Many boats used for offshore fishing are so large that they can become cumbersome. In this guide, however, we are going to focus on the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet to give you some more compact options.
Large boats are great for handling ocean waves and to give you more space to host larger fishing parties. The downsides, however, include needing a much larger trailer and having to clean and maintain a larger surface area.
Not all small boats are incapable of handling ocean conditions and, in fact, some of these models handle better than their larger brethren. As an added bonus, you won’t need to purchase or rent an oversized boat slip to store your offshore fishing boat between trips.
So, without further adieu, let’s dive into these 15 offshore fishing boats!
Photo by James Acuna via Shutterstock
Best Offshore Fishing Boats Under 30 Feet
- Blackfin 272CC
- Cobia 301 CC
- Parker Boats 2120SC
- Seahunter Boats Floridian 28
- Caymas Boats 28 HB
- Everglades Boats 235CC
- Sea Born Boats LX26 CC
- NauticStar Boats 2602 Legacy
- Scout Boats 277 LXF
- Calcutta 263 Catamaran
- Seahunt Boats Gamefish 27
- Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
- World Cat 280CC-X
- EdgeWater Boats 208CC Heritage Series
- Sea Chaser 27 HFC CC Blue Water
Reviews of Offshore Fishing Boats Under 30 Feet
1. Blackfin 272CC
PC Blackfin Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- Length Overall (LOA): 29’5”
- Beam: 9’4”
- Weight: 6,500 pounds
- Draft (with engine down): 36”
- Draft (with engine up): 24”
- Deadrise: 22 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 180 gallons
- Maximum Power: 600 horsepower
Our list begins with an offshore fishing boat that the company claims to be a “verified battlewagon on the water.” While we hope you’re only doing battle with a massive marlin or two, at best, this boat is loaded with features and built for supreme offshore fishing comfort.
It starts with twin outboard engines at the stern and you’ll have a variety of engine configurations to choose from, with your maximum power topping out at 600 horsepower. When you’re not underway, flip-down transom seating provides a comfortable place to lounge as well as a stable fishing platform.
Some standard cockpit options on the Blackfin 272CC include a 30-gallon baitwell, a five-gallon bait bucket, two insulated 54-gallon fish boxes with macerated pump-outs, a total of eight mounted fishing rod holders, and an insulated storage cooler in the forward console.
As you’d probably expect from a top-of-the-line offshore fishing boat, there are also plenty of upgrades to choose from. Some of our favorites include a premium stereo upgrade package, a cockpit table with SeaDek inlay, and an additional six hardtop fishing rod holders.
2. Cobia 301 CC
PC Cobia
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 29’7”
- Beam: 10’
- Weight: 7,230 pounds
- Draft: 21”
- Deadrise: 21.5 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 267 gallons
- Maximum Power: 600 horsepower
The Cobia 301 CC improves on Cobia’s 296 CC design with several important upgrades. For starters, there’s an inward-opening side door that makes it so much easier to haul your large catches onboard.
That side door also makes for easier dockside boarding and Cobia has improved the entry and exit points off the rear diving platform as well. They’ve also added space in the cockpit so that you and your co-captain can navigate comfortably.
In terms of fishing features, Cobia has added a freshwater sink and rigging station in this boat’s tackle station. Plus, the upgraded console in this offshore fishing boat reorganizes all of your controls into an easy-to-use dashboard that optimizes functionality.
Some of the best standard features on the 301 CC include two 80-gallon insulated fish boxes, two 28-gallon livewell tanks, an electronically-adjusted bow table, and stainless steel gunnel rod holders.
3. Parker Boats 2120SC
PC Parker Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 26’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Weight: 3,520 pounds
- Draft: 15”
- Deadrise: 21 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 20 gallons
- Maximum Power: 225 horsepower
The 2120SC from Parker Boats is one of the lightest models on our list, which means you don’t need a huge truck to tow it. Once you’re on the water, however, it offers plenty of excellent features to aid in your offshore fishing efforts.
The standard features on this sport cabin fishing boat include a full transom decked out with an insulated fish box, livewell tank, and transom door with access to the rear swim platform. It’s also equipped with a raw water washdown for fish cleaning and under-the-gunnel rod storage and toe rails.
