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Back in our January ’96 issue,
we carefully scrutinized Commander’s 2300 LX family bowrider as part of
our annual Performance Evaluations program. That particular model enjoyed
the muscle of one of MerCruiser’s new 7.4LX MPI (330 pshp) engine/Bravo
One packages. And after digesting the comments and performance data
collection by our talented test team, the 2300 LX earned and enthusiastic
two-thumbs-up review.
Now it’s time, however to reassess this roomy family bowrider and draw a
few comparisons between conventional sterndrive power and the reemerging
interest in jets. Twenty years ago, jets in big bowriders and medium-sized
day cruisers were all the rage. Then came concerns about fuel efficiency,
and jets took the rap for being an all-too-frequent visitors at the gas
pumps. Jets and 20-footers all but disappeared from the recreational
boating scene.
But that was then, and this is now. Jets are making a comeback, starting
small (14 to 16-footer) and slowly reappearing in some of the larger
full-sized family models, like Commander’s 2300 LX. And the match is a
good one; it is a super luxurious, well-styled spacious bowrider with the
inherent safety, simplicity and maneuverability that only a jet pump can
offer.
Put aside any thoughts that Commander’s 2300 LX is stretching to make its
23-foot claim; it’s not. The centerline measurement is a full 23 feet. It
also has a wide-body 97-inch beam, which tells you that this is truly a
generously proportioned boat. Both cockpit and forward bowrider sections
are enormous. So is the gunnel, in-floor and underseat, storage
compartment areas. No reason here to leave anything lying out in plain
sight; there’s ample room to tow even large items like slalom water skis
and wakeboards. And when it comes to passenger capacity, the 2300 LX acts
like an on-the-water Suburban.
One of the most important features of the 2300 LX is its 18-dgree deadrise
bottom—plenty of vee to ride rough water and deliver a smooth, dry, stable
ride. When originally tested with the MerCruiser 7.4 LX MPI package,
acceleration from zero to 30 mph was not especially lively, taking a
little over eight seconds. By comparison, the jet (a454-c.i. Marine Power
engine, Premium Sport Package 390 hp with a Dominator Jet Drive) got to 30
mph in just under six seconds. It wasn’t until the 2300 LX hit 50 mph that
the stern drive really took over, topping out at a cheek-tugging 65 mph on
radar. Sorry, the jet didn’t fare nearly as well here, squeezing out a
full throttle effort of approximately 50 mph at a very conservative 4,300
rpm.
What is impressive about the jet package is the overall responsive feel
and outstanding maneuverability. Commander’s 2300 LX bottom is very well
adapted to a jet, keeping the intake well loaded, both on the
straight-aways and in tight turns. Kist a quick flick of the steering
wheel and a little extra jab of throttle makes the 2300 LX come around in
a hurry. A fun boat to drive, although, some will undoubtedly crave larger
top-end numbers. If that’s the case, get the stern-drive package because
reaching 60 mph won’t be any problem.
What you can’t deny is Commander’s ever improving gelcoat graphics and
overall quality. They rival the very best custom builders in the
marketplace with a price tag that’s always extremely competitive. Hand
lamination techniques are first rate, gelcoat precision is flawless and
the vinyl upholstery and interior carpet are class act. You’ve also got to
like such standard features as a Sony stereo system, stainless-steel
bowrails, a handsome set of anodized gauge bezels, twin built-in ice
chests and an electric engine hatch lift. All the good stuff that a custom
boat should have but, in a price range that brings it into the realm of
possibility for most quality-minded performance boaters. The Commander
2300 LX is family transportation at its best.
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