But durability and seaworthiness aren’t the only traits the 332 shares with classic Blackfins. Versatility and a comfortable ride are as much a part of this center-console as the ingenious design elements, purposeful features, and the latest in technology that seamlessly combine to enhance the boating angler’s experience.
The focus on advanced design and construction, deeply rooted in the brand’s DNA, was recently rewarded at the Miami International Boat Show in February when the 332CC won the 2019 Innovation Award for center-console/walkaround fishing boats.
The Blackfin comes loaded with standards bound to make every hardcore angler grin, such as an integrated sea chest that feeds a pair of insulated, aquarium-style livewells, both with cutting-board lids and blue-and-white lighting; a 35-gallon well in the port transom corner; and a 20-gallon well nestled in the middle of the tackle-rigging station, with storage drawers and four slide-out tackle trays located behind the helm-seating module. Said station also sports a sink with pull-out freshwater sprayer, plus a pair of 45-gallon Yeti coolers on slides for easy access, perfect for fixing snacks and doling out beverages.
No serious fishing machine would be complete without sizable fish boxes. The 332 has two in-floor, insulated and macerated, providing a combined capacity of 200 gallons and bookending the spacious cockpit, where coaming bolsters and stainless-steel toe rails on the gunwales invite anglers to settle in for a serious tug of war. A foldaway bench seats two on the transom, leaving room to starboard for a door that leads to the swim platform.
Aside from the 10 flush-mounted rod holders along the transom and covering boards, rod storage includes lockers for three rods on each gunwale, plus a horizontal rack for two more rods to starboard, and six rod tubes on the aft-facing, powder-coated aluminum supports of the hardtop, which affords topside mounting areas for outriggers, a radar dome and VHF antenna, and incorporates an actuated vent, electronics box, spreader lights and stereo speakers while, along with the tempered-glass windshield with wiper and actuated vent, warding off sun, wind and rain.
Dual 16-inch displays fit neatly across the console dash, with room to spare for the digital engine monitoring system, two dozen weatherproof switches, marine stereo, optional joystick control, and more.
Vertically challenged skippers will love the console’s visibility step, which folds into place when needed to elevate the vantage point and extend the field of vision from the helm. It works well with the electrically adjusted helm seating with folding armrests that, like a leaning post, enables driving while sitting or standing.
A patent-pending pantographic door provides entry to the console head compartment with electric toilet, sink with pull-out sprayer, and dedicated rod storage.
The large bow area includes raised storage compartments—lighted and insulated—with overboard drains, removable cushions for sitting, and stowaway backrests for lounging.
A double lounger on the forward console offers extra storage, molded in to accept two 5-gallon buckets.
Other noteworthy features include a recessed-anchor system with windlass and washdown, storage for a second anchor, portside boarding door, boarding ladder, transom shower, 12-volt and USB charging stations, outlets for electric reels, and raw- and freshwater washdowns in the cockpit.
Once we took the Blackfin to open water, the 33-footer—built on a high-performance, two-step hull—displayed its superb handling and soft ride during a series of maneuvers that included tight turns and taking on wakes from the largest vessels in sight, all the while feeling safe and under control.
With twin Yamaha 425s, the 332CC averaged 11.1 seconds to go from zero to 30 mph, but acceleration proved best from midrange to wide-open throttle, which yielded a top speed just under 60 mph, with four adults on board, 40 gallons of water, and more than half a tank of fuel.
Attitude remained flat right from takeoff, so bow rise was never a hindrance.
Leaning on the turns was slight, and splash, which started about even with the console, had a tough time making it over the gunwales, no matter the wind or boat direction.
The Blackfin has the makings of a superb fishing boat, and comforts and conveniences well beyond the basics ensure even nonangler friends and family will enjoy their time on board. If you’re in the market for a great all-around center-console, the 332CC definitely deserves consideration.
Specs
Length: 33’2″
Beam: 10’6″
Draft: 23″
Deadrise: 23 degrees
Fuel: 315 gal.
Water: 50 gal.
Weight: 10,500 lb.
Max HP: 900
Price: Starting at $318,118
Blackfin Boats: blackfinboats.com
Test Conditions
Weather: Sunny
Location: Key Biscayne, Florida
Wind: NNW 8 knots
Sea State: 1-foot chop
Test Load: Four adults, 170 gallons of fuel, 40 gallons of water
