Mako 234 Centre Console

The name Mako needs little introduction to seasoned offshore sport fishermen. Since the 1970s this brand has been synonymous with purpose-built centre console fishing craft. Mako is today part of the Tracker Marine Group, and one of the best-selling models is the 234CC – a trailerable centre console tested here with power from two Mercury 150hp four-strokes.

OVERVIEW
- Mako centre consoles set to impress Aussie anglers
Trailerable offshore fishing boats don’t come much better than the new Mako 234, a big, wide-beam centre console offered for testing by local distributor Fishing And Leisure Boats.

Bristling with fishing features and equipment, the big Mako is an imposing presence on its custom tandem axle trailer, the high bows, and remarkably fine entry promising a level of ride comfort, handling and refinement the equal of anything available from local or overseas manufacturers.

Experienced anglers will be familiar with the Mako name. For decades Mako boats have been renowned as serious offshore fishing boats. In the US, Mako boats are compared with the likes of Grady White, Robalo and Boston Whaler.

From time to time Makos have been available in Australia, but not in any serious numbers. You certainly won’t find too many of them for sale in our classifieds section. So it is pleasing to be able to test a brand new Mako, and to see them being distributed locally by a reputable company.

Mako is owned by the Tracker Marine Group, the parent company of a number of other great boat brands including Tracker, Sun Tracker, Nitro, Tahoe, Regency and Ascend boats.

All of the boats in the current Mako range are centre consoles. The inshore models include a half dozen skiff style boats designed for lake, bay and flats fishing. They range from 4.9 to 6.4m in length.

The sea-going Makos start at 5.5m with the 184 Centre Console, and rise through to the flagship 8.6m, non-trailerable 284CC. Models in between include the 204CC, 214CC and the subject of this report, the 234CC.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
- A great price with stacks of features and equipment
With an introductory price (as tested) at Brisbane’s Karee Marine of just $139,900, the Mako 234CC is a remarkable deal for what is a fully fitted 7.1m offshore sport fishing boat. We have seen and tested smaller boats – both local and imported – that cost considerably more and offer a whole lot less.

We don’t have the space to list all of the standard features on the Mako 234 (check the website) but some of the key features include a canvas T-top, 515-litre fuel tank, 23-litre freshwater tank for the transom shower, self-draining cockpit with removable screens and transom valves, walk-through transom with transom door and recessed boarding ladder, moulded non-skid pattern to all flat walking/step surfaces, port and starboard bow seats with storage, fibreglass helm lean-post with back-rest, rod holders, 117-litre live-well and tackle storage, under-gunnel rod racks, rod holders, drink holders, deck wash, auto 2000 gph bilge pump, shut-off valves for all thru-hull fittings, dual battery rigging with VSR and parallel switch, safety glass windscreen, and recessed, built-in Lenco trim tabs.

With regard to construction, the Mako is made entirely of fibreglass or fibreglass composite materials (no timber) and with a one-piece underfloor stringer grid.

The hull and deck is chemically bonded all around and this is reinforced with stainless steel fasteners at six inch intervals.

For greater strength and durability, all hatch lids are manufactured using the closed-moulded process which results in solid, one-piece hatch covers with a smooth, easy clean finish on both sides.

Fixtures and fittings are made from marine-grade stainless steel throughout the boat, while things like cleats are reinforced with aluminum backing plates.

With all of the above features (and many not listed) the Mako 234 can be purchased for as little as $119,000. This price includes a single ultra-longshaft (30") 250hp Mercury Optimax DFI two-stroke outboard, tandem-axle galvanised steel trailer with electric/hydraulic break-away brakes, lifetime hull structural warranty, five-year Mercury Australia engine warranty, and boat and trailer registrations.

Now that is a remarkable price for such a complete fishing boat package. And if you want more, there are plenty of options to accessorise your boat.

Our $140k test rig was fitted with two 150hp extra-longshaft 25" Mercury EFI four-stroke outboards (in place of the single 250hp Optimax), a fibreglass T-top (in place of canvas) with anodised aluminium frame, outriggers, spreader lights, navigation lights, electronics box, and four-rod rocket launcher, T-top canvas weather enclosure with gullwing covers, tilt hydraulic steering, anchor roller, windlass and rode, removable folding rear bench seat, bow cushions, padded coaming bolsters, electric pump-out head with holding tank, and a Fusion MP3 iPod stereo with four speakers.

