By Captain Bob Smith

Test Captain

The 243CC showcases Everglades capability of packing in comfort, amenities, and performance in a boat that fits in most budgets, as well as most carports and garages.

Fishing Features

Seating on the 243CC includes two flip-up seats at the stern, a leaning post seat at the helm and a cooler seat in front of the helm. The forward casting deck is large and the stern casting deck offers good fishability with little interference from the engine. A 36-gallon circulating livewell with light at the stern keeps the bait fresh and lively. The fish box is a 75-gallon monster with pump out. The forward seat combination boasts a huge 94-quart cooler. Every possible space is used for fishing or for storage around the interior which has aggressive grip surfaces for sure footing, wet or dry.

Bow Features

The bow locker has plenty of room for the anchor and line and a hanger for the anchor to keep it in the ready position. Padding along the sides at the bow creates a comfortable place to relax up front without having to worry about bumping elbows with a hard surface. The gunwales have pop-up cleats for a clean working surface while fishing, and underneath on both sides are rod racks. Life jackets are stored under the gunwale on the starboard side behind a net, making them easy to stow and easy to throw. Powder-coated low profile safety rails surround the front of the boat to about amidships.

Behind the Wheel

Our test boat had the optional T-top for comfort and utility underway. One of the fine features of the T-top was the sliding forward windshield. Turn two knobs and the whole thing either lifts up to protect you from the wind and elements or goes down to give you a cooling breeze through your hair. Hydraulic tilt steering is standard on this model as well as the stainless steel destroyer wheel. Trim tabs are also standard on the 243CC as well. When it comes time to put her away, you can do a first rinse with the standard raw water washdown.

Specs

The 243CC for 2005 measures 24’3” length overall with a beam width of 8’2”. She measures out at 3,100 lbs without the outboard and has a maximum power rating of 300-hp. The 243 carries up to 80 gallons of fuel for a long day of fishing and can slip into skinny water with a draft of only 16”.

Performance on Test Day

We tested the 243CC on the Intracoastal Waterways of Miami, FL. Our test model was equipped with a Honda 225-hp Four-Stroke outboard. With two people on board and a half tank of fuel, we found she cruised most economically at 3000 rpm traveling 19.6mph. At this speed, she burned 5.7 gph of fuel and had a range of 248 miles on a full tank. She maxed out at 6000 rpm running 42.2 mph and burning 20.8 gph for a range of 146 miles. Sound levels were not bad for a center console with a low reading of 66 dBa at idle and 84 dBa at cruise. The 243’s hole shot time was only 4.3 seconds and time to 30 mph was 8 seconds. Handling was good and maneuverability around the docks was simple.

The 243CC performed well for us on test day and should be a great choice for your fishing fun as well. She’s been in the lineup for several years so there is plenty of proof of her capabilities as a strong fishboat.

• Top speed for the Everglades 243 CC (2006-) is 42.2 mph (67.9 kph), burning 20.8 gallons per hour (gph) or 78.73 liters per hour (lph).


• Best cruise for the Everglades 243 CC (2006-) is 19.6 mph (31.5 kph), and the boat gets 3.44 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.46 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 248 miles (399.12 kilometers).


• Tested power is 1 x 225-hp Honda 4-stroke.