New era in boating

[redeye1962]

My wife and I have decided to step it up a bit and get a larger boat. It is a 23 ft seaswil cabin cruiser and will be our first I/O motor. Does anyone have some insight about this boat. I have not heard of them before. Any secrets on I/O besides starting the blower before the starter would be helpful.

Thanks in advance

 

[Bondo]

Re: New era in boating

Ayuh,.... What Motor,..?? What I/O,..??

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New era in boating

Yeah we need to know what motor/drive. I have been impressed with the SeaSwirls I've seen.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New era in boating

I've always heard that all of the "sea" boats are about the same (sea hunt, sea pro, sea swirl, sea chaser, sea hawk, etc.) I have a Sea Hunt. They are middle market boats of generally good quality, build and design, maybe not a s good as grady's and whaler's but you save on price; not bad like bayliner and searay (which is a 'sea' boat I guess!).
can't help on the I/O; I am not a fan.

 

[JoLin]

Re: New era in boating

mmm... does Seaswirl even make 'cabin cruisers'? Thought they were all walkaround cuddies, and maybe some center console models. Might just be some confusion over definition, but there's a big difference in live-ability between a 23' w/a and a 23' cabin cruiser (see Bayliner Ciera Classic).

In any event, Seaswirl seems to have a pretty good rep. They're popular where I boat. In that size/type of boat I'd rather have an outboard, but there are pros and cons to both. As already stated, need more info on the propulsion system. 4, 6, 8 cyls? Mercruiser, OMC, Volvo?

 

[Backlash]

Re: New era in boating

Suggest you go to www.seastriper.com for a great deal of information on Seaswirl boats. I've owned a 21' Seaswirl Striper (walkaround) for about 10 years & love it.
Backlash

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: New era in boating

SeaSwirl used to make a full line of runabouts, cuddies and cruisers. The Striper series of boats were the saltwater fishing boats that are now all that Seaswirl offers.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: New era in boating

There is a 350 with an OMC lower unit. From what I understand Seaswirl stopped making the cruisers a few years back. This is a clean boat and seems quite mechanically sound. The lower unit was replaced less than a year ago. we will be taking it out this weekend for a run if it is not too cold and then make a decision.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New era in boating

Clean looking boat BUT the OMC power would be a deal killer for me.
What year OMC is it?

The Cobra still has parts easy to find but the OMC Stringer drive and King Cobra is a different story.
Many shops won't touch OMC drives either.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: New era in boating

You know I have heard that about OMC and I spoke to a couple of shops and they said it is no problem. Not sure about the confusion.

 

[JoLin]

Re: New era in boating

There is a 350 with an OMC lower unit. From what I understand Seaswirl stopped making the cruisers a few years back. This is a clean boat and seems quite mechanically sound. The lower unit was replaced less than a year ago. we will be taking it out this weekend for a run if it is not too cold and then make a decision.

Nice looking boat- thanks for setting me straight on the Seaswirl line. It's tough to find a full cabin model in that length boat, so I'd be awfully tempted myself, but OMC? I dunno....

Whatever you decide, good luck!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New era in boating

You know I have heard that about OMC and I spoke to a couple of shops and they said it is no problem. Not sure about the confusion.

No confusion.It's just that OMC has been out of business for about 13 years or more.
Thats why i asked what year the rig is and what drive.

If its 86 or newer it probably has the OMC Cobra drive.Parts can still be found for them but can get really expensive.
The older Stringer drive about the only parts are used ones on Ebay.

It being OMC powered should really reduce the price of the boat by about 2k.

I have owned both Stringer and Cobra drives and would not buy another one...Just my opinion but be prepared to spend a lot of money if any repairs are needed.

If it has the King Cobra and or the 5.8 engine parts are about non-existent.
No company even makes aftermarket parts for that setup.
I had to find an impeller for a 96 King Cobra last summer...After searching all over the web i finally found a dealer that had old stock with one left.
160 bucks for a part that is worth 20...

 

[redeye1962]

Re: New era in boating

The boat is a 88 and possibly a cobra. I am going to get an inspection on it to get some more information. If the lower unit was recently rebuilt it should last a while. We only plan on keeping the boat 5-10 years.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New era in boating

Good. We aren't saying it's a bad boat. We just want you to be aware of the potential problems you could have with parts and service with the OMC that you wouldn't have with a Merc/Volvo. And don't pay the same as you would if the boat was equipped with a non-obsolete drive system. Good luck with it.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New era in boating

The Cobra drives came out in 86 so hopefully that is what you have.
Better than the Stringer as far as parts anyway.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: New era in boating

I am having an inspection on the boat this weekend. I recommend this for anyone buying a boat, especially a larger boat.
I used to be a home inspector and was able to find things the common or even professional buyers were not able to. This is an investment and no matter how much maritime experience you have it always helps to have a 2nd pair of eyes.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: New era in boating

I am sad to say the guy selling the boat sold it today when I had someone coming tomorrow to check it out. Oh well maybe it is not to be. I noticed alot of 26ft sea rays for sale. we were going to check a few out tomorrow. Any ideas why it seems there are alot of them for sale?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New era in boating

They are very popular cruisers.

This time, stick with Mercruiser/Volvo. Too many boats available to settle for one with obsolete power. Good luck.

 

[redeye1962]

Re: New era in boating

It is a done deal. We got a 26ft 1980 sea Ray. It has a nice wide open layout and is in great condition. Everything is original............I hear Brown is coming back. I figure while everything is in such good condition we may as well use it and then worry about changing it out. We are happy and I am a bit stressed about the unknown of the ins and outs of a larger craft.
I think my Texas Maid knows something......... I saw a tire on the trailer getting a bit low.
We are looking for a slip now, unfortunantly it does not come with a trailer but I do not think my Sequoia can tow it. I tried to tell my wife we should have gotten a truck but you can only do so much.

Well once we have it in a slip and cleaned up I will post some pics.

we are looking at a 37ft owens someone is giving away...........like I need a new project. Wait, was I worried about a 26 ft boat and now looking at a 37?