The Makaira Series from Blue Wave has established this brand as a legitimate option for those who enjoy blue water fishing.
January 07, 2022
By George LaBonte
Since the release of their original 2800 Makaira, Blue Wave has established their brand as a legitimate choice for blue water anglers. For 2022 they’ve expanded the Makaira line to include a scaled down version of the original, the all new 2600 Makaira. The 2600 shares the deck layout of the original and offers some smart design innovations to enhance both comfort and fishability.
To maximize workspace on deck, Blue Wave incorporates a few noteworthy space saving techniques. Forward seating is added by recessing the gunwale and placing the seats in a setback position that doesn’t occupy unnecessary deck space. For a wide lane around the console, they’ve recessed a D-Tubing hard top frame into the console.
Fishing features merge into the design following the same space saving theme. Beneath the forward gunwale flare they’ve added a pair of rod lockers, each holding five rods up to seven feet in length. The all-new Helm Seat Tackle station combines a vertically oriented live well with an aquarium viewable face alongside a tackle center with a rigging surface and sink. Above the tackle center are four rod holders affixed to a two-station adjustable helm chair.
The cockpit on the 2600 is part recessed and part elevated decks. The raised deck is wide enough to comfortably navigate on a rocking boat and provides space below for a pair of 28-gallon livewells. A flip-up center bench seat is convenient while the hatch beneath it reveals a large access point to the meticulously organized bilge systems. The 360-degree fishability on the 2600 Makaira is comfortable with plenty of room to transit the entire deck while fighting a fish. The setback forward seating allows easy access to work a fish around the bow. Dry storage space in the seats is a plus and a large fish box is located below deck between the seats.The new 2600 offers a solid feeling ride and paired with the Suzuki DF350 was fast and economical topping 3-MPG throughout the entire cruising range. Blue Wave Makaira fans asked for a slightly small version of the original 2800 and Blue Wave has done a remarkable job of delivering without sacrifice.
Length: 26’ 2” Beam: 9’ 1” Draft: 16” Deadrise: 18-degree Weight: 3700 Max HP: 450 Fuel: 90 gallons MSRP: $145,000 www.bluewaveboats.com
A clever recessed design used in the forward seating allows much more functional deck space for anglers fishing around the bow. Beneath the gunwales forward are a pair of secure rod lockers each capable of storing five rods up to seven feet in length. The 2600 Makaira offers plenty of storage options including a pair of dry compartments beneath the forward seating. An all-new D-Tubing helm enclosure is recessed into the console to allow maximum walkway clearance and an easy path around the console. A pair of overhead storage boxes and seven rod holders are built into this beautifully finished molded fiberglass hard top.
Blue Wave’s smart three-sided enclosure and black acrylic electronics panel are both functional and attractive. The space within the console on this 26-footer offers storage along with room for an electric flush head. A dual position helm station provides comfortable seating on independently adjustable captain’s chairs. The rearward face of the Makaira helm station includes rod and cup holders, a bait prep and tackle storage station, and an upright live well with aquarium style viewing. This rear casting deck easily converts into seating by lifting a fold-away transom bench. A recessed pull-out fresh water shower nozzle in the cockpit is convenient for clean up after bait prep or to rinse salt off after a swim. Matching 28-gallon live wells on opposite transom corners flank the aft casting deck for balanced weight distribution.
