NanceM

My husband has been obsessively looking at the Everglades 243cc with upper station and the Pathfinder 2600 trs with upper station. We are looking for a good family boat to keep in the keys for offshore, nearshore and inshore activities. We originally planned on the Everglades because we really liked the upper station design and how solid the boat felt. We keep getting pulled toward the Pathfinder since it is a little bigger. We have a family of 5, all who like to fish and be on the boat and may have guests occasionally too. However, there will be plenty of time when it is just two or three on the boat.

We have spent more time on Pathfinders and know they are excellent boats for the keys. The few people we know with Everglades are very happy. The Pathfinder may be a better fit but we can't seem to let go of the Everglades.

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

FishEyez

I'm biased. I own a 23HPS. I'd think the 26 TRS will have family creature comforts you're looking for and still have fish ability with the second station. I hear the Everglades are heavy but well built boats.

NanceM

Thank you! Good to hear.

Snookheaven

I’m biased as well as an owner of a 2014 243 with an upper helm. I couldn’t be more pleased. Boat is solid as a tank, finish is first class. I fish year round offshore, up to 35-40 miles) out of port Canaveral (about 700 hours last year). Have the yami 300. Comfortably cruise at 25-28 mph in seas of <3’. Have unfortunately been caught in 6’ seas and boat handled great, just took it nice and slow. Planning on making a run to the Bahamas from WPB next summer.
Only downside is the 82 gallon fuel tank, wish it was more (although I don’t think I have burnt more than 45 gallons during one trip).
Don’t regret my purchase whatsoever. Plan to report the hull and eventually pass on to my son when the time comes many years from now.
Don’t hesitate to let me know if I can offer you any other info.
As a side note I have been on a few pathfinders and thought they were really nice boats too

MSchwartz

The Everglades 243 rides very well for its size and are well built. My complaint is they are heavy boats, especially if there is a second station, and water comes in the scuppers especially when loaded down. Also the 243 will not have as many fishing friendly accoutrements like rod holders, storage etc, convenient battery placement for trolling motors,etc. as the pathfinder. I would ride them both.

NanceM

Great input and I like that she handled that well. Trying to understand a comfortable capacity on the boat. We are a family of five with dogs too.

kwipp

I think they are both great boats my best advice would be to ride on them both in the same weekend. A back to back comparison might make a big difference as to which one you think will be a better fit.

GatorSedator

I currently own a 2600 trs but previously I owned an Everglades 243 for nearly 10 years. I much prefer the pathfinder as I prefer the ride and the bow seating. In all fairness though my 2600 is a 2018 powered by a Yamaha 300 whereas my 243 was a 2006 with a Honda 225. Additionally the 2600 is 2 feet longer and has about 6 inches more beam. Obviously, it feels significantly bigger. The Everglades however has a bigger cockpit size aft of the helm seat whereas the Pathfinder has the three folding seats and twin live wells which double as a large casting platform. Truthfully, they are both awesome boats perfectly suited for the Keys.

lookinforsnook

We recently had 10 full sized adults on our 26 TRS loaded down for a day of cruising and sandbar fun. At no time did we feel cramped and storage was not a problem.

captain28570

The EG is only 8 foot 2 beam I beleive. Its narrow. Not near the room of the 26 PF.

Snookheaven

Definitely a narrow beam. I fished offshore with 6 and wouldn’t do much more than that. I cruise the river with my family of 4 and our lab.

The weight of the boat I feel Is an advantage, it was purposely built extremely solid with the cost of added weight.

Never had an issue though with water coming through the scuppers and my boat is loaded down when going offshore. I believe years ago they switched to a double flotation pod on the stern of the boat where the swim ladders are mounted and solved that issue. I bring anywhere from 10-14 rods (7 trolling plus spinning and bottom rods), 84” Rhodan with 3 group 31 batteries (Everglades glasses in an aluminum backing plate for the mounting), live well full, fresh water full, ice, etc...
If you do go with the Everglades I wouldn’t get anything but a 300 on the back, it is a heavy boat.

I do think the best advice given would to be ride on both before making your decision. I’m in Merritt island, if you’re ever near I’ll take you out.
Good luck!

76 Mako 23

Both are nice boats. Those who own the 243 love them. What made you narrow it down to those 2? Did you check into the PF 2500? To me that’s the best Pathfinder around.

NanceM

Yes we have spent a lot of time on the PF2500 and if we wanted it purely for fishing, we would do that. We want a little more family oriented boat, not purely fishing vessel. Thanks for all the great input everyone!

NanceM

Thank you!! What a nice offer. We hope to get on one of the boats in the next few weeks.

barrell

Both awsome boats but be aware you can have your own second station installed after you get the boat. Any quality welder can build you a custom second station. My good friend has the everglades 243 with the crows nest and I hate the fold down ladder that came with it. No body wants to climb up it even when its calm. With second station its all about the ladder. You want a ladder so safe and easy to climb you would let a 8 year old climb it. If you do decide to have a aftermarket welder build your crows nest tell the manufacturer of the boat to glass in aluminum plates in the hardtop to bolt the station to. Make sure glass on hardtop can handle the wheight of two adults at once. They may need to add some glass. A ladder that drops into two zero degree cast stainless rod holders in the gunnel is the best. Half station where you stand on the console are worthless.