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Newsletter Sign Up var videoData = {"video_carousel_display":"inline","video_carousel":{"dealer_info":false,"items":[{"title":"Bluewater 2850 (2019) - Test Video","image":{"src":"\/sites\/default\/files\/media-icons\/generic\/video.png","alt":""},"url":"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/356737222"}]}}; - [Price Quote](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/87512) - [Schedule a Test Drive](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/87512) - [Connect](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/87512) - [Compare to other boats](/boats/compare/87512) [Request More Boat Information](/request-more-boat-information-boat-test) --- [ ![Boat History Report Banner Ad](/sites/default/files/images/2020-09/boathistoryreportbanner.jpg) ](https://boathistoryreport.com/?utm_source=BoatTEST&utm_medium=testsNew&utm_campaign=affiliate) ## Brief Summary The Bluewater 2850 from Bluewater Sportfishing Boats in Fort Pierce, FL is a 31’ (9.45 m) center console deep-V coastal or offshore fishing boat with new twin 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2s. The Bluewater 2850 is not a new design but a well-known model that we are inspecting with these E-TECs for the first time. ## Test Results | RPM | MPH | Knots | GPH | MPG | NMPG | SM | NM | dBa | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 600 | 3.8 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 5.8 | 5 | 1558 | 1354.5 | 63 | | 1000 | 6.4 | 5.5 | 1.6 | 4 | 3.5 | 1072 | 931.8 | 65 | | 1500 | 8.5 | 7.3 | 4 | 2.1 | 1.8 | 570 | 496 | 73 | | 2000 | 9.6 | 8.3 | 10 | 1 | 0.8 | 259 | 225.3 | 78 | | 2500 | 11.5 | 10 | 13.6 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 228 | 198.5 | 84 | | 3000 | 16.8 | 14.6 | 17.4 | 1 | 0.8 | 261 | 226.7 | 79 | | 3500 | 26 | 22.6 | 20.1 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 349 | 303.7 | 83 | | 4000 | 34.7 | 30.2 | 26.2 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 358 | 311 | 84 | | 4500 | 41.4 | 36 | 33.5 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 334 | 290.2 | 83 | | 5000 | 46.8 | 40.7 | 48.4 | 1 | 0.8 | 261 | 227 | 86 | [View the test results in metric units](#) ![bluewater_2850_chart_19.jpg](/sites/default/files/images/boat-charts/bluewater_2850_chart_19.jpg) ## Specifications | Length Overall | 31' / 9.45 m | |---|---| | Beam | 9' 6'' 2.89 m | | Dry Weight | 11,500 lbs. 5,216 kg | | Tested Weight | 13,928 lbs. 6,318 kg | | Draft | 29'' 0.73 m | | Deadrise/Transom | N/A | | Max Headroom | open | | Bridge Clearance | N/A | | Fuel Capacity | 300 gal. 1,136 L | | Water Capacity | 10 gal. 38 L | | Total Weight | 13,928 lbs. 6,318 kg | ## Acceleration Times & Conditions | Time to Plane | 5.0 sec. | |---|---| | 0 to 30 | 10.4 sec. | | Ratio | N/A | | Props | 16x19 | | Load | 4 persons, 9/10 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear | | Climate | 78 deg., 62 humid; wind: 10-15 mph; Seas: <1 | ## Engine Options | Tested Engine | [2 x 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2](/engine-review/Evinrude/25500102_E-TEC-G2-300-HP) | |---|---| | Std. Power | Not Available | | Opt. Power | Not Available | ## ezstandalone.cmd.push(function() { ezstandalone.showAds(103); });### Contents of Report - [Mission](#mission) - [Design](#design) - [Construction](#construction) - [Boat Inspection](#inspection) - [Bow](#bow) - [Ground Tackle](#ground) - [Helm](#helm) - [Sidedecks](#sidedecks) - [Aft](#aft) - [Engines](#engines) - [Performance](#performance) - [Handling](#handling) - [Docking](#docking) - [Price](#price) - [Optional Equipment](#options) - [Observations](#observations) ![Bluewater 2850 running](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_running_2019.jpg) The Bluewater 2850 is true to its name, a dedicated offshore fishing boat capable of handling bluewater conditions.![Bluewater 2850 rod holders](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_rodholders_2019.jpg)The number of rod holders in the caprail, seatback, and hardtop on the Bluewater 2850 more than hints at the mission of this boat – fishing. The hidden deep-V hull design with a 24-degree deadrise says where – offshore. ## Mission The Bluewater 2850 is intended for offshore and coastal fishing. Bluewater Sportfishing Boats, founded in 1997, prides itself on building smooth-riding, well-balanced boats customized to each owner. ## Design ![Bluewater 