Pathfinder 2700 Open: A Versatile Hybrid of Bay Boat and Center Console

If you trace the origin of the modern bay boat, Pathfinder Boats deserves a central place in that story. Around three decades ago, Scott Deal—founder of Maverick Boat Group—sketched the first Pathfinder design on the back of an envelope. That original 21-foot model married the shallow-water abilities of a technical poling skiff with the open-water characteristics of a center console, and it helped define a now-ubiquitous segment of sportfishing boats.

Built in Fort Pierce, Florida, Pathfinder’s current lineup includes nine models. At the top end of that range sits a model that blends two boat types into a single, highly capable fishing platform—the Pathfinder 2700 Open. This model was conceived as a true hybrid: a fishing machine that retains the casting and shallow-water advantages of a bay boat while offering the cockpit space, systems integration and seakeeping traits that anglers expect from a center console.

The 2700 Open rides on a twin-stepped, resin-infused hull that was engineered specifically around a single Yamaha XF425 4-stroke outboard. Yamaha rates the XF425-equipped boat at a top end around 52 knots, and most owners will find a practical cruise at roughly 3,500 rpm—about 27 knots—while burning approximately 10.8 gallons per hour. Pathfinder supplies a 90-gallon fuel tank as standard, and buyers can opt for an additional 37-gallon tank to increase range. A Yamaha F300 4-stroke is also offered as an alternative power option.

From the bow aft, the 2700 Open retains the shallow-water DNA of a bay boat. The forward casting platform runs gunwale to gunwale to give anglers a generous, unobstructed space for sight fishing and long casts. Underfoot storage includes an anchor locker and a large gear compartment. The step up to the casting deck hides an insulated cooler well-suited for drinks and snacks, and a factory backing plate allows quick installation of an optional 36-volt trolling motor for quiet, precise presentations in skinny water.

The aft cockpit reveals the center-console influences with a roomy, secure-feeling work area designed for serious anglers. The space is large enough to deploy a trolling spread, fly kites, or handle multiple lines when targeting offshore species in calm conditions. Pathfinder offers a 42-gallon livewell positioned aft of the Llebroc helm bench, plus a 22-gallon transom livewell—both outfitted with side-view windows for easy monitoring. Those features make the 2700 Open particularly appealing to live-bait anglers.

Rod storage and tackle organization were clearly priorities in the 2700 Open’s layout. Under-gunwale rod stowage accommodates 9-foot fly rods, and owners can add a five-rod rocket launcher to the back of the helm seat. Flush-mount rodholders are integrated throughout the cockpit, and an optional hardtop can house a six-rod rocket launcher for offwatch storage.

The slim console is arranged to support the electronics and controls that modern anglers expect. There is space for control switches, a VHF radio and a 16-inch Garmin multifunction display. The helm is finished with a destroyer-style stainless-steel wheel that incorporates a turn-signal-style jack plate control for easy trim and trim-tab adjustments. Breaker panels are mounted under the console, where there is also room for an optional porta-potty to keep the deck uncluttered.

Pathfinder’s 2700 Open is a thoughtful synthesis of bay-boat practicality and center-console versatility. By prioritizing a hull designed for a specific power package, incorporating ample storage, and providing adaptable fishing amenities, Pathfinder created a model that serves anglers who fish a wide range of waters—from skinny flats and coastal structure to nearshore offshore trips in good weather. The 2700 Open lets you choose which fishing style to pursue without compromising the core capabilities you need.

This article originally appeared in the September 2020 issue.