By Capt. Rob Smith
The Mako 234’s classic lines and layout as well as her aggressive V-hull constructed of all composites are designed for long life and function. Her 21 degree deadrise mean she has the sporty handling you need and the wave taming action you want. Aggressive chines keep you dry as you charge off-shore and increased lifting surfaces get the hull higher out of the water improving performance. High interior free-board means she is safer for kids on board and provides a great support to lean into a fight.
Up front you have room to easily work a line around the bow as a fish charges forward and doubles back for the back of the boat. On the bow you have room to add a windlass for worry-free anchoring and the line locker is plenty large to carry ample line. Seats port and starboard have great storage inside. Low profile handrails give you safe holds from the bow to the center console.
The console bench seat shows Mako considers a quiet ride important as they have great seals around the lid to keep water out and to help prevent the noise as you run through rough conditions. The console bench seat doubles as an 28 quart insulated cooler with overboard drain for beverages or for an added small fishbox. On the starboard side under the seat is a filler port for the fresh water tank.
The console has room for storage inside when you have to go back to work. A standard Porta-Potti will also be appreciated by the family. The large entry door had a stainless latch for security. Inside you have access to wiring runs for adding your favorite extras in electronics.
Our test model had the Key West T-top which is one of several available options. This one has a canvas top with outriggers, fluorescent light, electronics box and rocket launcher style rod holders.
At the helm, the Mako 234CC has a tempered glass windshield for clear view underway. Steering is a three spoke cast aluminum wheel with speed knob, and on our boat it had Sea Star hydraulic steering. Recessed trim tabs are standard and switches are located near the dual drink holders in the right of the dash. The dash top has lots of landscape for added gear along with a compass. The front surface of the dash also has room for flat panel electronics to easily be added.
The aft cockpit will be the favorite space for fishing. In the stern is a 20 gallon aerated livewell to keep the bait lively and over on the port side is a convenient swim shower to rinse off after you take a cooling dip or come up from spear fishing. The raw water washdown is also in this area to rinse off the decks after a long day of fishing. Rod racks under the gunwales have handy fold-away racks that keep the racks from scraping your shins if they are empty. These racks hold three rods per side under the wide gunwale tops in the aft cockpit. Two rods holders are in the tops on each side. For more safety and comfort there are bolsters and a toe kick rail to give you leverage against the strong pull of a fighting fish. Keep your fish fresh in dual 57” fish boxes in the floor of the aft cockpit. These boxes have overboard drains and are already plumbed to add macerators. A panel in the stern allows access to fuel water separators, oil reservoirs, through hull shutoffs and macerator connections.
You can add a stern fold-away bench on the aft gunnel which adds room for two or three to relax and sets up in a split second, and folds away allowing good room to fish when stored. For swimming and diving, you can add a three-step ladder that clips conveniently in the splash well across the back.
