The following review was written by John Page Williams, Editor-at-large, Chesapeake Bay Magazine. John, senior naturalist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has been a regular contributor to Chesapeake Bay Magazine for 30 years, specializing in environmental issues, nature, wildlife, fishing and boats. He has been testing new and used boats for the magazine's Time-Tested and New Boat News departments since 1998.

JULY 2009

Length overall  22' 10" Beam  8' 6" Draft  1' 4" Deadrise  21 degrees Weight3,250 lb (hull only) Fuel 124 gals Base Price  $53,900 w/255hp Suzuki or Mercury Optimax outboard

NorthCoast Boats has introduced a special edition of its popular 23-foot center-console. The hand-laid, all-composite hull comes factory-rigged with a bracket-mounted 225-hp Suzuki or Mercury Optimax outboard, a T-top and a full interior liner. The redesigned console unit has a lockable electronics panel, a footrest and two storage bins. The console can hold loads of gear and an optional portable head. The full transom provides safety in following seas and room for a 22-gallon livewell and prep area. There’s rod storage in under-gunwale racks, four gunwale holders, and holders along the aft edge of the T-top and leaning post. The latter features a removable backrest and tackle storage. C&C Marine, Bristol, R.I.; 888-802-2132; www.northcoastboats.com