Boat Test: 2025 Bluewater 25T

Overview

Bluewater Sportfishing Boats’ newest, the 25T, proves itself a purpose-built fishing boat ready to tackle offshore conditions like few boats its size.

An Armstrong engine bracket holds the twin ­Yamaha F200s and adds 3 feet of length to its 25-foot hull. It has a wave-slashing 24 degrees of deep-V goodness at the ­transom and an even-sharper 44 degrees at the entry. Yet, because deep deadrise can make a boat tender, all Bluewaters now come standard with Seakeeper’s Ride system. This replaces standard trim tabs with what’s called a Vessel Attitude Control System. While underway, this makes 1,000 observations and 100 corrections per second using unique cupped blades that travel only a fraction of an inch when at planing speeds. The system reduces pitch and roll by up to 70 percent while the boat’s at speed.

Hardcore anglers will love the absence of fixed bowrider seats and a molded-in stern bench, which can rob a boat of ­angling space. The ­fishing cockpit is roomy. I taped 47 inches of deck aft of the ­leaning post. You can add family-­friendly seat options, but they are easily removable for ­fishing. Other features that let you know the 25T is a real-­deal fishing boat include the twin 24-gallon transom livewells, twin in-floor 20-gallon fish boxes, and a 133-gallon bow fish box/storage locker that can hold tuna up to an estimated 250 pounds. Our test boat sported 21 total rod holders, including 12 set into the gunwales (eight are standard).

The helm features a pair of flush-mounted Garmin 8612xfv multifunction displays and can accommodate up to 16-inchers. Rather unusual was the optional thin windshield, made of the same polycarbonate material as the optional side panels, which, despite being curved, provided a distortion-free view.

The twin Yamaha F200 outboards proved an ­excellent option. Time to 30 mph was 9.1 seconds, and the best cruise speed was 25.5 mph (3,500 rpm), which yielded an impressive 2.3 mpg. Along with its jumbo 189-gallon fuel tank, it offers it a theoretical range of nearly 400 miles. ­Bluewater also rigs twin Suzuki and ­Mercury outboards up to 500 hp, with a single 300 hp option. Choices in power: just another benefit of owning the ­Bluewater 25T.

Read Next: How Fishing and Boating Can Change Life for the Better

How We Tested

• Engines: Twin Yamaha F200 outboards
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Reliance 14 ½” x 18″ stainless steel
• Gear Ratio: 1.86:1 Fuel Load: 80 gal. Water on Board: 0 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.

High Points

• Gunwale height starts at 26 inches aft and grows to 31 inches moving forward.
• Equipped with Gemlux friction hinges, hatches remain open until you close them, so there is little fear of smashed toes and fingers. 
• Bluewater is a custom family-owned builder, and with its wide range of options, it can design a boat that gives buyers precisely what they want.

Low Points

• Unlike similar boats, there is no tuna door for landing extra-large fish and helping guests board.
• When deployed, the removable stern bench and bowrider have support legs that stand on some hatches, making these lockers inaccessible.

Toughest Competitor

Parker Boats’ 2600 CC ($255,616 MSRP) measures 26-feet-by-9-feet-6-inches—wider than the Bluewater. The T-top, with a powder-coated frame, rocket launcher, lights and more, is standard equipment. The lockable console offers 65 inches of headroom and comes with a portable -toilet. Power it with up to twin 250 Yamaha outboards.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation