Tidewater 230 LXF

Founded in 2006, Tidewater Boats celebrates its 10th anniversary this year by sticking to what it does best — building versatile, high quality boats that offer real craftsmanship at an attractive price.

Founded in 2006, Tidewater Boats celebrates its 10th anniversary this year by sticking to what it does best — building versatile, high quality boats that offer real craftsmanship at an attractive price.

Perhaps no model in the company’s lineup exemplifies this philosophy better than Tidewater’s remarkable 230 LXF.

Built on the same hand-laid fiberglass hull used in Tidewater’s popular 230 CC model, the LXF (luxury/family) series offers all of the big-water attributes of the original, enhanced by a number of family-friendly amenities that greatly increase this boat’s overall versatility. The standard feature list includes all the basics one would expect from a top-end center console, like a self-draining cockpit, hydraulic steering, large fuel capacity and stainless steel fittings throughout. It also adds some unexpected treats, like LED lighting, expansive bow seating and a large rear seat with a walk-through transom door — all of which enhance its versatility for the family who needs their boat to do it all.

“The 230 LXF features a wide beam and a very aggressive bow flare for comfort on big water, and a ton of comfortable seating,” says Matt Loew at Anchorage Yacht Sales (anchorageyachtsales.com; 616-399-6304). “It seems to be the perfect blend of being able to handle the bigger waters of the Great Lakes while offering superb performance and styling, all in an easy-to-care-for package.”

The other big benefit, says Loew, is that the 230 LXF is low maintenance. “These boats are easy to keep clean and easy to maintain,” he says. “You can spend more time enjoying the boat and less time caring for it.”

The new 230 LXF is loaded with comfortable upholstery and sports a newly designed console with glove box, footrest and catch-all trays — and it all comes standard.

But what really sets the 230 LXF apart is its option list, which allows owners to fully personalize the boat to their own specific needs. From mechanical upgrades, like SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless steel anchor roller, to comfort additions, like T-tops, pump-out heads and a transom-mounted ski pole, the option list really speaks to this boat’s ability to do so many things well.