The Everglades 285 CC: Offshore Function Meets Family Comfort

The Everglades 285 CC is a well-built offshore center console that balances the needs of serious anglers with the expectations of families who want comfort, versatility, and a smooth ride. It’s not over-the-top, but rather intentionally refined, with a focus on the things that matter most on the water: stability, ease of use, and performance in open conditions.

First Impressions: Not a Flashy Boat, and That’s a Good Thing

Let’s be honest—when you walk down the dock and spot the 285 CC, you don’t get that “Miami Vice” feeling. This isn’t a glam boat covered in lights and gimmicks. But what you do see is a solid, capable hull with practical features, clean lines, and the kind of thoughtful design you only really appreciate after spending a few seasons offshore.

At just under 29 feet long (28’7” to be precise), the boat doesn’t scream for attention. Instead, it calmly invites you aboard, confident in what it can do without shouting about it.

Specifications

Here’s a closer look at the key dimensions and specs:

• Length overall: 28 ft 7 in (8.7 m)
• Beam: 9 ft 6 in (2.9 m)
• Draft: 24 in (0.61 m)
• Weight (dry): 7,300 lbs (3,311 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 200 gallons (757 liters)
• Freshwater capacity: 28 gallons (106 liters)
• Max horsepower: 600 hp (twin outboards)
• Passenger capacity: 12 (varies by location and conditions)

Everglades pairs the 285 CC with twin Yamaha 300-hp outboards. With this setup, the boat reaches top speeds in the 56–58 mph range and cruises efficiently at 30–35 mph. You’ll get a safe offshore range of about 275–300 miles depending on load and conditions.

What’s the Price Tag?

At the time of writing (mid-2025), the Everglades 285 CC has a base MSRP of around $379,000 USD. Well-equipped models—meaning dual 16” Garmin displays, FLIR, joystick controls, upgraded upholstery, and audio—can push the total closer to $425,000 USD.

In Canadian dollars, that translates roughly to CAD $520,000 to $585,000, depending on dealer markups, taxes, and options. Availability across Canada varies, but several Ontario and BC-based dealers have demo models in stock.

Build Quality: Rock Solid

One of Everglades’ standout features is its RAMCAP construction. This is a high-density foam-core hull system that gets molded under pressure to eliminate voids and increase structural strength. In practical terms, this means the boat feels quieter, stiffer, and more planted when underway.

Hull slap? Almost nonexistent. Even in 3- to 4-foot chop, the 285 CC doesn’t bang or rattle. It’s the kind of build you appreciate after a few long runs into a head sea.

The console and hardtop are also bonded into the hull—no rattling fiberglass-on-fiberglass nonsense. You hear the difference immediately.

Fishing Setup

The boat is marketed to anglers, but it doesn’t go overboard with unnecessary features. Here’s what you actually get and use:

• Two large fish boxes, insulated and macerated
• 42-gallon livewell in the leaning post
• Rod storage for up to 20 rods, including rocket launchers and in-gunnel slots
• Tackle station with sink, drawers, and prep surface
• Optional GEMLUX outriggers
• Integrated toe rails and cockpit bolsters

The transom seat folds away in one move, giving you a wide-open cockpit for battle. The gunnels are high enough for secure footing, but not so high that they impede rod movement.

Helm: Intuitive and Protected

Step into the helm, and you’re met with a clean, organized layout. Twin Garmin or Simrad MFDs are standard in most packages, and there’s plenty of room for additional accessories.

You also get:

• Tilt steering with stainless wheel
• Push-button digital switches
• Flush-mount VHF
• Yamaha digital engine controls and gauges
• Comfortable twin bolster seats

Visibility from the helm is excellent, and the integrated windshield with powder-coated frame doesn’t obstruct views. Overhead, the hardtop is built like a tank and includes LED spreader lights, red night lighting, and an electronics box.

Bow Area: Family-Friendly Layout

The bow seating is where this boat really stretches into dual-use territory. You can throw cast nets or anchor from the bow with ease, but when not fishing, it transforms into a relaxing lounge space:

• Removable cushions and backrests
• Dry storage underneath all seats
• Electric table that lowers into the deck
• Full-length grab rails
• Windlass anchor with remote and foot switches

This makes the 285 CC surprisingly capable for family day trips, sunset cruises, or raft-ups at the sandbar.

Console Head

Inside the center console is a fully finished head compartment. Features include:

• Sink with freshwater tap
• Porcelain toilet with holding tank
• Mirror, LED lighting, and extra storage

It’s tall enough to stand in and roomy enough to change clothes, stash gear, or just take a quiet moment out of the sun.

Ride and Handling

The Everglades 285 CC feels like a much larger boat on plane. The ride is dry and composed, even in quartering seas. Turns are predictable, and she doesn’t squat under throttle.

Trim tabs come standard, and you’ll use them depending on passenger weight and sea state. But most of the time, the hull stays pretty level on its own.

With twin Yamaha 300s, it gets up fast. Hole shot is impressive for a boat of this weight. Cruising fuel burn hovers around 1.3 mpg (1.56 L/NM) depending on load and sea conditions.

Real-World Use Cases

Here’s where the 285 CC shines:

• Offshore day trips – Run 30+ miles out and know you’ll get home safely
• Tournament fishing – Enough fishboxes, bait capacity, and mobility to compete
• Family weekends – Add a head, lounging space, and freshwater = everyone’s happy
• Trailerable freedom – With the right tow vehicle (think HD truck), you can haul it to new water without needing a slip

What Could Be Better?

This isn’t a perfect boat—just a very solid one. A few considerations:

• Price – It’s not cheap, especially after you add electronics and options
• No cabin – Fine for a day trip, but you won’t overnight aboard comfortably
• Limited galley – Not a dealbreaker, but some buyers expect a small cooktop or fridge

If you’re comparing boats like the Grady-White 281 Coastal Explorer or Boston Whaler 280 Outrage, you’ll find similar price points but with varying layouts and features. The Everglades leans more toward “tough but classy.”

Verdict

The Everglades 285 CC is a prime example of what happens when a builder prioritizes construction quality, seakeeping ability, and layout efficiency over flashy marketing. It’s not the boat for everyone, but it’s probably the boat for a lot of serious anglers who also happen to be raising kids.

If you need something that’s trailerable, offshore-capable, and family-friendly without having to sacrifice performance or safety, this might just be the Goldilocks zone.

Disclaimer: All specifications, features, and pricing are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of June 2025. Always confirm details with a certified Everglades dealer before making a purchase decision. Prices may vary based on configuration, dealer, and location.