Testing New Waters on the Young 27

An unexpected but exciting move to the area meant the Beasley family needed a boat for their fishing excursions. They found the perfect fit in the Young 27

George LaBonte

August 26, 2022

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The Beasleys’ new Young 27. Photo by George LaBonte — The Beasleys’ new Young 27. Photos by George LaBonte

For Brook Beasley and his wife, Olivia, what began as an impromptu vacation to the
Florida Keys during the 2020 COVID lockdowns unraveled a series of events that would see the pair and their four children uproot their lives in North Carolina and become permanent residents of South Florida.

Brook Beasley. Photo by George LaBonte — Brook Beasley

On their return trip from the Keys, a sudden school cancellation back home resulted in the Beasley family extending their stay by another month at an Airbnb rental home in Jupiter. In that short time, they realized that the area’s beach lifestyle was a perfect fit for their family—and by June of 2021, they were settled into their new home in Palm Beach Gardens.

After spending a season using various rental boats in Jupiter, they decided it was time to find their own vessel. The Beasleys were on the lookout for a vessel that would appeal both to Olivia and the kids, who enjoy inshore boating, and to Brook, who was quickly becoming addicted to offshore big game fishing. After seeing a review of the Young 27 from Young Boats, Brook was sold on the model and set about placing a custom order.

The boat’s custom family nameplate. Photo by George LaBonte — The boat’s custom family nameplate.

The Young 27 can be configured in a number of ways, and for Brook and his family, a boat that combined all of the attributes of an inshore and offshore boat was critical. Their model would include a full tower with controls for cruising the shallows and sight fishing, plus a 36V Minn Kota trolling motor for both spot-anchoring offshore and quietly stalking the shallows. A Power-Pole Blade stake anchor was fitted for trips to the Jupiter sandbar with the kids, and dual Garmin MFD units were added inside the lower helm station. Transom width seating across the aft casting platform was fitted with a custom wraparound backrest to keep the kids securely seated while underway.

A pair of Mercury V8s give the boat a maximum speed of 600 HP. Photo by George LaBonte — A pair of Mercury V8s give the boat a maximum speed of 600 HP.

Additionally, the boat was outfitted with top-quality hardware, such as Gemlux carbon fiber outrigger poles and upgraded seating at the helm by Llebroc, which adds an element of luxury that makes long boat rides easier to bear for the captain. For power, Brook elected to use the maximum recommended horsepower at 600 HP—a pair of Mercury 300-HP FourStroke Cold Fusion V8s deliver all the torque, top-end speed, and economy one might ever need on a boat this size.

Top-quality hardware includes Gemlux carbon fiber outrigger poles. Photo by George LaBonte — Top-quality hardware includes Gemlux carbon fiber outrigger poles.

Dual Garmin MFD units at the lower helm. Photo by George LaBonte — Dual Garmin MFD units at the lower helm.

With their new boat sitting comfortably on a lift behind the Beasleys’ waterfront home, the convenience of dropping in for a quick evening ride is a luxury to be appreciated. The family looks forward to the many Bahamas fishing excursions to come as well as exploring the waters off the northern Palm Beaches.