Just launched at the Miami Boat Show back in February, Sailfish’s new 245DC is the logical extension to the family fishing boat lineup that also includes the popular 275DC and 325DC models. The 245DC is sized “just right” for most Fisherman readers and represents the magical middle ground of seaworthiness, usable cockpit space, functionality and affordability. You can trailer it, keep it at a marina, stow it in your driveway or back yard for the winter and not drain the kids’ college fund to acquire it or run it as often as you have the opportunity. Dual console boats are the hottest layout for many families that like to fish, but also enjoy other waterborne activities like exploring new beachside hideaways; skiing, tubing and wake-boarding; watching the sun set while sipping a cold beverage; entertaining friends dockside; hitting your favorite waterside eatery; or just enjoying a quiet moment watching the kids clamming at the nearest sand bar. The Sailfish 245DC offers a layout that is conducive to making all of this happen, putting just about every square inch of space onboard to excellent use to support its multi-mission requirements.
PURPOSE BUILT
After the successful launch of its larger dual console sister ships, the Sailfish engineers were on top of their game for the creation of the 245DC and it offers an impressive list of standard comfort, sport and fishing features. One of her most interesting qualifications is the fact that she is rated to carry up to 12 passengers and there is a dedicated spot to sit every one of them! Walking through the dual consoles and starting in the bow, twin raised bench seats sit four crew in cushioned comfort, with insulated fishboxes down under complemented by overboard drains. A dedicated anchor locker in the forepeak provides easy access to the hook and rode via a locking flush hatch. Working aft, the deluxe captain’s swivel chair offers a neat flip-up bolster, so operators can run her either seated or standing with max back support. On the port side, a convertible double-back lounge seat features a built-in insulated cooler forward, with a removable Igloo cooler in the aft section, which allows this area to be used for dry stowage. The port console features a roomy finished fiberglass head area down below complete with a sink and faucet. Owners can choose from an optional porta-pottie or electric marine head with holding tank and pump-out. The starboard console offers additional dry storage with access to the electronics wiring and accessory panel. Speaking of electronics, the helm’s dash accommodates a 12-inch multifunction display.
%pullstart%SPECIFICATIONS:
Length: 23 feet, 9 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 6 inches
Weight: 5,350 lbs.
Deadrise Aft: multi-angle, 22° to 24°
Draft: 18° (outboard drive up)
Freshwater Capacity: 14 gallons
Fuel Capacity: 120 gallons
Max Horsepower: 300hp (single outboard)
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There’s a flush hatch located on the centerline of the cockpit sole positioned between the dual consoles that opens up to create a deep storage area for all of your watersports toys like skis, wakeboards and tow lines. It can also double as a handy fishing rod locker. The cockpit is a maze of activity with an aft-facing seat set just aft of the captain’s chair, a trio of fold-up bench seats located port, starboard and in the transom bulkhead, plus an additional insulated in-floor fishbox located in the port side aft. Other notable standards include a Bimini top, transom gate with folding boarding ladder, cockpit bolster cushions, 15 S/S recessed cup holders, LED interior and navigation lighting, a 25-gallon baitwell in the port transom corner, four flush-mount stainless steel rodholders and much more.
NEXT-GEN HULL DESIGN One common core that most Sailfish boats share is their patented Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) running bottom. This is actually a next-gen version of the old SeaCraft hull design and features three hulls in one. The first form near the keel features a 24-degree aft deadrise angle and is meant to cut through the water. The middle section combines with turn-down strakes to create lift and measures 23 degrees aft. The outboard section offers a 22-degree deadrise angle and creates lateral stability. All three of these hull sections warp to sharper deadrise angles as they migrate towards the bow that vary from 48 to 58 degrees at the entry. Every Sailfish is manufactured from 100 percent composite materials, using marine grade stainless steel hardware. Kevlar and Carbon Fiber reinforcements are added to the hull and deck for greater durability and lightweight strength. The entire stringer system is foam-filled for added safety. Each Sailfish boat comes with a 10-year hull warranty and a lifetime “no-rot” guarantee.
Sailfish boats are equipped with the owner’s choice of either Mercury or Yamaha outboard power. The 245DC is available with 200, 250 or 300 sea ponies hitched to the transom. Going with max power, factory tests have indicated that a Merc 300 horsepower Verado four-stroke will hit a top speed of over 48 mph at 6,200 rpm with a light load and two passengers. Dialing it back to a more sedate cruising speed of 4,000 revs, the numbers translate to 24.1 mph at 10.7 gph, for a net of 2.3 mpg, which is ideal for a beefy 24-footer. The 245DC’s standard 120-gallon fuel capacity will take you a long way between fill-ups, no matter where your ideal saltwater playground is located.
