Williston, Florida–based Blackfin Boats has been building rugged, well-regarded hulls for anglers and families since the 1970s. The brand earned strong word-of-mouth among serious fishermen in the 1980s and ’90s thanks to hulls that handled offshore conditions confidently. After weathering financial struggles that cast doubt on its future, Blackfin has reemerged under new ownership and a refreshed product lineup, carrying forward the boatbuilder’s reputation for durability and practical design.
Now part of Monterey Boats, Blackfin offers nine center- and dual-console models ranging from 24 feet to nearly 36 feet overall. The newest addition is the 32-foot Blackfin 302CC, a modern center-console that balances offshore performance, family comfort, and entertaining capability.
“I always refer to our Blackfins as 30-30-30,” says Mark Owens, vice president of design and engineering. “That is, 30 percent for fishing, 30 percent for cruising and 30 percent for entertaining. Day-boating is popular, and our center consoles reflect that shift: they give anglers the features they need while offering plenty of seating and creature comforts for family and friends.”
The 302CC rides on a double-stepped hull from Michael Peters Yacht Design and can be powered by up to 800 hp from Mercury or Yamaha outboards. The hardtop is a fiberglass structure supported by a powder-coated aluminum frame, and a tempered-glass windshield with overhead LED lighting protects the helm stations. The hull employs ACT (advanced carbon fiber technology) with a vinylester barrier coat, and the swim platform is molded integral to the hull, keeping lines clean and strength consistent throughout the running surface.
Fishing-focused features come standard: an insulated baitwell, two 54-gallon insulated fishboxes, and 18 rodholders distributed through the gunwales, transom and hardtop. Electronics and night-vision options are available for those who need enhanced navigation and vision; buyers can spec a Garmin electronics package and a FLIR night-vision camera. Console weather curtains are also offered as an option for cooler or wetter conditions.
Owens points out several owner-oriented conveniences that set the 302CC apart. A bow thruster is standard equipment, offering easier maneuvering in marinas—a feature not commonly included on boats of this size. The boat also carries a generous 50 gallons of fresh water, which expands onboard comfort for cruising and entertaining. Behind the console seating you’ll find a bait-prep station as standard, while an optional aft-facing seat with a Yeti slide-out cooler beneath it provides a versatile alternative for owners who want a mix of fishing functionality and social seating.
At the helm, the 302CC features what Owens calls the “command center,” with two large electronic displays as standard. The helm also includes a 6-inch fold-down step that lets the operator stand a bit higher to improve visibility. It’s a simple idea that adds real-world usability: shorter skippers gain better sightlines, and taller drivers appreciate the option to step up for clearer viewing of the horizon and traffic around the boat.
Family-friendly appointments are integral to the layout. Bow seating with removable backrests is standard, as are flip-up armrests for the forward-facing console seats and a foldaway transom bench in the cockpit that’s ideal for kids and extra guests. A cockpit table comes standard for socializing and dining, and owners can add a bow shade that attaches to the hardtop for additional sun protection.
Buyers seeking a more distinct look can select cosmetic and convenience upgrades: a black powder-coated hardtop frame, a boot stripe and matching upper-hull accent, underwater LED lighting, and a dive ladder for swimming and water play. These options let owners tailor the 302CC to match their style and intended use without compromising the boat’s fundamental practicality.
“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 notes. “These boats are known for their durability. We’re carrying on the reputation of the brand, just with a modern twist.” That combination of heritage, strong construction, and contemporary amenities positions the Blackfin 302CC as a versatile choice for anglers who also want comfortable, capable day-boat performance for friends and family.
Specifications
LOA: 32’8”
Beam: 10’0”
Draft: 2’9”
Displacement: 9,000 lbs.
Power (max): 800 hp
Price: $318,000
This article was originally published in the September 2021 issue.