Variety is said to be the spice of life, and increasingly it is important among discerning boat-buyers, too. Contemporary day-boats have to be versatile, specializing in a whole range of uses and activities rather than simply concentrating on one aspect to the exclusion of others. No vessel symbolizes this trend better than the Sea Fox 288 Commander, a multi-faceted watercraft of 28 feet that’s strikes a bold balance between fun at the front and fishing at the back. Boasting a sporty look that will make the style conscious swoon, high-octane performance that will get the blood pumping, and the very latest in hi-tech gadgetry, this is a Sea Fox Boat that can do a bit of everything and do it very well.
It is inevitable that this boat will draw envious and admiring glances wherever it goes. The sloping form to transom pleases the eye with its aerodynamic lines, while a shimmering gel-coat finish on the hull and a range of sophisticated livery options present a demure and factory-fresh look. Deluxe upholstery throughout gives guests that first-class treatment, a broad beam means plenty of room to move around, and it’s all crowned by a floating Ultima hard-top for a sleek look and plenty of protection from the elements.
The walk-around layout of this center-console boat encourages fishing from bow to stern, while extensive padded coamings make leaning into your catch extra comfortable. But the heart of the 288 Commander’s fishing appeal has to be the spacious cockpit. Both fresh and raw water wash-down hoses are on hand to keep this space looking fresh and feeling clean even in the middle of fishing expeditions, while a sand-grip deck surface, a self-bailing sole and stainless-steel cleats and grab-rails promote secure movement even in choppy waters. There’s 85 gallons of in-deck fish-box storage split across a pair of pressurized compartments, while a 65-quart Igloo cooler slides out from underneath a bait-prep station to keep both catches and drinks chilled. Head to stern and you will discover a transom livewell with coffin-box dimensions that also includes back-lighting and a transparent aquarium-style lid so that you can check on the health of your bait without having to open it up. If you wish you can even install a second glazed livewell back here to keep two types of fish separate by substituting out one of the transom bench seats. You will never want for rod-storage back here either, with 8 flush rod holders built into the gunwale, a rocket launcher set-up close to hand, and rod-storage clasps peppered throughout. What’s more, GemLux outrigger bases give experienced anglers the chance to broaden their reach and make sure that no game fish straying close to their vessel has a chance to get away. Finally snagged that record-breaking marlin? Then crank open the port-side dive door, this was the first Sea Fox vessel to boast such an amenity, use it as a lift-gate and haul aboard your prize catch with ease.
The cockpit isn’t all business, however. Its versatile side can be found to transom, where a flip-down sofa and a pair of bench seats, all with padded backrests, can be folded out to create a family-friendly seating area. The bench seats, meanwhile, also flip-down to provide access to a pair of swim platforms to stern, where the kids will enjoy adventurous salt-water swims with easy reboarding via a swim ladder. Integrated JL Audio speakers linked to the helm’s Fusion stereo system will get the party going back here, while rod-holders double as generous cup-holders to keep those soft drinks and ice-cold beers close to hand.
Most families, however, will relax up in the bow lounge, where plush, hand-stitched upholstery in premium accents like Platinum or Titanium grey welcomes weary fishers and guests looking for comfort. Up here there is a forward daybed for one with marina-facing views, while cushioned U-shaped seating traces the edges of the bow and hugs a pop-up cocktail table. If you lower the table into place and cover it with a filler cushion then this seating area turns into one sprawling sunpad ideal for curling up with a book or just working on your summer tan. Alternatively, if you remove all of the cushions, you can transform this area into one mammoth casting platform and enjoy the expansive angling opportunities across the bow area. If you need to freshen up while relaxing with the family then head to a hidden compartment built into the helm console. In here you will not only find a flush toilet and a sink with a mixer-tap but additional storage for dive-tanks and scuba gear.
Command your vessel at the touch of a fingertip with twin Garmin touch-screen devices with bundled instrumentation, or enjoy a more traditional approach to seakeeping by grappling on a Dometic SeaStar Optimus steering wheel with a tilt-helm function and electronic power-assist. Lenco trim-tab switches, a mounted compass, VHF radio that fits snug in the hand and a curved windscreen complete the offering at the helm, while comfort during piloting is guaranteed by a pair of racing seats with armrests, flip-up bolsters and fold-out foot supports.
Twin Yamaha F300XCB outboard engines with a combined 600 points of raw horsepower manage to propel this boat to adrenalin-pumping speeds that will outperform even the most energetic Atlantic spearfish. Expect your top speed to max out at an unbelievable 53 knots, while from a standing start you will get this vessel up to a smooth 26 knot cruising pace in as little as 6 seconds. Thanks to a 200-gallon fuel tank you will be able to stay out on the water from before sunrise to after sunset and then some, with an offshore-optimized, resin-infused fiberglass hull promoting plenty of natural stamina and a fuel-efficient ride. The hull also features a 20-degree deadrise, spiky enough to hold its own against assertive coastal swells, while a Carolina-flare bow entry works to deflect spray and keep guests relatively dry.
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