Blackfin’s 242 CC impressed us with its solid ride, family comfort and hardcore fishability. The 242 CC operates above its paygrade, aggressively rigged with dual outboards to complement its aggressive fishing capabilities without forgetting that the family just may like to chill out, cruise easy, or enjoy sandbars and beachcombing.
For comfort, pop the forward seat bolster’s end cap from its fishing position, and with the casting-deck cushions in place, plug it into the coaming bolsters to form the backrest of two forward-facing lounges. A seat on the front of the console, which can also hold a portable head, adds more comfort. With that, the transom seat folded out, the forward lounges in place, and considering the dual leaning-post seat at the helm, the 242 CC boasts seating for a crew of seven or more and has plenty of power to carry them.
Fishing first. The livewell’s position on the port stern is ideal for rigging baits when the pressure is on. It’s 30 gallons, rounded inside, and is gasketed. Adjustable inflow and outflow valves help keep the well topped off, eliminating bait-killing sloshing in rough water.
Blackfin is bringing big-boat features to smaller vessels, such as the starboard corner tuna door leading to a surprisingly big transom platform with clear footing from starboard to port. There’s a hatch-covered ladder too. And it doesn’t seem to rob the cockpit of square footage either.
The leaning post covers a carry-on cooler, and its struts are angled to conserve cockpit space. At the transom, a stowaway lounge has a thickly padded bolster to brace against when the seat is stowed away. There are toe rails under the gunwales for secure footing when gaffing and rod hangers above them on each side. The fishability is enhanced by shotgun and gunwale rod holders. Fish boxes are macerated, and all hatches are lockable and gasketed for silent running.
All the better to continue its success in operating above its paygrade.
High Points
- Tough, resilient vinyl is comfortable to the touch, even in the hot sun.
- Hardtop is set up to receive outriggers without fairings.
- Helm station is large enough to hold two 12-inch chart plotters.
Low Points
- Our test boat was not equipped with leaning-post rod holders but those have since become standard equipment.
- Many boat companies tuck the trim tabs under the transom to eliminate an obstacle, but it reduces their leverage and efficacy over an extended mount.
Toughest Competitor
Scout's 255 LXF takes a luxury look at sport fishing too, and taps the bank at $136,493 with dual Mercury 150s. The standard equipment list is long, leaving few choices to the buyer other than color and power. It boasts comfortable seating, livewells, rod holders and other amenities.
Price: $136,250 (with test power)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engines: Twin Mercury 150 FourStroke outboards
Drive/Prop: Outboard/Revolution 17-inch 4-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 1.92:1
Fuel Load: 100 gal.
Crew Weight: 300 lb.
Blackfin Boats - Williston, Florida; 352-528-2628; blackfinboats.com
