Jeff Webster•4 Mar 2016

REVIEW

Mako 284 Centre Console: Fishing Boat Review

Name: Mako 284 Centre Console: Fishing Boat Review
Brand: Mako

A mighty fishing machine for the Mako Boats' boss that has fished Lizard Island and landed 'granders'

Mako’s flagship 284 Centre Console is an exceptional sea boat and a superbly outfitted game fishing craft. Still trailerable (with over-size flags) the big Mako has the space, the speed and the seaworthiness to chase everything from giant 1000lb black marlin off Lizard Island to billfish in Exmouth and barrel-size tuna out of Bermi and Portland and beyond.

OVERVIEW

- Tracker Marine Group boss tests the Mako 284 to the extreme

Johnny Morris, majority owner of the giant US Bass Pro Shops outdoors retail chain and the Tracker Marine Group, recently spent time Down Under to meet with local Mako boats distributor Fishing And Leisure Boats.

In between discussing new model releases, production schedules and other regular business stuff, Morris took time out to fish our famous Black Marlin grounds out of Lizard Island and the nearby Ribbon Reefs. His weapon of choice for chasing "granders" was not a 50 foot charter gameboat, but one of his very own craft, a Mako 284 Centre Console, custom outfitted to his requirements.

Mako is one of nearly a dozen boat brands owned by the Tracker Marine Group. This Missouri-based company lays claim to being the world’s largest manufacturer of recreational powerboats, and the Mako brand is renowned among offshore sport and game fishermen. The 284CC is the flagship model, superbly built and outfitted for the sole purpose of chasing game fish.

For Morris’ Far North Queensland fishing adventure, the Mako 284CC was set-up with twin 300hp Mercury Verado supercharged four-stroke outboards, a suite of high-end Garmin electronics gear, and loaded with fishing accessories.

The big Mako was well armed to do battle with FNQ’s mighty black marlin and other denizens of the deep. And so the trip proved a resounding success. Morris and crew caught a variety of species from 1000 pound black marlin using stand-up gear to Herculean sized GTs on surface poppers.

The Mako 284 Centre Console was used and abused, but stood up so well it still looked brand new upon its return. And this despite a 323nm ocean voyage from Cairns to Lizard Island via the Ribbon Reefs and back again. Much of the return journey from Cooktown to Cairns was spent running straight into the teeth of a 35 knot southerly – so the boat certainly received a work-out.

As you will have ascertained, our test craft for this week is Johnny Morris’ just returned Mako 284 Centre Console! We found the test rig sported a few battle scars from its epic trip north, but was otherwise in perfect condition. What a fishing machine!

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT

- Big price but also big on features, equipment and capability

The Mako 284CC is a high-end product, built and equipped accordingly. There are relatively few options as the boat has most of the kit you need in the standard inventory – and the construction standard is second to none.

The fibreglass, foam-injected hull incorporates a one-piece fibreglass stringer grid and composite-cored fibreglass transom, while the hull and deck are chemically bonded together and mechanically sealed with stainless-steel fasteners at six inch intervals.

Mako is so confident in the construction of its boats that it offers a limited life-time structural hull warranty, three-year gelcoat warranty and a five-year “stem to stern” warranty that is transferable to a second owner.

Prices for the Mako 284CC start at around $230K for a standard boat powered with twin Mercury Verado 200hp supercharged four-stroke outboards.

There is no option for a single engine as the rig is designed for dual ultra-longshaft (30”) drive legs – so the base boat has twin 200s and rides on a tri-axle aluminium trailer with electric/hydraulic break-away brakes.

At 3.0m across the beam (half a metre over the regular Aussie towing width limit), and over 10m long on a trailer, you will likely need over-width and over-length flags to tow this big rig on the highway – not to mention a super-size tow vehicle (truck) capable and rated to haul up to 4.5 tonnes.

If your Mako 284CC will be kept on a marina dry stand or wet berth, you can save around $17.5K by ordering the boat without the trailer.

