How One Boat Does It All: Fishing, Family, and Florida Charters on the Sailfish 272 CC

When Chris Eisenlohr moved from Kansas City to the sugar-white shores of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, he didn’t just change scenery—he embraced an entirely new lifestyle. A lifelong fishing enthusiast born Germany, Chris had spent nearly two decades in the Midwest before the Emerald Coast became his full-time home. And with that move came a decision that would fuel both his passion and his next big venture: launching a family-friendly charter business on the Sailfish 272 CC.

Chris’s boating roots run deep, though mostly in freshwater. “I've had several boats in the past,” he explains, “but honestly, I didn’t know much about the Sailfish brand until I started working with Captain’s Choice Boats. I got introduced to the 272 CC, and was very impressed with how it handled. That’s what sealed the deal.”

Designed with Sailfish’s renowned Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) hull, the 272 CC offers a smooth, stable ride offshore and exceptional performance inshore—especially in the waters of Choctawhatchee Bay. Chris needed a boat that could do it all: handle anything from nearshore to 60+ mile runs offshore while staying nimble enough for inshore charters and sandbar drop-ins. With a draft of 18 inches and dual Mercury Verado 250s offering about 2 mpg at cruising speeds, the 272 CC hits that rare, sweet spot between fuel efficiency, range, and handling.

Today, Chris runs Florida Bluewater Charters out of Santa Rosa Beach, offering everything from serious offshore fishing excursions to laid-back dolphin and sunset cruises. “What makes the 272 CC so great is its flexibility,” he says. “It’s fully geared up for hardcore fishing—rod holders, livewells, tackle storage, and bolsters at the thighs so you are not crushing your knees when hooked up —but it also has all the comfort features that make it perfect for families or casual groups.”

From a spacious private head to shaded seating under the T-top, insulated fish boxes to dry gear storage, the Sailfish 272 CC is built to excel at chartering. “It’s a super versatile, reliable, and comfortable platform that works great whether you’re running a serious fishing operation or offering relaxed coastal cruises,” Chris adds.

And his guests agree. Chris often runs with groups of 6 to 10 people, including families, concierge clients from nearby coastal beach towns, or fishing fanatics eager to chase redfish in the flats or grouper and red snapper offshore. “There’s plenty of room, even with kids and gear. The boat just doesn’t ever feel cramped.”

Chris’s story is as much about family as it is about fishing. With two teenage sons still at home and one in college, the 272 CC is more than just a workhorse—it’s a way to stay connected. “We go out just about every weekend,” he says. “It’s our way of spending time together, fishing, hanging out at the sandbar. The younger one is really into it—I’m hoping one day he’ll take over the business.”

From his roots in smaller European waters to finding freedom on Florida’s coast, Chris’s journey has been about chasing passion and building something lasting. The Sailfish 272CC just made it possible.

Follow Florida Bluewater Charters at flbluewater.com

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