The trends I see in recreational boats consist of increased sophistication, elegance in styling, and more features, both standard and optional. EdgeWater has always built classy, upscale boats. In recent years it has taken that philosophy to all new levels, targeting both hardcore fishing fanatics as well as their families. Impossible blend?
EdgeWater’s foundation is its construction method. Called single-piece infusion, it places knitted fiberglass and structural composite stringers into the mold before introducing the vinylester resin via a vacuum-bag process. The net is a single-piece hull with the perfect ratio of resin to glass, and no air bubbles or voids for maximum strength at minimum weight. EdgeWater boats also float level and upright if swamped.
When you board the 230CC, there’s no question that this is a family-oriented boat. So I was surprised to see a pair of rod holders along with two stainless-steel pop-up cleats in the bow — items normally associated with only the most hardcore fishing boats. Surely handy for fishing, but I discovered they serve triple duty as drink holders and receptacles for the carbon-fiber poles that support the standard sun awning. Another pair provides the same service for an aft sunshade.
Also forward, EdgeWater provides a standard table/sun-pad insert. This stows conveniently in the console. Fully insulated stowage/fish boxes hide beneath the forward seating and drain directly overboard. A seat on the front of the console door hides a large stowage area with a fixed marine head, access to helm wiring, dedicated stowage for two dive tanks or fenders, easy battery access, and portholes for cross-ventilating the head.
EdgeWater did an exceptional job of integrating the T-top stanchions into the console so they don’t stick out and crowd the way forward when passing by. Another boat aboard which the console and T-top impressed me is the Everglades 230 CC ($120,538 with a 300 hp Yamaha). The EdgeWater’s helm handles a 16-inch MFD, Yamaha engine gauges and entertainment-system control head alongside the ship’s systems switches. The integrated electronics box in the hardtop and a nice three-sided glass windshield enclosure round out the command center. Built-in three-color LED lights bathe the helm and leaning post at the touch of a button while white LEDs flood the foredeck and cockpit. Finally, bowing to a mystical trend of recent years, EdgeWater even includes blue underwater lighting as standard fare.
EdgeWater supplies a mini coiled-hose holder, a storage bin and a rod holder under the port gunwale, and four undergunwale rod holders to starboard. Four more rod holders across the transom, two in each gunwale, and optional rocket launchers across the back of the T-top ensure you will have all the fishing weaponry you need.
The 230CC comes with one standard and one optional live baitwell in the stern. Also crossing the stern is a 33-inch-wide bench seat with cushions, bolster backrests and storage. In fact, this boat has amazing storage for a 23-footer. The gloss-finished bilge with LED lighting affords easy access to plumbing and fuel systems, just reach through the hatch in the bottom of the transom bench seat. Another excellent design feature extends the twin swim platforms aft past the engine’s lower unit, especially excellent since one has a swim ladder you can deploy while in the water. You don’t need to be old and/or overweight to have difficulty climbing out of the water without a ladder if you happen to fall in. The other houses a second anchor locker with hanger for when you want to beach your boat or anchor in a current without swinging. EdgeWater even supplies a 40-quart cooler on a sliding, easy-lock tray under the console seat. Touch that latch and slide the cooler out for unfettered access to your staples.
I especially appreciate the design of the recessed scuppers in the cockpit corners. These allow water to exit without leaving residual puddles around the scuppers that turn green and create gritty muck.
As the helicopter sat on the tarmac waiting for the rain to end, I took the opportunity to run the 230CC in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Winds were calm, but a large motoryacht threw enough wake to test lateral stability. If you like drift-fishing, you’ll find the 230CC stable and remarkably quiet, without much wave-slapping noise. Underway, trim-tab response proved accurate and sensitive without being too aggressive. Wheel hard-over turns at cruising speed and trim blend quickly, finishing with a minor stern slide, so your precious passengers will remain safe and sound in semiradical maneuvers. Unlike some of its competition in this size range, the EdgeWater tracks beautifully at slow speed with no hint of wandering.
I love that just about everything comes standard: the powder coating, the luxury leaning post/helm seating with its integrated bolsters and armrests, bow table and hideaway towing pylon, all on board. After all, if they’re such good ideas, just include them.
High Points
- Commendable blend of family and fishing functions.
- Inspired multipurpose features — check out the rod-holder/drink-holder/sunshade sockets.
- Design and build features commonly found aboard larger boats include resin infusion, a gloss-finished bilge and more.
Low Points
- Zippered overhead life-vest storage would be better with Velcro.
- Crossmember on the windshield might obstruct vision for shorter operators.
Price: $122,603 (base with test power)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engine: Yamaha F300
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha 15 1/4″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.75:1
Fuel Load: 55 gal.
Water on Board: NA
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
EdgeWater Boats – Edgewater, Florida; 386-426-5457; ewboats.com