INTERIOR LAYOUT
- Excellent layout for fishing and day boating
The Mako 234 is designed as an uncompromising fishing boat, but the interior layout also lends itself to day boating with the family. There is enough seating, move-about room and storage for family boating or serious angling.

Importantly, there is also enough freeboard, which is a particular bug-bear of ours when it comes to American-designed trailerboats. Very few have enough cockpit freeboard to safely fish our offshore waters. The Mako 234 is a rare exception. It has a minimum of 650mm between the cockpit sole and coaming top at the transom – and 700mm along the sides. It also has padded coaming bolsters fitted standard to the rear cockpit sides and transom.

At the bow, following the sheer in the topsides, there is even greater freeboard, along with two moulded side bench seats with clip-on cushions and a massive, 375-litre in-floor storage locker.

The side seats also have storage in the form of two 81-litre capacity insulated bins with overboard drains and lids with gas-assist struts. You could choose to stow drinks in these insulated lockers – or keep these for the safety gear and stow the drinks in the 68-litre removable cooler/seat in front of the helm console.

The anchor well at the bow is impressively large and will easily cater for the appropriate size anchor, chain and warp. The test rig was fitted with the optional factory fitted anchor roller, windlass and anchor rode.

The Mako 234 is fitted with a two-person width console unit, but there is still plenty of walkway space to the sides – thanks to the super-wide, 2.59m beam.

More impressive than the size and exterior ergonomics of the console however, is the space beneath it. A door on the starboard side of the console opens to reveal a deep recess for the optional electric head and for access to the dual batteries, wiring and electrics – which is behind a wall panel. Remarkably this compartment has full standing headroom with 1.83m from the sole to the ceiling.

Above decks the layout of the console is simple but effective. There’s ample space for engine instruments, switch panel, twin-engine binnacle throttle box and for flush-fitting electronics such as a depth sounder and GPS navigator.

A lockable glove box is situation below the dash, while drink holders are fitted beneath the switch panel and a compass a-top the dash.

The test rig was fitted with the optional fibreglass T-top which comes with a brushed anodised alloy frame with built-in grab rails. There’s a radio box under the T-top, a four-rod rocket launcher and spreader lights to illuminate the cockpit.

Another option fitted to the test rig, and one Aussie anglers would do well to consider, is the T-top canvas weather enclosure which can effectively shield the helm and rear cockpit from spray and rain (see pics).

At the helm the Mako is fitted with a two-person width seat and back-rest mounted above a big storage box - which also houses the impressive 118L live bait/fish well (with rounded corners), with tackle storage drawers to either side.

There’s also vertical storage for another four rods (in addition to the T-top rack) two drink holders, and access to the live-well plumbing underneath.

At the stern of the Mako there is a large bait storage box with nylon cutting board lid, freshwater shower with pull-out spray head, knife/utility rack, two massive underfloor kill tanks with gas-strut supported lids, under gunnel rod rack, port side transom door, and a fold-down bench seat (optional) with a large bilge access panel behind it.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE
- Single or twin outboards – economy vs reliability
As noted earlier, the entry version of the Australian specification Mako 234 comes with a Mercury Optimax 250hp ultra long-shaft (30") DFI two-stroke outboard. Describing this package as entry is something of a misnomer because the boat/motor combination will easily pull a 40 knot top speed.

We haven’t got official performance figures to back this up, but we have determined that the test rig will run to a remarkable 32 knots on just one of the two 150hp Mercury outboards – so 40 knots from a single 250hp should be easily accomplished.

Interestingly, running the test rig on both of the Mercury 150hp four-strokes also yields a top speed of 40 knots. Fiddling with props and transom heights, etc., might pull a knot or two more, but the real benefit with the twins is in the acceleration through the mid range – and of course, the reliability you get with having an extra engine with separate battery systems. The value of twin engines can’t be underestimated in a craft that is designed for offshore sport fishing.

In keeping with its canyon running aspirations the Mako is fitted with a massive 515-litre fuel tank which should be ample to feed the relatively frugal four-stroke Mercs – keeping in mind that when trolling you would switch one motor off and rotate the engines throughout the day.

A third engine option for boaters who want ultimate performance with economy, but who many not need to run too far offshore is a single 300hp super-charged Mercury Verado four-stroke in the ultra-longshaft configuration.