2850 running](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_running2_2019.jpg)The deep-V design of the 2850 has reversed chines for a dryer ride. Since Ray Hunt introduced the deep-V hull in the late 1950s, it has become the standard for offshore boats. With a high deadrise, the Bluewater 2850 signals its ability to take on rough waters. The position of the center console balances the boat’s ride while providing maximum space for fishing. ![Bluewater 2850](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_running3_2019.jpg)The flare of the bow also keeps spray from coming onboard. ## Construction The Bluewater 2850 is solidly built with all composite construction – no wood anywhere. The boat has a solid glass bottom, so it is a little heavier, which is good. And the all-glass bottom makes it more resistant to punctures. ![Bluewater 2850 bow](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_bowdeck_2019.jpg)The deck mold extends up to the bulwarks, making a finished gel-coated one-piece liner for the inside of the boat. ## Boat Inspection ### Bow ![Bluewater 2850 seating](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_bowdeck2_2019.jpg)There is optional seating for the bow but a clean slate gives more room to bring home the fish and stow them in the in-deck fishboxes in the wings. Our test boat is stripped down for serious fishing. There is no extra furniture or seats on the deck forward of the center console, just a 7” H (.17 m) padded bolster wrapping around the whole boat to lean on while fishing. The deck is 8’ L between the center console and the bow, and 2’4” W at the bow expanding to 6’8” W at the console. The in-deck storage consists of four lockers - a large 1200 qt. coffin box with rod storage centered toward the bow, a smaller locker directly behind it, and a fishbox outboard on either side. All the lockers are foam-insulated and have gelcoat finishes. The boat has two 10” pop-up cleats on the bow, to prevent snags. Even the navigation light folds away. ![Bluewater 2850 cleats](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_cleats_2019.jpg)Three 10” (.25 m) fixed cleats are mounted along each side in caprail recesses to prevent tangling tackle. The cockpit depth is 26” (.66 m) at the bow. On the forward bulwarks below the padded bolster are four speakers for the Clarion stereo system. ![Bluewater 2850 double seat](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_doubleseat_2019.jpg)In front of the console is a contoured double seat with a self-draining cooler below it. The seat cushions hinge forward to access the cooler. ### Ground Tackle ![Bluewater 2850](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_anchorlocker_2019.jpg)In front of the anchor locker is a running light in the stowed position flanked by pop-up cleats, also in stowed position, providing a clean, tangle-free bow profile. The anchor locker hatch, with twist-and-lock latch, is held open by a gas strut. There are anchor keepers for the Danforth-style anchor. There isn’t a center mount cleat for the rode, which we always like to see, and there are no fairleads or chocks. We’ll have to secure the rode from the pop-up cleats on the bow. ### Helm ![Bluewater 2850 t top](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_ttop_2019.jpg)The Bluewater 2850 has multiple options for a hardtop or canvas T-top. The hardtop has five rocket launchers across the aft end. On top are the outriggers to either side, radar and antennas, a liferaft, and the all-around navigation lights. Grab rails on the black painted underside side are handy for anyone moving along the sidedecks. ![Bluewater 2850 hardtop](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_frame_2019.jpg)The underside of the hardtop shows the white support frame coated with textured bedliner material, completed by the owner as an aftermarket project. The hardtop frame has 2” to 2.5” (5.08 cm to 6.35 cm) pipe which is painted with a textured coating. The underside of the hardtop also has the Taco Grandslam control handles for the outriggers. There is an e-box, with the VHF, SeaKeeper gyro control, and Clarion stereo. Behind the e-box are zippered life jacket storage and spreader lights. An isinglass windshield wraps three sides of the console top and connects to the hardtop. ![Bluewater 2850 helm wheel](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_helmwheel_2019.jpg)The wheel is offset, so