Mako’s standard boat fitout is anything but basic. The boats have features most competitors would list as options – and this certainly applies to the 284CC. In particular it has most of the gear you need to go stand-up sport and game fishing. Chief among this equipment is the impressive helm seat box/bait station moulding which incorporates everything from the two-person width padded helm chair to a sink with freshwater tap, tackle drawers, aft facing rod rack, and the superb 189-litre “anti-slosh” live bait tank.

The latter can be pressurized to seal the lid down tight – which in turn allows you to fill the live well to the brim without water escaping or sloshing about while transiting to the fishing grounds. This keeps the baits in good condition as they have solid water to swim about in and don’t get bounced around and bashed up against the side walls of the tank.

Other standard fishing features include six stainless-steel rod holders, a five-rod rocket launcher on the trailing edge of the hardtop, super wide side coamings, under gunwale horizontal rod racks, and huge underfloor storage lockers and kill tanks.

The two aft in-floor kill tanks have a massive 369-litre capacity each, while a single general storage locker forward of the console has a 445-litre capacity.

All of the gas-strut supported 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.

The list of general features included in the standard boat package is, as mentioned, impressive. Check the Mako website for the full list, but some of the key features include the fibreglass hardtop with forward seat, moulded bow seats with storage lockers, three batteries, recessed trim tabs, two x 2000g/ph automatic bilge pumps, rear boarding platforms and door, self-draining cockpit, freshwater shower, raw-water deck wash, under-console toilet compartment (with full standing headroom), safety glass console windscreen, and much more.

In truth it is easier and quicker to list the options fitted to the test boat – as you can then count on everything else you can see in the photos as being standard equipment. These options included 360 degree coaming bolster padding, onboard 240 volt battery charger, electric anchor winch, electric toilet, powdercoat package on the alloy console frame work, a set of Taco brand outriggers, and a console clears/curtain package.

The test boat package was also upgraded with the fitting of twin 300hp Mercury Verado four-stroke outboards, dual Garmin GPSMap 7612xsv GPS/fish finders with Australia wide maps and 1kW through hull transducer, and an Icom VHF radio. These additions, combined with the fitted options, lift the package price to a substantial $270K. This is a significant sum – but then the big Mako 284CC is one heck of a good offshore trailerable fishing boat.

INTERIOR LAYOUT

- Hardcore fishing platform with few creature comforts

Mako has not made too many concessions to comfort or luxury with the interior layout and design of the 284CC. She’s a full-on fishing rig through and through – with massive bow and stern fishing deck areas, wide coverboards/coamings throughout, and a two-person width padded bench seat at the helm.

Pretty much everything within the boat has been designed with hardcore fishing in mind. That said you can option the boat with padded cushions for the 2.0m plus long moulded side seats on the foredeck, and there are different removable seating options for the rear cockpit.

There is also a dedicated toilet compartment under the helm console complete with a freshwater wash basin and full standing headroom. Climbing down into the compartment requires a little dexterity, but once you have reached the floor there is ample move-about space.

From the toilet/head compartment you can also easily access the triple batteries, master switches and the wiring behind the helm.

The Mako is rated to carry up to 13 passengers and there is plenty of deck space to accommodate them. Forward of the bow console seat (which doubles as an ice box) there is 2.23m of space to the anchor well bulkhead – with this space flanked by the two moulded side seats.

In the rear of the boat there is a considerable 2.8m between the helm console and the cockpit transom wall – and 1.25m behind the helm/bait station.

The helm/bait station box consumes a fair amount of space in the rear cockpit but there is still ample fishing room – thanks to the 3.0m wide maximum beam. There is also sufficient space behind the bait station for a couple of anglers to fight a fish over the stern of the boat.

The padded coaming bolsters also work a treat as you can stand and lean comfortably against them when fighting a fish. The coamings or gunwales are at just the right height too – around 700mm above the floor in the rear cockpit and 800mm along the sides.

AT THE HELM

- Simple but functional design

The two-person width helm console serves its purpose well. It is wide enough to accommodate all of the instruments and electronics you might need, yet not so wide that it intrudes on the cockpit space to the sides.

The test rig was fitted with two massive Garmin 12 inch chartplotter/fish finder combo units flush fitted into the fascia, and yet there was space left over for a third recessed unit, along with vertical space underneath for switch panels, etc.

