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Sailfish 245 DC (2018-)

1 x 300-hp Yamaha



Brief Summary

Dual console fish boats have been experiencing a resurgence in recent years. Once relegated to being viewed as “not suitable for serious fishing,” today’s dual console layout has been coupled with a true offshore hull design and all the fishing accouterments that offshore anglers demand. The Sailfish 245 DC has an open cockpit, comfortable helm position, a large walkthrough windshield and a family-friendly forward seating arrangement.

Test Results

RPM MPH Knots GPH MPG NMPG SM NM dBa
600 3.7 3.2 0.8 4.8 4.2 476 413.7 68
1000 5.5 4.8 1.4 4 3.5 399 346.9 72
1500 7.1 6.1 2.2 3.2 2.8 316 274.6 72
2000 8.2 7.1 3.3 2.5 2.2 247 214.9 78
2500 10.2 8.9 5.4 1.9 1.7 188 163.7 78
3000 13.7 11.9 7.2 1.9 1.7 188 163.5 79
3500 24.5 21.3 9.1 2.7 2.3 267 232.3 81
4000 31.3 27.2 12.5 2.5 2.2 247 215.1 79
4500 35.7 31 15.9 2.2 1.9 222 193 81
5000 39.7 34.5 21.8 1.8 1.6 180 156.6 79
5500 43.9 38.2 29.4 1.5 1.3 148 128.6 79
5700 46.4 40.3 29 1.6 1.4 158 137.7 78
sailfish_245dc_chart_18.jpg

Specifications

Length Overall 24'
7.32 m
Beam 8' 6"
2.59 m
Dry Weight 4,788 lbs.
2,172 kg
Tested Weight 6,220 lbs.
2,821 kg
Draft 18"
0.46 m
Deadrise/Transom 22-deg.
Max Headroom open
Bridge Clearance 8' 5''
2.56 m
Person Capacity 12
Fuel Capacity 110 gal.
416 L
Water Capacity 14 gal.
53 L
Total Weight 6,220 lbs.
2,821 kg

Acceleration Times & Conditions

Time to Plane 7.6 sec.
0 to 30 10.4 sec.
Props 15 1/2" x 17"
Load 2 persons, 2/3 fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear
Climate 96 deg., wind: 8 mph; seas: light chop

Engine Options

Tested Engine 1 x 300-hp Yamaha
Std. Power Not Available
Opt. Power 1 x 200-hp Mercury XL
1 x 250-hp Mercury XL Verado
1 x 300-hp Mercury XXL Verado with white painted motor
Four single Yamaha engine options from 200-hp to 300-hp

Sailfish 245DC running

The Sailfish 245 DC has an LOA of 24’ (7.32 m), a beam of 8’6” (2.59 m), and a draft of 18” (.46 m).

Mission

The Sailfish 245 DC is designed and built to provide a flexible platform for families to enjoy time on the water. Primarily a fishing boat, the dual console with a walkthrough windshield is a configuration traditionally utilized in a runabout. This layout of the Sailfish 245 DC provides a generous, open cockpit (with the standard aft bolster seat and port side aft fold-out seat in the stowed position) for fish fighting. In turn, the 245 DC dual console design creates a highly social and comfortable seating area for up to 12 people.

Sailfish 245DC deck plan

This overhead view clearly displays the Sailfish 245 DC is designed for a crowd. Note the starboard, aft fold-out seating is optional.

Major Features

Sailfish 245DC walk through

The walkthrough windshield and flexible seating make the Sailfish 245 DC a versatile on-the-water platform.
  • Social and Adaptable Seating. The multi-position helm companion seat converts to a sun pad, forward seating, fold-away cockpit seating and helm seating with armrests.
  • Well Appointed Helm. Comfortable helm seating and an ergonomic helm dash and controls layout.
  • Carbon Fiber and Kevlar® Reinforced Deck and Hull.
  • Sizable Head Compartment. Comes standard with a freshwater sink, mirror, and lighting.
  • Highly Functional Cockpit. The cockpit area is replete with fishing features.

Performance

Sailfish 245DC power

Our test boat was powered by a single Yamaha F300 turning a 15’1/2” x 17” stainless-steel Reliance prop.

The Sailfish 245 DC has a length overall of 24’ (7.16 m), a beam of 8.6’ (2.59 m) and a draft of 18” (45.72 cm). With an empty weight of 5,350 lbs. (2,427 kg), 62% fuel (75 gallons / 284 L), two people and test gear onboard, there was an estimated test weight of 6,220 lbs. (2,821 kg).

The test was conducted with an ambient temperature of 96-degrees F at sea level, which is not optimal for the engine’ best performance. There was light wind (8 mph) and light chop.

Top Speed. With a single Yamaha F300, the Sailfish 245 DC reached a top speed at 5700 rpm of 46.4 mph.

Best cruise came at 3500 rpm and 24.5 mph. That speed produced a fuel burn of 9.1 gph, which the Sailfish 245 DC could maintain theoretically for 11 hours and 50 minutes and 267 statute miles with a 10% fuel reserve.

