By Walt Jennings
Blackfin. This storied name conjures up a deep vee, hard core, offshore fishing machine that has had its ups and downs in good times and bad since first introduced in 1973. The offshore hulls were the gold standard for small offshore fishing boats and are still considered cult boats that get rebuilt, repowered, and still run hard today by serious offshore anglers.
With the gigantic leap in power of outboard horsepower motors in recent years, the Blackfin legend continues with center console and cuddy cabin outboard models from 22 to 32 ft in length. While the 22 Blackfin center console is the smallest in the new line of Blackfin’s, it is a complete combination pocket fisherman and family runabout. The 222CC comes standard with a T-top, custom leaning post with flip up bolster seating and molded-in console footrests, and a tilting steering wheel with hydraulic steering that makes steering easy even for the weakest of drivers.
At the helm you will find an AM/FM Fusion stereo with 4 JL Audio speakers, and the door on the front of console is large enough to get inside to use a porta potti (optional). A 45-quart Yeti cooler sits under the leaning post, and there are large storage boxes in the bow under the padded bow seating. Mercury outboard power is available from 200-300 hp.
There is no wood used in the construction of any of the Blackfin boats, and the transom has a tuna door for bringing in big fish, with a recessed boarding ladder out back for re-entering the boat when at the sandbar or other times when you are in the water. A very sophisticated 30-gallon transom livewell is one of the best I have seen on any 22 ft boat. Also standard is a saltwater washdown hose for cleaning up fish blood, a stainless steel gunnel grab rail that goes from the center console forward, 4 gunnel rod holders, 3 transom rod holders, plus additional rod storage under each gunnel, and the list of standard items goes on and on, on the Blackfin 222 center console.
Specifications
LOA: 21 ft 6 in
Beam: 8 ft 6 in
Dead Rise: 20º
Fuel Capacity: 105 gal
Water Capacity: N/A
Holding Tank Cap: N/A
Boat Weight: 4,000 lbs
Max Horsepower: 300
Passenger Capacity: 9
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury
MSRP: $106,675 USD
For more information:Â www.blackfinboats.com