Clearwater 2508 has what you’ve been searching for

March 2017 Feature Brady L. Kay

This article originally appeared in our December 2016 issue. To see more like this, subscribe here.

For those looking for the perfect mix of power and luxury in a center console fishing boat, look no further than the Clearwater 2508 CC. Recently the Great Lakes Boating staff was given the opportunity to test this latest model and see first-hand the new deck design that provides a large interior space.

First impressions are everything and at first glance the 27-footer truly shines. Atlantic Coast Sales Representative Mike Hromalik welcomed us aboard his boat and immediately began to point out the boat’s key features, beginning at the helm. “As you can see there is lots of real estate here for screens on your console. We have three NMEA gauges set up—tach, speed and your other tach for the other engine that can be easily adjusted to display exactly what you want.”

For onboard connectivity, being able to meet NMEA 2000 standards is very important. Basically it allows your engine data to be interfaced with onboard systems and systems displays, such as sonar or GPS.

The large Raymarine hybridtouch screen is easily viewable while sitting in the dual captain’s chair or when standing while using the flip-up bolster for added support. The aluminum water-resistant toggle switches are a nice added touch to the console and throughout the boat you’ll find all stainless steel hardware including the tilt steering wheel, trolling rod holders, and rub rail inserts as well as the pop-up cleats.

Just Add Fish

Behind the leaning post helm seat is one of three livewells found on this particular model. Next to the 15-gallon livewell is a built-in 15-gallon freshwater sink that is easily accessible to everyone on the center console boat thanks to the friendly layout. Centered in the stern and directly across from the first one is the largest livewell onboard—a 30-gallon design that can also be used as a cooler and next to it is the third livewell—another built-in 15-gallon one.

Space-Saving Seating

Smart space-saving amenities can be found throughout the boat, especially when it comes to the stern seating. By the largest livewell are two comfortable jump seats that can easily be removed when you need extra space for fishing. Between those seats and built into the front of the livewell is a large fold-out bench seat for additional seating capacity that easily folds down when not needed. This Clearwater is rated for up to 8 passengers and unlike some center console models,...

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