Everglades National Park

Every year thousands of boaters enter Everglades National Park by crossing Florida Bay from the Florida Keys. Effective January 1, 2018, the National Park Service plans
to raise the annual boaters’ fee from $40 to $50 dollars, with a second proposed increase to $60 in October of 2018. The Park Service is also proposing a new boater education program proposed to go into effect January 1, 2018, and applies to all motorboats, canoes and kayaks. The online course teaches boaters about Florida Bay’s shallow-water ecosystem and how it can be damaged by careless vessel operation. The new fees and educational program requirements will apply to all boaters, even those entering into the park across maritime boundaries. Additional information on the proposed changes is
available at nps.gov/ever/index.htm.

By Bob Arrington, Southern Boating December 2017

Photos: Hillenrbrand/USFWS and David Hinkel of USFWS

Everglades 253cc

The Everglades 253cc (LOA: 24′ 9″, Beam: 8′ 6″) hits the water with a complete redesign as a hybrid bay/offshore boat, including the best features of two Everglades favorites—the 243cc and the 273cc.

Pack your Yeti Hopper—the 253cc is equipped with two Hopper holders to easily load and unload coolers for drinks and ice, in addition to the huge built-in 87-quart EverCooler beneath the forward console seat. The low-profile, powder-coated bow rails and pop-up cleats combine with the 91-squarefoot cockpit to provide space to move.

Port and starboard rod storage and dry storage, lockable rod storage with cushioned protection under the forward bow seating, a 26-gallon livewell, and a 69-gallon in-floor insulated fish box make the 253cc ready to fish. Powered by a 300-hp Yamaha outboard engine, the boat runs to a top speed of 46 mph, and cruises at 26 mph for a range of 292 miles utilizing the 100-gallon fuel tank.

evergladesboats.com

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Inshore, Offshore, All shores: the Everglades 273cc

The new Everglades 273 CC is a hybrid inshore/offshore boat. Her low-profile, powder-coated bow rails and pop-up cleats along with the casting platform and bow seating provide the space to make cast netting live bait easy. She comes ready to fish (27’3″ LOA, 9’3″ beam) with flush-mounted rod holders, standard under-gunwale rod racks, circulating livewell, and fishbox space. Everglade’s 360LXC also flaunts its spacious 100-square-foot lounging area at FLIBS. The 360LXC (35’4″ LOA, 10’8″ beam) comes standard with a 32″ retractable flat-screen, electric stovetop and outdoor cooking area, abundant food and cooler storage, and a fully equipped wet bar and mixing station. An aft bench seat comfortably seats six while the redesigned helm with ergonomic captain and companion seating has room for three. evergladesboats.com

Everglades 360LXC

The Everglades 360LXC makes her debut as Everglades’ official luxury cruising model. While the 360LXC (37’8″ LOA, 10’8″ beam) is more passenger focused than the Edgewater, Florida-based builder’s other models, the features customers enjoy from the brand are evident at first glance—the signature Everglades silhouette and the superior ride of its RAMCAP hull. Everglades honed in on extravagance and relaxation for this 36-foot overnighter while maintaining its signature fit and finish. Guests can relax in the spacious 100-square-foot lounging area, which features an L-shaped lounge that serves as a dining area or sunbed.

The Everglades 360LXC comes standard with a 32-inch retractable flat-screen TV in the lounge area, an electric stovetop and outdoor cockpit cooking area. The boat also offers abundant cooler storage (three refrigerators and an icemaker) and a fully equipped wet bar and mixing station. Its massive aft bench seat comfortably seats five people, while the redesigned helm features ergonomic captain and companion seating with room for three. The boat sleeps five to six passengers, and both the cabin and the cockpit lounge area are independently temperature controlled to keep you comfortable in any weather conditions. When powered by triple 350-hp outboard engines, the 360LXC runs to a top speed of 58 mph.

evergladesboats.com; (877) 902-6287

By Doug Thompson, Southern Boating Magazine July 2016