The Blackfin 400CC is one for the family and the fisherman.
I love walking out to the docks and looking at all the boats. There’s such a variety, and the ones I see are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the different options available. Knowing I’m going to step aboard a new model, my thoughts automatically size up the boat before I even see it. That can be a bad thing, but when the Blackfin 400CC came into view, I was pleasantly surprised. Its black hullside color shows a sign of strength as it wrapped up to a subtle, yet commanding Carolina-style bow flare. The center console with its solid hardtop setup has a somewhat swept-back look with double row seating that makes her look fast just sitting there, and seeing four Mercury 400-hp V10 outboards on the back, well, it definitely has the power to go fast.
Stem to Stern
Anglers and families will appreciate this boat as it’s designed for both. In the bow, the flare allows for a wide gunwale that not only houses the anchor locker, but storage boxes for fenders, dock lines, or extra gear. Along with inset rod holders and pop-up cleats, the gunwale is clear so fishing lines or pulling in a catch won’t get caught. An insulated cooler in the forepeak provides a step-up to aid in setting the anchor as well as does double duty to hold cold drinks or as a 30-gallon livewell with acrylic lid. There are also two in-floor storage boxes with overboard drains.
A thick coaming pad cushions the rail, and there are plenty of drink holders, including those on the sunpad armrests. Music is provided through a JL stereo system that has a wireless remote at the bow along with four speakers. Whether cleaning up after fishing or needing to cool off from the heat, raw- and freshwater washdown hoses are tucked in a cubby. In addition, a bow shade is available to help block the sun. A really nice and secure safety feature is the recessed grab rail along the entire gunwale, and even more secure is the freeboard; it’s above waist high.
Access to the cabin is on the starboard side ahead of the helm and includes a circular vessel sink with a wine chiller below and microwave above along with the flat-screen TV. A bench seat folds down to a bunk. There are three convenient rod storage brackets on each side wall as well as storage cubbies. The enclosed head also has a sink with a separate shower stall, a nice feature on a boat this size. For real comfort, the cabin is air-conditioned, perfect when you’ve been in the sun all day. A skylight in the cabin top and forward keep the cabin bathed in natural light. Access to all the electrical and mechanical connections is in the cabin protected from the outside elements.
Command Center
The center of operations is under an oversized T-top, oversized meaning everyone’s comfortably covered, and there’s room for outriggers, a rocket launcher, antennas, a FLIR camera, and radar on top as well as controls, VHF, and an engine status display underneath above the helm. The command center at the helm can accommodate two 24-inch displays, in this case, Garmin, along with controls for a bow thruster, Zipwake trim tabs, the JL Audio system, and Mercury controls with joystick. A SeaDek helm pad atop the dashboard keeps stuff from sliding around.
Two rows of heated, bolster seats are covered with Ultrafabric’s Coast fabric that resists moisture and UV rays. The second row is elevated to give passengers a great view, and grab rails, cupholders, and charging ports keep guests secure and devices charged.
Anchoring the T-top aft is an ingenious entertainment center. Open the countertop to reveal an organized tackle station with holders for line spools, tools, knives, and lures, as well as a cutting board. Open the second cover to access the sink and optional electric grill. Three storage drawers underneath hold accessories for fishing or cooking, and two Yeti pull-out 45-quart coolers are below and standard equipment. Nice.
The Blackfin 400CC Is Lifestyle Friendly
The entertainment/fishing center faces the cockpit, and with the boat’s 12-foot beam, there’s plenty of room for anglers or the family. A large tuna door has room for a big catch and for boarding. For swimmers, a boarding ladder is stored under the gunwale next to the door. A starboard transom door provides access to the aft swim platform that has ladders on each side for water access. There are two in-floor 160-gallon fish boxes with macerated pump-outs, and the finished center bilge compartment has plenty of room for dive tanks or inflatables and a gyrostabilizer as well as easy access to the filters and pumps. Additional storage is in the transom to port and in cubbies under the gunwale where raw- and freshwater faucets are located. For a little more stability while fishing, molded toe-kicks get you a little closer to the gunwale and the padded, upholstered coamings provide a soft cushion when leaning over, just as in the bow.
Blackfin came up with a unique transom bench seat that sets over the 70-gallon livewell. The seat is removable when the fishing is hot or, if you want to sit and watch the trolling lines or have a place for the ride out and in, the center of the seat cushion opens to the same size as the top of the livewell for easy access.
Blackfin celebrated 50 years in 2023, and the flagship 400CC stays in step with its tradition, “designed by fishermen, built for life.” The Michael Peters’ designed two-stepped, deep-V bottom improves performance and ride, and the deck layout accommodates more utility and family friendly features. Almost everything is standard, including the FLIR camera and Taco outriggers. Powered by twin quad Mercury 400XXL V10 Verados, she not only has the comfort and ability to please any boater, but also the power and stability for a safe and enjoyable ride.
-by Steve Davis
SPECIFICATIONS
LOA (w/engines): 39′ 10″
Beam: 12′
Draft (engine down): 3′ 3″
Draft (engine up): 2′ 8″
Fuel/Water: 475/100 U.S. gals.
Dry Weight: 22,000 lbs.
Max Power: 1,600 hp
Max/Cruise Speed: 70.3/45.4 mph
Range: 318 miles @ cruise
Contact: Blackfin Boats
