Boat Review - Dusky 252T

The 252T from Dusky is a “Tournament” deck configuration of the venerable old classic 25-foot hull that has been a staple in the boating industry for decades. For nearly 40 years, Dusky owners have enjoyed the no nonsense hull design and rugged dependability of this model and the tournament deck on the 252T accommodates the needs of serious anglers. One thing about this company that stands the test of time is that they realize the value of a great design and don't succumb to the pressure to follow boating trends. An “if it's not broken, don't fix it” philosophy has served them well for over 50 years.

The 252T model features a clean deck design foregoing the traditional forward seats found on the 252 Open in favor of a clean access lane completely around the bow for fighting fish. The center deck is fitted with a giant Frigid Rigid coffin box that serves multiple purposes. This box is partitioned off inside to divide cooling compartments for food, drinks, fish, bait, or dry storage singly or in combinations. A half round extra plush removable backrest fits into the rear of the box to offer a comfortable lounge seat and the thick padding on top of the box offers a seating option for anglers in the bow while relaxing or fighting a fish.

Inside the console you have access to all electrical systems and batteries and room for dry storage is also plentiful below. The console is all business and an oversized single bow T-top provides a significant shade footprint. Dusky offers an additional removable canopy which installs from the leading edge of the T-top and reaches forward to the anchor locker bathing the entire foredeck in cool shade. Our test model included Llebroc helm and companion seating over a perfectly plumbed 60-gallon live well at the rear of the helm station. The cockpit deck is open for business and a single well compartment below deck along with bilge access are the only two holes in the deck on this model.

Across the transom a wide bench seat can be folded up for two person seating or stowed away in the down position to open up the cockpit while fishing. Like all Dusky boats, the 252T features the Dusky Drive integrated engine bracket and boarding platform. While this is a handy feature to work a fish around the engine or board divers at the water level; a notable benefit of this system is the closed transom design it affords you. The 252T is built for rough weather and along with this kind of weather comes waves over the splash well on a well transom design. This is of no concern on the closed gunwale design on this model.

Our test model was powered by a single Suzuki DF350 but the 252T is offered in several power options from 300-350 and offers fuel performance numbers most boaters would be pleased with. Roughly 3.5 MPG at 28-MPH cruising and 320 miles of range seems to be a median average for this model rigged with a single 300-horsepower outboard. Like all Dusky models, each boat is customizable and ordered factory direct. For no nonsense, hardcore anglers looking for a bulletproof platform to own for life, Dusky has delivered another option out of their fleet that can't be denied as both rugged or dependable yet is also priced for the working man.

Dusky 252T specifications:

Length: 25-feet 2-inches

Beam: 8-feet 5-inches

Draft: 13-inches

Deadrise: 20-degrees

Weight: 3700-pounds (approx.)

Maximum Horsepower: 350

Fuel: 100-gallon

MSRP: Starting at $63,100 w/350 Suzuki