Boat Review - Sea Fox 288 Commander

November 27, 2019 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

This exceptionally efficient hull design cruises effortlessly in the 30's at only 3200 RPMs with a top speed reaching beyond the high 40s.

This exceptionally efficient hull design cruises effortlessly in the 30’s at only 3200 RPMs with a top speed reaching beyond the high 40s.

Although the Sea Fox 288 Commander is loaded with cruising comfort features she is still an able fishing platform for die hard blue water enthusiasts.

Water entry, dockside boarding, and loading a large gamefish on board are each made simpler via this side entry dive door.

All of the tools necessary for blue water battle are within arm’s reach in this cockpit.

The scalloped edge high back upholstery on the forward dining settee offers a comfortable place to enjoy meals and drinks with family and friends.

Drop the table into the lower position to add a larger platform to stretch out and relax.

Removing the forward cushions converts the forward lounge pad into a casting platform.

A dual width forward facing sun lounge provides relaxation options with partial shade and the wind in your face while underway.

Beneath the forward sun lounge seating lies a large compartment for cooler or dry storage duty.

A roomy console interior provides plenty of room for the standard included electric head and easy access to your electrical systems.

Dual MFD units and high quality switching join engine and audio controls on this blacked out helm panel for easy viewing and access.

Twin multi-position adjustable helm chairs feature thick padding and luxury stitching.

Twin live wells at 45 and 30-gallons are designed to keep baits happy all day with abundant water flow and constant daylight living conditions.

A fold down jump seat stows away or deploys on demand across the transom.