Make no mistake: The Sea Pro 292DLX Offshore is an angler’s center-console. It’s got all the amenities beloved by hardcore fishermen, but a quick walk-through reveals enough creature comforts to keep the entire family happy.
Let’s start with the fishing features, most notably the twin 25-gallon livewells on opposite sides of the transom. Both feature clear lids, and they are pressurized to help prevent sloshing. An additional livewell resides aft of the helm seating, and there are four built-in rod-holder/cup-holder combos above it. The cockpit has an inward-swinging side door to port for help in boating big fish; it also makes for a great spot to board the boat from a floating dock. Four rocket-launcher rod holders reside in the hardtop piping, and there are six rod holders mounted into the topside gunwales. There’s a 277-quart in-sole fish box in the bow, joined by a 127-quart box in the aft cockpit sole. Additionally, the lockers under the bow seating each serve as 120-quart fish boxes or coolers if needed.
The 292DLX is built to handle a rugged ride outside the inlet, with a single-piece fiberglass stringer system bonded to the hull with methacrylate. The hull itself has a vinylester barrier coat and is foam-filled for more buoyancy, as well as to make for a quieter, sturdier boat. The deep-V hull tapers to 22.5 degrees at the transom, so it can carve through heavy seas without pounding. Powered by twin 300 hp Suzuki outboards, we reached a top speed of 59 mph and cruised comfortably in the 30s. Steering felt predictable and responsive at the helm.
For those who prefer cruising and socializing, the bow benches feature plush cushions with slide-in backrests for lounging. Forward of the console, a love seat with flip-down armrests rounds out the conversation pit. In the main cockpit, the twin captain’s seats are adjustable and have flip-up armrests and bolsters. There’s also a flip-up transom bench.
Read Next: Sea Pro 259
The standards list on this boat is extensive, including Zipwake Interceptor trim tabs, a Lewmar electric windlass, a 16-inch Simrad multifunction display flush-mounted at the helm, and an Audison stereo system.
The Boston Whaler 280 Dauntless is another family-friendly center-console that starts at $234,500 with a single 400 hp Mercury Verado. (Twin 300 Verados bring the starting price to $270,481.)
Pricing and Specs Price:$232,150LOA:28’6″Beam:9’10”Draft (max):2’0″Displacement (approx.):6,800 lb.Transom Deadrise:22.5 degreesBridge Clearance:8’2″Fuel Capacity:175 gal.Water Capacity:20 gal.Max Horsepower:700Available Power:Single or twin Mercury, Yamaha, or Suzuki outboards Speed, Efficiency, OperationSea Pro Boats – Whitmire, South Carolina; seapromfg.com
The post Boat Test: 2024 Sea Pro 292DLX Offshore appeared first on Boating Mag.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright , Central Coast Communications, Inc.