BLACKFIN 302 CC
A superb blend of fishability, performance and comfort makes this a top offshore center-console.
THE 302 CC, THE LATEST ADDITION TO BLACKFIN’S LINEUP OF FISHING MACHINES, BEARS THE BRAND’S HERITAGE, ALONG WITH MANY OF THE TRAITS THAT MADE ITS SIBLINGS POPULAR WITH SERIOUS ANGLERS, ON AN EFFICIENT, HIGH-PERFORMANCE MICHAEL PETERS SVVT DOUBLE-STEP HULL.
The high sheer adds to the boat’s sleek look and seaworthiness, while all-composite construction from stem to stern, with major parts bonded, ensures long years of service and peak performance.
Blackfin firmly believes an offshore fishing boat must be able to withstand unexpected gnarly sea conditions, so every switch, latch, hinge and screw is triple-checked, and fuel and water systems are also pressure-tested thrice for potential leaks as part of the builder’s extensive quality-control protocol that guarantees every boat that rolls off the line is absolutely free of building and rigging defects.
A tackle and bait-rigging station, complete with a Yeti 45-quart slideout cooler underneath, is conveniently located in back of the helm seating. It includes a sink with freshwater faucet, plus tackle storage and tool holders to keep all essentials readily accessible. The rigging station can be swapped for aft-facing mezzanine seating that, combined with the foldaway transom lounge, turns the entire cockpit into a spacious social zone ideal for entertaining.
The test boat had eight Gemlux combo rod-cup holders on the gunwales, undergunwale racks to cradle six rods, plus four additional holders on the transom, flanked to starboard by a transom door and to port by a lighted, insulated 30-gallon livewell with viewing window through the cutting-board
lid to keep tabs on the bait, and fed by a high-capacity pump to ensure the proper water flow so liveys will stay frisky. To ice down the day’s catch, the 302 features a pair of 54-gallon in-floor fish boxes, both insulated and macerated. A standard portside door provides another entry or fish-hoisting area, and an optional removable ladder makes it easier to board after diving or swimming.
While serious angling is the foundation of every Blackfin, luxury and comfort are never overlooked. A glance at the plush forward seating, ergonomic helm, and in-console compartment beneath provides clear confirmation.
Conveniently placed underneath the forward-console seat, a cold storage compartment supplies crew seated or fishing upfront with cool beverages or snacks. The dual helm seats rival those on a BMW, and their style extends to all other cushions, including the ones on the bow lounges and the stowable, forward-seat backrests, which merge with the coaming pads when fishing.
Gray gelcoat on the hardtop underside complemented the powder-coating on the frame for a striking look and helped absorb reflected light, improving visibility of multifunction displays on the dash. A 6-inch window vent at the top of the temperedglass windshield opens electrically for added ventilation, and a surfmat finish atop the center console keeps phones and keys from sliding about.
The 302’s impressive list of standards also includes a bow thruster, windlass, rawand freshwater washdown systems, cockpit pedestal table with Seadek inlay and vertical side-mount base, and 30-amp outlets aft.
A Garmin navigation
suite with FLIR, radar and chirp sonar, Seadek covering on the platform, colored hull sides and white rub rails (instead of black) are among the numerous available options.
Twin Mercury V-8 outboards supplying 600 horses pushed the test boat to 55 mph at wide-open throttle, and let us cruise at 37 mph with a yield of 1.4 mpg and a range of 300 miles (leaving 10 percent of reserve fuel). The maximum power rating allows for dual 400s for those who desire more topend speed, but the 300s brought the 302 up on plane in a tad over 5 seconds and performed a variety of maneuvers admirably, including sharp 180-degree turns without falling off plane.
This is where the Michael Peters SVVT hull clearly shines. Its dual steps pair with a notched bottom— about 2 inches deep—that extends from just behind the steps to the transom, spreading abeam midway between the chine and keel from port to starboard. Such design elements set the hull apart and give the Blackfin its speed and the desired reliability on the turns.
The 302 CC was a pleasure to run and proved every bit the offshore performer we’ve come to expect from Blackfin. On it, serious anglers will find all they need for success, while the numerous familyfriendly amenities let everyone enjoy their time on the water.