EdgeWater Boats has built tough, stylish saltwater fishing boats for nearly 35 years. Its stable of engineers and designers are steeped in the secrets of durable construction, have a seasoned eye for style, and are schooled in the needs of saltwater anglers. So, when I stepped aboard the 325CC, I wasn’t surprised to find it battle-ready for offshore action and equipped with features that also make it an ideal family fun machine.
When we tested the 325CC, it took full advantage of twin Yamaha 300 hp outboards to push its 32-foot hull through scruffy seas set in motion by 20-knot winds. The sloppy mess was rough enough to spill a Yeti—but not in this center-console. Edgewater boats boast a single-piece infusion hull system (SPI) that employs vacuum infusion to perfectly saturate fiberglass cloth with optimal amounts of resin, fusing it to the integrated deck and stringer system, which is then foam-filled. The result is a single-piece hull that can’t be shaken by serious weather.
The boat rode softly through the chop on a 23-degree transom deadrise hull, and it turned smoothly in tight channels, keeping our crew comfortable all day.
Yamaha power with Helm Master EX controls, a joystick, and the Full Maneuverability integrated autopilot is a pleasure to operate. The autopilot will take you to your spot, slow down, and stand over the hole while you drop your lines.
Maximum horsepower on the 325CC is 700 ponies, and now that Yamaha has revealed its new 350s, we expect to see this boat with a pair of those. Yamaha’s 350s look similar to the 300s, but under the cowl, which is reshaped to improve airflow and streamline the look, there are hard part changes that increase aspiration fuel flow and displacement and give an authentic 50 additional horsepower, not just a mapping change. We look forward to a test of this motor soon.
The 325CC’s three-panel tempered-glass windshield is set in sturdy, weight-saving fiberglass struts that support a durable hardtop. The dash holds dual 16-inch Garmin multifunction displays, and the hidden Icom black-box VHF exposed only the Command mic on the dash. This keeps it clean, which I like. Our test boat had factory-installed outriggers bolted firmly in the hardtop and set so that, if necessary, the top of the mount and outrigger poles could be conveniently accessed by standing on the gunwales to reach the topside of the hardtop.
There are three livewells in this boat: two in the transom, including an extra-large (and extra-long) one in the center, and another in the port quarter. The third is in the rigging station aft of the leaning post. Together they keep baits lively and allow different types to be carried and made easily accessible, one type in each tank. The rigging station is equipped with a stainless-steel sink and a bait cooler beneath a faux-granite counter, and rod holders are in place to keep rods handy while rigging. Below the counter are six large drawers for tackle.
Other rod storage includes four shotgun holders, locking rod holders under both gunwales, and cup/rod holders lining the gunwales from the transom to the bow.
We found the raw-water outlet was located ideally to clean a bloody deck, and a freshwater shower could be used to clean off beachcombers’ sand or rinse down salty rods on the cruise home.
Dual bucket seats pamper the skipper and mate. Stowable bow sun-pad cushions include forward and aft seatbacks to create an intimate seating circle on the bow deck. A cocktail table can turn the bow seating into a sun lounger. The double lounge on the forward console adds even more comfort. Stow the bow cushions and table away for a clean, battle-ready deck with insulated fish boxes in the center foredeck and under the seats. The livewell in the transom can also be used as a fish box if not needed for bait.
EdgeWater’s cockpit is roomy when the transom seat is stowed and converted to a leaning bolster. It’s spacious enough for both an angler and a wire man to maneuver easily when billfishing, easing the endgame. Four or more anglers can bottomfish comfortably.
We liked the convenient access to the anchor windlass controls at the helm and inside the windlass hatch.
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In the console are an electric head and a freshwater sink. It’s a couple of steps down to it, with hand grabs for support. The headroom is generous, and LED and natural light keep it cheery. The full circuit panel with battery switches is easy to see and use, and above it is a hatch to access your electronics’ back-office rigging. There’s also convenient access to batteries and chargers. EdgeWater builds its boats knowing service going forward should be conveniently accessible. The 325CC is certainly designed to fish hard, but with so much style it will turn heads at the sandbar or waterfront restaurant.
Specifications
| Length: | 31’10” |
| Beam: | 10’2″ |
| Draft: | 1’10” (engines up) |
| Fuel: | 300 gal. |
| Weight: | 8,800 lb. (without engines) |
| Max HP: | 700 |
| Price: | $480,000 (with test power) |
EdgeWater – EdgeWater, Florida; ewboats.com
