EVERGLADES 435CC

The Everglades 435cc features 360-degree fishability and an abundance of usable deck space.

The rise of mega-outboards has spurred the rise of massive center-consoles, capable of supporting triples or even quads. With builders like Everglades manufacturing boats like the 435cc, hard-core offshore anglers can jump ship from traditional express boats or battlewagons powered by diesel inboards. The benefits of switching to outboards include ease of maintenance, a superior power-to-weight ratio and the ability to trim the drives completely out of the water. Plus, the center-console design expands the usable deck space — which the 435cc has in spades.

The offshore fishing crowd will love the 200-square-foot cockpit and the transom with its five rod holders, twin 60-gallon livewells and 45-gallon built-in bait freezer. Coaming bolsters and powder-coated toe rails keep anglers comfortable and entrenched while dueling large pelagics. The rigging station, shaded by the extended fiberglass hardtop, sits aft of the helm and sports twin tackle drawers holding a total of 10 slide-out trays. It has twin cutting boards, freshwater and raw-water washdowns, leader-spool holders, and knife and tool organizers. The boat has 360-degree fishability, with fishing features carried to the bow, including twin lockable rod lockers and a cavernous 225-gallon insulated fish box in the sole. The hardtop sports seven rocket launchers and Taco’s Grand Slam outriggers. Our test boat featured the optional second helm station, with one of the best access points we’ve seen aboard a center-console — via a hatch just above the workstation.

The extended center-console hides a usable cabin underneath, complete with a galley with faux granite countertops, a fridge, microwave and freshwater sink. A queen-size berth converts to a settee or dinette. The private head encases a pump-out porcelain toilet and a separate shower with a sitting bench. The crew stays cool belowdecks and at the helm with 10,000 Btu of air conditioning.

From the helm, the captain has excellent access to all instrumentation and the three flush-mounted, 15-inch multifunction displays. With the quadruple F350s, we experienced excellent get-up-and-go right out of the hole, and the variable deadrise deep-V hull — with a steep 25-degree deadrise at the transom — handled the 6- to 8-footers outside the inlet with aplomb.

Buyer’s Spotlight

*This 45-foot boat is capable of speeds approaching 60 mph.

*Closed-molded RAMCAP ­construction process features high-density, closed-cell structural foam for an unsinkable hull.

*Forward gunwales include storage for life jackets and rod lockers.

*Forward sole hides a 225-gallon pump-out fish box.

*Steering wheel is slightly offset from the helm jump seat to prevent shoulder fatigue.