The 256 DC measures 25 feet at the hull, carries an 8-foot, 10-inch beam and is rated for up to 400 horsepower with either single or twin outboards. A 150-gallon fuel tank gives it plenty of capacity for a boat this size, while the cockpit combines fishing features with convertible seating and an optional entertainment center.
It’s a familiar dual-console formula, but Sailfish has packed quite a bit into a boat that sits between its smaller 245 DC and larger 276 DC.
Hull and Construction
The 256 DC measures 25 feet at the hull and 26 feet, 5 inches when rigged. Beam is 8 feet, 10 inches, and Sailfish lists a hull-only draft of 19 inches. The approximate rigged weight is 5,800 pounds.
Underneath is Sailfish’s Variable Degree Stepped, or VDS, hull, with deadrise varying from 22 to 24 degrees. The design is intended to give the boat the sharper entry and running surface expected from a boat designed for coastal and offshore use.
The 256 is built using Sailfish’s SailTech construction process, which incorporates materials including Kevlar and carbon fiber. Those are established elements of Sailfish construction rather than features created specifically for the 256, but they’re relevant here because Sailfish is positioning the new boat as more than a protected-water family cruiser.
Single or Twin Outboards
The 256 DC can be configured with either single or twin outboards, with a maximum total horsepower rating of 400 hp. That gives buyers some flexibility in how they set up the boat.
A single-outboard configuration keeps things simpler and leaves more room around the transom. Twin engines may appeal more to owners who regularly fish offshore or simply prefer the maneuverability and redundancy of twins.
Which setup makes the most sense will ultimately depend on performance.
150 Gallons of Fuel
One specification that immediately gets our attention is the 150-gallon fuel capacity. That’s a substantial amount of fuel for a 25-foot dual console and fits with Sailfish’s intention for the boat to be capable of longer days and offshore runs. Exactly what the 150-gallon tank translates to in usable cruising range will depend heavily on engine configuration, speed, load and conditions. That’s another reason performance testing will be particularly useful with this model.
Helm
The helm has space for twin 12-inch displays, providing enough screen area for a serious combination of chartplotter, sonar and engine information.
A sport windshield is standard, while a full-height windshield is available for owners looking for more protection from wind and spray.
The ability to choose between the two makes sense on a dual console. Someone using the boat primarily in warm weather may prefer the more open standard arrangement, while owners running early mornings or in cooler climates may appreciate the additional coverage.
A Cockpit That Changes With the Day
The four-position port-side cockpit seat is one of the more interesting features on the 256. It can face forward while cruising, flip aft when passengers want to face the cockpit, or lay flat to create a lounging area. That’s useful on a boat where the cockpit needs to serve more than one purpose.
Permanent seating can quickly get in the way when it’s time to fish. Remove too much seating, though, and a fishing boat becomes considerably less appealing to everyone else in the family. The adjustable seat allows Sailfish to change the function of the cockpit without requiring owners to remove cushions or move bulky components around the boat.
An optional entertainment center adds a sink, cutting board and slide-out cooler for owners who expect to use the boat regularly for entertaining.
Fishing Capability
Sailfish hasn’t treated fishing as an afterthought on the 256 DC. The boat has clean working space in the cockpit, dedicated storage and 14 standard rod holders. For anglers considering a dual console instead of a center console, that’s important. Dual consoles naturally give up some walk-around fishing access in exchange for more seating, weather protection and passenger comfort. The 256 is intended to preserve enough fishing utility to make that trade worthwhile.
A standard port-side boarding door is another useful addition. Beyond making it easier for passengers to board from a floating dock, the opening can be helpful when bringing a fish aboard or getting dive and water-sports equipment in and out of the boat.
Family Comfort
The other half of the 256’s job is carrying people comfortably when fishing isn’t the day’s priority. The 8-foot, 10-inch beam gives Sailfish room to provide substantial seating without making the cockpit feel entirely occupied by furniture. Bow cockpit depth is 38 inches, while cockpit depth aft is 29 inches. The deeper bow should provide passengers with a more enclosed feeling when seated forward.
