Blackfin 302CC

Amazing how a year of COVID confinement could favorably impact the reaction to a boat windshield washer system.

Yet, here I was, just seconds aboard Blackfin’s new 302CC and VP of Product Development Mark Owens was showing off the first of many thoughtful gadgets that define Blackfin’s mission.

Personally, I hate bugs on boats. The annual mayfly swarm makes me want a stealth boat, impervious to radar and bugs. Cleaning the windshield is never an easy task, no matter what size boat you own, and when you are hitting 55 mph at WOT, like this new model, you’re not exactly going to turn the wheel over to someone less experienced and go fetch a bucket and mop.

Engineering Wonder

While we enjoyed a good laugh over the push-button bug cleaner, we throttled back to a comfortable cruise speed of around 40 mph and Mark did turn over the wheel. Zero vibration, solid tracking, straight between the markers, all thanks to the renowned Michael Peter’s-designed double-stepped hull. Even the quick hole shot was convincing. A tip of the hat to naval architects that dialed in the precise center of gravity with meticulous placement of fuel tanks combining 240 gallons of gas with a 50-gallon freshwater tank and a 21-gallon holding tank. Yes, this 30-footer has a very accommodating head accessed through a lockable Pantographic door on the starboard side console. Another engineering patent-pending wonder! A step below is the electric toilet with storage space.

One thing I noticed: Blackfin moved the battery switches higher on the facing wall in the head. No need to bend and peer over the tops of your bifocals just to read the gauges.

Onboard, tucked under the gunnels, are four separate washdown connections: One fresh, three raw water. The idea is quick, easy access to keep the deck clean — something real anglers appreciate. Another attention to detail item is a custom-made livewell drain tool that acts like a “church key” and twists the drain open or closed. No more sticking your arm down into the baitwell. The molded tool hides away in the underside lid of the bilge cover. All the hatches on a Blackfin are finished fiberglass compartments, thanks in part to closed mold technology.

What I didn’t expect was tucked on the underside of the anchor storage locker in the bow. The thin lip was finished in Blackfin “Black.” The reason? This is one area we all tend to gloss over when cleaning and it’s the first to show mold and mildew. Black hides our less than perfect grooming skills.

This anchor windlass is standard, is stainless steel with through-hull roller hardware and a mix of chain and rope. Activate it from the helm or a touch-switch right in the locker. And when you inspect this boat in person, notice the two notches inside the hatch; imagine how a second anchor will nest in the slot perfectly. These guys really pay attention to detail. Insert the bow table for enjoyment of meals, or lower the table to turn this area into a casting platform or sunpad by adding a filler cushion.

Start the Engine

As for the helm station, call it combat ready. The fiberglass hardtop system framework, tempered glass windshield and stainless steel handrails eliminate any rattling, and rods will stay firmly in place in the rocket launchers overhead. Dual GPS/chartplotter-Garmin 8612 touchscreens with Fusion Link and a Garmin 300 VHF are part of the electronics package. This test boat was equipped with twin 300-hp Mercury Verados and includes a Mercury Vessel View display, the newest DTS throttle controls and a standard bow thruster. I really like this new throttle package. A green light indent illuminates when the throttles are in the neutral position. And along the side is a push-to-start button for both engines, with a full complement of fingertip-activated trim controls.

Helm seating has the expected flip-up bolster, but with a twist; the cushion is curved to fit more comfortably behind your legs while standing. For those who are height-challenged, Blackfin has added a flip-down riser to help you see over the helm. All-in-all this is a comfortable, handsome-looking helm that won’t wear you out on the ride back home after a day of fishing.

Behind the helm seating is a standard bait prep station with cutting board, storage drawers and slide-out tackle utility boxes, or opt for the optional bench seat with a slide-out YETI cooler at your feet. An aft-facing bench seat folds out of the transom.

In-floor fishboxes, a couple of macerated pump-outs for the boxes, under-gunnel rod racks and plenty of rod holders mounted in the gunnel and transom round out the fishing amenities. There is also in-floor storage in the bow and a storage/cooler area forward.

The 302 was particularly designed to offer leg and fishing space between the aft-facing seat and transom. The model sits smack dab in between Blackfin’s 272 and 332 to help answer customers’ size and budget needs. All the models deliver innovation and a yacht-like design, combined with cutting-edge marine technology. Even though the 302 has the feel of a fishing boat, there are plenty of family friendly features that will cater to leisure time as well.