Striper Boats has long enjoyed a reputation as a manufacturer of tough, no-nonsense offshore fishing boats that come with numerous standard features many other builders consider to be options. In early 2015, when the company introduced its new 27-foot Walkaround as the first boat in a new 27-foot series, most boaters knew it was only a matter of time until a center console version arrived on the market. It didn’t take long, and the all-new-for-2016 Striper 270 CC is already earning loyal followers.
The 270 CC takes its shape, lines and contours from the styling cues Striper established in 2012 with the launch of its then all-new 22-foot series, including an aggressive bow flair, deep freeboard, tall gunnel cap and a broad, assertive stance. Like all Striper models, the 270 CC is built with the company’s one-piece, Fibercore hand-laid composite stringer system, which yields a stiff hull structure for improved handling and reduced vibration when underway. The 270 outer hull utilizes Striper’s V-Trac design for maximum steering control, while minimizing shaking and porpoising. So far, so good. But it gets even better once you step aboard.
Although most will enter the boat by stepping over the gunnel, it’s also possible to board via the extended rear swim platform, with its color-matched Sea-Dek mat. No transom door? No problem – the entire transom wall folds down flat, allowing easy access into the main cockpit.
Pop the transom wall back up and note the fold-down bench seat contained within it. Additional fold-down seats in the starboard and port side gunnels are available as an option.
The 270 CC is set up as an offshore fishing boat first and foremost, as evidenced by its flush-mount rod holders, rod storage, coaming pads with toe rails, 12 tackle drawers, self-draining cockpit, and non-slip fiberglass deck. All the hardware is stainless steel, and the raw water wash-down system makes a quick and easy task of dealing with slippery fish scales.
In the cockpit floor you’ll find large port and starboard 34-gallon fish boxes, flanked by a 12-gallon, blue-painted aerated live well in each corner of the cockpit. Located amidships to the port and starboard of the massive center console are deep in-floor storage lockers that keep gear and equipment easily accessible, but out of the way.
The helm console is simple and neat, with a single Yamaha multi-function display in our review boat providing all the necessary operational information while still leaving plenty of space for mounting large, flush-mount aftermarket displays. The steering wheel is stainless steel, with a turning knob for greater comfort, while a long row of backlit rocker switches manage accessories like the live wells, bilge pumps, lights and such. A pair of padded, folding footrests is a welcome touch, nicely complementing the helm deck pad and leaning post with double drop-down seats. A standard fiberglass T-top with rocket launchers, spreader lights and flat spots to add optional outriggers provides weather protection for you and your gear, while a full-height glass windshield provides excellent protection from the wind when up and running. There’s also an available Polk Audio stereo system with Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream the music directly from a smartphone or tablet.
The front face of the helm console boasts a wide hinged door that provides access to a large head compartment, with a full six feet, one inch of headroom. The overhead light is a thoughtful feature. A Porta-potti comes standard, while a porcelain head is available as an optional upgrade.
The bow offers yet more in-deck storage space, as well as additional seating with its filler cushions in place. Fold-out back rests used to create forward-facing seating neatly tuck away when not in use.
Although the 270 CC comes very well equipped with just the standard equipment alone, an impressive option list allows owners to personalize the boat to their own tastes, with a variety of equipment and electronics upgrades.
The 270 CC is offered with a wide range of twin engine choices, ranging from 300 to 500 total horsepower. Our review boat, rigged with twin Yamaha F200s, ran like a champ, marking 58 mph at wide-open throttle and with the big V-Trac hull slicing through the waves without so much as a hiccup. With its massive 188-gallon fuel capacity, Striper/s 270 CC is built to travel vast distances to the fishing grounds and still have plenty of space to get home.
For those looking for a serious offshore center console, this boat delivers.
Striper 270 CC Specs
Length: 27’ 7”
Beam: 9’ 0”
Dry weight: 2,910 lbs.
Draft (up/down): 20”/34”
Fuel capacity: 188 gal.
Max power: 500 hp
Info: www.striperboats.com