Although the industry continues to excite with the race to release the next BIG thing, the newest breed of 23- to 27-footers provides great returns with vessels that are designed to maximize time on the water through exceptional efficiency, versatility and value. Whether you’re looking for the simplicity of a single engine outboard, a platform with higher gunnels to shield spray, or the reliability of twin outboards and capacity for additional passengers, this versatile class of open fishermen provides Florida boaters with a wide range of options to suit the specific way you enjoy spending time on the water. Capable of chasing tarpon, sailfish and more all in the same day, these open-deck layouts lend themselves to incredible opportunities and borrow performance and comfort attributes from a wide range of specialized platforms. While they certainly aren’t designed for the exact same purpose, these coastal hybrids can all access the shallows and provide safe navigation in open water, in addition to easy transit towing to local or distant boat ramps.
Regulator Marine 23
LOA: 23´5˝
Beam: 8´6˝
Weight: 6,200 lbs.
Draft: N/A
Max. HP: 4300
Fuel Capacity: 149 gal.
Notable Features:
– Twin 160-gt. insulated compartments under the forward seating
– 23-gal. transom livewell
– Stainless steel thru-hull fittings
– 360-degree padded bolsters
– Armstrong engine bracket
– Illuminated In-deck locking rod storage
– 24-degree deadrise
– Leaning post with tackle storage under the seat and four-rod rocket launcher
– Fusion Marine stereo system
MSRP: $93,395 (w/Yamaga 300hp)
Website: regulatormarine.com
Phone: 252.482.3837
SeaVee 270Z Bay
LOA: 27´0˝
Beam: 9´1˝
Weight: 3,000 lbs.
Draft: 15˝
Max. HP: 450
Fuel Capacity: 98 gal.
Notable Features:
– Four livewells with a combined capacity of 108 gal.
– Ergonomically located storage lockers and coolers
– Rod lockers accommodate 9´0˝ fly rods and console holders store 16 rods vertically
– Stainless steel 30-deg. rod holders (4)
– Drink cooler under forward seat
– 10-year hull warranty
– 75-gal. forward fishboxes port and starboard
– Bow storage compartment with separate battery area
– Molded double aft bench seat
MSRP: $111,075 (w/single Mercury Verado 300 HP and Amera Trail tandem-axle trailer)
Website: seaveeboats.com
Phone: 305.759.6419
Ocean Master 27 Ocean Skiff
LOA: 26´11˝
Beam: 8´6˝
Weight: 3,000 lbs.
Draft: 15˝
Max. HP: 400
Fuel Capacity: 165 gal.
Notable Features:
– 14 to 20 layers of Nytex biaxial and stitched 2415 fiberglass comprising hull
– 70-gal. storage locker in console
– Console with 6´2˝ headroom
– 120-gal. forward insulated fishbox
– 20-degree transom deadrise
– 35-gal. transom livewell
– Aft seat with two tackle centers
– Vinylester resins
– NPG gelcoat
MSRP: $130,000 (w/twin Evinrude 150 HP E-TECs and Float-On 9,000 lb. trailer)
Website: oceanmasterboats.com
Phone: 772.210.2554
Robalo R242
LOA: 24´0˝
Beam: 8´9˝
Weight: 4,800 lbs.
Draft: 20˝
Max. HP: 400
Fuel Capacity: 150 gal.
Notable Features:
– Aluminum-framed glass windshield with stainless steel grab rail
– Walk-through transom door
– Console headroom of 5´5˝
– 22-deg. deadrise
– Passenger capacity of 12/1,725 lbs.
– Sirius satellite tuner and antenna
– Kevlar reinforced hull
– 20-gal. bow livewell with LED lighting
– 27-gal. aft fishbox and 30-gal. in-deck fishboxes
MSRP: $71,017 (w/Yamaha 300 HP and Continental aluminum tandem-axle trailer with brakes)
Website: robalo.com
Phone: 305.681.6602
SeaHunter SH 24
LOA: 24´6˝
Beam: 8´6˝
Weight: 2,500 lbs.
Draft: 14˝
Max. HP: 350
Fuel Capacity: 75 gal.