the helmsman is not cramped when a guest joins the ride on the double-wide helm seat. Two Raymarine 16” (.41 m) displays are on the face of the helm console. ![Bluewater 2850](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_helmtop_2019.jpg)The top of the helm console is flat and has a fiddle on the aft side to keep things from sliding off, but no fiddles on the sides, which would be a welcome feature. We’d also like to see a non-skid pad on top. There is a compass on top of the console mounted on the left side - in line with the wheel. ![Bluewater 2850 helm dash](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_helmdash_2019.jpg)This boat has the Evinrude iDock feature with a joystick for docking, a $5,999 MSRP option for twin-engine boats, which won Evinrude an NMMA Innovation Award in 2017. The 7” Evinrude ICON Touch engine display is in front of the wheel. The stainless steel wheel has a tilt base and speed knob. Right alongside are the Lenco trim tabs, and the ignition and engine start/stops, next to the Evinrude throttles. All of the electrical rocker switches are grouped on the right hand side. They are lit when activated; the lower ones have circuit breakers underneath. The far right of the helm console has four stainless drink holders. There is no charge port here, which would be another welcome feature to have. Underneath is lockable glovebox-like storage. ![Bluewater 2850 foot rest](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_footrest_2019.jpg)At deck level is an angled footrest recessed into the console.![Bluewater 2850 helm seat](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_helmseat_2019.jpg)The double-wide helm seat includes a flip-down footrest, flip-down bolsters, and flip-down armrests. The fixed seat base has Plano tackle storage on the left and right sides. ![Bluewater 2850 seakeeper](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_seakeeper2_2019.jpg)Below the helm seat is the SeaKeeper 2. The seat flips forward on a hinge assisted by gas shocks to access the unit from above. This SeaKeeper unit is small enough to run off battery power.![Bluewater 2850 rod holders](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_helmseatback_2019.jpg)The helm seat back has four rod holders and more Plano tackle storage. ### Sidedecks ![Bluewater 2850 bulwarks](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_bulwarks_2019.jpg)The bulwarks to either side of the console have more storage. Behind these side storage compartments is rod storage below the gunnels. Six rod holders and four drink holders are installed in the starboard caprail. Eight rod holders and four drink holders grace the port caprail. ![Bluewater 2850 side deck](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_sidedeck_2019.jpg)A 7” step by the front of the console separates the sidedeck from the foredeck. On the left side of the console is a door for the head. Inside is headroom of 6’9” (2.06 m) and sitting headroom above the toilet of 3’7” (1.09 m). There is an opening port and unrestricted access to the wiring on the inside of the helm. ### Aft ![Bluewater 2850 aft deck](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_aftdeck_2019.jpg)The deck area behind the helm seat base is 4’L x 8’W (1.22 m x 2.44 m). The in-deck hatch below the stowed bench seat accesses the bilge. In front of that is an optional 46-gallon (174 L) livewell, flanked by two insulated fishboxes. There is a bench seat with a bolster and removable headrests across the transom. The bench leg supports fold up and the seat hinges down. With the seat base down, a plexi covered box containing pump switches is revealed. ![Bluewater 2850 switches](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_switches_2019.jpg)The switches in the box behind the stern bench seat control the transom bait pump, transom baitwell light, floor bait pump, floor baitwell light, freshwater washdown pump, and raw water washdown pump.![Bluewater 2850 shorepower](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_shorepower2_2019.jpg)The starboard quarter has a shorepower connection, a fill/drain for the baitwells, a deck drain, and another speaker. In the port quarter is another shorepower connection and a washdown bib. Below is a deck drain and on the bulwark is another stereo speaker. In-deck storage aft consists of a livewell, centered in front of the bench seat, flanked by two insulated