This Sport Cabin model is a great choice for foul weather fishing because you can retreat into the completely-enclosed cockpit if needed. That cockpit is also self-bailing and is lined with contrasting non-skid surfaces for better grip and safety when moving about.
4. Seahunter Boats Floridian 28
PC Seahunter Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 28’2”
- Beam: 9’10”
- Weight: 7,500 pounds
- Draft (with twin engines): 17”
- Draft (with single engine): 14”
- Deadrise: 15 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 166 gallons
- Maximum Power: 800 horsepower
The Floridian 28 is actually a hybrid design that makes it a versatile choice for both inshore and offshore fishing. It is truly built to go anywhere and provide a safe and stable fishing platform in almost any conditions imaginable.
There are a total of three livewells with pumps on this boat and it also features freshwater and saltwater washdown stations for cleaning your catch. The ability to refill the boat’s central fuel tank from either the port or starboard side also makes logistics easier every time you pull up to a marina with a fueling station.
Sea Hunter Boats also offers a variety of useful fishing upgrades for the Floridian 28. This includes carbon fiber outriggers, a removable rear bench seat, a toilet system, underwater lights, an electric trolling monitor, a shallow water anchoring system, and much more.
5. Caymas Boats 28 HB
PC Caymas Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 27’7”
- Beam: 9’4”
- Weight: 4,300 pounds
- Draft (with engine up): 16”
- Deadrise: 18.5 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 120 gallons
- Maximum Power: 450 horsepower
The Caymas Boats 28 HB features many design benefits that you won’t find on all the other choices for the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet. For starters, it boasts multiple centers of pressure built into the hull to reduce trim angle and drag.
It is also built with a ventilated center tunnel in the hull that provides hydrodynamic lift and improves ride stability. The tunnel’s vertical sidewalls also serve to prevent spin outs and air ventilation channels aerate the water under the boat, which further increases lift and efficiency by reducing drag.
Moving topside, the 28 HB features a 35-gallon transom livewell with an 800 gallon per hour pump, a large fish box with a macerator pump, a six-gauge trolling motor wiring harness, four gunnel-mounted stainless-steel rod holders, a fully-finished fiberglass console with a large access door, and much more.
6. Everglades Boats 235CC
PC Everglades Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 25’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Weight: 5,600 pounds
- Draft (with engine down): 30”
- Draft (with engine up): 15”
- Deadrise at Transom: 19 degrees
- Deadrise Average: 36 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 105 gallons
- Maximum Power: 300 horsepower
The Everglades 235CC is a great entry-level fishing boat for offshore anglers looking to try out their very first center console design. This boat debuted at the 2020 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show to rave reviews from the fishing community.
The bait rigging station on this boat is designed for ease and convenience when you’re on the hunt. It includes four fishing rod holders, tackle drawers, a rigging deck, and plenty of storage for tackle trays, tools, and leaders.
There’s a 17-gallon circulating livewell in the transom and an insulated cooler on the port side. At the helm, you’ll enjoy 360-degree visibility, digital displays, and a sliding windshield that allows you the flexibility of feeling the wind in your hair or protecting the cockpit on colder days.
7. Sea Born Boats LX26 CC
PC Sea Born Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 26’6”
- Beam: 9’8”
- Weight: 5,500 pounds
- Draft: 20”
- Fuel Capacity: 135 gallons
- Maximum Power: 500 horsepower
The LX 26 is another center console design that is the newest such build in the Sea Born Boats arsenal and it is a yacht-certified, family-friendly option for offshore fishing. It comes with a number of useful standard features as well as the choice for several amazing add-ons.
In terms of standard features, it starts with the boat’s all-composite construction and stepped hull to improve overall performance. The build also boasts an advanced fiberglass stringer system, a self-bailing cockpit, and yacht-finished diamond non-skid decks.
When it comes to fishing features, you’ll love the dual rear baitwells on the port and starboard side, as well as freshwater and raw-water washdown stations. This fishing boat also boasts a total of 10 stainless rod holders and additional under-gunnel rod storage.
A few of the intriguing options that you can choose from to upgrade the LX26 include a sport fishing package and a luxury touring package. The former includes an upgraded transducer and broadband radar while the latter includes a self-contained Porta Potti and a two-position bow table with an additional cushion.
