Everglades 230 CC

Trailer Test #1404

Fishing fun for everyone

By Brad Roberts
I had the fortunate opportunity to test the Everglades 230CC – the smallest of the everglades fleet of ten centre console boats – late last fall appropriately on one of Ontario’s greatest fishing lakes – Lake Simcoe.
The 230CC presented beautifully in gloss white against the dark black water and heather tones of the fall leaves as I walked across the gas docks of Starport Marina just outside of Orillia. The matching white Yamaha 300hp four stroke outboard completed the visual package.
The 230CC features two aft swim plat-forms bracketing either side of the outboard, with a swim ladder neatly tucked under the port side.  I boarded and noted that the hull hardly moved – a positive first impression.

Stepping inside the huge cockpit (it’s a full 61 square feet), I noted that the gunwale height at the transom falls just above my knees.  (There’s a full – fiberglass and self-draining liner in the 230CC complete with in-floor courtesy lights and a wonderfully-effective no-skid surface.)  The gunwale is at a height that’s both low enough to be comfortable for experienced fishermen, and high enough to be safe enough for young toddlers.  Mom will like that. Centred on the transom is a 27 gallon recirculating livewell under a blue-tinted Plexiglas cover, with two flip-down and well-padded single seats outboard to both port and starboard.  Either seat would be a thrilling place to sit and enjoy the comfortable but exhilarating ride that this 36-degree deadrise hull would produce in any sea.
Under the wide gunwales you’ll find ample rod storage for up to six rods. The starboard side gunwale also feature a flip out tackle box that falls at the perfect height so you don’t have to bend down to reach a traditional tackle box on the floor of the cockpit.
The upholstery appears as a standard high quality marine vinyl.  But it’s what you can’t see sometimes that makes all the difference.  Everyglades upholstery is made from an extra-heavy vinyl with an acrylic top coat, Tenara™ thread, and an anti-mildew backing.  Plus it’s adhered to a high-density plastic backing with flow through foam cushions so there’s no worry of rot. Ever.
The t-top is another Everglades innovation featuring their patented sliding wind-shield that drops down in front of the con-sole behind the forward seat.  This means you can choose to ride with the wind in your hair or be protected from the cold spray from a wave that’s inevitable if you’re out in the spring or fall shoulder seasons, especially in Canada.  Overhead, there’s a fiberglass hardtop supported by a beefy aluminum powder coated frame, with built-in LED lights, spreader lights, electronics box, and rocket launcher rod holders.  (In my water test I noted how solid the t-top felt and heard no squeaks or rattles.)
The helm features Yamaha’s digital display, a Garmin GPS map 7610 XVS, VHF radio, Fusion AM-FM radio with USB inputs in the glove box and count them – two- stainless steel cupholders for the captain and co-pilot.  The helm seat features a pull-out tackle drawer and a Yeti cooler under the flip-up bolster double-wide seat base.  The seat base is at a good height for standing with the bolster in the upright position, and a comfortable distance away from the stainless wheel while seated.
Under the helm console, you’ll find a small space for a porta-pottie, with the access door to port.  This space also serves as day storage area and a convenient spot to tuck the folding stainless ladder.  It’s only a bit cramped for a large adult, but it sure beats returning to shore to use the facilities.
Just in front of the helm is a forward-facing double-wide seat with a commanding view.  This would be my second favourite place on the boat, second only to being behind the wheel!