fishboxes. We have to put the bench seat back on its legs to access the bilge hatch directly aft of the in-deck livewell. With the bilge hatch open, we can see the raw water pump, the bilge pumps, and fuel filters, all with double hose clamps, per ABYC standards. ![Bluewater 2850 bench seat](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_livewell_2019.jpg)With the bench seat folded away and its headrest removed, the aft deck is wide open for fishing. A 46-gallon (174 L) livewell with a ¾” (191 cm) plexi cover held open by a gas shock, and freshwater sink are located in the cover board of the transom. A transom door on the starboard side opens out and latches with a slide bolt. With the door closed, the bolt goes right through gelcoat. We’d like to see a stainless steel receptacle for this to prevent cracking the gelcoat. The door is 14” (35 cm) wide and there is a 9” (23 cm) step up from the cockpit sole to get through the gate. ![Bluewater 2850 ladder](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_ladder_2019.jpg)An ABYC-compliant boarding ladder is stowed on the transom. Passing through the transom door onto the Armstrong engine bracket platform, we notice there is a boarding ladder bracket on the corner of the platform for NMMA certification and ABYC compliance. From the Armstrong platform we get a good view of the simple rigging tube configuration for the engines. ![Bluewater 2850 outboards](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_outboards_2019.jpg)Benefits of the Armstrong engine brackets are that they effectively add to the overall length, buoyancy, and cockpit space. ## Engines Since BRP bought the Evinrude brand from OMC in 2001 we have seen many changes. Solving emissions problems inherent with two-strokes by introducing direct injection was paramount, but changes focused on making boating simpler and easier also stand out to us. Here are a few examples of how Evinrude does this: First, the scheduled dealer maintenance of 500 hours or 5 years simplifies things, as does the warranty, which is transferrable. The internal oil tank and low oil warning, plus “safe mode,” make operating these engines easier and safer. The integration of trim and steering internal to the engine declutters the back of the boat. It eliminates the extra gear and corrosion issues associated with external steering systems. Maintenance is minimized when the engines come all the way out of the water, keeping the lower unit and prop clean and avoiding electrolysis when the engine is in saltwater. **iTrim** automatically adjusts the trim of the engine, as the boat accelerates, and makes getting up on plane faster and more efficient. **iSteer** Integrated Dynamic Power Steering adjusts depending on speed, assisting the helmsman to turn smoothly and easily. The **iControl** Digital Shift and Throttle provides smooth, easy, and precise shift and throttle operation. The optional Evinrude **iDock** Joystick Piloting System is intuitive, allowing boaters with two or more engines to dock with ease. ![Bluewater 2850 touch screen](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_icon_2019.jpg)The ICON Touch screen comes in two sizes, either 7” or 4.3”. The **ICON Touch** engine panel allows customization of information displayed and handling inputs. It includes: Homepage with general cruising and performance information; Fuel/Fluids page; Engine page; Vessel page; Trip Logs; Ecoview page. Other menu features on the touch screen include the option to add extra oil to the engine for winter storage, and to adjust hydraulic steering levels at the touch of a button. With the E-TECs and all of the accessories and controls, Evinrude has made boating simpler and easier. ## Performance ![Bluewater 2850](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_running4_2019.jpg)We came to expect soft landings and a dry ride from our Bluewater 2850 test boat. The Bluewater 2850 has a LOA of 31’ (9.14 m), a beam of 9’6” (2.89 m), and a draft of 29” (0.73 m). With an empty weight of 11,500 lbs. (5,216 kg), 273 gallons (1,033 L) of fuel onboard, no water in the 10 gallon (38 L) tank, plus four people with test gear, we had an estimated test weight of 13,928 lbs. (6,318 kg). With two Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp gas outboards turning 16” x 19” 4-bladed stainless-steel props, the Bluewater 2850 reached a top speed of 46.8 mph at 5000 rpm. The wind was blowing 15 