A center-console boat doesn’t have to be all about fishing and the new-for-2024 245FLX “Sandbar Boat” from Sea Pro Boats proves that.
The new 245FLX made its debut at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show with a new twist on Sea Pro’s proven 24-foot deep-V hull. It attracted a crowd inside the Broward County Convention Center and those signing up to buy the center console were looking for a boat that was trailerable and family friendly.
“Sea Pros are traditionally known for being a fishing brand and a lot of the fishermen love our boat,” said Kirsten Corssen, director of marketing and dealer relations for Sea Pro Boats. “We wanted something that was a cross between fishing and family a little bit more, so we created the 245.”
Boaters will notice the unique cockpit layout and versatile seating options on the 245FLX (23’ 9” LOA, 8’ 10” beam). For example, instead of the traditional helm leaning post, the 245FLX features two captain’s chairs that swivel 360 degrees, allowing the captain and first mate to face in any direction. Sea Pro also moved the traditional stern live well to make room for a large, comfortable bench seat that spans the entire transom.
The 245FLX also boasts starboard and port stern seats that convert to face either towards the outside of the boat or inward towards the cockpit. This allows friends and family to chat and enjoy each other’s company while cruising, then enjoy all the scenery and activities taking place around them while relaxing on the sandbar.
“You can have seating when you’re at the sandbar facing the stern or when you’re cruising,” Corssen said. “The same thing with the captain’s chairs at the helm. They’re fully 360, so that you can turn your whole setup.”
Sea Pro created a custom bow table for the 245FLX that swivels for optimum utility and convenience when chilling out aboard. This table can also be used with a versatile stern mount—perfect for enjoying food and drinks while dipping your toes in the water.
Sea Pro designs its deep-V hulls for dry solid rides while delivering performance and fuel efficiency. The 245FLX is designed for up to 350 horsepower and buyers can select power from Mercury, Suzuki or Yamaha.
The South Carolina builder offers a long list of standard features on the 245FLX. This includes a fiberglass hard top with integrated windshield, power steering with a tilt helm, a smart battery management system, a console dry box with two USB outlets, raw and freshwater washdowns, and a freshwater shower. Advanced technology abounds, including a 12-inch Simrad MFD, Audison Marine Audio system, digital switching, and a Sea Pro Connect by Boat Fix telematics system for security and vessel monitoring.
Sea Pro can customize the 245FLX with a wide range of available options, accessories, and hull/upholstery colors. Corssen said the 245FLX was built with feedback from its customers.
“We see people get on this boat and they measure the space between their knees and the leaning post,” Corssen said. “We moved the live well over and built the bench seat over there so that you have that extra space. It was exact customer feedback.”
The 245FLX will be available at Sea Pro dealers starting in December 2023.