The binnacle-mount throttle and tilt-adjust steering wheel were positioned offset to the port side of the console. A port offset works better on two-person width centre consoles – assuming you have right-handed throttle operation. With the steering wheel offset to port, the skipper stands to port as well, leaving ample standing room (and shelter) on the starboard side of the console for a passenger.

The safety glass windscreen offers sufficient shelter and spray protection in moderate conditions, but you will get a little damp in the rough stuff. The test rig was optioned with front clears and curtains which stretch across the front of the console and out to the sides – which you would use should the weather turn really nasty.

The overhead fibreglass T-top offers sun shelter and doubles as a base for radio antennae, navigation lights, outriggers, radar and/or GPS domes, etc. There is also a radio cupboard tucked under the T-top, above the skipper, along with a useful aft facing rocket launcher.

PERFORMANCE

- Speed demon

With twin 300hp supercharged Mercury Verado four-stroke outboards on the transom the Mako was always going to be quick – and it was. We logged a speed of 47 knots – very quick for a 28 footer. At those high speeds the Mako was remarkably stable, the hull easily capable of handling the power.

If close to 50 knots is not quite enough for you, consider upgrading to the twin 350hp Verado option – though short of ocean racing, we can’t imagine a scenario where you might need that much grunt.

Conversely, you would consider dropping down in horsepower. Twin 200hp outboards would be sufficient – though not as much fun. Best compromise is probably a pair of 250hp Verados, as this would provide a high enough top speed with good low down grunt for bar crossing, rough weather work, etc.

Four-strokes are economical outboards, but when you’ve got 600hp on the transom expect to use a bit of fuel. Using Mercury Smart Craft fuel-flow instrumentation we recorded a wide-open-throttle fuel consumption of 227l/ph combined.

At a run-all-day cruise speed of 3500 rpm and 23.7 knots, the two Verados consumed 65l/ph for a maximum (on plane) range on 95 per cent of the standard 863-litres fuel capacity (yes it is that big!) of 294.8 nautical miles.

ON THE WATER

- Magnificent ride from wide beam 21 degree vee hull

Our test of the Mako 284 started in calm conditions, but finished with the weather turning nasty, a run-out tide combining with a strong north-easterly wind to create quite lumpy conditions outside the Gold Coast Seaway.

Not that we really noticed. We were able to run in and out of the Seaway at speeds exceeding 30 knots, without the boat even coming out of the water. The increased water-line length of this 284 Mako over the 234 model we tested last year, meant that the bigger boat was even more capable in rough water.

The big Mako simply sliced through the waves, and with twin engines and a pair of trim tabs (recessed into the hull), you could adjust the trim perfectly to suit any oncoming waves, or a stiff cross wind – thus enabling the craft to maintain the perfect attack angle for the conditions.

Upwind, downwind, across the sea, or at any other angle, the Mako was superb. It just did not get flustered, nor did the Mercury Verados miss a beat. The hydraulic steering was superb and the electronic throttles were ultra smooth – to the point of being a bit too sensitive. We would probably have adjusted to the easy throttle action in time, but during the test we found the throttles to be overly sensitive – to the extent that we found ourselves holding the throttle levers lower down on the handles for improved control and more incremental changes to speed and rpm.

Otherwise, the Mako was sublime at sea. The hull is brilliant; it handles, rides and performs effortlessly well, whilst maintaining rock solid stability at rest. For offshore sport and game fishing, I can’t think of a better sea-going trailerboat.

The absence of decent weather protection is likely to be the only thing that would put off some anglers, but with the front clears and side curtain wings (which stretch out to the gunwales) installed, you do have good spray protection, though these clears should only be needed in extreme conditions.

VERDICT

- The ultimate centre console offshore fishing trailerboat

The Mako 284 is a magnificent fishing craft, one of the best outfitted, finished and performing centre consoles we have ever tested. Is there anything you would change with this boat? Certainly not the hull – it is superb, offering class leading levels of ride comfort, performance, handling, stability and seaworthiness.