8. NauticStar Boats 2602 Legacy
PC NauticStar Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 25’
- Beam: 8’6”
- Weight: 4,000 pounds
- Draft: 15”
- Deadrise at Entry: 45 degrees
- Deadrise at Transom: 22 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 139 gallons
- Maximum Power: 400 horsepower
The 2602 Legacy continues our trend of center console designs as some of the best offshore fishing boats under 30 feet. This one offers a central leaning post with a 21-gallon baitwell and a prep station for easy tackle rigging.
When you are on your way to your next fishing spot, there are few boats that offer so much comfort at the helm. This boat includes a bench-style captain’s chair with flip-up bolsters, an armrest, and a footrest.
At the stern, there’s an additional full-width seat that accommodates up to three passengers. Under that seat, you’ll find additional storage in an 18-gallon cooler and a 50-gallon insulated fish box.
9. Scout Boats 277 LXF
PC Scout Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 27’9”
- Beam: 9’
- Weight: 5,642 pounds
- Draft: 19”
- Deadrise: 22 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 164 gallons
- Maximum Power: 450 horsepower
The 277 LXF from Scout Boats is highly competitive with the other offshore fishing boats in its class. It sets itself apart with a fully-walkable transom swim platform that allows it to accommodate casual outings as well as serious offshore fishing.
The large forward seating area can also be used for lounging on hot and calm days, but you can convert it by removing the backrests if you want to operate the bow as a fishing platform. There’s plenty of storage underneath the seat cushions as well.
This yacht-certified fishing boat also includes a 9.5-gallon holding tank and a 13-gallon freshwater tank to accommodate extended fishing adventures. Some of its best optional upgrades include a removable teak bow table, additional fishing rod holders, a 12-volt refrigerator, and an engine flush kit.
10. Calcutta 263 Catamaran
PC Calcutta Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 26’3”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Weight: 3,200 pounds
- Maximum Draft (with engine down): 13”
- Fuel Capacity: 140 gallons
- Maximum Power: 300 horsepower
The Calcutta 263 Catamaran boasts one of the most unique hull designs you will find amongst these offshore fishing boats. The catamaran-style hull allows this boat to serve as a versatile option for offshore fishing as well as inshore applications.
The minimal draft is what allows this boat to operate in shallower waters, but the innovation doesn’t stop there. This boat features a fold-down transom door that allows for a seamless transition to the swim platform and easier onboarding when you reel in a large fish.
The standard 263 model includes a forward 350-quart fish box and an integrated 65-gallon fiberglass baitwell leaning post. It also offers four stainless steel rod holders, a diamond-patterned non-skid deck, two 1100-gph bilge pumps, a raw water washdown station, and much more.
11. Sea Hunt Boats Gamefish 27
PC Sea Hunt Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 27’6”
- Beam: 9’9”
- Weight: 5,600 pounds
- Draft: 21”
- Deadrise at Entry: 60 degrees
- Deadrise at Midship: 24 degrees
- Deadrise at Transom: 21 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 179 gallons
- Maximum Power: 500 horsepower
The Gamefish 27 with Coffin Box is designed for serious anglers that need a lot of bait and fish storage for their days on the water. Of course, it is not completely without its amenities for comfort and convenience as well.
That said, this fishing boat boats a 30-gallon transom livewell and another 40-gallon mezzanine split livewell. There’s also a 10-gallon pitch bait livewell, a 260-quart transom fish box, and a 256-quart coffin box to go along with this boat’s 19-gallon freshwater holding tank.
There’s also a China toilet onboard with an attached holding tank so you can do your business on long days on the water. The dash panel on this boat features an integrated wireless charger and a phone holder so you can keep your device charged and secure instead of dangling precariously out of your pocket.
12. Boston Whaler 280 Outrage
PC Boston Whaler
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 28’
- Beam: 9’4”
- Dry Weight: 6,200 pounds
- Transom Height: 25”
- Draft: 22”
- Deadrise at Transom: 23 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 186 gallons
- Maximum Power: 800 horsepower
The Boston Whaler 280 Outrage boasts the highest maximum horsepower of all the best offshore fishing boats on our list. That makes it a great choice for anglers that want to get up and go quickly when they spot action out on the horizon.
