Blackfin 24?

bmajvi · #1 10-05-2009, 09:14 PM

I stumbled across an early 70's 24' Blackfin here locally. Yeah, I know it's not a Seacraft, but do any of you guys have any first hand experience with these boats? I'm told 24 degree deadrise, single straight inboard (454), center console w/cuddy (roughly similar to a 23' Savage). I've heard they're bulletproof, great in head seas, wet riding in some conditions, and thirsty...what else? Thanks!

BigLew · #2 10-05-2009, 09:27 PM

It's opinion, I realize, but their build quality is on par with the seacraft, some inherent weaknesses, but nothing irrepable. They are a solid platform for a DEEEP-V with lower freeboard. All in all- a nice capable hull with minimal glitzey nonsense, but rather a rational, fuctional boat. My opinion is that they rely on a lot of power to offset the weakness of the Deep-V hull design and you will pay for it dearly at the pump.

Dilligaf · #3 10-06-2009, 01:30 PM

sweet rideing... surprised its not diesel powered....

ricknewman · #4 10-06-2009, 05:23 PM

I had one for a couple of years inbetween Seacrafts and they are a great riding hull although wet and much harder to handle as far as trailering and loading.Also,its hard to manuever in tight places.

stumpie2 · #5 10-06-2009, 07:48 PM

i had a friend with an express style of this boat (similar to the sceptre). i have to agree with previous posts the boat was a pure battlewagon, great riding and suprisingly stable. no real problem manuevering in tight areas (twin 4.3 liter inboards with engines just behind helm seats) if im not mistanking they have a very wide beam for a boat its size making it a bear to trailer. all in all, given a chance to own one i wouldnt hesitate to jump on it. pure no-nonsense fishing machine

ricknewman · #6 10-06-2009, 08:14 PM

Yeah, mine had a single 454 under the console and didn't handle well.

bmajvi · #7 10-06-2009, 09:23 PM

Got to go over the boat "up close & personal" today (out of the water)...she's really been rode hard and put away wet...looks like a pretty significant restoration effort would be needed. Floors are spongy in several places, engine looks unloved, wiring, hoses & pumps appear many years old and funky, cosmetics are rough all over, hard to tell about the stringers.

That said, it sure looks every bit the tough boat I always thought they were! Kind of like a small Bertram? As some of you have pointed out, the heavy deep-v hull and 454 will add up to a pretty big fuel burn. Re: the single screw handling at dockside, I've run single engine auxillary sailboats for many years, so dealing with prop walk and taking it easy are non-issues for me. The beast does take nearly 3' of water to float it, and I imagine launching at some ramps would be difficult, if not impossible. No strut to protect the prop, like the inboard Seacrafts have.

So, the pros & cons add up to leaving me not quite pulling the trigger...but probably tossing & turning in bed tonight over it!

BigLew · #8 10-06-2009, 10:07 PM

Your heart is telling you to love it, but ALWAYS remember, "Don't love anything that can't love you back!"