Blackfin 302CC

This midsize center console is a do-it-all platform for an active family

By Kim Kavin

August 9, 2021

Williston, Florida-based Blackfin Boats has been crafting hulls for fishermen and families since the 1970s. The brand rose to prominence among serious anglers in the 1980s and ’90s, when word spread on the docks about how well Blackfin hulls sliced through seas. Then, hard times hit the business—words like “creditors” and “embattled” were all over the press. For a while, it was uncertain what Blackfin’s future might be.

Today, that future is bright. Blackfin, now owned by Monterey Boats, offers a lineup of nine center- and dual-console boats from 24 to nearly 36 feet length overall. The latest model is the 32-foot Blackfin 302CC.

“I always refer to our Blackfins as 30-30-30. That is, 30 percent for fishing, 30 percent for cruising and 30 percent for entertaining,” says Mark Owens, vice president of design and engineering. “Everybody’s going day-boating now. It’s not just fishermen buying our boats anymore. With these center consoles, you have lots of seating, lots of amenities.”

Michael Peters Yacht Design drew the double-stepped hull, which can be outfitted with Mercury or Yamaha engines up to 800 hp. The hardtop is fiberglass with a powder-coated aluminum frame, a tempered glass windshield and overhead LED lighting. The hull is built of ACT (advanced carbon fiber technology) with a vinylester barrier coat. The swim platform is integral to the hull.

Standard features for anglers include an insulated baitwell, a pair of 54-gallon insulated fishboxes and 18 rodholders in the gunwales, transom and hardtop. Owners can add a Garmin electronics package and a FLIR night-vision camera. Console weather curtains are also an option.

“We have a built-in bowthruster that’s standard. Most builders don’t do that,” Owens says. “And 50 gallons of water is probably a little unheard of on that size boat. Standard in the boat behind the console seating is a bait-prep station, but you can also opt for an aft-facing seat with a Yeti slide-out cooler under it. So that appeals not only to fishermen, but also to people who want to cruise and fish.”

Also standard is what Owens calls the “command center,” featuring two big electronic screens at the helm. “The helm also has a 6-inch fold-down step that allows the driver to stand on it and improve visibility,” he says. “I’m 5-7, so it comes in handy, but even the taller men and women like it. They can step up and see the horizon better.”

Also for family time on the water, Blackfin includes standard seating at the bow with removable backrests. There are flip-up armrests at the forward-facing console seating, and there’s a foldaway transom bench seat in the cockpit for kids and their friends. Also standard is a cockpit table. A bow shade for the hardtop is optional.

Spec’ing some pizzazz into the Blackfin 302CC is also possible. Owners can add a black powder-coated aluminum frame for the hardtop, a boot stripe with a matching upper hull accent, and underwater LED lights. A dive ladder can also be added for families expecting to do as much swimming as fishing.

“I work a lot of the boat shows, and people say, ‘My dad had a Blackfin. We used to go fishing all the time,’” Owens says. “These boats are known for their durability. We’re carrying on the reputation of the brand, just with a modern twist.”