The Shearwater 270 SS Open Carolina, built by American Marine Sports, is positioned as a premium crossover bay boat designed for both dedicated anglers and family cruising. With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price ranging from $195,000 to $235,000, it targets experienced boaters seeking a higher-quality build.
Construction is a key highlight, featuring a vacuum-infused composite hull with Kevlar reinforcement for lightweight strength. The builder utilizes a High-Pressure Injection closed-cell foam core, which is injected while the hull and liner are still in the molds. This process creates an unsinkable hull that eliminates hollow voids, reduces noise, and provides a sturdier ride in rough water. The design incorporates a stepped hull for increased efficiency and speed, along with a deep Carolina flare at the bow.
Powered by options up to twin 350 hp outboards, the boat can hit a top end exceeding 70 mph with a typical crew and gear load. The helm can be equipped with joystick controls, an autopilot, and twin Garmin MFDs up to 16 inches. A newer upgrade includes a glass enclosure integrated into the hardtop’s D-channel tubing, freeing up walkway space.
For anglers, the 270 SS Open offers expansive casting decks and four tournament livewells, including a 35-gallon tank at the helm station, allowing for the separation of bait species. Features include under-gunwale rod storage, eight stainless-steel flush-mount rod holders, and both raw- and freshwater washdowns.
Family amenities are integrated without compromising fishability. The layout includes convertible seating with reclining lounges, a fold-down aft bench, and a large forward lounge over an insulated fish box. The console can house an optional head, and a JL Audio stereo comes standard. Dual boarding ladders aft open away from the engines for added safety. This blend of performance, construction, and versatile features makes the 270 SS Open Carolina a serious contender in the hybrid boat market that’s great inside and outside the inlet, and for hanging at the local sandbar.
High Points
- Closed-cell foam flotation ensures the boat is unsinkable, doesn’t shutter or rattle, and always floats upright.
- Tournament-style fishing layout comes with four total livewells so anglers can keep multiple types of live bait on board at once.
- Dual boarding ladders are angled to open away from the outboard engines, keeping swimmers and sandbar-revelers away from the propellers.
- Integrated hardtop is mounted internally in the center console to free up pass-through space between the cockpit and bow area.
Pricing and Specs
| Price: | $195,000 (base) |
| LOA: | 27’0″ |
| Beam: | 9’0″ |
| Draft: | 1’4″ (drives up) |
| Dry Weight: | 7,200 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | Yacht Certified |
| Fuel Capacity: | 128 gal. |
| Available Power: | Twin outboards to 700 hp total |
