BlackJack 256 Bay

BlackJack is one of those well-kept secrets you’d love to hear about. BlackJack and Frontier Boats are the two brands built by K2 Marine, headed up by Bill and Gary Kenner. Though they’re a regional manufacturer, they’ve been building boats hands-on for 70 years. A regional builder in Arkansas, they specialize in purpose-built, dedicated fishing platforms long popular with guides and hard-core anglers who want a no-nonsense platform.

The keys to the prowess of BlackJack models like the 256 Bay lie in fishability, performance, layout and ride. Guides swear by them, and our testing revealed that the 256 is indeed impressive. With a Mercury 300 Verado V-8 outboard, two aboard and 56 gallons of fuel, the 256 Bay jumped on plane in just 4.5 seconds. A quick plane is essential for backwater angling. Otherwise, it can where can mean dragging the gearcase and propeller through the mud.

We clicked off zero-to-30 mph times in just 7.3 seconds, hitting a best top speed of 46.5 mph at just 5500 rpm while turning a 21-pitch stainless-steel three-blade Mercury Enertia propeller. It’s worth noting that the 300 Verado’s operating range is 5200 to 6000 rpm, so it’s likely performance could have been even better (both acceleration and top speed) had the engine been propped to run more toward the 6000 rpm level.

The BlackJack’s hull allows for slow planing, staying on plane down to 17.4 mph. The deep-V forefoot tapers back amidships to a nearly flat-bottom stern. It’s designed for a smooth and stable ride combined with good performance in the rough, though the hull is geared towards skinny water angling. We tested in the afternoon chop and heavy boat wakes, and we still had a smooth and predictable ride. The BlackJack turns on a tight arc with no skipping or sliding, even at a good turn of speed. The bow rises when the throttle is dropped, but it quickly settles out with excellent visibility all around.

Best fuel mileage is achieved at a good cruise speed. At 3000 rpm and just under 26 mph, we saw 3.4 miles per gallon (7.6 gph). That adds up to just under 244 miles of range leaving 10 percent of fuel in reserve. It’ll take a couple days of hitting hot spots to empty the standard 80-gallon tank.

The 256’s hull has a defined Carolina flare forward in the shearline, which permits rough water running without wave splash in the cockpit. Large, strategically located lifting strakes provide a clean ride combined with stability and secure footing in rough seas and hard turns. Built with vacuum-bagged hand-laid fiberglass with foam-filled core and stringers, there’s no wood in the boat to rot. The BlackJack’s gelcoat finish is straight, clean and blemish-free; obviously the plant molds are well-built and meticulously maintained. The rubrail is substantial, with a stainless-steel insert, and installed straight and true with no dips or visible hardware.  

The bow features a choice of trolling motors, factory mounted with through-bolts to the deck for a secure fix. The deck is fitted with a one-inch diameter anodized welded aluminum handrail. A bow anchor locker is flanked by 7-foot rod lockers, with a large center locker in between. It’s deep for extra storage and has a large perimeter lid seal to keep water out. A forward 30-gallon livewell, which is insulated and drains overboard, also serves as a step up to the elevated bow platform. All storage and below-deck compartments are fully gelcoat finished and fitted with LED lighting inside, with gas shock assists for all lids.

The cockpit layout revolves around a center-mounted helm with a forward interior door for easy access to the back side of the dashboard. There’s a lot of room inside the console, enough for a portable marine head that’s offered as an option. A 75-quart Yeti cooler is floor-mounted just in front of the console. A black powdercoated T-top frame surrounds the console, providing shelter for the pilot and navigator. The T-top itself is hand-laid and vacuum-bagged fiberglass, with plenty of lighting and storage built-in. Triple vertical rod holders are mounted to each side of the console, with three more rod storage pockets per side tucked into the recessed gunwhales.

The dash panel offers plenty of real estate to mount up to two screens of the customer’s choice. The custom anodized, welded aluminum leaning post sports custom black and grey diamond-stitched upholstery, a backrest and footrest, four more rod holders. Underneath, there’s another 75-quart Yeti cooler. 

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At the stern, the deck steps up to a large aft casting platform loaded with center 30-gallon aft livewell and side storage compartments. The lids for these compartments fold open to reveal jumpseats for crew members if needed. Aft, there are three more compartments across the stern to access the bilge wiring and plumbing, hydraulic pump for the optional Power-Pole anchors, and of course-more storage. The Mercury 300 is mounted to a standard Bob’s Machine Shop hydraulic setback jack plate and rigged with hydraulic steering. 

BlackJack’s forte is bay and inshore fishing craft built to withstand the rigors of professional guides and anglers. Guides and pros swear by them, not at them. If you desire a no-nonsense platform aimed at bay and inshore fishing, the BlackJack 256 Bay deserves a look.

Specifications

BlackJack – Knoxville, Arkansas; blackjackboats.com