The Latest Boat From Supreme Boats.

The Latest Boat From Supreme Boats.

For the last year I have been running a new boat model from Supreme Boats. The Supreme S52 is the newest model from Supreme Boats and if I am allowed to have an opinion, I think it is the best model river boat they have designed. 

My experience on the White River has been exclusively in Supreme boats, most recently the S52, and before that, a Supreme 207XP. I want to start by commending Supreme's exceptional customer service, which is why they were the only manufacturer I considered when purchasing a new boat.

It's important to acknowledge that the "best boat" on the White River is subjective. There are many excellent boats, and a guide's choice is often a personal preference based on what works for them—you'll find variations in every guide boat on the river. With that being said, the S52 being the superior boat is simply my personal opinion.

Before diving into my personal setup and why I love the S52, let me give you a general overview of the boat. My experience with the S52 began unexpectedly about a year ago. After a motor failure forced me to look for a new boat, I was offered the chance to take the very first S52 hull (the second, technically, after the demo model) straight out of the mold. Getting the call to try out this new model was exciting! I couldn't wait to jump in and run it up and down the river before committing to a custom build.

My initial test run focused on the fundamentals: how it ran, its speed getting up on plane, and its steering and handling. To say I was impressed would be an understatement—a sentiment that will be a running theme here. The second crucial factor was the dryness of the ride. Anyone who has driven or sat in the back of a 207XP in the wind knows this has been a desired improvement from the manufacturer. The manufacturer told me the new chine design, also used on the L61, was engineered to solve this. I'm pleased to confirm the ride is significantly drier, a consistent benefit I've enjoyed throughout the past year of running my S52.

The new chine on the bottom edge of the boat.

Furthermore, I immediately noticed the extra room in the S52, especially coming from the 4-inch narrower 207XP. I believe the S52 strikes a perfect balance, offering more space for both the guide and the angler without feeling like you're maneuvering a barge. This slight increase in width also yielded tangible performance benefits: the boat floats in shallower water, runs in shallower water, and gets on plane faster.

The test run exceeded my expectations. It was time to get one built.

Rigging My Supreme S52: A Guide's Layout

Designing the perfect boat layout is highly personal; what works for one guide may not work for another. This is simply how I've rigged my Supreme S52, and after a year of use, I wouldn't change a thing. It's the perfect office for my workflow.

• Engine: I've run a Mercury jet on the river since I started, and for the S52, I chose the Mercury 60/40 jet. In my experience, Mercury stands up to the rigors of heavy use better than most.

• Back Deck (Game Changer #1): The S52's significantly larger back deck is a massive improvement over the 207XP.

  • Fuel Capacity: It easily accommodates a 12-gallon gas tank, which eliminates fuel worries and makes my guide days much simpler.

  • Storage: The deck features two separate compartments:

    • One houses the battery, tools, straps, and maintenance gear.

    • The other is a completely dry storage box for rain gear and anglers' personal belongings.

Rod Storage and Seating

• Rod Trays: I installed full-length rod trays on each side. The S52's extra width makes a big difference here, improving the angler's experience, especially with multiple rods out.

• Rod Tubes: I prefer not to have too many rods out, so I also added rod tubes on each side.

  • The Trade-off: Due to the new chine design, the S52 can only fit two rods per side (compared to three in the 207XP). This is a fair compromise for the improved, drier ride.

• Seats: I opted for pedestal seats over spider chairs. They are more secure, stable for guests, and most importantly, they don't catch fly line nearly as much.

  • I use Millennium seats on the pedestals, which provide better airflow for those hot summer runs.

The Row Station

• Oars: I use 9' 6" Sawyer square tops with square blades. We row more big water than low, and the square blades move significantly more water than shoal cuts.

• Rowers Seat: My seat is a simple Yeti 35 cooler strapped to the floor—no pad, no fancy chair. It works for me (though I know most people prefer something different).

• Side Boxes (Must-Haves): I keep my side boxes, even though some guides remove them for space. I carry a lot of gear, mainly flies, that I like to have within reach while rowing.

  • One box is a dedicated trash can.

  • The other holds an assortment of line, sunscreen, and lots of flies.

• "Captains Tray": A small but essential addition next to the cooler for quick-grab necessities (like Red Bull).

The Bow (The Front Deck)

• Anchor System (Game Changer #2): The Minn Kota Deckhand is a worthwhile luxury. Being able to drop and recover the anchor with the push of a button significantly streamlines the guide day.

• Access: I installed a front step for easier on and off the boat.

Final Thoughts

My Supreme S52, built out exactly as described, perfectly suits my needs and my work style. If you are considering a new boat, I highly recommend the S52. Remember that your boat is your office—configure it for the type of fishing you do and how you use it.

If you are ever interested in seeing the S52 firsthand, swing by the shop. I'd be happy to talk boats with you.

-Morgan Guss