Boat Review - Islamorada Boatworks Morada 24

To build a boat that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who rides in one while setting a benchmark in its class for others to reach for would test a builder's ability. You'd have to start with a solid performing hull that offers speed and comfort in marginal conditions across open water. Next you'd need to make it stylish and built to the higher standards reserved for the finest of custom boats. Finally, you'd need to finish every detail beautifully and offer fishability worthy of the most astute angler. The Morada 24 passes each of these tests with flying colors. This truly is a boat built for a very discriminating owner.

Standout features are plentiful and noteworthy among them are the ride and the finish. The Morada 24 hull is built to exacting quality control measures and features an infused resin build process which ensures a precise 60/40 glass to resin ratio without any variables. A stringer grid is bonded and infused to the hull in the layup process and the decks and top are bonded to the hull permanently to provide a rock solid, tight feeling ride. The fairing and finish work in the molds is so complete and flawless that the boat has the appearance of a lustrous painted finish rather than gelcoat. Each piece of hardware and trim along with the metal fabrication are built to impeccable standards. Add the fact that the boat will run in the 60+ MPH range in the chop and you start to see what all the fuss is about. This boat turned heads wherever we took her.

I suppose it's worth mentioning that it will fish at a competitive level as well. It is a bay boat after all and is outfitted as such. A generous forward casting deck outfitted with a 36V i-Pilot trolling motor proved ideal for working coastline bait schools as well as inland mangrove shorelines. The storage afforded below the decks was nicely divided between twin outboard located rod locker compartments and a very roomy insulated fish box at center. Another storage compartment on the lower deck held two of the three trolling motor batteries with plenty of room to spare. A split opening forward access door into the center console provided access to an additional battery for the trolling motor as well as three more house/starting batteries. All electrical components and DC panels are serviceable from here as well. The clean appearance and smart lines of the pipework and hard top are complemented by an uncluttered looking helm face sporting twin 12-inch multi-function displays and finished off for driving with a classic rocket launcher/leaning post. At the aft casting deck, seating for three across is divided equally with individual cushions and a removable backrest at the center. This elevated deck provides space to fit a pair of 40-gallon outboard located compartments which may be used either for storage or plumbed and rigged as live wells. An additional 30-gallon live well is under the center seat and to the rear at the transom you'll find easy access to all bilge systems through a large access hatch. A Jack plate and pair of 8' Power Pole Blades complete the fishing hardware on this breed apart entry in the bay boat field.

Morada 24 specifications:

Length: 24 feet

Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches

Draft: 13-15 inches

Deadrise: 20-degrees

Horsepower: 300-400

Fuel: 109 gallons

Base price: $99,730.00 w/300 Mercury Four Stroke