the right side, where Branson and Blaine’s fishing rods were kept.

I placed artificial flies and live bait in the large storage compartment on the bow deck without any worries about running out of space. Although the boat lacks a dedicated tackle storage compartment, it does have plenty of storage compartments overall. At the rear of the boat, there’s a huge Bimini top storage area where I stored the tent I brought.

The seats in the cockpit are removable, and Jackson and I took them off and installed them at the rear of the boat. Jackson doted on the kids and let Branson and Blaine sit on those seats while we stood by and taught them how to fish. However, fly fishing requires a lot of practice to become proficient, and I can’t claim to be a fly fishing expert myself.

So today, I let Branson and Blaine observe how Jackson and I cast the rod, and then they can practice their casting next time. With more training and attempts, I believe they’ll learn quickly.

Specifications

The FINVAL EVO 475 boasts a spacious deck and console, equipped with various-sized storage compartments. You can store fishing rods up to three meters long on this boat. The livewell adopts a dual cover design to prevent fish from jumping out when you’re releasing them, which is considerate.

Along the upper sides of the boat, there’s a special T-shaped groove where rotating rods, detachable tables, and a grill can be secured. This enhances the versatility of your outings. You can also opt for a high-top canvas cover to provide shade in the summer. If you attach side and rear curtains to it, you’ll get reliable rain and wind protection. These features make the boat ideal for fishing and water leisure.

Other Versions

The FINVAL 550 EVO is an upgraded version of the FINVAL 475 EVO, featuring a more spacious deck and a sturdier hull.

Firstly, it boasts a hull length of 5.55 meters. With this extended hull, it requires a larger engine for power – up to 115HP. This also means it can achieve higher speeds. However, the FINVAL 550 EVO belongs to the same series as the FINVAL 475 EVO, so the seating and console layout remain almost the same.

More storage areas are one of the boat’s highlights, addressing the previous issue of insufficient fixed rod holders. Under the central deck, there are storage compartments capable of holding six rods up to 2.5 meters long. The starboard and portside compartments can each hold two rods of the same length. The 110-liter livewell not only accommodates more catch but also features additional plastic lighting tubes. This makes it more convenient for fishing at night.

In terms of configuration, it’s more thoughtful. The FINVAL 550 EVO features ergonomic ERGOLUX seats, which provide extra comfort for your waist and hips. Additionally, it adds rotating rod holders and tackles storage boxes, providing great convenience for organizing fishing gear.

However, these perfect configurations don’t necessarily mean you can accommodate more passengers on the FINVAL 550 EVO. It can carry a maximum of four people, and its carrying capacity is 50 pounds less than the FINVAL 475 EVO. To achieve its higher horsepower, it may sacrifice some practicality. However, if you have a more generous budget, this boat might be the right choice for you.

What do we like about it

• Ample storage areas, accommodating all the gear for the crew.
• Separate livewell covers, considerate in preserving the freshness of the catch.
• Well-arranged seating layout, providing both intimate social interaction among family members and a sense of security.
• Cool and spacious windshield shielding passengers from sunlight and breeze disturbances.
• Spacious rear deck, facilitating smooth casting for anglers.
• Impressive speed, offering a unique boating experience.

What we don’t like about it

• Lack of armrests on seats, compromising comfort.
• Limited number of lockable rod storage holders.

FAQ

• What are the advantages of bass boats?

Bass boats are renowned for their stability, allowing anglers to move easily on the deck and cast from different positions. Their flat and low-profile design enables them to access shallow areas where other types of boats might struggle to fish.

Moreover, as in the case of the FINVAL 475 EVO, bass boats often come equipped with specialized fishing gear to meet various angler needs.

• What time is best for bass boats in summer?

For summer bass fishing, the best times are typically in the cooler parts of the day – early morning and late evening. During these times, the lower water temperatures encourage bass to be more active and increase the chances of catching them.

• Why are bass boats so popular?

The widespread availability of bass is one of the reasons why bass boats are so popular. Bass can be found in most regions of the United States and North America, making bass fishing a widely accessible hobby. The spacious deck and ability to navigate shallow waters, along with comfortable seating and ample storage areas, make bass boats appealing to many anglers.