How about the interior then? Well, some anglers might want to do away with the moulded forward side seats as they do restrict level deck fishing space forward, and prevent you from being able to brace yourself against the forward coamings when fighting a fish.

For heavy-tackle game fishing, some might also want to swap out the helm seat/bait station box for a simpler set-up, but with a game chair. Other than that, the layout is ideal for offshore game fishing with half a dozen anglers onboard.

If you’ve got the coin, you really should look closely at the Mako 284CC. It is a fabulous fishing boat package.

LIKES

>> Stunning ride from deep vee hull

>> Effortless power from twin Mercury Verados

>> Ultra smooth steering

>> Large bow and stern fishing decks

>> Under-console head compartment

>> Superbly outfitted for game fishing

>> Quality fittings and fixtures

>> Deep storage and fish lockers

>> Recessed trim tabs

NOT SO MUCH

>> No cockpit side pockets

>> Under coaming rod racks suit only small tackle outfits

>> Big ticket price

>> Throttles a little too sensitive

RATINGS

Overall rating: 4.76/5.0

Mechanical/equipment: 4.9/5.0

Packaging and practicality: 4.6/5.0

On the water performance: 4.9/5.0

Value for money: 4.6/5.0

X-factor: 4.8/5.0

PERFORMANCE - SPEED

4.5kts (8km/h) @ 1000rpm

6.1kts (11km/h) @ 1500rpm

7.0kts (13km/h) @ 2000rpm

11.7kts (22km/h) @ 2500rpm

17.0kts (31km/h) @ 3000rpm

23.7kts (36km/h) @ 3500rpm

29.3kts (54km/h) @ 4000rpm

33.8kts (63km/h) @ 4500rpm

37.6kts (70km/h) @ 5000rpm

42.4kts (78km/h) @ 5500rpm

47.0kts (87km/h) @ 6000rpm (WOT)

PERFORMANCE – ECONOMY (BOTH ENGINES)

7.6 l/ph @ 1000rpm

13.6 l/ph @ 1500rpm

22.7 l/ph @ 2000rpm

32.5 l/ph @ 2500rpm

50.0 l/ph @ 3000rpm

65.9 l/ph @ 3500rpm

83.3 l/ph @ 4000rpm

117.3 l/ph @ 4500rp

159.0 l/ph @ 5000rpm

217.2 l/ph @ 5500rpm

227.1 l/ph @ 6000rpm (WOT)

Maximum range on 95 per cent of 863-litre fuel tank: 294.8nm @ 3500rpm

Specifications:

Price as tested: $270,000 including twin Mercury Verado supercharged 300hp ultra-longshaft (30”) four-stroke outboards, tilt-hydraulic steering, Australian specification tri-axle aluminium trailer with electric/hydraulic break-away brakes, two x Garmin GPSMap 7612xsv 12 inch GPS/fish finders with Australia wide chart and 1kw through hull transducer, Icom VHF radio, Taco outriggers, spreader lights, powder coat package on alloy framework, T-top weather enclosure, anchor roller, windlass and rode, 360 degree padded coaming bolster, electric head, onboard battery charger (240v) boat and trailer registrations, and an offshore safety gear package for six adults (including EPIRB, flares and six inflatable life jackets).

Priced from: $230,000 including twin Mercury Verado supercharged 200hp ultra-longshaft (30”) four-stroke outboards, Australian specification tri-axle aluminium trailer with electric/hydraulic break-away brakes, boat and trailer registrations, and an offshore safety gear package for six adults.

*Pricing has been determined using an AUD/US dollar exchange rate of 0.70 cents – and is subject to change.

Hull length: 8.64m

Beam: 3.0m

Draft: 533mm

Hull weight: Approx: 2,722kg

Towing weight: Approx 4,400kg

Deadrise: 21 degrees

Maximum power: 700hp

Engine as tested: Twin Mercury Verado 300hp four-stroke outboards

Fuel: 863 litres

Freshwater: 40 litres

Maximum Persons: Thirteen

Supplied by:

Fishing And Leisure Boats

Phone: 0429 680 504

Email: tim@flboats.com.au

See www.fishingandleisureboats.com.au

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Mako 284 Centre Console: Fishing Boat Review

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