Blackfin 242DC

Energized from winning a coveted Innovation Award at the Miami Boat Show for the Blackfin 332CC in just the second year of the Blackfin brand returning to the market, designers are wasting no time incorporating many of the key features in an even smaller package — the new 242 Dual Console.

Powered by sharp-looking twin Mercury 200-hp V6 FourStroke engines, this boat will cruise at 36 mph, is every bit a 50 mph boat and yet can maintain planing speed in the teens, which is ideal for towing tubers or waterskiers. That “family component/jack-of-all-trades” boat design has dominated the center console market for the past decade. Blackfin is bringing the concept to a dual console seating arrangement while still delivering a fishing battlewagon on an 8-foot, 10-inch beam platform.

Our test boat featured a fiberglass hardtop system with powder-coated aluminum framework, LED overhead lighting with a toggle for red or white lights, three LED spreader lights and six JL Audio speakers that connect to the Fusion Satellite-ready AM/FM stereo. Mounted on each side of the framework are a pair of slanted rod holders that complement three transom and four gunnel-mounted stainless steel rod holders. For serious anglers, Blackfin offers optional Taco Outriggers with carbon fiber telescoping poles. Rod racks, by the way, are found under both gunnels.

Recessed into the floor are two large fish boxes, plumbed with macerated pump-outs, an insulated 24-gallon transom baitwell with 1-inch poly lid and blue/white lights. Tucked out of the way are Blackfin’s 5-gallon bucket, pressurized washdown faucet for the deck and a transom shower.

Dual console conveniences

Now, I know that most anglers like a walkaround boat. But the aft fishing area is quite large considering the amenities you are about to discover. And for those who need some separation while fishing, the forward bow — accessed through the tempered glass windshield walk-through — offers up a casting platform complete with your own insulated in-deck storage with overboard drains. Simply move the seat cushions to a storage area and you’re ready to go.

One of the benefits of a dual console layout is when the weather on the Great Lakes is chilly or wet, simply close the bow access door, snap in the optional front curtain and you have serious protection from the elements. Conversely, on sunny days, that beam-to-beam hardtop offers plenty of shade for the cockpit seating, and a bow and aft shade are optional.

Blackfin likes to say its boats are designed for fishermen and built for life. Nowhere is that more evident than the cockpit layout. Inside the portside console is a roomy head, vanity with solid surface top and pullout sprayer. Our boat had an electric head as an option, but the porta-potti comes standard.

Seating is boss on this boat. Beefy hinges and cleverly transforming seatbacks that move forward and aft create upright or lounge seating. Drop the foldaway bench seat from the transom and the entire deck turns into an arena-shaped entertainment zone. Directly behind the helm seat is a wetbar and sink, pull-out sprayer and room for a 35-quart Yeti Tundra carry-on cooler that rests on a sliding shelf.

Big boat feel

The helm has a big boat feel. Your choice of Garmin or Raymarine flat-screen multifunction devices coupled with Mercury Smartcraft digital gauges offer up every readout your heart desires: Electronic shifting, power steering and that little something extra. A stainless steel wheel with Urethane grip adds both a degree of confidence and pride.

One thing I really liked was the offset placement of the VHF microphone. Positioned on the left side of the helm, the cord was not dangling at my legs. Perhaps it’s a pet peeve, but that’s one less annoyance when I’m in pounding waves.

Speaking of smooth rides, Blackfin uses a solid construction carbon fiber-reinforced hull. The hull design coupled with top-of-the-line stainless steel hardware and materials leads to impressive durability, safety and quality.

When the ride is smooth, the rest of the family is happy. Blackfin, like many other boatbuilders, realizes that today’s boat owner is not going to fish 24/7. Only 30% of the time will the boat be used for fishing. Blackfin’s 242DC offers a stainless ski pylon for watersports towing. The optional SeaDek swim platform inlay adds interior design inspiration.

A couple of stats to keep in mind. The model is a 242, and while the length overall with swim platform is 24 feet, 6 inches, once you hang a pair of outboards, remember to factor in another 3 feet for storage. Bridge clearance with the hardtop is 8 feet, so again, remember to lower the antenna and nav light. Overall weight without engines and the 140 gallons of fuel is 5,800 pounds.

DEALERS
Grand Pointe Marina
grandpointemarina.com

Munson Marine
munsonmarine.com 

Pier 53 Marine
pier53marine.com

River Valley Power & Sports
rivervalleypowerandsport.com