Seaway 24 Sport Center Console

Seaway’s 24 Sport Center Console reflects the classic Yankee values of New England’s waterfront: lovely in a form-follows-function way. She’s a big open skiff that can take a lot of sea, and amazingly she performs well with as little as 115 horsepower. With that engine, expect a top speed of 30 knots, with efficient cruise over a broad range from 12 to 23 knots. With a 150 hp, top end was 33 knots in our sea trial, with efficient cruise to 25 knots. 150hp is a good choice for hosting large groups aboard, carrying a lot of gear, and towing tubes and skis.

Construction is simple but robust, with foam around the composite stringer system beneath the sole. Look at details like the composite backing plates for cleats, fastened with stainless bolts, fender washers, and stop-nuts. The Seaway 24 Sport Center Console is a lot of boat for a modest price.

So what about use? A fishboat, a freighter to an island cottage, a great family dayboat, or even an all-weather commercial workboat for a harbormaster? The base boat includes a helm leaning post and space for a cooler beneath. The 29”-wide console has a front entry door to a head compartment with 52” of headroom, adequate even for adult males. A remote pumpout is available for the portable toilet. In front is a 60”-long storage box with a cushion, held in place with a forward turnbuckle. Need shade? Consider a folding bimini. Need radar? Add a T-top or Seaway’s custom fiberglass pilothouse. A fold-down spray dodger is available for the bow. There’s space under the port gunwales for horizontal rod racks, long enough for fly rods. The generous 23” pass-through on either side of the console allows for mounting of vertical rod racks.