Everglades has built its reputation on unsinkable RAMCAP construction, a process that begins with high-density, structurally durable, foam modules molded under pressure and shaped to fit snugly between the hull and liner. The blocks are bonded to the hull, providing unsinkable flotation, while the rigid, noncompressible foam adds structural rigidity.
During our test in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the 235 was solid in the wind-swept chop of the Indian River, even when crossing wakes of larger vessels traversing the Intracoastal Waterway. With the Yamaha F300 powering us, our test boat reached a top speed of 46 mph at 5,800 rpm.
At rest, the 8-foot-6-inch beam provides the stability to step from gunwale to gunwale while following a hooked fish or keeping an eye on passing dolphins. The boat’s deep-V and 19-degree deadrise help tame a chop and modest seas, making for comfortable nearshore and offshore forays. The 15-inch draft, however, enables the pursuit of inshore species such as redfish, seatrout and snook on all but the shallowest flats.
Instead of a transom door, the 235 CC sports an inward-swinging portside door, which enabled the installation of a pair of dual seats/loungers that accommodate up to four on the transom. They fold up and away from the deck when fishing, serving as bolsters to brace against while fighting a fish from the roomy cockpit.
Anglers and cruisers alike will enjoy the swiveling, dual-seat leaning post. Flick a lever, and the seat pod swivels 180 degrees to face the transom loungers. Flick a latch, and out pops a footrest for added comfort.
There’s a jump seat on the front of the console, and stowable backrests on the forward seating enable converting either side of the sun pad to loungers. A removable table can be lowered to casting-deck level, affording extra fishing space for two anglers once the cushions are stowed.
A head compartment below the helm offers storage and privacy, both appreciated by all on a long day afloat. A deep compartment in the bow is ideal for carrying a cast-net bucket belowdecks. Storage under the bow seating is spacious, and it lets boat owners confirm that all rod and cup holders drain overboard, not into the bilge.
In fact, Everglades is fastidious about through-hull connections, double-clamping them and using sealant to ensure integrity and durability. The electrical work is as noteworthy as the plumbing. Everglades builds its own harnesses, ensuring reliability and resulting in a well-organized wiring setup that is easily traced from the circuit-breaker panel to every powered accessory on the dash. When servicing the panel is required, or navigation black boxes need firmware updates (some must be done to the box or back of the device), a large door opens within the head compartment for more generous elbow room.
While all of the above enhances fishability, it takes more fishing-specific amenities to please the serious angler. With that in mind, the Everglades 235 CC comes with rocket launchers for four rods on the leaning post, four more on the hardtop, a 17-gallon standard livewell—painted in calming blue and lighted for night fishing—with a clear acrylic lid to easily keep tabs on the live bait, plus a portside cooler in the transom, which can also be plumbed as an option.
The back of the helm seat has a rigging table that folds down, providing plenty of room to prepare tackle and bait. A large, four-drawer tackle cabinet is located to port of the helm seat.
On the starboard-side, there’s a similar cabinet that features slots for four utility boxes, another drawer and leader-spool racks. The bow can be wired independently for an electric trolling motor without interfering with the optional anchor windlass.
The center console is protected by a large hardtop, finished both on the bottom and top by sandwiching two sides and bonding them in the molding process.
Everglades integrates the hardtop as part of a super-structure that also includes the helm station, and leaves ample clearance for passage on each side of the console.
Touches with safety in mind include a molded grab rail on the top edge of the hardtop and additional thoughtfully placed grab rails, polished hardware and more.
The Everglades 235 CC is definitely fish-battle-ready, and if you score the pelagic of your dreams, don’t haul it over the gunwale. Instead, think of the boat’s boarding, portside door as a gateway for large tuna, wahoo or smoker kings.
Specifications
Length: 24′ | Beam: 8′6″ | Draft: 15″ | Fuel: 105 gal. | Weight: 5,600 lb. w/ power | Max HP: 300 | Price: $129,899 w/ Yamaha 300 | Everglades Boats: evergladesboats.com
Test Conditions
Weather: Clear, 85 degrees | Location: New Smyrna Beach, Florida | Wind: Southwest 10 mph | Sea State: Light chop | Test Load: Two adults, 25 gallons of fuel
