By Capt. Robert Smith

With over 40 companies making center consoles the consumer certainly has plenty of choices, although the differences in the boats are sometimes hard to discern. The Mako 284 has as standard most everything that most builders offer plus a head, recessed tabs and freshwater wash down. The stock power is a 200-hp OptiMax. An EZ Loader trailer and underwater OceanLED lights are optional. But the big news is the price.

Stern Fishing Features

At the stern, the 284 has room to walk around the engines without any hassle. If you have the dive ladder, slide it into position at the stern just past the walkthrough and enjoy a cool dip, or head down for some spear fishing. The large port side walkthrough door offers easy access to the cockpit or dive ladder. A handy swim shower is mounted near the door along with a water connection for rinsing. Our test model had the full wraparound bolster package for great protection to your thighs as you struggle with the big fish. Pumps and mechanical access is through a large hatch in the sole. Twin 390 quart insulated fishboxes are in the stern cockpit to store your catch or some of your larger gear. When used for fish, you have dedicated drains and macerators to safely empty these boxes. Keep your favorite rods at the ready with rod racks under the gunwales.

This professional fisherman took full advantage of the wide gunwale tops and spacious T-top to add extra rod holders. In the gunwale he had fixed position and adjustable position holders for rods and trolling gear. If you typically have a large crew on board, add the easy deploy aft bench seat that pops into position in less than a second, and stores away snugly against the stern wall under the gunwale so you have clear paths to work fish from side to side.

Console Layout

Behind the helm is a large bait prep station that has a 50-gallon baitwell, tackle storage and sink. The optional T-top has five rocket launcher rod holders which this pro has upgraded to 10 with room to even add to that. With the enhanced T-top, you can double up your electronics as he has to be sure you have backups of critical gear like plotters, depth finders and radios, or spread your gear out for the uncluttered and open look. The standard acrylic frameless windshield provides great visibility. George removed his and put in isinglass to have even more options and camper-like protection in the rougher rainstorms. Steering on the 284 CC is dual hydraulic cylinders. Recessed trim tabs and digital throttle and shift on my test model made handling a snap. The leaning post seat had a comfortable backrest for the long ride out to the Middle Grounds. Tackle storage in and around the leaning post seat means you have room for all your favorite lures, plus they can stay organized.

The console head compartment has impressive headroom for a six foot tall guy to be inside without a problem. The console head has a vanity and toilet so the family on board can also enjoy a full day of fishing fun. The battery management panel is inside the console, and it also gives you easy access to the wiring in the helm.

No Elbow Crashing Here

Walkways between the helm and hull sides is plenty wide to get someone with a fish on and their gaffer past without doing the bump. The forward console seat is actually a comfortable 30 quart cooler and has the water and waste pump-out caps under the seat. Forward, you have room to work a fish all the way to the anchor locker and around a bow roller if needed. High protective rails surround the bow and bench seats. More storage is under the bow bench seats both port and starboard. There is a large in-floor locker for larger items in the bow. The bow itself also offers plenty of room for a windlass system to be added. Inside the locker is room for enough line to anchor over deep fishing holes, or to add connections like a kite reel.

Specifications

The 284 Center Console measures 28’4” length overall with a beam width of a stable 9’10”. She weighs in at approximately 6,000 lbs. dry, and is rated for up to 600-hp outboards from Mercury, Honda, Suzuki and Bombardier. Her fuel capacity is 235 gallons, so you can go offshore with confidence that you’ll have enough fuel to make it back for weigh-in.