knots, and seas were less than 1’ (.30 m). When backing off to 4000 rpm and 34.7 mph, the best fuel economy, with a burn rate of 26.2 gph and a range of 358 statute miles was found, all while still holding back a 10-percent reserve of the boat’s 300 gallon (1136 L) total fuel capacity. ## Acceleration ![Bluewater 2850](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_acceleration_2019.jpg) ## Handling ![Bluewater 2850 display](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_display_2019.jpg)The graphic display shows us rolling the boat (white lines), then engaging the SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer (blue lines) - impressive. Our test boat is a SeaKeeper demo boat, and since we wanted to see the effect the SeaKeeper 2 gyro had, we simply rolled the boat with the SeaKeeper off, between 5 and 10-degrees, using our body weight, and when we engaged the gyro it became nearly impossible to roll the boat more than a degree or two. The Seakeeper 2 installed in this boat was able to operate on battery power alone. With ITrim engaged, engine trim automatically adjusts as one accelerates, keeping bow rise in check and getting the boat up on plane faster. The bow rise was minimal and it is nice not to have to mess with trim tabs as you accelerate. ## Docking ![Bluewater 2850 joystick](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_joystick_2019.jpg)Evinrude’s iDock joystick couldn’t get any easier.![Bluewater 2850 engines](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_engines_2019.jpg)The engines can turn in opposite directions with the iDock system. All the Evinrude accessories are covered under the same warranty as the engines.![Bluewater 2850](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_running5_2019.jpg)The 2850 design has been around for nearly 20 years, yet there are very few available on the used market. ## Price A base price is not available, as each Bluewater 2850 is customized to a large extent. Our best analysis of the price, based on feedback from distributors, is a range of $180 to 200K for a new boat reasonably equipped and ready to fish. ## Optional Equipment • Wing tank with separate fuel fill and gauges - 90-gallons (341 L) • Fresh water system 30-gallon (114 L) capacity • Portable toilet • Electric marine head and holding tank • Macerator pumps for fishboxes • Lenco trim tabs • Towing bracket when used as tender • Loadmaster dual axle trailer • T-top or hardtop (multiple options) • Seating options • Outriggers • Electronics • Hull colors • Tackle storage (multiple options) • SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer: $22,700 (not including installation) ## Observations ![Bluewater 2850 running](/sites/default/files/inline-images/bluewater_2850_running6_2019.jpg)The Evinrudes and optional SeaKeeper 2 make for an efficient and stable offshore experience. The Bluewater 2850 is a tried and true tournament level fishing boat designed for offshore waters. Whether buying new or repowering a used 2850, equipping it with Evinrude E-TEC G2s will make your boat ownership easy and simple. ## Test Video Summary ### Overview The Bluewater 2850 is a 31-foot deep-V center console built for coastal and offshore fishing at an affordable price. BoatTEST’s Captain tested her with twin 300-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 outboards. The test boat was Seakeeper’s demo boat, fitted with a Seakeeper 2 gyro. > *“The Bluewater 2850 is a boat designed for serious offshore fishing at an affordable price. Adding the twin 300 horsepower Evinrude E-TECs makes it even better.”* ### Mission And Intended Owner - **Built To Do:** Serious coastal and offshore fishing - **Designed For:** Anglers who want an offshore-capable boat at an affordable price - **Locus Of Operation:** Coastal and offshore ### Design Overview - **Hull Type:** Deep V - **Bow:** Raised forward casting platform with no V-seating, unlike most center consoles - **Bolster:** A 7-inch padded bolster surrounds the forward cockpit and the whole boat - **Engine Bracket:** Armstrong engine bracket platform - **Windshield:** Solid polycarbonate fixed in a canvas frame attached to the T-top supports, wrapping the console on three sides and connecting to the hardtop - **Console Interior:** No liner, which saves weight and expense > *“The arrangement is a low cost solution for an integrated windshield that wraps the console on three sides and connects to the hardtop.”