Sailfish 320 CC Fishability Test

While there are many fishing center-consoles on the market these days, not all are designed and rigged for top efficiency and versatility like Sailfish Boats’ 320 CC, which merges an innovative wave-taming hull design, state-of-the-art construction, and a smart and functional offshore angling layout.

Our test coincided with stiff east winds on the waters off Miami Beach, ideal conditions for testing the mettle and seakeeping qualities of the 320 CC, which rides on the exclusive Sailfish Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) hull, and features three distinct running surfaces, with deadrise changing in three 1-degree increments from 24 degrees (a true deep-V) at the very bottom to 22 degrees as it rises to meet the hullsides.

The transitions occur along the length of the stepped hull, creating the soft ride of a deep-V in rough water while maximizing speed and economy in smooth conditions. The hull’s triple strakes and hard chines provide additional lift and toss aside spray.

The design works well. The lift helps boost acceleration, allowing the 320 CC to go from zero to 30 mph in just over 6 seconds—without using the trim tabs—and slice through the waves at speed, taking nary a drop of spray while running with the wind on the beam, bow or stern.

The twin Mercury Verado 300s on the transom propelled the boat to a top speed of nearly 57 mph at wide-open throttle. Our best efficiency occurred cruising at 30.5 mph (3,500 rpm), where the outboards burned 15.4 gph, yielding 2 mpg.

Handling proved precise, crisp and smooth, thanks in part to the electric-power-assist hydraulic steering on our test boat, and the Sailfish felt solid as we took on a considerable chop, a testament to the quality of the construction.

Numerous design elements and features stand out. There’s a full-width watertight tackle organizer/storage locker atop the console. And at the helm, the 320 CC has an upholstered brow to shade and cut glare on the 40-inch-wide dash sporting a pair of Garmin 12-inch multifunction displays, Mercury VesselView display, Fusion audio source unit (serving Wet Sounds speakers) and accessory switch panel.

Most buyers will opt for the available Offshore Tournament Pack II ­hardtop, which includes an overhead electronics box, life-jacket stowage, 10 rod holders, and integrated backing plates for adding antennas and radar. The windshield wraps around the console, and an ­optional three-piece clear-vinyl ­enclosure that applies acrylic to the front and sides of the T-top for added protection is available.

Live-bait anglers will relish the livewell capacity, which combines a 30-gallon well in the starboard quarter and a 35-gallon well built into the leaning post abaft the twin high-back ­adjustable helm seats with flip-up ­bolsters and fold-down armrests.

For icing your catch, the 320 CC offers twin 260-quart insulated fish boxes in the bow to augment the 320-quart insulated fish locker below the aft deck. All drain overboard and feature vacuum pumps to evacuate ice melt, blood and slime. You’ll discover built-in rod and tackle storage on both inwales of the aft cockpit. You can ­also order the optional built-in tackle storage in the leaning post, accessible from the aft side, but this negates the leaning-post livewell.

The center console leaves plenty of room to follow a hooked fish along the gunwales. And with the seating pads removed from the elevated forward area, you can step up to battle a fish around the bow or man the anchor. The optional ­transom bench tucks against the transom for unobstructed fishing, and the standard transom door to port lets the crew haul aboard big tuna or swordfish.

While replete with angling features, the 320 CC also has its softer side, with comfortable amenities for those days when catching fish is not a priority. The bow is a great example. The ­optional Comfort Package adds upholstered pads, a center filler cushion and backrest inserts to create an inviting sun pad and lounge. There’s also a comfy seat on the forward console with a removable cooler underneath.

Everyone on board will appreciate the comforts afforded by the console’s interior, which includes an electric marine head, vanity with sink and freshwater faucet and pullout ­shower, mirror, portlight and comfortable SeaDek flooring.

Finally, there’s the style of the 320 CC, including the subtly sweeping sheerline and bold Carolina flare—all enhanced by the in-stem anchor roller. This classy center-­console will no doubt draw attention from today’s most discerning offshore anglers, as it should. It brings together elements that have the hallmarks of a sport-fishing legend in the making.

Test Conditions

• Weather: Party cloudy
• Location: Miami Beach, Florida
• Wind: East 12 to 15 mph Sea State: 2- to 3-foot chop Test Load: Two adults, 200 gallons of fuel

Specifications

Sailfish Boats – sailfishboats.com

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