We Compare 6 Center Consoles 24’-28’ | Regency Yachts P65 | Formula 290 Bowrider
The MAKO® 284 CC is a tried-and-true offshore fishing platform that gets a jolt of state-of-the-art technology in the form of a pair of 300-hp Mercury Verados built on the new 4.6-liter V-8 platform. The results are WOT speed of 55.9, and zero to 30 mph acceleration in 5.4 seconds.
With a beam of 18'3" (5.56 m) and a dry weight of 88,105 pounds (39,964 kg), the Regency Yachts P65 is a foot wider than some boats in class and also considerably heavier, which means she should be more comfortable in a seaway. She has her own diesel and electric heating system in addition to reverse-cycle air conditioning, 30 and 16 kW generators, hydraulic bow and stern thrusters, stabilizers, watermaker, satellite TV and cell-phone range extender, among lots more.
The oversized swim platform and broad fold-down boarding-stairs welcome family watersports on the Formula 290 Bowrider, while a flip-up backrest adds comfort to the sunlounge across the transom. She displayed typical Formula performance in our tests, powered with twin 377-hp MerCruiser MAGs, with a top speed of 53.0 mph. Power options to twin 430s are available.
The Sea Ray L550 Fly takes full advantage of the bow as an added entertainment venue with a forward-facing lounge plus V-shaped cushions that can seat five comfortably around the table. The flying bridge functions as an added large entertainment venue. The large hull-side windows provide plenty of light to the three staterooms and two heads below decks. Top speed was 30.3 knots with twin 850 CATs.
Beneteau and the American Sailing Association (ASA) have collaborated in creating the First 22, a fiberglass sailboat built specifically as a one-design sail training vessel. Its cockpit is extra large to accommodate four adult students and an instructor -- all sitting on one side of the cockpit. She has twin rudders, a swing keel, and draws just 2'4" (.71 m) with keel up. Most important, she is easy to sail.
Originally designed for serious fishermen, most of today's center consoles can be rigged for tow sports, diving, beach picnics, day cruising and, yes, fishing; when one's ship comes in, a center console makes a great tender. Today’s roundup -- 24' to 28’ -- represent an excellent balance of size, cost, utility, and simplicity. But although close in size, these boats are very different. We compare and contrast them so you can find the best one for your application.
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