February 2011 WebXtra

Angler-friendly additions adorn the newly-redesigned Mako 284 CC.

Florida Sportsman magazine editorial staff met with Mark Biddison, the schematics and engineering behind the re-designed Mako 284 CC, to digest what’s new with the 28-foot center console. From top to bottom, Mako re-engineered and re-rigged the 28-footer with the uncompromising angler in mind. It’s quite different from six years ago, when FS first wrote about the boat.

The 284 combines a roomy fishing cockpit, updated helm station, and deep-V hull with lifting strakes for strong performance and a dry ride. Fishing features include a 50-gallon livewell with 1,600 GPH pump, port and starboard insulated fish boxes measuring 390 quarts, six gunnel-mount rod holders and 470 quarts of forward center storage. A forward console seat holds a 30-quart cooler.

The console features a revamped helm station with switch panels that are shielded, full array of electronics, a tempered safety glass windscreen, and complete head with sink (6 feet, 3 inches of headroom). Island leaning post includes a helm seat with flip-up cushion for storage, bait prep station, four rocket launchers and baitwell.

MAKO Boats
2500 E. Kearney
Springfield, MO 65898
417-873-4555
www.mako-boats.com

Specifications:

Length: 28 feet, 4 inches

Beam: 9 feet, 10 inches

Deadrise: 21 degrees

Draft: 21 inches

Hull weight: 6,000 pounds

Max horsepower: 600 hp

Fuel capacity: 235 gallons

Below, photos and captions highlight some of the redesigns featured.

Rigged for fishing, the 28-footer handles three anglers comfortably. Different hull color schemes and graphics are available.

 

A rear optional bench folds into place for additional seating. Above, the coaming pad covers most of the boat.

 

Below the bench, a rear hatch allows access to plumbing and pumps. All hatch lids are close-molded, a process that ensures consistent thickness and durability.

 

Walk-through transom door with latch. Below, cockpit drains are dual 2-inch fittings, located at each stern corner. Drain covers are removable, and covers can be removed for cleaning.

 

Port (shown here) and starboard under-gunnel rod racks hold up to six poles measuring 9 feet.

 

The interior is complete with molded non-skid surface. Pictured, is the starboard 390-quart insulated fishbox. Portside has a twin fishbox. All hatch lids feature hardware that’s through-bolted with aluminum backing plates.

 

The Mako 284 CC docked at a South Florida marina. At center, the bait-prep station features re-circulating 50-gallon baitwell, removable cutting board, tackle storage, rod holders and sink with fresh water.

 

The 50-gallon baitwell features light blue interior. A gasket around the clear, baitwell lid seals tight.

 

Two-person helm seat features flip-up cushions that reveal more storage.

 

Unlatch the helm seat, to reveal more storage. Notice the lockable glovebox compartment. At right, the fiberglass footrest with nonskid surface.

 

Below the cushioned seat is access the baitwell valves. Easily control the water flow in and out.

 

At the console, room for the latest electronics and digital gauges, a recessed manual switch panel, and anodized aluminum steering wheel.

 

Up top, an electronics box allows for more storage or VHF radio. A mirror on the door allows you to see inside the compartment.

 

Easy to reach outrigger handle at the T-top.

 

The hard T-top features spreader lights and five rod holders.

 

The head features a new fiberglass headliner, improved battery switch panel with removable battery switch knobs for security, and a step ladder and grab handle for comfort.

 

Easy access to the bow of the boat.

 

Each cockpit wall features additional storage space for items like flares or life jackets. Storage space leans out and closes with help from two latches.

 

Two-person forward console seat opens to a 36-quart cooler.

 

Above, a 3-piece tempered safety glass windshield is through-bolted to the console.

 

At the bow, forward and starboard seats with storage below. The full size anchor locker features a notched hole for the anchor rope.

 

The forward starboard bow seat houses 214 quarts of storage. Same as the port side.

 

Floor storage space has even more room for gaffs, buckets, gear and whatever other tackle your buddy brings aboard.

 

There’s stainless steel hardware throughout he boat. This collapsible cleat sits at the base of the bow rail.