Everglades Boats designed its new 235cc for the entry-level center-console boat market, but this high-sided, smooth-riding fishing machine redefines the category with features that few starter boats can boast.
Need an example? Check out the double helm seat that spins aft to form a conversation area in the aft cockpit when dual, beam-to-beam transom seats are folded out. It swivels effortlessly with the flick of a lever then locks solidly in place. The deluxe high-back seats come with flip-up bolsters, and a footrest below that folds down for comfort.
Built to Fish
For fishing, the back of the helm-seating pod features a fold-down table for rigging, with four rod holders above it. In the seat base, you’ll find a four-drawer cabinet on the port side and a drawer, four utility box slots and leader holders on the starboard side.
Patented Windshield
The helm is ready for the grunt work of fishing, too, with an integral hardtop, glass side windows and Everglades’ patented glass windshield that slides downward at the push of a button to usher in a cooling breeze. That’s pretty advanced for an entry-level model. The dash offers room for a pair of optional Garmin GPSMap 8612 multifunction displays. The step-down console interior includes a portable marine head as standard equipment.
Welcome Aboard
Here’s something else you don’t find on most entry-level boats: A portside tuna door as standard equipment. It hinges inward and includes a removable boarding ladder. You can use it to go diving, step aboard or haul a big fish onto the aft deck. A combination of Mate Series rod/cupholders and standard rod holders in the gunwales, bow and transom make the 235cc as fishy as you could need. There’s a 17-gallon transom livewell in the starboard quarter and a 68-quart cooler in the port quarter—which could be plumbed to serve as a livewell too.
Forward Thinking
The bow area has stowable seat backs to create forward lounges ahead of the forward console seat. A center filler completes the bow for use as a full casting deck or sun pad, depending on your frame of mind. Below the forward deck resides bucket storage. You’ll also discover storage under the bow seats, as well as a 92-quart cooler under the forward console seating.
Power to Spare
The 235cc comes with big power—a single Yamaha F300 V-6 Offshore outboard—that propelled it to 30 mph from a standing start in 10.3 seconds in my test. It achieved a top speed of 45.9 mph at 6,000 rpm. Best fuel economy settled in at 2.2 mpg with the boat running 33.4 mph at 4,500 rpm. Like other Everglades models, the 235cc carved turns at speed with grace and precision, and its modified V-hull rode with smooth confidence across the chop.
Versatile Value
But here’s what will stand out and stand up to coastal anglers: Even with its high bows, deep freeboard and brawny horsepower, it draws just 15 inches, no more than most bay boats in that length class. So, with its 19-degree transom deadrise, solid RAMCAP construction and reliable Yamaha power, the 235cc can chase snook in all but the skinniest water, fish comfortably on windy days in nearshore waters, and make it safely to offshore reefs for bottom fishing.
Read Next: Everglades Boats 255cc Review
Hull Specs
- LOA: 24 ft.
- Beam: 8 ft. 6 in.
- Transom Deadrise: 19 deg. Draft: 1 ft. 3 in. (engine up) Dry Weight: 5,600 lb w/ engines
- Fuel: 105 gal.
- Max HP: 300 hp
- Price: $129,899 (w/ Yamaha F300 V6 Offshore outboard)
Performance
- Engine: Yamaha 300 HP V-6
- Load: Four adults, 50 gallons of fuel
- Time to 30 mph: 10.3 sec.
- Top Speed: 45.9 mph @ 6000 rpm
- Best MPG: 2.2 mpg @ 33.4 mph (4,500 rpm)
Everglades Boats – Edgewater, Florida