ON THE WATER
- The real deal – stunning ride with great performance and stability
Well sorted is a phrase that initially came to mind to describe the handling and ride of the Mako 234 – but that is not nearly flattering enough. The 21 degree deadrise hull with its wide beam, pronounced sheer and very fine entry shape – is simply superb.

It is so soft, quiet and surefooted that it will put a grin on your face whenever you drive it. We would compare the head-sea ride to the classic Formula 233, but we actually think it is better, more comfortable. Consider that we were able to run at 20 knots directly into a 1.5m offshore chop and there was barely a thump or bump. It was very impressive indeed.

The hull was equally safe, solid and responsive in a following sea – and because it is wider than most Aussie built deep vees, it is also very stable.

Yes, there is a penalty for the wide beam when trailering the boat – in that you may need signs and/or over-width flags (check your local regulations), but the extra waterline beam certainly stiffens up the big Mako at rest and underway.

You will get some wind-list, as with all deep vees, but you are spoilt for choice as to how to correct the trim underway – as you can use either the built-in (and recessed) Lenco trim tabs or the two outboard engines to balance up the boat.

VERDICT
- A beautifully designed and crafted sport fishing boat
The Mako 234 is more than a welcome addition to the Aussie sport fishing market. It’s the benchmark in its class. The Mako is well built, beautifully finished and remarkably well appointed for what is a very well-priced package – in both single and twin engine configurations.

We love the ride, handling, performance and interior layout. It works as an offshore sport fisher or as a day cruiser. The full sized head compartment is a boon to families – as is the clever weather enclosure that effectively seals off the helm and rear cockpit from wind and spray.

In closing, we hope to see more new Makos make it across the Pacific because this one is an absolute ripper.

LIKES
>> Magnificent hull 
>> Composite materials throughout – no timber
>> High-end finish and fit-out
>> Recessed trim tabs
>> Gas-assist struts on all deck hatches
>> Massive anchor well – with latch to hold chain.
>> Full standing headroom in head compartment
>> Brushed anodised alloy T-top frame and rails, etc
>> 32 knots on one motor!

NOT SO MUCH
>> No cockpit side pockets
>> Under coaming rod racks suit only small tackle outfits
>> That’s it – can’t think of anything else

RATINGS
Overall rating: 4.8/5.0
Mechanical/equipment: 4.8/5.0
Packaging and practicality: 4.7/5.0
On the water performance: 4.9/5.0
Value for money: 4.8/5.0
X-factor: 4.8/5.0

PERFORMANCE
6.2kts (11km/h) @ 1500rpm
7.5kts (14km/h) @ 2000rpm
9.5kts (17km/h) @ 2500rpm
19.3kts (36km/h) @ 3000rpm
24.1kts (45km/h) @ 3500rpm
28.9kts (53km/h) @ 4000rpm
32.3kts (60km/h) @ 4500rpm
35.2kts (65km/h) @ 5000rpm
37.7kts (70km/h) @ 5500rpm
40.3kts (75km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

Specifications:
Introductory price: $139,900 including twin Mercury 150hp extra-longshaft (25") four-stroke outboards, tandem axle galvanised steel trailer with electric/hydraulic break-away brakes, two-tone paint (gulfstream blue) fibreglass T-top with anodised aluminium frame, outriggers, spreader lights, navigations lights, electronics box, and four rod rocket launcher, tilt hydraulic steering, T-top weather enclosure, anchor roller, windlass and rode, removable folding rear bench seat, bow cushions, padded coaming bolster, electric head, Fusion stereo system with speakers, and boat and trailer registrations.

Priced from: $119,000 including single Mercury 250hp Optimax ultra-longshaft (30”) DFI two-stroke outboard, tandem axle galvanised steel trailer with electric/hydraulic break-away brakes, and boat and trailer registrations.

Hull length: 7.10m
Beam: 2.59m
Draft: 458mm
Hull weight: Approx: 1860kg
Towing weight: Approx 3000kg
Deadrise: 21 degrees
Maximum power: 300hp
Engine as tested: Twin Mercury 150hp EFI four-stroke outboards
Fuel: 515 litres
Freshwater: 22.7 litres
Maximum Persons: Eleven

Supplied by:
Karee Marine
Phone: 07 3875 1600
Email: trevor@kareemarine.com.au
Website: www.kareemarine.com.au