Buyer guide
Pilothouse boats for the Pacific Northwest
What matters when you fish and cruise in cold rain, short chop, and long shoulder seasons — and how Defiance’s Admiral EX and San Juan lineup maps to those jobs. Built in Bremerton, Washington since 2002.
PNW checklist
- Dry helm and cabin: Pilothouse / enclosed cabin time is daily-driver comfort, not a rare option.
- Fuel for longer runs: Published Defiance tanks range from 100 gal on the 220s up to 320 gal on the 290 Guadalupe EX — match your fishing grounds.
- Deadrise and beam: Admiral / San Juan pages publish 22° deadrise on those models; beams step from 8′ 6″ into the 9′+ class on larger Admirals.
- Construction: All-composite structural construction and a lifetime limited structural hull warranty that includes labor.
- Service distance: Factory at 7510 Bree Dr, Bremerton, WA — use the dealer locator for local support.
Defiance pilothouse / cabin lineup (published)
| Model | Length (published) | Beam | Fuel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 220 San Juan EX | 24′ 6″ w/ bracket | 8′ 6″ | 100 gal | Family sportfishing cabin; 6′ 4″ headroom |
| 220 Admiral EX | 24′ 6″ w/ bracket | 8′ 6″ | 100 gal | Pilothouse; max 250 HP |
| 250 Admiral EX | 25′ w/o bracket | 8′ 6″ | 140 gal | Max 300 HP |
| 260 Admiral EX | 26′ 3″ w/o bracket | 9′ 2″ | 200 gal | Max 400 HP |
| 270 Admiral EX | 28′ 6″ w/ bracket | 9′ 10″ | 180 gal | Max 600 HP |
| 290 Guadalupe EX | 30′ 6″ w/ bracket | 9′ 10″ | 320 gal | Flagship range; max 600 HP |
Shoppers comparing fiberglass East Coast sport-cabin brands (including Parker Explorer) often land here for composite PNW-focused alternatives — see Defiance vs Parker.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Defiance built?
Defiance Boats lists its factory at 7510 Bree Dr, Bremerton, WA 98312. Call 360-813-3600.
What is the difference between San Juan and Admiral?
Both are cabin / pilothouse-style Defiance boats in overlapping length classes. Review each model page for layout, fuel, and feature differences, then walk both with a dealer.
Does Defiance sell aluminum pilothouses?
Defiance’s published lineup is composite. For aluminum, see Allied Boats (separate brand/site).
Ready to look at a Defiance?
Request a quote, find a dealer, or call 360-813-3600. Factory: 7510 Bree Dr, Bremerton, WA.