Boat Test: 2023 Pathfinder 2400 Open

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Overview

When it’s lumpy, low gunwales and raised decks transform into liabilities. Pathfinder’s 2400 Open is a hybrid that resolves those common bay-boat issues with gunwale heights between 22 and 25 inches and an open cockpit, giving extra security when fishing rough water.

Interior and Accessories

My test boat’s optional ­upper station ($17,420) makes spotting fish, locating weed lines, or traversing shallow ­areas easier. Its abbreviated console accommodates a 9-inch display. Substitute a hardtop for $8,241, or go topless.

Live-bait fishermen will love the lighted livewell with two recirculating pumps, three drains, an aquarium window and a whopping 41-gallon ­capacity. A second 27-gallon livewell also comes standard. Optional outriggers ($3,746) on the upper station or the hardtop ($5,090) turn the boat into a compact ­sport-fisherman.

The 2400 Open’s bow offers a two-tiered casting platform. A 41-gallon insulated fish box set into the first level can be equipped with a macerator pump. Without the Rhodan GPS trolling motor ($5,644) that graced my test boat, the foredeck is devoid of line-­snagging obstructions, making it ideal for fly-casting or tossing a cast net. Just forward of the console is a doublewide bench seat. For added comfort, consider adding the portable head ($563) in the console.

I counted 27 rod holders, some of them also serving as cup holders. Four undergunwale racks hold three rods apiece. Extra-wide gunwales make this possible and make it easy to walk around.

The helm has room for twin 12-inch or a single ­16-inch touchscreen multifunction display. Sit on the twin ­Llebroc helm seats or use them as ­leaning posts. The dual footrests accommodate both positions. My test boat had the optional JL Audio stereo with six speakers.

Engine

Molded using the VARIS vacuum-infusion method, the stepped hull terminates in 15 degrees of transom deadrise, so it’s not a bluewater center-­console. But it allows the 2400 Open to float in just 14 inches of water. My test boat’s Yamaha ­F300XSB with Digital Electric Steering (DES) on the transom gave first-rate control. We hit 20 mph in 5.6 seconds, accelerated strongly to a top speed of 54.9 mph, and still achieved around 2 mpg at that speed. Dropping back down to around 30 mph netted 3.2 mpg.

Read Next: Pathfinder 2600 TRS

How We Tested

• Engine: Single Yamaha F300 DES
• Drive/Prop: Outboard/Yamaha Saltwater Series II 151/4″ x 19″
• Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 75 gal. Crew Weight: 420 lb.

High Points

• Option to add an upper station greatly increases the ability to find fish.
• Two standard livewells that total nearly 70 gallons put this boat in a class by itself.
• There’s no splashwell due to the 6-inch outboard jack plate, allowing for a full-beam swim platform.

Low Points

• Backrest side bolsters on the seat forward of the console make it less comfortable for two.
• Rear livewell subtracts fishing space in the cockpit.
• Industrial-strength supports for the upper station restrict visibility at the helm and create toe-stubbing hazards.

Toughest Competitor

Everglades’ 243CC bay boat, with 19 degrees of deadrise, is designed to handle rougher conditions better but has a narrower beam, and thus less interior space. It is loaded with standard features that are options on the Pathfinder, such as the hardtop, premium Fusion stereo with subwoofer, Garmin electronics and a head, pushing the retail price to $170,764.

Pricing and Specs

Speed, Efficiency, Operation

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Source: https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/2023-pathfinder-2400-open-boat-test/