“Testing” an Edgewater 205 CX dual console almost seems redundant after listening to Edgewater engineers tell of their helmeted crash-test stunts in the Atlantic seas. Every Edgewater design gets this abuse before it’s handed over to the public. Our check ride paled in depth by comparison. But boy, did we learn a thing or two.
The first surprise on the 205 CX is the number of big-boat features. Heavy-duty hause pipes in the gunwale near the transom feed mooring lines to sturdy cleats tucked under the gunwales. Trim tabs are standard on the 205, but instead of tabs that jut outward, interfering with a boarding ladder, Edgewater selected Volvo Penta’s digitally controlled QL trim-tab system. These compact units feature “interrupter tabs” that fit snug to the transom and deploy vertically into the water stream. This creates pressure waves under the boat that level the load.
Other big-boat features include heavy-duty stainless-steel hinges and rub rails that don’t compromise the 205’s streamlined profile. Extra-wide gunwale inserts of molded fiberglass serve as I-beams, jacking up the strength of the gunwales while providing roomy fishing-rod storage underneath. Other dual consoles might be able to stow bass rods beneath their gunwales, but the 205 can handle some big Penn Internationals.
Aft seating is set comfortably low, allowing the padded transom to serve as a comfortable backrest. Our test boat had a standard livewell plus an optional portside 28-gallon livewell. For keeping the catch fresh, the bow seat bases are insulated, giving an enormous amount of space to ice the fish.
The bow area is perhaps the best area to shift focus to family-cruising fun. It can be converted to a full sunning area, and the anchor locker also has a boarding ladder. This ambidextrous sport boat/fish boat can be equipped with a radar arch with a tow point for pulling wakeboarders. Fill both livewells for ballast and work the QL tabs for the optimum wake.
Owners of the 205 need not worry about spray, because the deep cockpit and high sheer of the bow protect the interior from crosswind-blown spray pretty well.
Our test wasn’t in rough seas, but as we tooled around the Intracoastal Waterway, we ploughed up the biggest wakes we could and rammed into them with full force. The boat did not shudder. Even jumping into the boat at dockside, the 205 accepted the sudden load without undue tenderness or tipping.
Even at its easily trailerable size, we felt the 205 CX offered exceptional seaworthiness for penetrating offshore fishing holes while keeping the comfort level expected by sport-boat enthusiasts deep in the “pamper me” range.
Notable Features
• Yamaha’s F200 outboard provided quiet power and smooth acceleration.
• The helm station has plenty of space for marine electronics.
• Dry storage under the console is generous.
• Portable head in the portside console is easy to access.
• Portside passenger seats are back to back to better observe skiers in tow.
At A Glance…
The Edgewater 205 CX has the interior comforts to be a family boat first, with hull engineering guaranteed to be unsinkable.
Vital Stats
Length Overall: 20’6″
Beam: 8’6″
Dry Weight(w/o motor): 2,800 lb.
People/Weight Capacity: 9/2,865 lb.
Fuel Capacity: 75 gal.
Maximum HP: 225
MSRP (base w/Yamaha F200): $61,717
Test Drive
Test Engine: Yamaha F200
Test Prop: Yamaha Saltwater Series 17″
Test Load: People (400 lb.), Fuel (40 gal.)
Top Speed: 42.5 mph @ 6,000 rpm
Time to Plane: 3.3 sec.
Time to 30 MPH: 9.7 sec.
Minimum Plane: 19.6 MPH @ 4,000 rpm
