Boat Test: 2024 EdgeWater 325CC

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Overview

Twenty-knot winds stirred the seas to a frenzy and the bay to a choppy froth rough enough to spill a Yeti—but not in this center-console. EdgeWater boasts a single-piece infusion hull system (SPI) that employs vacuum infusion to perfectly saturate fiberglass cloth with optimal resin and fuse it to the integrated deck and stringer system, which is then foam-filled. The result is a single-piece hull that serious weather can’t shake. The boat rode softly through chop on a 23-degree deadrise hull, turned smoothly in tight channels, and kept our crew comfortably confident all day. Yamaha power with Helm Master controls, a joystick and the Full Maneuverability integrated autopilot is a pleasure to operate. The autopilot will take you to your spot, slow down, and stand over the hole like a faithful steed while you set your lines.

Interior and Accessories

A three-panel tempered-glass windshield is set in sturdy, weight-saving fiberglass struts supporting a durable hardtop. The hardtop has an electronics box and a handy mesh compartment for life jackets. The dash holds dual 16-inch Garmin displays, and the hidden Icom black-box VHF exposed only the Command mic on the dash. “Keep it clean” is EdgeWater’s motto, and we think it did a good job of making sure everything on board is easy to see, use and maintain.

There are three livewells: two in the transom, one extra-large and long at the center, and another one on the port transom. There is also one available in the rigging station aft of the leaning post. All the wells are fed from a sea chest to maintain optimal flow and pressure while on the sometimes-rough voyage to the grounds. The expertly designed network of wells and pumps keeps baits lively, and allows different types to be carried separately and easily accessible.

Four shotgun rod holders, rigging-station rod holders, locking rod racks under both gunwales, and cup/rod holders line the gunwale from transom to bow. You can peg a rod with barely a glance.

Dual bucket seats pamper the skipper and mate. Stowable bow sun-pad cushions include forward and aft seatbacks to create an ­intimate seating circle on the bow deck. A cocktail table can turn the bow seating into a sun lounger. The double lounge on the ­console front adds even more comfort. Stow away the bow cushions and table for a clean battle deck ready to load the insulated fish boxes in the center foredeck and under the seats. The long livewell on the transom can also be used as a fish box if not needed for bait.

EdgeWater’s cockpit is roomy when the transom seat is stowed and converted to a leaning bolster. It is roomy enough for an angler and wireman to maneuver easily when billfishing, or for letting four or more crew handle lines for bottomfishing.

In the console is an electric head and ­freshwater sink. It’s a couple of steps down to it with hand grabs for support. The headroom is generous, and LEDs and natural light keep it cheery. The full circuit-breaker panel with battery switches is easy to see and use, and above it is a hatch to the back of the ­electronics “back office” rigging. There’s also convenient access to batteries and onboard chargers. EdgeWater builds its boats knowing that service going forward should be ­convenient and accessible.

Engines

It’s not hard to find a competitive 31-foot center-console in the bulging center-­console marketplace, and there’s one just down the street in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. ­Everglades makes a 315 CC ($522,409) that shares virtually the same footprint as the EdgeWater 325CC. The Everglades is coincidentally the brainchild of the same EdgeWater founder but differs in ­construction techniques. Rather than the SPI hull-­construction process, Everglades employs a process it calls RAMCAP, which molds high-density foam modules to fit the hollows ­between the stringers, hull and deck. The modules are fused into the deck under pressure until cured, and the result is a ­super-tough boat. The Everglades is 4 inches shorter than the EdgeWater but shares the same beam dimension. The Everglades outweighs the EdgeWater by 3,000 pounds and calls on dual Mercury V-10 400s to make over 56 mph, while the EdgeWater makes 55 mph with dual Yamaha F300s. The most visible feature boasted by Everglades is the popular side boarding door, a feature not found on the EdgeWater.

Read Next: Boating On Board: EdgeWater 340CC

Clearly, the EdgeWater 325CC ranks as a top-shelf model with abundant creature comforts to seat and pamper large crews. It’s superb fishability comes from a combination of its seakeeping capabilities and well-placed rod holders, rigging accommodations, and foldaway seating in the cockpit. What’s more, it is all packaged together with so much gracious style, the 325CC will turn heads at the sandbar, or waterfront restaurant, or while plying the Gulf Stream for trophies.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha F300s
• Drive/Props: Outboard/Yamaha SWS II 14.25″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 150 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 450 lb.

High Points

• Ample access to electrical and mechanical systems through generous hatches in the cockpit and head compartment.
• High-capacity livewells let you carry plenty of bait.
• Plentiful, comfortable seating for cruising or moving between fishing spots.

Low Points

• Gunwale entry door is not available, but its absence allows for more undergunwale rod storage.
• Livewell lids are not clear acrylic for bait inspection, a feature we miss.
• Larger hatch to access the electronics suite would ease service when needed.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2024-edgewater-325cc-boat-test/