Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

[7-up]

Hi,<br /><br />I am thinking about buyin a 19' center console. Am looking at a Sea Fox with a 125 Merc. 2 stroke and a Sea Boss with a 115 Johnson 2 stroke.<br /><br />Has anyone have and info about these boats? I heard that i should stay away from Mercs.<br /><br />I currently have a 18' 1990 Cobia bowrider.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

The Sea Boss is the same boat as a Sea Pro prior to 2002. They spun off the old designs as a new make. That said, The Sea Pros are generally regarded as one of the best value fishing boats out there. I have a 1999 210CC Sea Pro w/ a Yamaha. I can find nothing to complain about on the boat.<br /><br />Sea Fox does not enjoy the same reputation, though I have never owned nor used one.<br /><br />jocko

 

[7-up]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

Thank's for the word Jocko_nc,<br />I thought that the Sea Boss looked pretty similar to the Sea Pro(almost identical). I also noticed that the two makes are made in the same town in S.C. Are the companies associated? The Sea Boss seems like a pretty solid boat. I am gonna have to check ot the Sea Pro as well. I know I like them, but I think the Boss is a little less expensive. There's a dealer on the other side of the bay that has the Pro. I heard the Sea fox has bad wiring from a couple of different sources, hasn't impressed me as much.<br /><br />Barry

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

They are one and the same. The Sea Pro is a slightly higher end boat in finish detail. Sea Pro has become a well respected make and has begun to fetch a more premium price. Sea Boss is designed to capture the other market.<br /><br />The Sea Boss designs are fine. I would make sure they have not cost-reduced the components.<br /><br />jocko

 

[7-up]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

Thanks again Jocko, was wondering if the two were associated. I did notice that the finish work on the Sea Pro is of higher quality. Like you said, the Sea Boss is a somewhat stripped version. It looks like they share the same console. I am gonna inspect both makes thoroughly, to determine the craftsmanship on the Sea Boss compared to the Sea Pro, and make a decision. I still have to price a Sea Pro, if it's not too much more, I'll probably get one of those. Sea Pro does offer more standards and options. Sea Fox is off the short list now. <br /><br />Again thanks for the info and advice, it helped me feel more comfortable about my decision. I'll let you know what I decide.<br /><br />Barry

 

[7-up]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

Hey jocko:<br /><br />if you get this, do you think a 115 2 stroke is enough power for a 19' 1700lbs Sea Boss. They rate it at 150 max with 115 recommended. It seems they power them at the factory and the dealer is taking them in with the 115's. I may order one with more kick. What do ya think. dealer claims the 19' with a 115 will hit 40 mph at wot, which is enough for me, but you know dealers.<br /><br />thanks

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

Just something for you to consider. See if you can find a Key West Dealer in your area. These are comparable boats to the Sea Pro line. In my opinion, they are superior. Even JD power thinks so. If I am not mistaken, the Key West is a little less expensive than the Sea Pro with no sacrifice to quality and a 7 year hull warranty.<br /><br />As for the HP. If the max rating is 150 and you plan to pull skiers of go offshore, that extra power will come in handy. If not, the recommended 115 is fine. I know a few people with 19' Centers and the 115 does them well.<br /><br />As for the Mercury, I know that many poeple have them and they like them. I personally do not like merc (have never owned one). Most Key West dealers and Yamaha dealers as well. Yahama is a great engine and ranks #1 with JD Power as well.<br /><br />Knightgang

 

[7-up]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

Thanks Knightgang:<br /><br />I actually have looked at a Key West w/a Yamy at a dealer near me, and am considering it as well. It's about 2 grand mare than the Sea Boss, haven't priced the Sea Pro yet. As far as the merc, my current Cobia 18' bowrider had one. A 100 hp, seved me well, pulled skiers no problem. At age 13 it blew and would cost more to repair than it's worth. Some guys (Johnson dealers and fans) told me to stay away from Merc. I think its a fine engine. Runs a little high though it is a fast engine. My only concen with the Key West is it's a little more of a shallow v.

 

[jocko_nc]

Re: Any opinions on Sea Fox and Sea Boss Boats?

I would think 115 should be fine for a 19 foot boat. Unless you want top speed and performance, then go for the max. 40 mph sounds accurate.<br /><br />Key West makes a fine boat as well. It was on my short list. I did not pursue KW at the time so much because 1) there were far fewer examples (used) to be found. 2) the 21-22 foot models included a bow pulpit in the length calculation which made for a smaller boat. I ended up with a Sea Pro because I happened to find a clean boat set up exactly the way I wanted. It is a solid boat. If I was running a commercial operation or used the boat daily on salt water, I probably would recommend a top tier make or a non-liner design. For trailer, backwater, or mixed use Sea Pro is great. <br /><br />Sea Pros have become very popular. I believe it is currently the most widely sold boat in the Carolinas. Key West is much smaller, which I do not understand. Sea Pros have become more expensive lately. The new models are fancier and fetch the higher price. I would expect Sea Boss to be priced below the KW. The Sea Pro equivalent or slightly higher.<br /><br />Yamaha generally fetches a higher value as well.<br /><br />Good luck.<br /><br />jocko