Belzona’s penchant for comfort and convenience still emerges in the 27-foot center-console. For example, the boat can be optioned with bow seating with removable backrests, which convert the seats into loungers, with dry storage inside the seating pods.
The builder also offers various choices of windshields, from none to a three-sided, clear polycarbonate enclosure that provides excellent visibility. Dash-panel styling options range from plain fiberglass to the racy carbon-fiber on our test boat, which featured a pair of Garmin 15-inch touchscreen displays and a Garmin Fantom 24 dome radar. A matching carbon-fiber tilt-steering wheel with turning knob was a nice touch.
There’s also seating on the forward console, with a 45-quart cooler underneath, and a transom bench that folds down or can be removed when fishing takes priority.
The 27cc has a side door different from any other, even the sliding ones available on Belzona’s 32- and 40-foot models. Articulating arms enable you to lift and pivot the lightweight carbon-fiber door aftward to open. When closed, a locking arm and latch keep the door secure and sealed, preventing water intrusion. This feature makes it easier to haul in a big tuna, wahoo or swordfish, or to board from a floating dock. A telescoping boarding ladder helps you hop back in after swimming or diving.
Coaming pads throughout the interior cushion legs while fishing, and recessed handrails bracket the bow for security when going forward. A cabinet abaft the leaning post/helm seating module can be optioned to accommodate tackle storage, and you can also order a slide-out Yeti Tundra 75 cooler that fits underneath.
To keep the day’s catch iced down, a pair of huge in-sole fish lockers flank the aft deck. A third fish locker resides under the foredeck. All deck hatches feature friction hinges to prevent them from slamming shut on your toes or fingers, and all of the fish lockers are macerated and pump overboard.
Five rod holders are built into the transom bulkhead, and four combo rod-and-drink holders line the helm seating backrest. In addition, five rod tubes hang from the aft edge of the fiberglass hardtop, and three rod holders are placed on each gunwale for trolling or drift-fishing.
The 27cc is available with a pair of transom livewells, including a standard 29-gallon well in the port quarter and an optional 18-gallon well to starboard. Both feature clear acrylic hatches that latch and seal, as well as friction hinges.
Inside the console, a step-down head compartment is complemented with an optional permanent marine head or portable marine toilet, and allows easy access to the electrical control panel and immaculate rigging behind the helm.
The 27cc hull boasts a 21.5-degree deadrise at the transom and carries a sharp entry forward. The sheerline sweeps up to a proud bow, and the Euro transom melds gracefully with the integral engine bracket.
Though the 27cc is rated for up to 450 hp, twin Mercury 200 hp FourStrokes propel the boat to over 50 mph in flat water, but 30 mph winds greeted us outside Miami’s Matheson Hammock Park on test day, providing a good opportunity to see how the Belzona handles snotty conditions.
We soon confirmed the hull knifes smoothly through 2- to 3-foot waves at 35 mph and offers a dry, level ride, no matter the direction you attack the seas. The boat felt solid all the while, with nary a creak or rattle as we charged through the chop. Handling at speed proved precise and inspired confidence as the Belzona executed hairpin turns without skidding, and the propellers held their bite. During subsequent testing on a calmer day, the 27cc jumped from zero to 30 mph in 8.38 seconds, reaching a top speed of 51.7 mph at 5,800 rpm. The most efficient cruising speed occurred at 3,500 rpm and 31 mph, with a burn rate of 13.1 gph for 2.4 mpg.
The optional SeaStar Solutions Optimus 360 joystick steering system made docking in tight quarters considerably easier, despite the challenging weather conditions.
Ultimately, the Belzona 27cc proved a great-looking center-console built to contend with larger models in terms of performance, range and fishability. Plus, its exclusive Jumper Door is sure to impress anyone who steps aboard.
Specs
Length: 27′2″ Beam: 9′4″ Draft: 20″ Deadrise: 21.5 degrees Fuel: 200 gal. Weight: 6,500 lb. Max HP: 450 Price: $228,444 with twin Mercury 200 FourStrokes Belzona Boats: belzonaboats.com
Test Conditions
Weather: Sunny Location: Miami Wind: Mild breeze Sea State: 1-foot waves Test Load: Two adults, 120 gallons of fuel