* ### Specifications - **Length Overall:** 31 feet - **Beam:** 9 feet, 5 inches - **Draft:** 20 inches - **Empty Weight:** 4,260 pounds - **Fuel Capacity:** 245 gallons - **Bow Cockpit Depth:** 26 inches - **Forward Cockpit:** 8 feet from the console seats to the bow bulkhead; 2 feet, 4 inches wide at the bow, expanding to 6 feet, 8 inches in front of the seat - **Aft Cockpit:** 4 feet by 8 feet behind the helm seat base - **Transom Door:** 14 inches wide, with a 9-inch step up from the cockpit sole - **Livewell:** 46 gallons ### Test Conditions And Test Weight - **Wind:** 15 knots - **Sea State:** Less than 1 foot - **Load:** Seakeeper 2 gyro, extra batteries, 91% fuel and four people - **Test Weight:** 8,251 pounds > *“This is one of the heaviest conditions we’ve ever tested a center console of this size with. Usually we test with two people aboard, half load of fuel or less, and of course no Seakeeper or extra batteries.”* ### Performance - **Tested Power:** Twin Evinrude E-TEC G2 300-hp gas outboards turning 16 x 19 four-blade stainless steel props - **Top Speed:** 46.8 mph at 5,000 rpm - **Best Cruise:** 34.7 mph at 4,000 rpm, burning 26.2 gph - **Fuel Economy At Best Cruise:** 1.3 mpg - **Range At Best Cruise:** 287 statute miles, holding a 10% reserve | RPM | MPH | GPH | MPG | Range (SM) | |---|---|---|---|---| | 4,000 | 34.7 | 26.2 | 1.3 | 287 | | 5,000 | 46.8 | — | — | — | **Acceleration:** 1. **Time To Plane:** 5 seconds 2. **0–20 mph:** 6.7 seconds 3. **0–30 mph:** 10.4 seconds **Evinrude Systems:** - **iTrim:** Automatically adjusts engine trim during acceleration and turns, keeping bow rise in check and getting her on plane faster - **iSteer:** Standard integrated dynamic power steering with internal twin helical gears and a touchpad to adjust steering resistance by speed. This is an optional upcharge on most engines. - **iDock Joystick:** Easy docking. According to The Captain, Evinrude’s joystick system is 40 to 60% less costly than other brands. ### Sea Trial And Handling - **Acceleration:** iTrim kept bow rise in check - **Listing:** With crew weight moved to starboard, a bit of trim tab leveled her out - **Turns:** Leans in comfortably at cruise, with iTrim adjusting engine trim for optimum performance - **Docking:** Pivoted easily to back into the slip, then the joystick took her sideways to the dock > *“Beginners will welcome the iTrim feature because it eliminates the trial and error of finding the best trim during acceleration as well as in turns.”* > *“Evinrude’s iDock joystick couldn’t get any easier.”* ### Engine Room Or Mechanical Compartment - **Access:** Put the transom bench seat back on its legs, then lift it to open the hatch - **Contents:** Raw-water strainers, raw-water pump, bilge pumps and fuel filters - **Helm Wiring:** Unrestricted access from inside the console - **Seakeeper Access:** The helm seat flips forward on gas shocks to reach the Seakeeper 2 from above - **Pump Switches:** In a plexi-covered box revealed when the transom seat is folded down - **Cockpit Depth:** 26 inches at the bow ### Features Inspection #### The Helm - **Compass:** On the left side of the console top, in line with the wheel - **Displays:** Two 16-inch Raymarine displays - **Engine Panel:** Evinrude ICON Touch, with pages for cruising and performance, fuel and fluids, engine, vessel, trip logs and Eco View - **Wheel:** Stainless steel, with a tilt base and speed knob - **Trim Tabs:** Lenco - **Controls:** Ignition and start-stops beside Evinrude drive-by-wire throttle and shift - **Switches:** Rocker switches grouped to the right, lit when activated, with circuit breakers under the lower ones - **Drink Holders:** Four stainless, far right - **Storage:** Lockable glove-box storage below - **Footrest:** Angled, recessed into the console at deck level - **Console Top:** Flat, with a fiddle on the aft side - **Hardtop:** - Fiberglass, with five rocket launchers across the aft end - Outriggers, radar and antennas, a life raft and the running light on top - Grab rails on the black-painted underside - TACO Grand Slam outrigger control handles - Electric box with the VHF, Seakeeper control and Clarion stereo - Zippered PFD compartment and spreader lights - 2- to 2.5-inch pipe frame with a textured coating, screwed to the console top, sides and deck - **Helm Seat:** Double, with a flip-down footrest, flip-down bolsters, flip armrests, storage on both sides and four rod holders in the seatback > *“Nevertheless, I’d like to see a rubber mat to keep stuff in place.”