Acceleration Times and Test Conditions

Sailfish 245DC acceleration

Handling

Sailfish 245DC running

The Sailfish Variable Deadrise Stepped (VDS) hull created a dry ride.

The Sailfish 245 DC with the standard hydraulic steering proved to be very responsive. The boat turned and tracked well. The acceleration was composed and the ride was competent in the light chop conditions we encountered.

Boat Inspection

Bow

Foreward Navigation Light. The Sailfish 245 DC comes standard with a LED bow navigation light. There is a pop-up LED bow navigation light available that folds down flush.

Sailfish 245DC anchor

The optional anchor roller and windlass replace the standard, on deck anchor locker access.

With this optional set-up, the anchor adds port and starboard LED navigation lights and an additional pop-up cleat for the anchor dog lanyard. The rode and windless electrical connections are accessible from the hatch on the forward bulkhead.

Sailfish 245DC anchor rode

The anchor rode access hatch.

Sailfish 245DC standard

The Sailfish 245 DC comes standard with low-profile, powder-coated, stainless steel bow rails.

Forward Seating

Sailfish 245DC bow seats

The well-appointed forward seating provides an area for socializing in comfort.

Measuring 41” (1.04 m) deep and 17” (0.43 m) tall backrest for the lounge-style seating provides ample space to stretch out. The 59” (1.49 m) width across the forward seating and 18” (0.46 m) width of the foot-well, allows for plenty of space for four seated face-to-face and one facing aft while utilizing the optional bow table.

Add the optional forward mounted table and the forward seating area converts into a welcoming dining area.

Sailfish 245DC table

Note the additional stainless steel cup holders mounted in the optional bow table.

Sailfish 245DC lighting

The standard LED courtesy lighting, stainless steel four cup holders and two 12-volt outlets are built into the forward seating. The Fusion stereo and four speakers are a desirable option.

Walkthrough Windshield

Sailfish 245DC cover

Note the stainless steel cover for the standard electric horn mounted just below the starboard side console as well as the optional windshield wiper on the starboard (operators) side windshield.

The walkthrough windshield offers 21” (0.53 m) of width when moving forward or aft, between the port and starboard consoles.

The powder-coated windshield frame with tempered glass inserts are standard.

Sailfish 245DC windshield

The windshield closes easily with two latches (top and bottom) to secure it in place when operating.

Sailfish 245DC air dam

The air-dam securely latches closed or open against the starboard console.

With the windshield and air-dam both closed, together they provide significant protection from the weather as well as any spray.

Head Compartment

Sailfish 245DC head

The port side console contains the head compartment. Note the removable sea-grass flooring is standard and the marine head is optional.

The ample head compartment has 54” (1.37 m) of headroom and a lockable door. A freshwater sink with faucet, lighting, a towel rack, toilet paper holder, storage and mirror are standard on the Sailfish 245 DC.

Sailfish offers an optional Porta-Potti or electric marine toilet with a holding tank, dockside pump-out access port and overboard discharge on the test boat, which is a desirable option for long days on the water.

Sailfish 245DC head

With the assistance of a stainless steel gas strut, the console opens to reveal a 22” (.56 m) wide by 35” (.89 m) tall egress to the head. Note the containment netted storage in the door.

Port Side Convertible Seating and Sun Pad

The convertible port side seating is a special feature of the Sailfish 245 DC.

Sailfish 245DC convertible seat

The convertible port side seat is shown in the forward-facing upright position.

Sailfish 245DC seat back rest

The backrest simply lifts and can be moved to the aft-facing upright position.

Sailfish 245DC aft facing seat

Shown in this image is another position, an aft-facing lounge position.

Sailfish 245DC sun pad position

This image shows the sun pad position.

Sailfish 245DC cooler

Shown here is the standard insulated built-in cooler forward and storage for a standard portable cooler aft. It's great for transporting perishables from home to the car to the boat and back. 

Helm Console

Sailfish 245DC helm

The helm is well-thought-out. Note that the multi-function display and Fusion stereo shown here are optional.

It is apparent that the helm was designed by an experienced boat driver. The convenient cell phone storage and glovebox are well placed and the standard hydraulic steering and tilt steering wheel makes adjusting from seated or standing position handy.

Sailfish 245DC trim tabs

The Ultraflex power assist and Lenco trim tabs shown here are both options.

Trim tabs and power-assist steering help make the Sailfish 245 DC receptive to varying waterborne activities.

The optional Ultraflex power-assisted steering, when engaged can be set to fishing mode, cruising mode, sports mode or manually adjusted.

The optional Lenco trim tabs offer a built-in auto-retract feature that returns the tabs to the start position when power is removed.

Sailfish 245DC storage

The storage behind the helm allows access to the helm systems and is a great place to stow lifejackets for quick availability.

Helm Seat

The operator’s seat is adjustable for added comfort. An optional pedestal is available which allows the seat to be raised and lowered and swivel to face the port side when not underway.

Sailfish 245DC helm seat

Shown is the helm seat in the operating position.

