EdgeWater 228 CCD

Fishing

All that performance sounds nice, but another reason Peregrine wanted to move the power forward was to free up fishing space in the cockpit. By moving the console forward and housing the engine under the leaning post, EdgeWater created an extra 10 inches of cockpit length. Ditching the outboard motorwell for a straight transom added an additional 8 inches.

The straight transom also aids in keeping water out when backing down on a fish, giving the 228 CCD more of a big-game feel in that department. The stainless-steel toe rails running along either side of the cockpit allow an angler to dig in for the fight.

Another performance aspect that counts for offshore anglers — this boat gets exceptional fuel-burn numbers at trolling speeds, around 12 mpg at 6.5 mph. That translates to a long time with lines in the water.

The transom features a 28-gallon livewell and a tackle-storage system. There are four rod holders in the gunwale topsides, as well as rod racks recessed under the gunwales, which hold three rods per side. Add in the four holders on the T-top, and there’s plenty of room to pack your arsenal.

EdgeWater had to shrink the forward fish box to accommodate the diesel package, but the 34-gallon ­insulated box still holds a decent catch.

Design and Construction

EdgeWater prides itself on building “unsinkable” boats, an attribute that starts with the Single Piece Infusion process. The 228 is built with vacuum infusion, using high-quality vinylester resin. SPI allows EdgeWater to use 50 percent less resin, making the hull much lighter. The stringers, hull and engine bed are infused at the same time. Composite coring in the stringers further keeps the weight down; closed‑cell foam makes it buoyant.

As mentioned, EdgeWater moved the console to fit the diesel. The second major modification involved installing a smaller fuel tank — 72 gallons compared with a 125-gallon tank for the outboard version. Even with that lower fuel capacity, the two versions have roughly the same range thanks to the diesel’s inherent efficiency.

The engine hatch lifts on hydraulic rams, revealing the little BMW diesel that makes this boat a special catch, particularly for hard-core salmon guides or anyone else willing to try ­compression over combustion.