The 27 HFC from Sea Chaser by Carolina Skiff shows how many features you can integrate into a 27-foot center-console. Serious anglers will revel in the 40-gallon livewell in the leaning post, and the additional 30-gallon livewell in the port quarter multiplies the joy for fishermen.
A covered sink and freshwater faucet in the middle of the full transom lets anglers clean up after filleting the day’s catch, but can also double as a place to prep snacks. Twin bench seats fold out from the transom. An insulated 52-gallon fish box under the aft deck lets you ice down plenty of table fare. A transom door in the starboard quarter leads to a swim platform and foldout boarding ladder. A beefy inward-opening door on the port side eases boarding or sliding a big fish aboard. The 9½-foot beam grants stability. An elevated U-shaped pod forms the base for twin bow loungers and offers 100 gallons of stowage space underneath. A removable pedestal table mounts in the middle. The forward console seat folds up to create extra deck space.
Cabinets for stowage reside in both of the backrest modules for the bow seating. There’s more stowage in a foldout compartment along the starboard inwale. A starboard-side entry to the step-down center-console interior leads to more than 5 feet of headroom and an electric-flushing marine toilet.
The helm seats feature flip-up bolsters and fold-down armrests, and there’s a fold-down footrest on the seating module, plus an angled footrest at the base of the console. The helm panel boasts room to flush-mount a pair of 15-inch displays.
A single Suzuki 350 outboard with contra-rotating propellers pushed the 27 HFC to a top speed of 47.2 mph at 6,200 rpm. The single-step hull knifed smoothly through choppy waters. The 100 percent composite construction was free of creaks and rattles. When cornering, the props refused to relinquish their bite.
The 27 HFC represents a highly functional fishing machine, yet this boat can also shine on an entertaining cruise with your family and friends.
High Points
- Uniquely designed forward console seat folds away for more forward deck space.
- A pair of livewells offer 70 gallons of bait capacity.
- Hardtop uprights integrate into the console to eliminate tripping points.
Low Points
- Cruisers love the bow-seating pod, but the backrests can obstruct fishing.
- Wider helm seats would increase comfort when accommodating two people.
- Higher handrails are needed abaft the helm seating for crew security.
Toughest Competitor
Cobia‘s 277 CC ($132,262 with twin Yamaha F200s) is a bit longer and wider, but offers less bait capacity.
Price: $95,269 (base without power)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engine: Suzuki 350 hp DF350A
Drive/Prop: Outboard/15 1/2″ x 19 1/2″ Suzuki 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.29:1
Fuel Load: 145 gal.
Crew Weight: 430 lb.
Sea Chaser by Carolina Skiff – Waycross, Georgia; 912-287-0547; carolinaskiff.com