FINVAL 475 EVO SPECS

OVERALL LENGTH	4.72 m
BEAM	2.12 m
TRANSOM HEIGHT	508 mm
APPROXIMATE DRAFT	330 mm
DEADRISE AT TRANSOM	13°
WEIGHT (BOAT ONLY)	510 kg
MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY	600 kg
ENGINE	100 HP

Video

Comparison Table

Boats	Deck Lengths	Maximum Horsepowerlimit	Maximum capacity limit
Nitro Z19	19′ 4”	200HP	4 persons
2013 Skeeter FX20	20′ 2”	250HP	5 persons
2020 Triton 18 TX	18′ 8”	115HP	4 persons

FINVAL 475 EVO vs Nitro Z19

The NITRO Z19 perfectly embodies the combination of performance and functionality. Its verified hull can support a maximum of 200 HP outboard motor, making it faster and more spacious than the FINVAL 475 EVO.

Inside the NITRO Z19, there is ample storage space and a center box, allowing anglers to carry more fishing gear. What sets it apart is the thoughtful placement of handles next to all four seats, ensuring passengers can enjoy the adrenaline rush while also ensuring their safety. The high-back seats with armrests provide a level of comfort that is unmatched by the FINVAL 475 EVO.

The spacious front deck comfortably accommodates two to three people for casting without interfering with each other. When the crew feels hot and thirsty and needs a refreshing drink, they can rely on the cooler in the center console to keep the ice from melting all day long. However, despite being an exceptionally perfect boat, its price might not be affordable for everyone.

FINVAL 475 EVO vs Skeeter FX20

The Skeeter FX20 is a stylish and powerful bass boat. It combines cutting-edge technology with the reliable tradition of the Skeeter brand, providing an unparalleled on-water experience. If you have a generous budget, it will surely pique your interest compared to the FINVAL 475 EVO.

First and foremost, it offers faster speed. This boat is equipped with a powerful Yamaha 250 VMax SHO engine, allowing it to effortlessly cut through waves. Whether you’re heading to your favorite fishing spot or exploring new waterways, it delivers responsive performance to enhance your overall fishing experience.

Livewell, removable pedestal seats, and ample storage are all basic features of this boat. Along with its super-fast performance, the Skeeter FX20 boasts a fiberglass hull construction, which not only maintains a dignified appearance for the driver but also provides more stable performance. However, you should be aware that this also means you may incur higher maintenance costs.

FINVAL 475 EVO vs 2020 Triton 18 TX

The 2020 Triton 18 TX offers a more streamlined layout and a more spacious deck compared to the FINVAL 475 EVO. However, its starting price is indeed higher, making it more suitable for consumers with a generous budget.

Instead of a large tinted windshield covering the front, this boat adopts a traditional layout with the console placed at the front. It features more comfortable driver and passenger seats. Interestingly, it arranges the positions of two crew members on the left side of the driver, which is perfect for a sweet family of three.

Unlike the FINVAL 475 EVO, which optimally utilizes all spaces on the boat as storage areas, the Triton 18 TX still leaves spacious room on the bow deck without any specific purpose. However, its longer hull means it should have sufficient storage space for four people.

Additionally, it offers more lockable storage compartments than the FINVAL 475 EVO, allowing you to stow some small items under the middle seat. I believe it is better suited for those who prefer more open space. However, if you don’t have as much fishing gear, the FINVAL 475 EVO might be a better fit.

Summary

Bass boats generally come with a higher price tag due to their larger size, speed, and additional features. The price of the FINVAL 475 EVO, however, is not overly expensive, and its size is well-suited for fishing activities. While it may have some areas for improvement, it is a decent bass boat at its price point.

It doesn’t matter if your budget is not big enough for any of the boats analyzed above. You can also contact us to learn more about the NeoBoats website and their similar bass boats, which offer excellent performance at a cheaper price.

Of course, if you want to know more about other types of boats, we welcome you to visit us.