By Capt. Robert Smith
Mako is well known for its center console models and is one of the most recognizable center console fishing boats in the saltwater market. Now they offer some of their popular models in a Walkaround version that has a small cuddy cabin to provide relief from the elements as well as making the boat even more family friendly for the young family that enjoys fishing and playing on the water. With 40 years of experience in building fishing boats, Mako is sure to continue the legend of the toughest great fishing boats.
With the 264 Express, you get a tricked out fishboat with a roomy cabin to easily slip away and relax for a nap, or just to find some relief from the harsh sun. Family on board? If the kids are having a rough day on the water while you fish, they can slip into the V-berth for a nap and re-charge.
Tricked-Out Fishboat
Starting at the stern, the 264 Express has a 20 gallon rotocast aft livewell, which is lighted and has a round shape to keep the bait lively. On the stern is room to add clips to hold a swim/dive ladder which is always handy with family on board or if you enjoy spear fishing, as many serious fishermen do. For extra seating, Mako has a super simple to deploy aft bench seat that flips down in a split second to add an extra wide double bench, or back up to clear the decks for the big fight. With just a couple extra seconds, you can remove it all together to access the bilge pumps, fuel/water separators and oil reservoirs, when needed.
Whether the optional bench seat is up or down, you have plenty of room to fish all three sides of the aft cockpit. Next to the port side walkthrough is a handy swim shower to rinse off after a dip. Shore power is connected under the wide gunwale tops on the port side. Under the gunwales, Mako uses a neat system to store your rods for quick use. Three rods fit in a rack with bungees that you don’t have to pull off to lock the rods in. When the rods are all out, the rack is hinged to get it more flat against the wall and out of the way. Across the bottom, under the rack is a handy stainless steel toe kick rail to lock yourself when you are reeling away in a fish fight. Two large in-deck fish lockers provide room for your catch or to store large gear. These boxes have gravity drains and macerators. The bait prep station is just aft the helm. This station has a sink to rinse off, handy grab rail so someone can stand underway safely as well as drawers and tackle organizers in the seat.
Comfortable Helm Station
The forward cockpit has a rear-facing lounger on the port side to relax, or watch a skier. For convenience, you have a 36 quart carry-on cooler under the center of this lounger. Between the companion lounger and the helm is a rotocast box in the floor. For convenience and for cleaning, this box will be removable. Our helm station was an upgraded station with the Mercury SmartCraft monitors set in a wood accented panel. Steering was tilt hydraulic and an optional stereo remote gives the driver control over the tunes. There is plenty of open landscape at the dash for additional electronics such as a chart plotter or graphic depth finder with fish finder.
The Mercury Verados on this rig meant we also have Digital Throttle and Shift controls which are smooth and simple.
Overhead is a fiberglass T-top with spreader lights to light up the water behind the boat at night, dual electronics boxes for radios GPS units or other gear, courtesy lights to light up the cockpit and rod holders to keep more gear ready for action as soon as you reach your favorite marks. If you are into serious fishing, this T-top will easily handle outriggers and more rocket launcher rod holders.
Bow Features
The bow had an anchor roller and Spirit anchor windlass for simple anchoring up. The surface had a nice aggressive grip for sure footing and a large hatch for air and light below, or quick access out of the cabin when the kids are playing.
Heading Below
I noticed the steps into the cabin were a little weak, but the Mako reps assured me those were experimental, and were already being replaced with sturdier ones. The steps are hinged to allow access to the battery switches and management system which is behind the steps. A quarter berth is under the port side of the cockpit and will be suitable for small children. Continuing forward is a countertop where you can set up a portable single-burner cooker. Our test model had the DVD player and stereo head mounted in the side of this counter. The V-berth easily sleeps two adults. Beneath the berth is room to add an optional refrigerator, as they did on our test model. Across from the counter on the starboard side is a sink and a microwave oven, which is part of the Weekender Package Mako offers on this model. Another option, likely to be popular with families and children, is the Jensen LCD TV and DVD. Completing the cabin is a small stand-up head compartment with shower and toilet.
Specifications
The 264 Express is 26’ length overall with a beam width of 9’2” which accounts for the smooth stability in the waves. Her rugged design weighs about 6,500 lbs. dry and her fuel capacity is 174 gallons. For fresh water, the 264 has a 13 gallon tank. This model is rated for up to 450-hp outboards on her stern from Honda, Mercury, Evinrude or Suzuki.
