Xplor Boatworks first hung its hat on top-echelon flats skiffs, and after earning a reputation for quality and innovation, the company took on a greater challenge: building a versatile, high-performance bay capable of fishing where only flats boats venture, yet seaworthy enough to target offshore game in all but the gnarliest conditions.
Fishability
The Andros X24 is clearly the brainchild of seasoned anglers. There’s a 252-quart in-floor fish box in front of the console, and a round 38-gallon livewell with clear lid and calming-blue finish on the transom. The Andros comes with a 5-rod rocket launcher on the leaning-post backrest, 6 flush-mounted holders on the covering boards, and gunwale racks to stash 4 extra rods. Certainly more flush-mount holders can be installed on the covering boards, and both the optional T-top and tower with a second helm afford opportunities for additional rocket launchers and angled, kingfish-style holders.
Key options include a bow-mount trolling motor, single or dual Power-Pole shallow-water anchoring systems, leaning-post tackle storage, outriggers, power outlets for electric reels or downriggers, a console rod rack, two additional livewells—a 42-gallon built into a deluxe leaning post, and a 25-gallon modular addition to the forward console—and custom EVA-foam decking.
Amenities
The center console has space inside for a marine head or sizable dry storage. The helm side features a spacious dash where dual 12-inch MFDs comfortably reside, along with an engine-monitoring display, a panel of 10 switches with a 12-volt outlet and dual USB ports, trim-tab switches, and room for more.
The leaning post includes flip-up bolsters and a full-width, fold-down footrest, and seats two at the helm. Meanwhile, a pair of jump seats on opposite transom corners accommodate two more aft. An Atlas hydraulic jack plate, power or EPS steering, coaming bolsters, raw-water washdown and LED lighting come standard.
Handling
The St. Johns River, Inlet near Jacksonville, Florida, provided an excellent setting to test the Andros X24, which proved an impressive ride. The effect of large wakes was negligible as we crossed them at various speeds and different directions. Spray began about even with the helm at planing speed and never came close to making it over the gunwales.
The 24-footer executed all turns, wide or tight, matter-of-factly, with consistent acceleration throughout and no excessive leaning. Although it remained nimble and lively, the boat never felt unstable or required aggressive moves at the controls. Running the boat from the tower felt quite similar, with the added visibility afforded by the higher vantage point.
Performance
The hole shot was impressive. With a Mercury Verado 300, we jumped on plane in two boat lengths and reached 30 mph in 7.9 seconds, maintaining a flat attitude.
Acceleration was striking from takeoff to beyond midrange, topping out at a more-than-respectable 55 mph. For anglers who fish tournaments or simply like getting to their fishing spots sooner, the Andros offers the option of 400 horses.
| RPM | MPH | GPH |
|---|---|---|
| 2,000 | 8.9 | 3.9 |
| 3,000 | 25.4 | 5.8 |
| 4,000 | 37.1 | 9.3 |
| 5,000 | 46.2 | 14.2 |
| 6,000 | 55.0 | 22.3 |
Test Conditions
- Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- Weather: Partly cloudy, 84
- Wind: NE 11 mph
- Sea State:1-foot chop
- Test Load: Two adults, 36 gallons of fuel
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $85,000 w/ power |
|---|---|
| Length: | 24′8″ |
| Beam: | 8.9 |
| Draft: | 25.4 |
| Deadrise: | 37.1 |
| Fuel: | 46.2 |
| Max HP: | 55.0 |
Contact: XPLOR Boatworks: xplorboatworks.com
