June 11, 2014
By Sam Hudson
FS Exclusive Photos of the Bluewater 2550
“It's a 25-footer that fishes and runs more like a 27-footer,” brag the folks at Bluewater boats about their Bluewater 2550. They must be doing something right at their headquarters in Fort Pierce, because the 2550 recently hit its 10-year mark. To recognize the decade anniversary of the model, Bluewater released a special edition of the 2550 with additional features which include mounted gunnel boards, increased storage and a modular electrical system with high-water alarm.
Standard features on the Bluewater 2550 include a 35-gallon livewell; a 480-quart fishbox down the centerline, with four additional fishboxes located both forward and aft; seven-foot lockable rod storage; lockable electronincs box; and a fully insulated cooler under console seat. Bluewater boats are built using a “multi-plex” stringer system which allows for a foam-cored transom and no wood materials.
Specifications:
Length (with Armstrong bracket): 28'0”
Beam: 8'5”
Dry weight (without engines): 3,580 lbs.
Transom deadrise: 24 degrees
Draft (hull only): 18 inches
Max horsepower: 400
Fuel capacity: 178 gallons
Freshwater capacity: 25 gallons
Up top, space for a two-person seat that locks into place with pins. Below, hatches open to reveal dual batteries with switch, and bilge switches and wiring. |
Full-size bench seat adds extra space for sitting when dolphin and kingfish are not flying into the cockpit. |
Starting from left, walk-through transom with door, a 35-gallon circulating livewell with light, and a transom sink with cutting board. |
One of five insulated fishboxes—two more aft and two more in the bow. |
Centerline fishbox tops out at 480 quarts, or doubles as storage and holds four rods up to seven feet long. |
Smaller hatch portside behind the console allows for plenty of storage. |
Close-up shot of through-hull transducer. |
Console includes lockable electronics box, hydraulic steering with custom wheel and power knob, digital engine gauges for fuel management, and cup holders. |
Above the console, the hardtop has eight rod holders, storage for equipment like personal flotation devices, and radio box. |
Built-in tackle box is easy to reach from console seat. |
In-console head is an option; others use the space for storage. |
One of ten stainless steel rod holders mounted in the port and starboard gunnels. |
A fully insulated cooler slides out from under console seat. |
On the bow, a full-size anchor locker and two of six pop-up cleats on boat. |
Optional 40-inch swim ladder sits on top of Armstrong bracket. Bracket adds about three feet of length to the hull. Maximum horsepower is 400, shown here. |
Most Bluewater boats are factory-rigged with twin Evinrude or Suzuki engines. |
This Bluewater 2550 maneuvered the calm waters of the St. Lucie River with minimal spray. |