The Sea Chaser 24 HFC is going to make a lot of friends with skippers who need several requisites filled before acquiring their next new boat: fishability, family-friendly, price and, of course, quality. Sea Chaser maintains that the HFC stands for Hybrid Fish and Cruise, so it’s more than just a stripped-out center-console for anglers — it’s got a passel of amenities for boaters hoping to venture forth on family outings as well.
As a fishing machine, the Sea Chaser 24 HFC offers a surprising array of standard equipment usually found on the options lists of many other boats. Start with the side boarding door (in addition to the transom door aft), an aerated 25-gallon baitwell, high-pressure saltwater washdown, insulated lockable fish box, six undergunwale rod racks, and a 100-gallon cooler. A no-brainer option is the T-top with a powder-coated aluminum frame, four rocket launchers, and space for antennas, lights and more.
For families, the console holds a portable toilet (consider the electric toilet option with 9-gallon holding tank), the bow has wraparound seating with deluxe upholstery, including removable lounge backrests, and the powerful Infinity stereo has speakers everywhere. The rear bench seat folds out of the way for fishing. There’s also a built-in cooler that converts to a livewell. Families will approve of the high padded coamings around the interior and easy-clean, spatter nonslip decking.
The 250 hp Suzuki DF250 V-6 outboard on our review boat pushed the 24 HFC to better than 46 mph, which should get you offshore in good time while still having enough punch to pull wakeboarders or water toys. You can opt for up to 300 hp singles or twin 150s.
Construction is reassuringly solid, with no wood to rot and 100 percent composite construction with a five-year transferable hull warranty. Other standard equipment includes underwater lights, bow anchor roller, fold-down cleats, and helm seating with folding backrest and footrest.
With a personality split between fishing and family, the Sea Chaser 24 HFC clearly lives up to its fish and cruise name.
High Points
- Full composite hull and deck means no wood to rot — ever.
- Good systems access.
- Surprisingly good spatter nonslip on decks.
- Stepped hull for increased speed and efficiency.
- Standard bow anchor roller with space for windlass.
Low Points
- Despite otherwise excellent mold work (cleat and swim-ladder recesses), the gas filler plate isn't deep enough to keep fuel overflows from splashing into the cockpit.
- Fabric and the spatter finish inside the console won't make "misses" easy to clean when using the toilet.
- No rail on the top of the dash to keep sunglasses and tubes of sunscreen from sliding off.
Toughest Competitor
From the same parent company, the Carolina Skiff 24 Ultra (about $42,000 without power) comes with single-only power to 250 hp, but is otherwise similar.
Price: $47,269 (without power)
Available Power: Outboard
How We Tested
Engine: Suzuki 250 hp four-stroke V-6
Drive/Props: Outboard/16" x 20" 3-blade stainless steel
Gear Ratio: 2.20:1
Fuel Load: 60 gal.
Crew Weight: 400 lb.
More Information
Sea Chaser by Carolina Skiff - Waycross, Georgia; 800-422-7282; carolinaskiff.com
