Thoughts on Blackfin 25 Combi?

[hblac]

Been thinking about my next ride and a few older Blackfins have caught my eye. I think I'm much more interested in the 25 than the 24 but they are under consideration as well. First let me say that I have run a similar hull before in the Albemarle 24. It looks like the Blackfin 24's are based off the old Jim Wynn hull just like the Alby's so I'm guessing they have a similar ride? The Blackfin 25 I believe is a Jannace design which is considerably different. So for those with the experience how would you contrast the rides offshore in the typical 3 to 4 foot chop as well as 3 to 4 foot swells?

The boat I am most interested in is the 25 Combi with a Crusader 454. What would her cruise speed be in the ICW loaded and ready for an offshore fishing trip @ 3,200 rpm and 3,400 rpm? Approximately, what sort of gph and mpg would you expect from such a craft at cruise speeds. I left the Alby because she wasn't fast enough for me. Am I going to be dissapointed with a Blackfin 25 combi? Is she a soaker and if so would spray rails alleviate the problem?

Thanks in advance.

Hal

[ripcurl2785]

BOTH ARE GREAT BOATS. My pops and I run a 77 24 blackfin with twin 350's. The 24 hull is the same hull as the 233 formula and the 24 albemarle and the early See Vee. The 24 is a beast you can cruise in a 3 foot chop at 20knots and be comfortable. Our boat cruises at around 24 knots at 3000rpm. These boats are heavy and have a deep vee so it takes some power and fuel to push them. The only complaint i have is the bow is kinda low and while trolling you burry the bow alot. Over all its a tank though. Good luck

[Bligh]

I owned a 24 single and a 25 twin and they are both slower then the IO albie. I think all that weight makes them ride better though? The 25 hull is almost same except longer I own 233 formulas now all with OBs All highly customized.

[Kurt_W]

i can't comment on the 25, but did have a 1976 24' Blackfin with twin Volvo diesels.

Ran like a tank in any kind of water. Wet running boat, though.

Wish I still had it for what that's worth.

[clunan1]

If your looking in the 25ft range, you gotta look at the older 25ft Bertrams. Twin IO's, 10ft beam, and fiberglass stringers...hard to beat in the 25ft class.

[hblac]

If your looking in the 25ft range, you gotta look at the older 25ft Bertrams. Twin IO's, 10ft beam, and fiberglass stringers...hard to beat in the 25ft class.

Good idea! Any particular years and model number to consider?

Hal

[Hatterized]

a solid versatile fishing platform

[bigfish4me]

Love ours...all but needed a shoe horn to get the 454 merc in her though....we get 1mpg.....and cruise 22-24....she will plow through some crappy seas though....1974 and still solid..although not a combi.....we love our blackfin...thats why we still have her.

[clunan1]

Good idea! Any particular years and model number to consider?

Hal

Any of them. I think the first year was 1963 and they came with fiberglass stringers, from day 1. Thats what made them so unique, back then most boats had wooden stringers. 4 models to choose from convertable, sportfish, hard top and bahia mar.

[bglz42]

Loved my Blackfin! Wish I still had it.