A simple truth: The Sea Chaser 24 HFC punches well above its class when it comes to features, construction, standard equipment and affordability. Built by Carolina Skiff, which has a 30-year reputation for reasonably priced quality, the HFC label (Hybrid Fish and Cruise) is perfect because fish and cruise is exactly what this beauty does.
Take the whole gang fishing on Saturday, because you’ve got not one but two 25-gallon bait tanks, an optional hardtop with powder-coated aluminum frame, 12 rod holders, insulated lockable fish box, bait-prep station with sink, saltwater washdown and even a side door for boating fish.
And Sunday is fun-day with the whole fam-damily. Replace the stern seat cushions and forward seat lounge backrests, and you can carry 12 family members and neighbors on an outing. As a bonus point for kids and ladies, there’s an optional electric head (portable potty is standard) inside the carpeted side-entry console with five feet of headroom. The head has a 9-gallon holding tank, so you can use it in harbors or close to shore without fouling the waters or breaking the law.
The forward seating is perfect for bow-riding or for stretching out with the removable backrests. Eight lighted cup holders and a rocking Infinity stereo with Bluetooth, USB and four big speakers complete the package. Our review boat was powered by a 250 hp Suzuki DF250 V-6 outboard (you can also opt for 300 hp), which pushed the boat over 46 mph, with plenty of punch (0 to 30 mph in 7.5 seconds) to yank wakeboarders or water toys around.
Solidly built with 100 percent composite construction (no wood to rot) and a five-year transferable hull warranty, the Sea Chaser 24 HFC comes with a list of standard equipment that usually populates other builders’ options lists, including the side-entry hull door, raw-water washdown, LED underwater lights, deluxe (and very comfy) upholstery, bow anchor roller, aerated baitwells and powerful Infinity stereo system. With its dual personality, the Sea Chaser 24 HFC lives up to its fish and cruise name perfectly.
High Points
- Full-composite hull and deck means no wood to rot — ever.
- Optional electric head with holding tank.
- Well-placed dual helm footrests.
- Standard side door helps with diving, fishing and dock boarding.
- Good systems access.
- Surprisingly good non-slip covering on decks.
- Stepped hull increases speed and efficiency.
- Standard bow anchor roller with space for a windlass.
Price: $47,269 (without engine)
How We Tested
Engine: Suzuki 250 hp four-stroke V-6
Drive/Prop: Outboard/16" x 20" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.20:1
Fuel Load: 60 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
Sea Chaser By Carolina Skiff - Waycross, Georgia; 800-422-7282; carolinaskiff.com
