Seahunter 24 Bay Boat - It is tippy?
Let’s get the obvious out of the way; it’s NOT a microskiff. At more than 24 feet long and with a beam nearly three times that of some micros’ it’s also NOT tippy! The Seahunter 24 from Seahunter Boats is a large platform-fishing and family-friendly bay boat that has plenty to offer the micro owner.
I received a call from my friend, Pete, asking if I had time to check out a boat. Without hesitation I said yes. He then laid the proverbial goose egg and said it was a 24’ Bay Boat. With a slight stutter I reconfirmed my desire to check out the boat. I’m sure there will be heck to pay on the online community, but I’m glad I was invited to check it out.
Seahunter Boats was founded in 2002 specializing in building large offshore boats. In just a few short years they have carved out a reputation of delivering a high quality product for some of the most demanding customers. Their new 46,000 square foot purpose built facility houses all aspects of the build process under one roof.
In that short time, their lineup included an 18’ flats skiff then jumped to a 29’, 35’, and 40’ offshore boats. Something was missing. Ralph, the owner of Seahunter, discussed what needs his customers had and mulled a litany of possibilities before deciding on a long shot with a set of molds that came available. Did the gamble pay off?
Some say the 24 from Seahunter may not score high in fashion shows. This goes to show just how shallow some can be. To bypass the 24 based solely on looks one would miss the beauty and soul this boat offers.
The 24 has an uncluttered layout with family-friendly touches like 11 cup holders including 3 in the rocket launcher, both 20 gallon freshwater wash down and raw water wash down, built in swim ladder, cell phone power outlet and super comfortable rear folding seats. But lock those seats down and the 24 transforms into a serious fishing machine.
Rod storage is paramount for fishing. The 24 has locking storage for 12 rods including room for a few 9’ fly rod setups. Fill the 67-gallon live well with enough bait to start a feeding frenzy then toss a few dozen shrimp in the 16-gallon crustation well just forward of the center console for good measure. 8 vertical console rod holders and 4 rocket launcher rod holders keep those rods accessible. While 8 Carbon Kevlar hatches keep your gear secure as the 250 HP Yamaha rockets you to the next waypoint on the touch screen GPS. A backing plate and custom built in pad is ready to accept a trolling motor on the bow. The 24 has to be a serious boat to become one of Voo Doo Daddy Captain Rob Fordyce’s preferred platforms for near shore angling.
The key to this versatility is the hull and top deck design. When Seahunter acquired the molds they had already gone through 4 revisions. Seahunter then added their touches like hulls that are built using 100% vinlyester resin, Kevlar and corecell foam. Components of the 24 are bonded together mechanically (thru-bolted) and weld-on. The hull and hatches are vacuum infused. All open areas and voids are filled with 4lb closed cell marine foam to make the boat quiet reducing oilcan effect. The hardware is all 316 stainless and the fuel tanks are .250” aluminum making the 24 one tough performer.
For the wet test we had a Chamber of Commerce day in Biscayne Bay. Not one of my favorite days because the sky is too blue and the water condition are too flat. But Captain Fordyce pushed the 24 out into the Atlantic in the same grounds that sportfishers were milling around scanning the horizon for their catch for The Mayor's Cup World-Class Billfish Tournament. The seas were mashed up and coming from all angles. Seahuntes’ 24 took it all in stride. The hull carved through the chop and then laid down nice and smooth. The multi chine hull will keep the occupants dry and comfortable.
Performance of the boat is what I would call predictable and user friendly. Whole shot was a respectable sub 5 second run and minimum planning speed was about 14 MPH. Fuel efficiency while turning 4200 RPMs on the 250HP four stroke Yamaha registered at 10.7 GPH with a 36.2 cruise speed on the GPS. Throw the hammer down, jack up the outboard on the TH Marine Atlas Jack Plate and with a light load and the 24 tickles 56 MPH. Weighted down for fishing 51 MPH is the average top end.
Seahunter Boats took a calculated risk in tough economic times. By purchasing a set of refined molds then massaging them with the Seahunter fit and finish the consumer is the winner by saving thousands of dollars. If you in the market for a family friendly bay boat that is a serious contender when it’s time to wet a line then check out the Seahunter 24.
Cheers,
Capt. Jan
SeaHunter Boats
25545 S.W. 140th Ave
Princeton, FL 33032
phone: (305) 257-3344
fax: (305) 257-5008
web site: www.seahunterboats.com
SPECIFICATIONS AS SUPPLIED BY MANUFACTURER
Specs:
LOA - 24' 6"
Freeboard - 20"
Overall Beam - 102”
Waterline Beam - 86"
Deadrise – 12.5 degrees
Forward Deck - 97”W X 126”L
Rear Deck- 98”W X 60”L
Cockpit - 78”W X 42"L
Overall Finished boat weight Ready to fish. - 3000lbs
Fuel Capacity - 76 gallons
Draft with two average 190 lb. - 14"
Standard Features:
BAITWELL
JACKPLATE
TRIM TABS
LEANING POST
HYDRAULIC STEERING
LOCKABLE HATCHES
FLIP SEATS
CUSHIONS
MSRP: $58,560
MSRP as tested: $63,000
For more information on Captain Rob Fordyce:
Capt. Rob Fordyce
1-888-CAPTROB
captrob1@bellsouth.net
voodoodaddy@bellsouth.net
Captain Rob Fordyce
P.O. Box 343548
Florida City, FL 33034
