April 09, 2014
By Florida Sportsman
Inshore or offshore, the Dusky 227 takes you where you want to fish.
Stepped vee-hull and hard chine line characteristics might surprise some on a 22-foot boat. But not at Dusky, the Dusky 227 Open Fisherman center console is built for fishing offshore, even if it only measures 22 feet, 7 inches. All Duskys feature hand-laminated fiberglass hull construction, with the hull and deck laminated together.
The high-riding, surprisingly-dry hull takes swells well, especially the day Florida Sportsman headed offshore Port Everglades with Dusky's Mike Brown. We tested the boat in moderate swells, plus trolled some skirts for dolphin, just in case there were any pelagics around.
Nosing down the trough and over the crest of larger swells, we stayed just as dry as when we powered on top of and through the smaller chop. The stepped hull definitely played a role when we found some calm water to power the throttle. No fish were interested in our spread, but the waves and wind kept us busy all morning while shooting photos and dodging rain.
Top features of the 22 Open Fisherman include the proprietary Dusky Drive (outboard bracket), fold-down stern seating, loaded center console with T-top, and just about any customization imaginable (rigged and fabricated at Dusky's complete facility in Dania Beach). The mix should entice bay, nearshore and offshore anglers who want to trailer their boat.
Below is a complete pictorial review of the Dusky 227. Click on an image to view the caption.
Dusky Marine
110 North Bryan Road
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954-922-8890
www.dusky.com
Specifications:
Length: 22 feet, 7 inches
Beam: 8 feet, 2 inches
Draft: 12 inches
Deadrise: 20 degrees
Max horsepower: single 200 hp
Hull weight: 3,100 pounds
Fuel capacity: 60 gallons
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By Sam Hudson
