Blackfin is rapidly expanding its new line of premium outboard sport-fishers, and the new 272DC brings plenty of style, durability, fishability and performance to the angler — just like the storied vessels of the brand’s seminal years.
But there’s more to them today, more luxury and more cruising excitement.
Thanks to dual Mercury outboards, hole shot proved exemplary for the boat’s size and weight. Its top speed delivered thrills, and with power steering and joystick controls, the boat exhibited more maneuverability than the founders of the brand could have imagined. Mercury’s new V-8s boast more power and more convenience — there are no expensive valve adjustments in the maintenance schedule, and you can check and add oil through a pop-open door atop the cowling.
Throughout the vessel, hardware is top-shelf polished stainless steel. Enhancing the “yachty” feel of the vessel, there are hawse pipes astern, so mooring lines won’t mar the gelcoated gunwales. Other cleats are pull-up, so they can be pressed down for fishing to avoid entangling lines or nets.
The hardtop uprights are powder-coated, and while some builders lean toward enclosing the consoles behind full-height windshields, we think the Blackfin owner will appreciate the breezy feel of the open-air cockpit. Yet the cockpit can also be buttoned up with acrylic side curtains, extending the boating season to the cooler months.
In the aft cockpit, fold away the transom seat to open the battleground. Wash down the bloody decks with a convenient raw-water hose. Freshen hands or rinse tackle with a freshwater faucet in the cockpit. Stainless-steel struts on the fish boxes hold the lids open while you ice down the fish. Belowdecks we found sound management of plumbing and wiring — double-clamped fittings, watertight electrical connections, dual bilge pumps, and easy access to batteries, switches and circuit breakers.
It seems Blackfin’s engineers are as concerned about convenience as they are about comfort, luxury and fishability. That’s a good sign.
High Points
- Boarding ladder egress is to starboard, clear of props.
- Platform allows passage from port to starboard around props.
- Hardtop has four rod holders.
Price: $150,000 (starting)
How We Tested
Engine: Twin Mercury Verado V-8 250s
Drive/Props: Outboard/Rev 4 19″ 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.85:1
Fuel Load: 180 gal.
Crew Weight: 510 lb.
Blackfin Boats – Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; blackfinboats.com
