For the boater looking to step into a true offshore specific center console, yet doesn't want a boat that is too large to trailer, the magic number seems to be 23-feet in length for a starting point. Twenty-three feet is a manageable size in a boat for road work and home storage yet is still plenty capable for true offshore fishing. Release Boats steps up to the plate with their 238 RX center console to fill this need and this model has a lot to like for a boat in this class. One of the first limiting factors you're faced with on smaller center consoles is size and space. An offshore boat and offshore fishing in particular demands room for gear and passengers along with room to move freely around the boat. This model offers a nice blend of comfortable seating for six or more both fore and aft without sacrificing fish-ability or room to work around the deck. Forward V-seating is a practical use of space, combining seats and insulated fish boxes into one area. Smartly, Release leaves the center walkway open right to the anchor locker allowing you to deploy and manage the anchor while standing on the deck, as well as to work a fish completely around the bow and anchor line without climbing up onto a seat or raised deck to do it.
The cockpit is very roomy as well and convertible seating aft quickly becomes a slightly elevated casting surface expanding the area even further. Beneath the center seat is a 35-gallon live well which is large enough for typical offshore baits to thrive in. A side entry dive door is also a valuable feature to swim out of, board the boat through from a floating dock, or load a large fish through. The center console is large enough to feature a marine head along with plenty of storage space for gear and the battery system is also housed here in a very easy location to allow access for service or replacement. The switching system features an emergency parallel jumper which is a nice touch in the event of a low voltage situation which invariably happens to everyone eventually. The wiring is also meticulously and very cleanly laid out which says a lot about a builder's attention to detail regarding not just wiring but all aspects of construction. The Release 238 RX is a very nice offering to consider for the boating family looking to get involved together in offshore fishing in a size that is friendly to new boaters.
http://youtu.be/812UgPWXEDw
Specifications
Length - 24'
Beam - 8' 9”
Deadrise at transom - 21-Degrees
Weight - 3500lbs
Max HP - 300
Fuel - 127-GAL
MSRP- $81,710.00 (w/ T-150 Yamahas)
www.releaseboats.com
More storage under the forward console seat.
The classic rocket launcher leaning post is timeless and flip up seats for standing or seated position running is a nice touch.
Extremely clean wiring and batteries are all easily accessible within the console.
A clean looking hard top with overhead storage adds to the quality finished look of this model.
Plenty of space available for twin displays on the console face seen here.
Insulated fish boxes beneath the seating as well as an additional storage compartment in the deck provide plenty of space for fish or gear.
A walk up forward deck between the seating is handy to work a fish around the bow or manage the anchor while standing on the deck securely.
An Anchor Windlass makes life much easier for frequent stops at the reef or sand bar.
A rear casting deck quickly converts to bench seating if necessary.
The side entry dive door seen here is practical for boarding, diving, or loading a large fish through.
Powered with single or twin engines, the 238 is ready for battle.
The 23-foot class boat offers offshore ability in a manageable sized package.
The 23-foot class boat offers offshore ability in a manageable sized package.
