The sandbar is calling. And with the Blackwood 270 LXF, a hybrid center-console from American Marine Sports, you’ll arrive there in style. A cross between a bay boat and an offshore center-console, the 270 LXF can operate both inside and outside the inlet. Blackwood actually offers two versions, one with higher freeboard (4 inches) for the more offshore-inclined, and also the low-deck version that we tested.
Either version is built with three-piece construction. The hull and stringer grid are bonded to the deck and injected with closed-cell foam up to the gunwale cap to ensure level, upright flotation and rugged durability. In addition to being chemically bonded, the deck is secured to the hull with through-bolts and the entire hull is reinforced with Kevlar. The result is a stout, yet sleek boat with a sharp entry that tapers to 20 degrees of deadrise at the transom. The 12-inch lifting pad at the transom helps the boat hop onto plane and generates lift under way. With twin Yamaha F300s, we pushed this boat to a 66-mph top speed while enjoying a generous cruising speed in the 40s. As this boat is designed to enjoy skinny-water fishing, it can still float in less than 2 feet of water with the engines trimmed all the way up. The standard Seakeeper Ride automatic attitude-adjustment system ensures optimal comfort.
On the fishing front, the Blackwood 270 LXF features eight rod holders in the gunwale topsides, inwale rod storage on both sides, plus four more rod holders built into the hardtop. The leaning post hides a 25-gallon circulating livewell. Two 80-quart macerated fish boxes reside under deck hatches. The helm console features a full-glass enclosure to keep the captain and co-captain protected, with a great view of the twin flush-mounted MFDs on the dash. Two wireless phone chargers adorn the top of the console.
The family will love the 270’s creature comforts, from the enclosed head to the flip-down transom bench with removable backrests, to the bow seating that has removable forward-facing backrests. Don’t forget the cushioned seat forward of the console. Whatever you have planned for the day, the 270 LXF has got you covered.
High Points
- Ladders on the extended swim platforms extend out to the sides, away from the propellers to keep the crew safe at the sandbar.
- All Deutsch connectors on the wiring are clearly labeled for easy maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Removable backrests in the bow seating allow for lounging and stow away for fishing.
- Space to mount two Power Poles on the transom.
- The helm has space to fit two flush-mounted 16-inch MFDs from either Garmin or Simrad to easily navigate or monitor your ships systems.
How We Tested
- Engines: Twin Yamaha F300s
- Drive/Prop: Saltwater Series II 15.25″ x 18″ 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 82 gal. Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $300,000 (with test power) |
| LOA: | 27’4″ |
| Beam: | 8’8″ |
| Draft: | 1’10” |
| Dry Weight: | 7,700 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 129 gal. |
American Marine Sports – Groveland, Florida; americanmarinesports.com
