HookedOnFishingBoats.com

You want to bust past 50 knots in 15 seconds? You want a boat that looks even faster than it really is? You want to chop through three-footers without slamming or pounding, while zipping along at these highway speeds? Then Concept’s 27 PR might be the right boat for you.

Let’s get the negative aspects of this boat out of the way right up front: with such an emphasis on speed, you give up some fishability. The boat’s svelte 7’10” beam shrinks available fishing space (while improving wave-handling ability and reducing drag). And there’s so much bling it actually gets in the way of functionality. Consider the forward-sweeping arch (which may interfere with rod-handling); the swept-back micro-windscreen (which offers little to no protection); and the compact helm (which has little room to spare for electronics).

On the flip side, few fishboats look anywhere near this hot, and few go this fast. On top of that, rigged with a single 250-hp Verado outboard the Concept attains these speeds while burning far less fuel than one might expect. At a 45-mph cruise, the boat gets 2.5-MPG. And at a 35-mph cruise, it’ll get you 4.1-MPG.

Fishboats made for speed need to have construction that can take the resulting stresses, and Concept ensures success in this regard by using vinylester resins with multiple layers of bi- and tri-axial fiberglass, over Divinycell foam coring. The hull to deck joint is through-bolted and sealed with adhesive/sealant, the stringers and transom are composite, hardware is all stainless-steel, and hatches are RTM molded for maximum strength and minimum weight.

Serious anglers should ditch the stylish arch and instead opt for a T-top that allows 360-degree fishability. They’ll also want to add to the pair of standard gunwale rodholders, and opt in addition for: a raw water washdown, a macerator pump for the fishbox, and a transom livewell; all of these items should really be considered must-haves, if you want to call this a fishboat. Added fishability bling bonus: have the factory install the optional rodholder LED lighting, and underwater lighting.

So, can you really call the Concept 27 PR a fishing machine? Sure, just as long as it’s properly rigged. And no matter how you fit it out, one thing is for sure: this boat will grab plenty of stares, whether you’re idling down Ego Alley or running for the canyons.

LOA – 26’8”

Beam – 7’10”

Dry weight – 3,200

Fuel capacity - 110

Max. HP - 350

Price – $80,000 and up (including power), depending on how you rig it.

Observed performance notes w/2 people and 1/2 load fuel, single 250-hp. Verado outboard swinging a 14.5” x 21” three bladed ss prop: