Boat Reviews

EdgeWater 210IS Review

The 210IS is a good value in a versatile size that offers remarkable fuel efficiency to stretch your angling budget.

By Jim Hendricks

Updated: August 13, 2013

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If you plan to fish mainly bays and other protected waters — with an occasional run off the beach when the weather’s decent — EdgeWater Boats‘ new 210IS might prove the ideal angling platform for you. I put this bay boat through its paces last winter on choppy South Florida waters, and found it remarkably roomy, smooth riding and fuel efficient, an important consideration as gas prices continue to climb.

Performance

Yamaha’s compact new F200 four-cylinder outboard on my test boat propelled the 210IS to plane in a snappy 4 seconds; it accelerated to 30 mph in 6 seconds. At 6,000 rpm, I found a top speed of 48.4 mph with a full tank of gas and three people aboard. Even more impressive was the fuel efficiency — a pleasing 5 mpg at 3,500 rpm and 25.5 mph during my test. That translates to a range of 275 miles, enough for a couple of days of fishing.

The 210IS rode smooth and dry over the one- to two-foot seas on test day. I was surprised by the gentle landings after launching off some big wakes at speed. In lateral maneuvers, I found the hull tracked well, provided I trimmed the motor down. My test boat featured the optional Lenco trim tabs, but the 210IS needs little tab to run well; the tabs are there primarily to level out unbalanced side-to-side loads.

A sturdy, comfortably upholstered leaning post — with a cooler below — offers room for the helmsman and co-pilot to lean back and brace themselves while under way.

Fishing

The 210IS draws just 13 inches (with the outboard up), great for chasing shallow-water species such as redfish and trout over the flats with a trolling motor. Yet when the seas are calm, the 21-foot-8-inch boat can also take you out to fish nearshore wrecks for grouper or snapper, or to West Coast kelp beds for calico bass. With an 8-foot-6-inch beam, it boasts 65 square feet of usable cockpit space.

The 210IS features a large bow-casting platform that can accommodate a pair of anglers, as well as an optional bow-mounted trolling motor. For anchoring in deep water, an ample anchor locker is nestled in the forepeak.

EdgeWater has cleverly designed storage for four 7-foot fishing rods each in the lockers on either side of the bow deck. There are also four gunwale rod holders, and my test boat was equipped with optional vertical rod holders: three on each side of the console.

The aft casting deck offers enough room for a single angler. Below this deck you’ll find three compartments: an 18-gallon livewell in the center and access to rigging, as well as storage space, in the two side compartments.

The upholstered passenger seat back in front of the console unsnaps to reveal a waterproof tackle locker containing three Plano boxes. Unsnap the seat bottom, and you’ll find a 12-gallon livewell. A latching waterproof hatch keeps water inside the tank.

A host of factory options are available to help enhance the fishability of the 210IS, including a choice of four Garmin multifunction units, a bow-mounted trolling motor and a choice of two Power-Pole shallow-water anchoring systems.

Design and Construction

The 210IS reflects high-quality construction, as well as the most advanced boatbuilding materials and technology. The company incorporates strength using its Permagrid all-composite stringer system. Thanks to full-foam flotation, EdgeWater calls the 210IS unsinkable. You’ll also derive peace of mind from 21-inch-high gunwales and a self-bailing deck.

The 210IS features SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless-steel steering wheel with the EdgeWater logo etched in the hub. There’s a molded-in pad for mounting the throttle-and-shift control box, as well as the control panel for the optional Lenco trim tabs. You’ll find a 10-switch panel and a pair of recessed stainless-steel drink holders on the starboard side of the console.

A large flat area at the helm accepts flush-mount marine-electronics displays up to 7 inches. A thick acrylic windshield offers protection from spray and wind, and a sturdy grab rail surrounds the console.

A removable hatch on the backside of the console allows access to the dual-battery system. The console will store small items such as sunscreen and sunglasses, and there’s also a binocular rack on the interior side of the console hatch.

If you’re looking for a boat with the versatility to fish the flats, bays and backcountry creeks, as well as make a few trips outside the inlet each season — and do it all with strong performance and maximum fuel efficiency — EdgeWater’s new 210IS offers a strong package.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 21 ft. 8 in.

BEAM: 8 ft. 6 in.

DRAFT: 1 ft. 1 in.

DEADRISE: 14.5 deg.

WEIGHT: 2,400 lb. (w/o power)

FUEL: 55 gal.

MAX POWER: 250 hp

YAMAHA F200 FOUR-STROKE

TYPE: In-Line 4

DISPLACEMENT: 163 cid

MAX RPM: 6,000