When you’re stopped and ready to fish, however, you’ll be able to take advantage of this boat’s convenient bait-prep area, port-side tackle storage drawers, tip-out trash can, and pressurized 30-gallon livewell with a clear lid for easy fish monitoring.
The 280 Outrage is also equipped with a 26-gallon freshwater tank that feeds a sink at the leaning post, a transom shower, and an anchor washdown. Automatic bilge pumps and a pump out of the boat’s two 54-gallon fish boxes also make this fishing boat easy to clean and get ready for your next fishing trip.
13. World Cat 280CC-X
PC World Cat Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 27’6”
- Beam: 9’2”
- Weight (with engines): 7,300 pounds
- Transom Height: 25”
- Hull Draft: 14”
- Fuel Capacity: 220 gallons (two tanks at 110 gallons each)
- Maximum Power: 450 horsepower
While it doesn’t boast as much horsepower as the Boston Whaler, the World Cat 280CC-X is built for extended fishing adventures. It has the highest fuel capacity of any boat we’ve included and it also boasts freshwater and wastewater tanks to keep you out and fishing longer.
In addition to its 17-gallon freshwater tank and nine-gallon wastewater tank, this boat also includes a 30-gallon livewell capacity. That doesn’t include insulated, lockable 355-quart fish boxes built into the floor on the port and starboard sides either.
At the stern, six flush-mounted fender holders complement the eight stainless steel rod holders positioned strategically on this boat. The helm also features fold-down seating and a walk-through transom with a latchable door that offers convenient access to the swim platform.
14. EdgeWater Boats 208CC Heritage Series
PC EdgeWater Boats
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 20’6”
- Beam: 8’6”
- Dry Weight: 2,500 pounds
- Draft (with engine up): 17”
- Transom Height: 25”
- Deadrise: 20 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 87 gallons
- Maximum Power: 200 horsepower
The EdgeWater 208CC Heritage Series is one of the most compact offshore fishing boats on our list and it starts at a relatively lightweight too. That is mainly due to its all-composite construction with fiberglass stringer system and closed-cell foam flotation.
This boat’s walk-in console provides 5’2” of headroom, but the aluminum T-top provides weather protection while including four fishing rod holders, an electronics box, and two LED spreader lights for better low-light visibility.
There’s also a console-mounted Porta Potti for your extended day trips and a six-gallon freshwater shower if you want to rinse your hands after prepping bait or cleaning fish. There’s also a raw water washdown if you don’t need fresh water for your rinsing needs.
The EdgeWater 208CC further features a 20-gallon transom baitwell and an insulated fish box with an overboard drain at the bow. If you want to upgrade, some of the best optional electronics for this boat include a Garmin EchoMap fish finder with a GT54 transducer and a Fusion stereo upgrade with two JL Audio M3 speakers.
15. Sea Chaser 27 HFC CC Blue Water
PC Sea Chaser
Available Boat Specifications
- LOA: 27’3”
- Beam: 9’8”
- Weight: 5,438 pounds
- Draft (with engine up): 15”
- Deadrise: 20 degrees
- Fuel Capacity: 189 gallons
- Maximum Power: 600 horsepower
The 27 HFC center console offshore fishing boat from Sea Chaser is a multi-functional design that will serve you well for serious offshore angling or casual family fun.
There’s plenty of seating spread strategically throughout the bow, stern, and helm, so you’ll have room for the extended family or your lucky group of fishing buddies.
Some of the HFC’s best standard features include a 12-inch SIMRAD NSS EVO 3 fish finder with sonar transducer and digital switching, a leaning post with an aerated 40-gallon baitwell and tackle trays, a 400-quart insulated storage compartment at the bow, a removable bow table and cushions, and a 30-gallon stern baitwell with LED lights and Max Air aeration.
Final Thoughts
Photo by Theodore Trimmer via Shutterstock
Offshore fishing requires knowledge of tides, ocean currents, and incoming weather patterns. Please be careful to check all of these factors while planning your trip and stay up-to-date on weather forecasts while you’re out.
Additionally, you should always register your trips with a local US Coast Guard station or other management agency. In the worst case, someone should have a record of when you left, where you’re heading, the names of all crew members on board, and your estimated time of return.
