June 17, 2020
By Florida Sportsman Editor
The Commander line of boats from Sea Fox has been a very popular choice for the family who boats together and enjoys a variety of activities on the water. A good deal of thought has gone into the layout on this line and with models ranging from 18-32-feet available and a new larger model in the pipeline, there is a Commander sized to suit anyone's needs. Trying to build a multi-use center console that stands out in a market with so many alternatives available requires a builder to check a certain number of boxes.
The 288 Commander punches out these requirements ably. First and foremost, something to be considered in any evaluation of a boat is the ride. A boat which is functional as a cruising, lifestyle, and fishing platform that offers all of the above but lacks a comfortable efficient ride is of no use to an experienced boater. The 288 however, is immediately impressive in the ride department. Quick out of the hole and easily cruising in the low 30's at a meager 3200 RPMs while offering 1.7 MPG is very respectable and when speed was demanded the 288 motivated quickly into the high 40's with plenty of throttle to spare. Additionally, the boat was remarkably stable and showed beautiful trim habits requiring only the softest touch to adjust her attitude while underway at cruise.
From a functionality standpoint both the cruiser and angler alike will find a host of features to enjoy. This model fished remarkably well on both a beam sea drift and under power stemming the tide, holding over deep structure. The standard included Sea Star EPS tilt power steering made position management effortless while power drifting above the wrecks. A pair of pressurized live wells at 30 and 45-gallons respectively kept more horse pilchards than we could have ever used in a single outing fresh all day. Matching insulated 140-quart fish boxes (with overboard pump outs) below deck in the cockpit flank a smartly laid out cockpit tackle center behind the helm. The tackle center features a rigging top and multiple storage compartments along with a 65-quart Yeti drink cooler on an electric sliding track, also included as standard features.
As a cruising boat the 288 offers comfortable seating at every turn. Seating begins at the wrapped foredeck dining table with port and starboard opposed bench seating and aft facing high back lounge which addresses a forward facing sun lounge on the console. Aft seating includes a folding rear bench cockpit seat and twin convertible captain chairs at the helm; this boat is built to accommodate a group. Each of these seating areas easily transforms into a fishing space by either folding away aft or converting into an elevated casting deck forward.
The Ultima hard top offers abundant shade and comes equipped with recessed LED spreaders as well as multiple storage compartments, a JL audio system, powered moon roof, Climate Cool misting system, and illuminated switching overhead, again; all standard features. The collection of included features on this boat in fact are numerous. Offering items such as an anchor windlass with dual controls, side entry dive door, electric head in the console, and an elaborate high quality JL audio sound system with multiple speakers, amps, and LED lighting as standard included equipment makes it easy to understand the popularity of this line. As a multi-faceted tool for family driven marine activities the Commander offers a lot. Whether fishing or diving, towing water toys behind, cocktail, lunch and dinner cruising, or just relaxing at the dock, you will want for nothing on this boat.
Sea Fox 288 Commander Specifications
Length: 28-feet
Beam: 9-feet 8-inches
Draft (hull) 18-inches
Deadrise: 20-degrees
Weight: 6000-pounds (dry)
Maximum Horsepower: 600
Fuel: 185-gallons
MSRP: $210,466
The Sea Fox 288 Commander is suited to perform multiple tasks and fishing might be at the top of that list.
From a performance standpoint this 28-footer excelled in both the ride quality and fuel performance categories.
From a performance standpoint this 28-footer excelled in both the ride quality and fuel performance categories.
The forward seating area can be configured in a few different layouts such as this dining arrangement.
Adding a filler panel and cushion to the settee creates a wide sun lounge.
Beneath the forward benches are handy matching storage compartments.
At the console face is a large sun lounge as well that also offers a deep storage compartment.
A black acrylic helm face along with black powder coated tubing really handles a significant amount of the glare for the helmsman’s viewing.
The Ultima Hard Top is stylishly molded and features a smart use of overhead space for switching, lights, and storage.
The cockpit workstation puts everything you need within arm’s reach for fishing.
A pair of live wells totaling 75-gallons with aquarium style viewing keep an abundance of bait happy all day.
This water level side entry dive door is useful for boarding both dockside and out of the water for swimmers.
