Pathfinder 2400 Open

A hybrid on steroids that's at home trolling nearshore weed lines or drifting inshore flats.

- Alan Jones

The beauty of Pathfinder's new 2400 Open is that it's great for inshore fishing, but also big and secure enough to head offshore even when the waves kick up. More than a hybrid, it features a deep, open aft cockpit that does away with the rear casting deck, making it more like a center-console layout from amidships to the stern. The 2400 Open has gunwale heights that measure between 22 and 25 inches, high enough for me to lock my knees under the full-cockpit combing pads.

For stability, the 2400 Open sports a 9-foot beam. Its 15-degree transom deadrise also enhances lateral stability. The model floats in 14 inches of water, so traversing shallow areas is not an issue. Our test boat had the optional 36-volt Rhodan trolling bow motor, which allowed us to stealthily work mangrove-lined banks, skipping lures under the limbs from the roomy forward deck.

For those into live-bait fishing, the 2400 Open punches above its weight with two mega-size livewells. The aquarium-style 40-gallon bait spa behind the helm seats wouldn't look out of place on a 30-foot offshore center console. It has a clear lid with friction hinges, two livewell pumps, and three drains in case one gets clogged. At the stern is a 25-gallon livewell that comes standard with a livewell pump, and is avilable with an optional recirculating pump.