* > *“There’s no charge port here, which would be another welcome feature to have.”* #### Anchor Locker And Ground Tackle - **Hatch:** Twist-and-lock latch, held open by a gas strut - **Anchor Keepers:** For a Danforth-style anchor - **Bow Cleats:** Two 10-inch pop-up cleats to prevent snags - **Nav Light:** Folds away - **Side Cleats:** Three 10-inch fixed cleats on each side, recessed to prevent snags and stronger than pull-up types > *“There isn’t a center mounted cleat for the rode, which I always like to see, and there are no fairleads or chocks.”* #### Boarding Amenities - **Transom Door:** Starboard side, opens out and latches with a slide bolt - **Boarding Ladder:** Bracket on the starboard side of the engine bracket platform, with the ladder stowed on the transom > *“With the door closed, the bolt goes right through gel coat and fiberglass. I’d like to see a stainless steel receptacle for this to prevent cracking the gel coat.”* #### Cockpit Arrangement And Equipment - **Transom Bench:** Seat with a bolster and removable headrest; legs fold up and the seat hinges down to open the aft deck for fishing - **Pump Switches:** Transom baitwell pump and light, floor baitwell pump and light, freshwater washdown pump and raw-water washdown pump - **Livewell:** 46 gallons, centered in front of the transom seat, with a three-quarter plexi cover held open by a gas shock - **Fish Boxes:** Two insulated boxes flanking the livewell - **Sink:** Freshwater, under the transom covering board - **Rod Holders:** Six plus four drink holders in the starboard cap rail; eight plus four drink holders in the port cap rail - **Rod Storage:** Below the gunwales, behind the side storage compartments - **Side Storage:** In the bulwarks on both sides of the console - **Port Quarter:** Shore power connection, washdown bib, deck drain and stereo speaker - **Starboard Quarter:** Shore power connection, baitwell fill drain, deck drain and speaker - **Stern Cleats:** 10-inch fixed cleats recessed into the cap rail #### Bow Arrangement - **Casting Platform:** Slightly raised, with no V-seating - **Bolster:** 7-inch padded, all around - **Storage:** Four foam-insulated, gel-coated lockers, including a large center compartment with rod storage - **Audio:** Four Clarion stereo speakers in the forward bulwarks - **Console Seat:** Contoured double seat with a self-draining cooler below; cushions hinge forward for access #### Interior Spaces **Head Compartment:** - **Entry:** Door on the port side of the console - **Ventilation:** Opening port - **Access:** Unrestricted access to the helm wiring - **Finish:** No liner ### Advantages And Disadvantages #### Advantages - Serious offshore fishing at an affordable price - Good performance despite one of the heaviest center console test loads BoatTEST has run - 287-mile range at a 34.7 mph cruise - iTrim, iSteer and iDock make her easy for beginners to run and dock - Evinrude joystick costs 40 to 60% less than other brands, according to The Captain - Open casting bow with insulated storage - Recessed fixed cleats that resist snags and are stronger than pull-ups - 46-gallon livewell plus two insulated fish boxes #### Disadvantages - No center-mounted cleat for the anchor rode, and no fairleads or chocks - No rubber mat on the console top - No charge port at the helm - Transom door slide bolt goes directly through gelcoat and fiberglass, which could crack the gelcoat - Mechanical space requires putting the bench seat back on its legs and lifting it to access the hatch - Windshield is polycarbonate in a canvas frame, a low-cost solution - No liner in the console ezstandalone.cmd.push(function() { ezstandalone.showAds(104); }); - [Price Quote](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/87512) - [Schedule a Test Drive](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/87512) - [Connect](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/87512) - [Compare to other boats](/boats/compare/87512) --- ## Related Boats [ Report with Video Review with Captain's Report ![](/sites/default/files/styles/500x375_max/public/Bluewater2550.jpg?itok=eVZz4cnc) ](/boats/bluewater/2550-2017) [Center Consoles](/boats/center-consoles) ### [Bluewater 2550 (2017-)](/boats/bluewater/2550-2017) 2 x 200-hp Evinrude E-TEC G2 Bluewater Center Consoles,