Boat Test: 2023 Sea Pro 259

Overview

I tested Sea Pro’s 259 deep-V by running 147 miles from the Chesapeake Bay into Washington, D.C. The boat’s 22.5-degree bottom smoothly cleaved the chop I encountered, allowing me to keep the throttles pinned. The twin Suzuki DF 140s never missed a beat.

Engines

Note that the 259 normally gets rigged with 150s or 200s, which have more displacement and turn larger propellers. You can read Boating’s review of the Sea Pro 259 with twin 200s, here.

Credit the performance of these Suzuki 140 overachievers to not only their toughness, but also the EcoGen 90 fuel from VP Racing that they were burning.

Suzuki Marine organized this 941.5-mile run from Jacksonville, Florida, to our nation’s capital to promote sustainable marine fuel. The DF140s’ cooling systems also carried Suzuki’s standard microplastic-­collecting devices. The debris they collected during the run has gone to Suzuki’s Japan headquarters for study under Suzuki’s Clean Ocean Project.

EcoGen 90 is a ­non-ethanol fuel with 10 percent ethyl tertial butyl ether (ETBE), an ­oxygenate blended with gas for a 90-octane rating. Unlike ethanol, ETBE has low affinity for water, does not corrode fuel-­system parts, offers a higher energy content than standard gas, and reduces carbon emissions.

The Sea Pro 259 is one of those boats that serves double duty, providing an able and well-equipped platform from which to pursue gamefish while simultaneously serving as a well-appointed boat for ­going day cruising.

Interior and Accessories

The 259 comes standard with excellent “infrastructure,” meaning those things needed to ensure confidence and ­convenience on the water. These include the DLX fiberglass hardtop, a high-powered through-hull transducer, an anchor windlass, Dometic Optimus power-assist hydraulic steering, and a portside boarding door. Bow seating reclines, and removable backrests are available. Toe rails are a nice touch, as is the dry box built into the helm to store phones, wallets, sunglasses and other captain’s essentials. It also boasts an Audison audio system, a tempered-­glass windshield, and a spacious head compartment in the console. A bevy of options ensures boat buyers can buy and equip a Sea Pro 259 to suit their personal use requirements.

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin 140 hp Suzuki outboards
• Drive/Props: Outboard/14″ x 22″ 3-blade stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 2.59:1 Fuel Load: 85 gal. Crew Weight: 560 lb.

High Points 

• Excellent mix of fishy business and comfortable amenities.
• Standard T-top with a fiberglass top is a big plus.
• Standard Lewmar Fish Pro windlass offers a free-fall function for more precise anchoring.

Low Point 

• This boat’s spacious wide beam will require an extra-wide permit to tow in many jurisdictions.

Toughest Competitor

Check out the Sea Fox 268 Commander, another beamy center-console with twin engines that comes with a standard fiberglass T-top. It retails for $128,855 with twin Yamaha 150s.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation