Seaswirl Striper 2305 Center Console

By Capt. Rob Smith

The 23 Center Console last was produced in the 2007 model year. Its popularity is returning so Seaswirl decided to revive, improve and re-release their 23 Center Console. Seaswirl’s lamination schedule produces a solid hull with glass overlapping chines and strake strengthening them. The stringer system is glassed into the hull then all possible voids and open space is filled with flotation foam to reduce noise, vibration and add insulation. The result is a stiffer hull that is more responsive. Chines and strakes add lift and do a great job of shedding water out rather than up and into the cockpit. Large scuppers take any water that makes it inside back overboard quickly.

Up Front

The bow area of the Striper 23 Center Console has an integrated pulpit with standard anchor roller and anchor line locker. The seating is one of the noticeable improvements up front. I found them quite comfortable. The 30 oz. marine grade vinyl is treated for UV protection and is easy to clean. The optional filler converts this area into a sunpad if you like. The cooler seat on the front of the helm was much more comfortable than I expected. The seat back/headrest was at the proper height and thickness to use this seat underway without having a knot on the back of your head when you get back. The bench seat bottoms double as insulated lockers so you can pack them with ice and goodies as well as the big catch of the day. Moving from the bow towards the stern was comfortable enough with around 20” of space between the console and the gunwales. Even with the optional T-top, I believe you will be able to get around nicely.

Center Console

The center console itself is bigger than its predecessor. The door is wider and easier to get through and the interior surprised me with its space. The door was about 20 ½” wide and 40” high. Once inside, I measured about 66” sole to cabin top, and 35” port to starboard. Usually, I find these consoles overstated, but it will work as a changing room or porta-potti with the family aboard.

The helm was comfortable to work in. The only drawback was the standing room which is changing in the production models. Currently, the leaning post has a very thick cushion front which is going on a diet and losing about 1”, then the seat and framework is slipping back about 2” to give us big guys a little more driving room. I could see well with the frameless smoked acrylic windshield that offered protection from the wind. The dash was angled nicely to prevent glare on the instruments and there is room to add a large flat panel display like a C120. Engine instruments were on a smaller section that was at a more acute angle near the bottom of the dash, also glare-free. The trim tabs were out of easy position for the throttles, but that too is going to move to be a little easier to reach with your throttle hand. The optional canvas covered T-top did a great job of protecting us from the harsh Florida sun. Underneath was zippered storage for life jackets to keep them fresh and readily available.

Aft Cockpit

The working room at the stern is somewhat limited in my humble opinion. Currently you have about 17 ½” from the back of the leaning post seat to the stern. Losing another 2” is the trade-off for more room at the wheel. Still, you can get around the leaning post while working a fish and you can get to the stern where there is an aerated 30 gallon livewell with high speed pickup. Under the gunwales are rod racks and water connections. You have an inspection port to the fuel tank now instead of another hatch. Batteries, battery switches and the fuel/water separator are behind hatches in the stern wall. The fuel water separator is probably going to move to a more convenient location. It is currently way back and hard for me to reach to service. The port side transom door makes it easy to get to the three step swim/dive ladder. Flush mount gunwale rod holders on either side are standard and rocket launcher rod holders on the back of the leaning post and T-top are options you can add.

Specifications

The Striper 2305 Center Console measures 24’2” length overall with a beam of 8’6”. She weighs about 3550 lbs. and carries 135 gallons of fuel. Draft with the outboard down is 32”. She is rated for single or twin outboards from 200 to 250-hp for singles and 115 to 150-hp twins.

Test Results

The Striper 2305 performed nicely in the crazy, mixed-up Intracoastal Waterway. The only issue I had was with the aluminum prop on the Yamaha outboard which wouldn’t let me test the hard cornering this model should perform. I still was on plane in 3.6 seconds and up to 30 mph in 7.5 seconds. Her most economical speed registered 30.1 mph for a full tank range of 456 miles. Top speed I got was 40.5 mph although Jason told me Yamaha got 44 mph the day before in better conditions.

Conclusion

All-in-all, the Striper 2305 is a center console workhorse that should serve the angler well. If you take the family out, you have the basic comforts to make their day enjoyable. The good thing about Seaswirl is that you have the features without the harsh price. You can spend a whole lot more for the same thing from other builders, but why? To find out if it meets your specifications, take one out. I am sure you will be favorably impressed too.

• Top speed for the Seaswirl 2305 Center Console (2010-) is 40.5 MPH (65.2 KPH), burning 15.2 gallons per hour (GPH) or 57.53 liters per hour (LPH).


• Best cruise for the Seaswirl 2305 Center Console (2010-) is 30.1 MPH (48.4 KPH), and the boat gets 3.76 miles per gallon (MPG) or 1.6 kilometers per liter (KPL), giving the boat a cruising range of 456 miles (733.86 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 200-hp Yamaha F200 four-stroke.

Seaswirl 2305 Center Console (2010-) Standard and Optional Equipment

Marine Electronics
Autopilot
Fishfinder
GPS/Chart
Radar
Systems
CD Stereo
Head: Portable
Head: Fixed
Trailer
Trim Tabs
Washdown: Fresh Water
Exterior Features
Hardtop	T-Top
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Swim Platform
Canvas
Bimini Top

= Standard = Optional