Boats

2020 NorthCoast 280CC

The NorthCoast 280CC proves itself a coastal angler’s dream.

By Boating Tech Team

Updated: December 11, 2019

The 280CC passed all of our handling tests with flying colors. Courtesy NorthCoast Boats

The NorthCoast 280CC is a center-console made by fishermen for fishermen, and it shows—in that every aspect of the boat helps you catch more fish. In short, the NorthCoast 280CC proves itself a coastal angler’s dream.

Start with the ride, because you can’t catch the fish if you can’t get to them. The 280CC’s deep-V hull tapers to 24 degrees of deadrise at the transom, helping it achieve an excellent ride while knifing through waves. On test day, we ran it through a confused chop due to excessive boat traffic, and the 280CC handled it with ease. It didn’t pound, shutter or rattle, or throw spray into the cockpit. The twin Honda 250s propelled the boat to a near 54 mph top-end speed and cruised comfortably at 29.1 mph and 3,500 rpm. Dial back the throttles to 24.2 mph at 3,500 rpm, and our test data shows the boat has a range of more than 300 miles. That means you can run far afield to chase after any species, whether it be tuna offshore or coastal quarry such as striped bass.

The recessed grab rail along the bow and all the pop-up cleats create a safe and snag-free platform. Courtesy NorthCoast Boats

The 280CC passed all of our handling tests with flying colors as well. The hull proved predictable in hard-over turns to port and starboard, with a nice inboard lean, and exhibited no blowout or slippage in either direction.

Above decks, everything is set up to make it easy to work your way around the boat and fish. With the nonskid gunwale topsides around the entire length of the boat, as well as the recessed grab rail along the bow and all the pop-up cleats, it’s a safe and snag-free platform. The decks are clean and free of obstructions that could trip up anglers or cause issues while working a fish around the boat.

Livewells in both the transom and leaning post ensure you’ll never run out of bait. Courtesy NorthCoast Boats

More fishing features? Livewells in both the transom and leaning post ensure you’ll never run out of bait.

Coaming bolsters line the cockpit gunwales that hide recessed rod racks. The portside in-sole fish box is macerated and drains overboard. There are plenty of rod holders in the gunwale topsides, on the back of the leaning post and on the stout hardtop, so there should always be a rod within reach for your anglers. With the 280CC’s sweet ride, most fishing grounds should be in reach too.