Endless Kicks: With a 710-hp engine, the Hallett 270-S should keep anyone who drives it entertained for a long time.

By Matt Trulio

Regardless of how many big offshore V-bottoms and catamarans we test, we still get a major kick out of really good single-engine sport boats. They are not complicated, but they distill the simple joy of driving a go-fast boat to its essence. They have enough speed, acceleration and crisp handling to be engaging, yet they fall easily within the skill set of the average driver.

And that's exactly why we liked the Hallett 270-S we tested in Long Beach, Calif. The stepped closed-deck model was the epitome of a single-engine sport boat in all the aforementioned ways. Just as important, it was built with the high quality that has earned Hallett Boats its precious reputation for craftsmanship.

PERFORMANCE
To power the single-step, forward-vented 27-footer, Hallett chose an Ilmor 7-10 engine with an IMCO Xtreme Advantage 1000 drive. With the V-10 engine turning 5,400 rpm, the boat topped out at 90.1 mph.

Time to plane with the trim tabs down was 5 seconds, and 15 seconds later the 270-S was humming along at 73 mph. But where the boat really became a kick to drive was in the midrange acceleration drills. It ran from 30 to 50 mph in 5.2 seconds, 40 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and 40 to 70 mph in 9 seconds. In terms of all-around performance for the supplied power, the sport boat was propped perfectly.

Strong in the handling department, the 270-S didn't stray or bite in slalom turns at low to high speeds, as well as mid- and high-speed sweeping turns. Because of the deck angle, the boat actually appeared to ride somewhat bow down. But that was an illusion as the boat demonstrated no negative qualities, such as bow steering or plowing, commonly associated with that riding attitude.

Full hydraulic steering, imperative on any boat in this class, gave the boat a positive and responsive touch at the helm. Zero correction was required to keep the boat running in a straight line whether our test driver was getting on the power or pulling it back.

A 10-mile-long breakwater protects Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors from the open ocean. It does not, however, keep those waters free of hefty wakes from commercial vessels such as tugs and fishing boats. A couple of those 3- to 4-foot wakes caught us by surprise during our runs in the 270-S. The pleasant aspect of that surprise was how solid the boat felt going through the wakes.

WORKMANSHIP
"This boat is gorgeous," said Bob Teague, Powerboat's lead test driver and workmanship inspector, as he eyed the 270-S at the dock. "It's one of the prettiest models Hallett has ever brought."

In traditional West Coast custom fashion, Hallett handled all of the 27-footer's bright, clean graphics in the boat's gelcoat. Mold work for the hull and deck was typically immaculate and protected by a tough and finely installed stainless-steel rubrail.

With six Accon Pull-Up cleats properly distributed on the boat's gunwale, owners of the 270-S won't lack for tie-up options. Additional hardware included navigation lights, an attractive acrylic windshield, stainless grab handles and a hatch in the deck. Naturally, the sole of the boat was covered with Hallett's traditional teak-and-holly veneer and snap-in carpet.

The boat's power engine hatch raised to a high angle that the owner will like when access to the engine compartment is needed. Aluminum plates through-bolted to the stringers secured the engine. To make cleanup easier, the builder sanded and polished the bilge, which was covered in gray gelcoat, to a smooth finish. Sheathed in protective conduit, the engine compartment wiring was supported by regularly spaced stainless-steel cushion clamps.

INTERIOR
Three to four people could sit on the rear bench in the cockpit, though the best seats in the boat were the two bucket seats ahead of the somewhat-hard bench. Cupholders were built into the outer sections of each bucket, which were substantial and well padded. Gunwale padding and cockpit depth were ample, and grab handles were within reach of the bench.

Typical for boats in the single-engine sport-boat class, the 270-S didn't have many frills. The co-pilot's station on the port side did have the essentials. That translated to an elliptical grab handle on the dash and a footrest on the sole.

At the helm to starboard, the steering wheel tilted and had the Hallett name etched in its hub. All of the platinum-face Livorsi Marine gauges around the steering wheel were installed in orange bezels. In addition to the instruments, there were Bluewater Performance mechanical indicators for the drive and tabs.

Rocker switches for the accessories were mounted in billet panels. Also from Livorsi, the throttle and shifter were mounted on the starboard gunwale.

Though the cabin wasn't particularly large and didn't offer much in the way of headroom because of the boat's low-profile deck, the space was functional. Most likely, owners will use it for stowage or as a spot for their kids to hang out when they want to beat the heat. The cabin wasn't so tight that an adult couldn't spend a little time in there if necessary.

A sliding acrylic door provided access to the area, which had a berth, facing lounges and a small galley area. There also was a cooler in its own retainer.

OVERALL
Hallett's 270-S captures the essence of a pure sport boat, and in turn that captures the essence of high-performance boating. It's fast and quick, but stable. It's agile, but predictable. It has a comfortable cockpit and a functional cabin. And it's well built. The 270-S might not be the last boat you ever own, but in terms of pure fun it might end up being your favorite

See the Performance Trials test results HERE.

Click to enlarge.