Sailfish rates the boat for as many as 12 people. That’s plenty of capacity for family and friends, although—as with most boats in this size range—the ideal number aboard will depend on what you’re doing. Twelve people on a cruise is very different from trying to fish effectively with a dozen people in the cockpit.
Enclosed Head
An enclosed, lockable head compartment is standard. The standard arrangement includes a porta potti with pump-out, while an electric head is available as an upgrade. A proper enclosed head makes a noticeable difference in how a boat like this gets used. For a couple of anglers heading out for the morning, it may not matter much. Add children, guests or an entire day on the water and it becomes considerably more important.
It’s one of the features that helps separate a true family crossover from a fishing boat with a few extra cushions.
Optional Seakeeper Ride
Seakeeper Ride is available as an option on the 256 DC. Rather than using a gyroscope to stabilize the boat while sitting still, the Ride system uses transom-mounted controllers to make rapid adjustments while underway to reduce pitch and roll. For owners planning frequent offshore runs, however, it’s an option worth investigating.
What We Like
150-gallon fuel capacity: It’s a generous amount of fuel for a 25-foot dual console and supports the boat’s offshore and long-day ambitions.
Single or twin power: Buyers aren’t forced into one engine arrangement and can choose the configuration that better fits how they intend to use the boat.
Four-position port seat: This is a smart way to provide passenger comfort without permanently sacrificing cockpit flexibility.
14 standard rod holders: The fishing equipment reinforces that the 256 isn’t simply a family bowrider dressed up as a fishing boat.
Standard side boarding door: It’s useful for passengers, swimming, diving and fishing.
Enclosed head: An important feature for a boat that’s likely to spend full days carrying family and guests.
Price
Sailfish currently lists the 256 Dual Console with a starting price of $148,835. That puts it relatively close to the smaller 245 DC, which currently starts at $137,770. The larger 276 DC starts at $224,798.
Those are starting prices, of course. Engine selection, electronics, Seakeeper Ride, the entertainment center and other equipment can change the final price considerably. With such a new model, we’d pay more attention to actual dealer configurations than the headline starting price when comparing boats.
BoatingWorld Verdict
The 256 Dual Console looks like a logical addition to the Sailfish lineup.
At 25 feet, it’s still a manageable size for owners who don’t want to move into a much larger offshore boat. At the same time, the 8-foot, 10-inch beam, 150-gallon fuel capacity and 400-hp rating give it specifications that should support considerably more than short trips around protected water.
More importantly, the layout doesn’t appear to sacrifice the reason many buyers choose a dual console in the first place.
There’s room for family and guests, an enclosed head, convertible seating and an available entertainment center. When it’s time to fish, there are 14 standard rod holders, an open cockpit and a side door that can make handling fish or equipment easier.
Based on what Sailfish has released so far, the 256 DC looks well positioned for buyers who fish seriously but don’t want every trip aboard to revolve around fishing.
2027 Sailfish 256 Dual Console Specifications
| Specification | Sailfish 256 DC |
|---|---|
| Hull Length | 25′ 0″ |
| Rigged Length | 26′ 5″ |
| Beam | 8′ 10″ |
| Draft | 19″ (hull only) |
| Deadrise | 22°–24° variable |
| Approx. Rigged Weight | 5,800 lbs. |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 gal. |
| Freshwater Capacity | 12 gal. |
| Maximum Horsepower | 400 hp |
| Engine Configuration | Single or twin outboards |
| Passenger Capacity | 12 |
| Standard Rod Holders | 14 |
| Cockpit Depth – Bow | 38″ |
| Cockpit Depth – Rear | 29″ |
| Bridge Clearance With Hardtop | 8′ 0″ |
| Starting Price | $148,835* |
*Manufacturer-listed starting price at time of publication. Pricing is subject to change and will vary according to engine selection, options, electronics, freight and dealer charges.
Images from: https://sailfishboats.com/all-new-256-dual-console-family-fishing-boat
