The 23 Classic is the soft-top version of the Challenger and shares many of its unique features: high-pattern bow rail, functional dash layout with its large gauge pod and portside chart table, wide 10.5" side decks and command seating. This is a boat you'll want to sit and drive, because the seats are so comfortable and driver ergonomics so convenient.

Visibility from the helm is outstanding. Even when accelerating, you'll be able to keep track of lobster pots close aboard. If you decide to stand, the seats slide aft 6" and if you're taller than 5' 8", you'll be able to see over the windshield frame.

The Classic/Challenger gauge pod is large enough to handle modern day flush-mount electronics. The standard compass is positioned along sight lines.

The windshield is welded aluminum for added strength and has convenient outside handrails, as well as a center rail for driver or navigator. There are ventilation wing vents and glass is clear for unobstructed visibility.

Helmsman and companion seats are mounted on tall 26" seat boxes with lockable ventilated doors. Even though you sit high, for better lookdown lines of sight, you remain comfortable because the footrests are conveniently positioned. The navigator has a bulkhead handrail and a side coaming rail within easy reach.

You enter the cuddy through a wide 39"x 26" bi-fold door. You'll have to bend a little, but the wide door allows plenty of shoulder and hip room and the rail just above the door provides a great assist. Companionway hatches were avoided in favor of the chart table, elimination of a leak source and the structural benefit of a solid dash. You'll feel the cabin's strength and tightness when you test drive the Classic. It's solid.

The optional weather curtain set includes top, boot, side curtains, front window panel and a three-piece rear drop curtain. The custom radar arch was a customer installed after-market item.

Once inside, standing headroom is 4' 10", sitting head-room 37" and bunks are an impressive 7' long. This is one of the few 23' cuddies where overnighters can sleep with their heads forward. A storage compartment in the forepeak bulkhead has room for soft gear and a huge under-floor compartment aft is ideal for duffle bags, deck chairs, life jackets, etc. A small pocket in the footrest is a great place to store wallets, sun tan lotion and key rings. There are two red/white dome lights in the cuddy.

An optional six-piece weather curtain set encloses the helm when necessary. Zippers, Strataglass™ windows and even the stitching is the best available. You'll see the difference when comparing other tops. Bows and hardware are all 316 grade stainless. The rear drop curtain has three panels; the center section easily rolls up or can be removed. When the top is furled aft, a convenient boot secures loose canvas.

The cuddy by-fold door is 26" wide. It's lockable and has four screened louvers for added cuddy ventilation.

The comfortable fabric-covered four-piece cushion set (filler removed in photo) is standard.

Good photo of optional aft facing seats with storage compartments below. Seat cushions can be made with Sunbrella brand fabric as shown above.

But the nicest feature of this boat is how well it performs with mid-range engines. A 150 HP provides plenty of power with speeds to 40 MPH. This big boat starts to plane at only 12 MPH and will easily cruise at 26 MPH; its optimum speed for best mileage. Range is over 250 miles. A recent customer wrote, "I was pleasantly surprised that after 19.25 hours of use (at much more than cruising speeds) the boat only took 57.5 gallons which is less than 3 gallons per hour". That same customer also wrote, "If you like soft-top Expresses, you should look at and test drive this Classic."

Classic 23' with the rear drop curtains removed. Note the convenient location of the bow rail, windsheild rails and stern splashwell rail. Power is a fuel efficient 175.

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