Belzona 277 Walk Around

When Belzona first introduced its 325 Center Console, and later its 327 Walk Around, it received plenty of attention for its innovative features, most notably the inwale dive doors that work on a retractable slide system. While the new 277 Walk Around doesn’t have the same setup, it does have a well-constructed dive door in the starboard gunwale of the cockpit and many of the other features that Belzona implemented in its bigger boats.

It’s got the forward-raked windshield that’s integrated into the sturdy hardtop, which in turn is further supported by a fiberglass beam that nests in the leaning post. It’s a stout construction technique that helps keep the boat rattle- and flex-free underway. In profile view, the bow area is distinguishable from the aft cockpit by a broken sheer line that rises moving forward, giving the 277 pretty lines while allowing Belzona to maximize the space. The walkway part of the walk-around bow is wide enough to pass through without shimmying sideways, and the bow rail is tall enough to provide an actual handhold in transit. A sun pad adorns the raised cabin ceiling forward of the console to create an excellent lounging spot.

Belowdecks, the cabin features a bright white interior that maximizes the natural light from the overhead hatch and side ports. There’s a private head with a pump-out toilet connected to an 11-gallon holding tank. Cherry wood cabinetry and Corian countertops round out the details throughout the cabin.

For anglers, the cockpit features 34 square feet of cockpit space and two 254-quart insulated fish boxes. There’s both a raw-water and freshwater washdown in the cockpit, spreader lights, tackle drawers in the leaning post, and rod holders in the gunwale topsides. Livewells and hardtop rod holders are on the options list. The wide walkway allows for 360-degree fishability, a trait normally reserved for center-consoles.

The 277 shares another trait with its big sisters in the fleet — a responsive hull with a good attitude in seas. Its V tapers to 21 degrees at the transom, with an aft pad to generate lift. With the twin 225 hp Mercury Verados on the transom, we pushed this boat to a top speed of 54 mph turning 5,800 rpm. The boat found its sweet spot with the engines turning at 3,500 rpm and pushing it to a cruising speed of 30 mph. That’s more than fast enough and provides a range of 260 statute miles. At that speed it felt at home in a bay chop, navigating boat wakes and executing hard-over turns. It’s a boat that handles well outside of the inlet, for fishing, diving or entertaining.

Comparable Model: Boston Whaler 285 Conquest