Sailfish 245DC helm seat

The bolster can be folded to provide visibility above the windshield while seated and allow the operator to stand while docking.

Sailfish 245DC arm rest

Shown is the armrest in the retracted position.

Sailfish 245DC operators seat

The operator’s seat with optional adjustable pedestal in the port facing position.

Sailfish 245DC ski locker

The standard in-floor ski locker is located mid-ship between the helm and port side seating.

Optional Hardtop

The Sailfish 245 DC comes standard with a Bimini top. The optional hardtop adds more protection and features.

Sailfish 245DC hard top

The optional hardtop comes with five courtesy lights, spreader lights, mesh storage for lifejackets, four rod holders mounted on the aft vertical support tubing, a powder-coated frame, and speaker mounts.

The optional entertainment center with sink, freshwater faucet, Corian countertops, two cutting boards, LED strip lighting, and a removable cooler.

Sailfish 245 DC entertainment center

Note the 12-volt outlet in the optional entertainment center.

Sailfish 245DC sink

Shown is the stainless steel faucet in the up position and split sink.

Sailfish 245DC cooler storage

Storage for the portable cooler that comes with the entertainment center option.

Cockpit

Sailfish 245DC bench seatSailfish 245DC aft bench seat

The cockpit is shown with seats in the stowed positions and the aft bench bolster folded in the up position.

Sailfish 245DC starboard seat

The starboard side fold-out bench seat is an option.

The cockpit measures 80” (2.03 m) across by 36” (.91 m) deep with the port side fold-out bench seat and the optional starboard side fold-out bench seat are in the stowed position and the aft bench bolster in folded-up position.

The coaming pads are mounted on the gunnels and transom. The gunnels are 28.5” (.72 m) above the deck and the freeboard of the cockpit is 34.5” (.87 m) to the water.

Sailfish 245DC ladder

The four-step boarding ladder and grab rail.

The transom door opens outward the way we like to see it, for quick emergency dewatering.

Sailfish 245DC transom rod holders

The transom-mounted rod holders and pop-up ski pylon shown here are optional.

The standard livewell is mounted on the port side and has a 25-gallon (95 L) capacity. It comes with a light-blue bait calming gelcoat and LED lighting.

Sailfish 245DC fish box

Port side aft in the cockpit, there is an in-deck fishbox complete with an advanced vacuum pump, not macerated.

Standard recessed rod storage is located on the starboard side. The test boat had the optional starboard side fold-out bench seating.

Sailfish 245DC transom hatch

Shown is the port side transom hatch to access seacocks in the bilge.

Sailfish 245DC battery switches

Battery switches are located on the starboard side of the walkthrough. The battery monitor and charging plug are on the port side.

Sailfish 245DC shower

Shown here is the standard transom-mounted, retractable freshwater shower wand. Note the plastic polymer tool holder mounted to the aft transom rail.

Sailfish 245DC wash down

The standard washdown connection can be seen in the engine well. Note the plastic polymer tool and hose holder located on the aft transom rail.

Variable Stepped Deadrise Hull

By molding in three different deadrise angles from the stem to the transom, Sailfish is able to give a smaller boat like the 245 DC the ride and the stability that we might expect in a larger, heavier boat.

Sailfish 245DC arrows

These arrows show the varying deadrise of the three steps in the 245 DC’s hull. The lower is 24-degrees, the center is 23 and the outermost is leveled out to 22-degrees.

This design gives the hull more flexibility to handle varying conditions than a fixed deadrise hull may. The 24-degree component at the bottom gives better handling in heavy seas, allowing the 245 DC to carve better through waves, rather than launch over them. The lessening deadrise as we move outward towards the chines provides her with better stability, fuel efficiency and speed.

Sailfish 245DC variable deadrise stepped hull

Conceptual drawing of the Sailfish’s Variable Deadrise Stepped (VDS) hull.

Kevlar and Carbon Fiber Materials

Sailfish is the only dual console builder we know of that uses carbon fibers in its deck laminate for stiffness. Carbon fiber is expensive and is not easy to handle but adds lots of strength with little weight. Kevlar is used in the transom corners and other places where the builder wants to inhibit flexing. It is puncture-resistant, strong, and lightweight.

Options to Consider

  • Fiberglass hardtop
  • Windlass
  • Electric marine head with waste tank
  • Removable bow table
  • Bow filler cushion
  • Windshield wiper
  • Operator’s seat adjustable height pedestal
  • Entertainment center
  • Garmin GPSMap multi-function display
  • Garmin radar
  • Garmin VHF radio and antenna
  • Fusion stereo with four speakers and USB port
  • Built-in two-bank battery charger
  • Trim tabs with indicator switch and built-in retractor
  • Two transom Rod Holders

Observations

The Sailfish 245 DC is a flexible platform for fishing enthusiasts that need to appease family and friends that prefer to partake in other boating activities. More than that, we also think that she should appeal to boaters who are only casual anglers but want a robust and versatile boat for cruising and watersports.

Optioned properly, the Sailfish 245 DC can perform a myriad of on-water pastimes with aplomb.