Notable Features:
– LED underwater lights
– Dual livewells
– 20-gal. freshwater washdown
– 8 vertical console rod holders
– Seating for five adults
– Carbon/Kevlar hull design
– Leaning post with 80-qt. cooler
MSRP: $99,600 (w/single Yamaha 300 HP and SEA-TECH aluminum trailer)
Website: seahunterboats.com
Phone: 305.257.3344
Grady White Fisherman 257
LOA: 24´9˝
Beam: 8´6˝
Weight: 4,300 lbs.
Draft: 20˝
Max. HP: 400
Fuel Capacity: 135 gal.
Notable Features:
– 20-gal. freshwater washdown
– 120-qt. forward fishboxes port and starboard
– 64 sq. ft. cockpit area
– Cockpit bolsters
– Lockable stand-up head in console with storage shelves and hanging locker
– Fold-away aft bench seat
– Flush mount electronics area
– 10 passenger capacity
– Stainless steel thru-hull fittings
MSRP: $116,270 (w/twin Yamaha 150 HP and Float-On aluminum tandem-axle trailer)
Website: gradywhite.com
Phone: 305.233.1111
Contender 25t
LOA: 25´3˝
Beam: 8´6˝
Weight: 4,200 lbs.
Draft: 18˝
Max. HP: 400
Fuel Capacity: 175 gal.
Notable Features:
– 24.5-degree deadrise
– 2000 GPH auto/manual bilge pump
– Walk-in console with head compartment
– Lockable storage under console in addition to lockable bi-fold electronics storage
– Hydraulic steering with custom steering wheel
– Integral dive platform with full transom and door
– Waterproof switches and breaker panel with indicator lights
– Heavy-duty rub rail
– Removable back leaning post
MSRP: $108,421 (w/twin Yamaha 150 HP and Amera Trail aluminum tandem-axle trailer)
Website: contenderoffshore.com
Phone: 800.645.2906
Jupiter Marine 26FS
LOA: 26´5˝
Beam: 8´8˝
Weight: 5,460 lbs.
Draft: 20˝
Max. HP: 500
Fuel Capacity: 150 gal.
Notable Features:
– 23-degree transom deadrise
– Transom door and gate
– 102-gal. fishbox with macerator
– Automatic battery management system
– Marine head
– Fuel filters/water separator(s)
– Lockable rod storage
– Multifunction instrumentation
– Forward seating
MSRP: $160,640 (w/twin Yamaha 200 HP and Amera Trail tandem-axle aluminum trailer)
Website: jupitermarine.com
Phone: 941.729.5000
Mako Boats 234CC
LOA: 23´4˝
Beam: 8´6˝
Weight: 4,100 lbs.
Draft: 18˝
Max. HP: 300
Fuel Capacity: 136 gal.
Notable Features:
– 21-degree deadrise
– Port and starboard gunnel mounted rod holders
– Starboard aft bait prep area
– Recessed electric trim tabs
– Forward console seat with 94-qt. insulated cooler
– Walk-thru transom w/latching door
– Extra large electronics mounting surface
– Canvas T-top with electronics box and aft spreader lights
– Foam injected hull with one-piece fiberglass stringer grid
MSRP: $73,185 (w/twin Mercury 150 HP and EZ Loader tandem-axle aluminum trailer w/disc brakes)
Website: mako-boats.com
Phone: 417.873.4555
Baker Boatworks 26 Calibogue Bay
LOA: 25´6˝
Beam: 9´3˝
Weight: 4,250 lbs.
Draft: 16˝
Max. HP: 400
Fuel Capacity: 90 gal.
Notable Features:
– Twin-step hull design
– Giant bow locker with three locking deck hatches
– Step-down head compartment
– 31˝ wide helm panel for large MFDs
– 50-gal. insole macerated fishbox
– 45-gal. transom livewell
– Two-man helm seat with backrest
– Built to order
MSRP: $114,500 (w/single Mercury 400 HP and Amera Trail tandem-axle aluminum trailer)
Website: barkerboatworks.com
Phone: 941.232.8646
