Remember when fishfinders flashed, transoms rotted out, and livewells were squared off inside? You won’t see stuff like that on modern center console fishing boats, and one of the great things about today’s fishing machines is that they’re in a state of constant evolution as the builders—at least the good ones—work to make and equip each and every model better and better. One we were on recently that wowed us was a brand-spanking-new Pair Customs 24 Deep V, which you might remember we reviewed just a few years back in Pair Customs 24 DV Center Console: Rugged Customer. More recently we took this boat for a test run, shot a video, and noted significant advancements. Some of that was due to tweaks and changes and some was due to the boat being optioned-out differently, but the bottom line is that we thought the new 24 Deep V we were on was an even better boat. So even though we don’t usually revisit a model until more time has passed, why wait?
The console and helm were where we first spotted some serious improvement, starting with the protection level when we opened up the throttles, because this boat had an integrated windshield rather than an add-on. And we loved the fact that there was a windshield vent we could swing open by hand. Yes, by hand—those fancy electric vents add cost, weight, and complexity to a fishing machine. All that, so you don’t have to burn the calories of… reaching up and pushing open a window vent? Um, please.
The forward console lounger with flip-down armrests was another standout item, because it’s big, comfy, and underneath houses a large fishbox that… wait a sec! On this model the fishbox was also plumbed to serve as a second (and rather massive) livewell, in addition to the preexisting livewell centered in the transom. And there was more cool stuff on the other side of the console, too, beneath the leaning post. Where the last 24 Deep V we were on had a small tackle station with three boxes and two drawers, this one had a huge station with five tackle boxes including two double-sizers, two drawers, two larger drawers with dividers, and two bulk stowage shelves. You could quite literally load up your light tackle gear, trolling gear, inshore gear, and offshore gear, and have it all onboard and at your fingertips at all times.
Look up from that tackle station and you’ll see four rocket launchers on the back of the post and five lining the hard top, plus a pair of kingfish holders on either side. Look farther up to check out the upper station. It’s an exceptionally well thought out perch, with an easily opening access hatch that slides back without any fuss (some are a bear) and steps integrated into the side pipework (some require goat-like climbing skills). Once up there you’ll find space for a 12” MFD; a wheel, throttle, and trim tab controls; and full-size swing-up bolster seating for two.
One thing we noticed that hasn’t changed one bit is the boat’s uber-stout construction. You may remember that this is something we’ve raved about in the past, because Pair Customs are built with two-inch-thick core in the stringers, biaxial 24-ounce fiberglass, two-inch core in the transom, and a full bracket for the outboard. To really wrap your head around how tough these boats are built, however, you need to step aboard one. Don’t take our word for it—try banging and stomping for yourself.
Better yet, get it off the dock and feel the hull underfoot. We’ve been in previous Pair Customs 24 Deep Vs in rough stuff and walked away impressed. When we ran the new model the chop was minor league and less than a foot, yet in some ways we were still impressed. Blasting through the Miles River at full tilt the boat didn’t slap or even move up and down one iota. And when we turned beam-to and drifted it remained shockingly stable with zero rocking and rolling. No, it wasn’t rough, but it wasn’t glassy either, and most boats would at least bump and rock a bit. Not in this case. Again, this is a trait you need to feel for yourself to fully appreciate, so cast off the lines, go for a sea trial, and then make your own assessment—we’re pretty darn sure you’ll agree with ours.
Speaking of blasting through the Miles: with the single Yamaha F350 on the bracket (it’s also available with twins), we ran at a slow cruise of 26 mph while turning 3500 rpm, and at 4500 rpm galloped along at 38 mph. When we nailed the throttle we hit 5800 rpm and a wide-open speed of 48 mph. Yamaha has tested the boat with different conditions and load, turned an additional 200 rpm, and got it well over 50 mph. Mercury’s testing with a 400-hp Verado got a hair over 50. And with a pair of 200s or 225s the 24 Deep V has posted numbers pushing into the upper 50s.
Times change, boats change, and people change, too. If you’ve evolved to the point that you want a no-nonsense fishing machine that’s laid out and rigged for serious angling adventure, is built as tough as they come, and rides well above par, try checking out a Pair Customs 24 Deep V. There’s a good chance you’ll find that this boat has evolved right along with you.
Pair Customs 24 DV Specifications
- LOA – 27’4”
- Beam – 8’6”
- Draft (min) – 1’8”
- Displacement – 4300 lbs.
- Transom Deadrise – 22 degrees
- Fuel Capacity – 150 gal.
- Max. Power – 450 hp
For more information visit the Pair Customs website or FishTalk supporter Brown Dog Marine, in Cambridge, MD, (410) 310-8931. In Virginia, the local dealer is Fridays Malise Marine in Saluda, (804) 758-4131 and in Delaware, it’s Shorts Marine in Millsboro, (302) 945-1200.