Building the right boat to lead the rebirth of a fabled brand is like first impressions: You get only one chance to make a good one. It makes sense that the long-dormant Blackfin Boats announced its resurrection with the 272 CC, a center console combining cutting-edge technology and -construction with the virtues that originally earned the brand its stellar reputation and popularity.
From the brawny looks and hull design — with its lofty freeboard and classic sloping sheer line — to the spacious layout and fishing attributes, this Blackfin battlewagon embodies offshore fishing without dismissing the creature comforts that make the 27-footer suitable for the entire family.
With its composite stringer grid and transom bonded into the hull, and carbon-fiber reinforcement to ensure superb structural integrity and rigidity, the boat is built to take on rough seas and reach far-from-shore fishing grounds. Fit and finish stand out. All hatches are finished inside and out, incorporate custom hinges and latches, and remain rattle- and creak-free in the gnarliest conditions.
While the 272 CC exudes ruggedness, a close examination reveals touches of elegance like the two-tone upholstery, and conveniences such as the nine cup holders, two 12-volt and three USB outlets to power marine accessories and charge mobile devices, a pressurized transom shower to keep the crew cool, and raw- and freshwater washdowns to rinse tackle and keep the decks clean.
Substantial seating aboard the Blackfin includes removable forward-facing backrests on the U-shaped bow seating with a drink cooler, and two insulated storage compartments underneath; a console seat with flip-up armrests that accommodates two and houses a cooler; a foldaway stern bench; and at the helm, twin seats with flip-up bolsters and armrests on a leaning-post module with a bait-prep and tackle-storage station in back, complete with a pullout faucet, storage drawers, tackle trays on both sides, and a removable cooler on a pullout slide.
Bow and cockpit coaming bolsters and stainless-steel toe rails provide added leverage for anglers locked in battle.
Just forward of the center console, a large, in-floor storage compartment holds boat fenders and other wet or cumbersome gear. In the cockpit, twin hatches to port and starboard hide a pair of 54-gallon fish boxes, which can be upgraded to include macerated pump-outs. On the port transom corner sits a 30-gallon livewell with gasketed lid and viewing window, fed by an 800 gph pump and a system of drains and valves that enable precise water flow, both in and out.
The fiberglass hardtop with powder-coated aluminum frame, a standard feature on the 272 CC, includes overhead storage, LED lighting, and a tempered-glass windshield with wiper and power-actuated vent, and shades the forward-console seat and the helm, where the expansive dash provides ample room for dual 12-inch multifunction displays, digital gauges, two rocker-switch panels, a stereo and more.
Rod storage includes four flush-mounted holders on the covering boards and five across the transom, plus horizontal racks for two extra rods under both gunwales. An optional rocket launcher on the hardtop adds another four rods to the arsenal.
A transom door offers easy access to the integral swim platform, where a recessed, telescoping swim ladder remains under a hatch, out of the way until needed.
With the boat features surveyed, we idled away from downtown Miami’s skyline to the open waters of Biscayne Bay, where we began the sea trial with a series of shuttle runs, during which the 27-footer averaged 8 seconds to go from zero to 30 mph, with minimal bow rise at takeoff.
We followed that by running at wide-open throttle, reaching a top speed of 56.7 mph.
Encountering a negligible 1-foot chop, we sought out large, passing vessels and took on their wakes at various angles and speeds to see how the Blackfin responded. Not only did it slice through smoothly without any pounding, but it also did so while keeping us dry — commendable considering the 12-knot breeze. The boat also passed the slalom test with flying colors, remaining responsive and predictable throughout. And it excelled on the turns, taking even the tight ones at a fast clip without any slipping or excessive leaning.
Blackfin’s 272 CC upholds the storied brand’s reputation and takes a solid first step in bringing back a line of capable fishing machines now based on versatile, outboard-powered center consoles designed and equipped for more than offshore angling.
Any avid fisherman who shares quality time on the water with the family should again think of Blackfin when it comes time to shop for a new boat, then find a nearby dealer and give this particular model a good look.
