Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions

Standard and Optional Equipment

Systems
Battery Charger/Converter
CD Stereo
Head: Fixed
Shore Power
Washdown: Fresh Water
Washdown: Raw Water
Exterior Features
Hardtop
Outlet: 12-Volt Acc
Swim Ladder
Transom Door

= Standard = Optional

A Solid Investment

By Capt. Bob Smith

Everglades took the opportunity to roll out a slightly new version of last year’s 290 Pilot at the 2006 Miami Boat Show. Now equipped with the new Honda 225-hp design, midrange economy and performance in the 290CC is even better.

Bow Layout and Features

Up front you have a huge area to relax and to fish. Even though the bow has benches with cushions, you can put them away and use the benches for a great casting surface. Interior gunwale heights are high enough to keep the little ones inside, and the gunwale tops have aggressive grip surfaces. Gunwales are nice and wide with pop-up cleats to keep the lines from getting snagged when a fish drives down the sides.

Speaking of the forward benches, the seat bottoms create huge spaces for gear and the seat backs are hinged to reveal rod racks inside. A very good idea to keep the gear out of site and well organized. In the floor is a large 129-gallon fish locker with pump-out system. The best seat in the house, outside of driving, is the forward signature Everglades seat on the front of the console. This throne has powder coated side rails for safety grips, headrests and well cushioned seats.

Creature Comforts

The head is inside the center console and is fully finished. At six feet and over 200 lbs., I found it easy to get into this space and move around. Mom and the kids will really appreciate that! The head does offer some storage, a toilet, sink and easy access behind panels to the electronics connections.

Console Features

The helm itself was really laid out well. We had the comfort of Honda digital information gauges to tell us how the engines performed. The console offers lots of room for flush mount electronics, and the power-assisted hydraulic steering came in handy in the heavy traffic and rough chop we ran into.

Our test boat had the T-top which offered a lot of protection from the elements, more electronics gear space, but did cut down on forward visibility somewhat, due to the cross bracing requirements across the windshield. Not a bad trade for the benefits, though.

Fishing Amenities

Everglades’ Command Leaning Post Station will keep the driver and the one in charge of the bait very happy. The bench seat has two comfortable positions, with a flip-down footrest just below when you do choose to sit, and it easily moves out of the way for standard stand up driving. The fire extinguisher is prominently placed right behind the driver’s left leg in a pocket. I really appreciate that as most get placed where they can’t be found in a hurry. Everglades does pay close attention to safety aboard. The sides of the leaning post have Plano tackle boxes organized behind a door for easy access and good order. Behind the seat is the workstation for the bait person, with two tool/knife organizers to help keep the tips and blades out of the way.

The sink on the starboard side is well placed to rinse off after cutting bait on the cutting top to the left. Live bait is kept fresh in the center baitwell, which has a rounded interior with blue lighting to calm the bait before they become a big fish’s dinner. The clear lid lets you keep an eye on them, and there’s also a magnetic catch to hold it open while you chase them with the dip net. Pump and baitwell controls are located on the rear port corner, out of the way and within easy access.

Good-Size Cockpit

The rear cockpit offers the prime casting space on board. If you need seating underway, Everglades’ ingenious flip out bench seat is easily deployed. To service the batteries, the seat stows and another handle allows you to simply lift the stern wall up to reveal the batteries arranged in a row on a tray that is well out of the bilge. Once again, they have done it right with placement and secure tie downs. In the floor, when you don’t use the auxiliary fuel tank option, this space is a 66-gallon fish box. To port is a slide out Igloo cooler with another prep box on the top of the stern.

Specifications

The 290 registers 28’7” length overall and rides on a stable wide beam of 9’9”. Her draft with the outboards trimmed up is only 20” so getting into the shallows doesn’t mean you have to have an outfielder’s cast to reach the fish. The 290 Pilot weighs 200 lbs. more at 5,000 lbs. than the center console version at 4,800 lbs. I am sure much of that is the additional aluminum and hardtop of the Pilot. She can carry up to 14 people, but comfortably can carry around ten. Her fuel tank holds 200 gallons and you have an option to add an auxiliary tank for another 70 gallons, but you forfeit the rear fish box to do it.

Performance and Ride

As I mentioned, the water was pretty choppy when we tested. Mixed 1-3 foot chop was not uncommon. We waited for smoother water to get the speed numbers done, but even with the chop, proved she was a dry ride and would not break your back when coming down off the big waves. The 290CC pushed through them with ease. She achieved a top speed of 49.8 mph, and was cruising at 21.6 mph for a range of 401 miles.

Everglades seems to be building a solid boat with a great offshore ride. They have features to make fishing with the family enjoyable as well as fishing for a tournament easy. These boats seemed to be solid performers, and the fit and finish was good. I believe the 290 CC is a solid investment that will deliver many years of fishing and family cruising fun.

Line drawing coming soon...