2010 Edgewater 245 CX

By Mike Milne

Keeping everyone in the family happy is never easy.On the water, it’s next to impossible. That’s why cottage docks are often crowded with fleets of boats, each with a special function.The kids want to get big air on the wakeboard, parents want something safe and comfortable, everyone wants to go fishing. Nobody wants to clean up.

Welcome to the world of boating that spawned the EdgeWater 245CX Crossover. It’s an outboard-powered 24-footer with a water sports tower to get wakeboarders airborne, a 20-degree deadrise hull that provides comfort and performance, and plenty of fishing features.To top it off, the boat’s layout and décor combine sporty and classic elements.

Florida-based EdgeWater has built a strong reputation for quality construction and a 14-model lineup of mainly centre consoles from 14 to 38 feet.All are outboard powered and most are aimed at the southern all-purpose boating and fishing market.

Centre consoles have made slow and steady inroads into northern markets, but the CX has appeal that will let it reach into the offshore fishing, adventure and watersports markets.
The CX shares some significant design and construction qualities with its fishing oriented siblings, including a foam-filled hull with a fibreglass stringer system. That makes the CX unsinkable and gives it a solid, quiet ride.

With a 300-hp MercuryVerado FourStroke on the transom, the CX is also strong and speedy, accelerating to 30 mph in under 10 seconds and topping out at 46 mph at 5600 rpm.The supercharged six-cylinder outboard is right at home on the 24-footer and moves the 3,550-pound hull with ease.

Wakeboarders will find a speed that suits them between 3000 rpm, where the boat is coming onto plane, and 3500 rpm, where it’s running at 25 mph. Hitting 29.7 mph between 3500 and 4000 rpm, the 245CX will also make most water-skiers happy. At all speeds, the Verado is very quiet, registering no more than 83 decibels at the aft end of the cockpit at top speed.

The boat’s weight and modified-V hull contribute to a comfortable ride in any water or wave conditions, while well-placed strakes contribute to excellent handling characteristics.
The Verado also comes with DigitalThrottle and Shift, which brings instantaneous response to throttle and shift commands.An electro-hydraulic power steering system provides a similar experience with steering.

One key to the 245 CX working as a crossover is the white powder-coated watersports tower that doubles as a Bimini. Its navy blue canvas adds a classic nautical touch and co-ordinates nicely with the test boat’s blue hull.The curving lines of the tower follow the shape of the windshield, clearly indicating it is part of the complete design package and not an add-on or afterthought.

Another key feature allowing the CX to fill its role as a “multi-tasker” is the huge bow compartment, which has two dedicated stereo speakers and takes advantage of the hull’s broad bow flare.There’s seating along the sides, but an insert doubles as a table and turns the bow area into an informal dinette.

Put away the table, drop the insert, add a cushion and you’ve got a massive sun lounge, popular with the water sports crowd. Under the bow compartment seats, you find drained fibreglass-lined lockers, providing storage space for PFDs, wetsuits, food or beverages.

Moving aft, there’s a spacious, easy-clean head compartment with chemical toilet to port.There’s a compartment almost as large forward of the helm to starboard, providing even more storage space for picnic supplies, sports equipment or fishing tackle. A huge fibreglass-lined locker in the cockpit floor is big enough for water-skis or wakeboards, ensuring no unused equipment or gear needs to be left out in the open.

The cockpit, with swivelling helm and companion bucket seats, has plenty of open space and a double bench seat (with more storage below) against the transom.

Upholstery is durable yet supple 34-ounce marine vinyl in practical white with grey accents. The helm has plenty of room for built-in electronics and the stainless steel steering wheel is yet another classic offshore touch.

Here in the cockpit, anglers will feel most at home, with a livewell aft, padded coamings with rod racks, three flush-mounted rod holders aside and toe holds for keeping a grip on the big ones.A starboard side transom door can be used to land fish or provide access to the swim platform. The Verado’s tall profile means the platform and boarding ladder work well.

Whether they covet the 245CX’s watersports, day cruising or angling capabilities, all boaters will appreciate its easy-clean upholstery and non-skid fibreglass floors. At the end of the day, a hose handles cleanup. Everyone will want to do it.

TEST BOAT ENGINE
Mercury Verado 300, 158.5 ci/2.6 L, inline 6-cylinder, four-stroke outboard with direct fuel injection producing 300 hp, driving a three-blade 17” pitch stainless steel prop.
ACCELERATION (mph/sec)
0-20 / 6.4 ; 0-30 / 9.3
TOP SPEED (rpm/mph)
5600 / 46
CRUISING SPEED (rpm/mph)
3500 / 25.1 ; 4000 / 29.6 ; 4500 / 34.7
SOUND LEVEL AT CRUISE (3500 rpm)
Helm – 79 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 82 dbA
SOUND LEVEL AT TOP SPEED
Helm – 81 dbA ; Aft cockpit – 83 dbA