Anyone own a Tidewater 196DC?

[ml8163]

Hey all,

I am researching my next boat and am interested in a dual console saltwater boat that can be used for both fishing and water sports. I am particularly interested in the Tidewater 196DC, as it seems to have a lot of bang for the buck. I've read a lot on the this forum about various Tidewater boats and everyone seems to be very pleased with their boats.

Does anyone own a 196DC? It looks like a great dual console salt water dual purpose boat. Pictures and info on Tidewater's web site is a little more to be desired...

I would love to hear any feedback that owners have.

What size motor does your boat have?
Quality?
Ride?
Performance?
Anything you don't like?
Have you noticed any areas that the Tidewater cut corners on? If so what? I've heard about wiring, is this still the case?

I have a family of 5 (myself, wife, and 3 young boys). I'm looking for an all around boat that is great for fishing and water sports. I believe this boat would fit the bill and allow a little extra room for a few guests.


Thanks in advance for your feedback!

ml8163

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Anyone own a Tidewater 196DC?

I've heard of Tidewater's as being good boats.

A DC is a good compromise set up for fishing and playing--I have a 17' key West DC that has lots of room either for sitting or standing. Way better than a bow rider.

Ask around on tidalfish.com. That site has mostly salt water users who use their boats for fishing and recreation; I love iboats but it is heavily weighted toward the fresh water lake cruisers.

 

[ml8163]

Re: Anyone own a Tidewater 196DC?

Thanks for the reply Home Cookin'. Yes, I totally agree with you on the DCs. I live in Raleigh NC, so I want a boat that I can take to the coast for the weekend for fishing, watersports, etc but also use in fresh water at my local lake. I think they will also be less maintenance and more rugged since they are salt water boats.

How do you like your Key West? I am actually looking at their boats as well. I'm particularly interested in the 211DC.

Thanks,
ml8163

 

[captaindale]

I am on the same investigative track as you are. I am on the fence between the Tidewater 196dc and the Key West 176dc. The Tidewater seems to be a lot of boat
as you mentioned. I will be looking for responses to your question. I have looked at the Tracker 175 combo (Aluminum Boat) that comes with a lot of extras but it is not in the same league with the Tidewater and the Key West. I will be doing mostly saltwater fishing on inside water in Louisiana and some freshwater fishing . I sometimes wonder if the trolling motor situation will work comfortably with the bigger boats like the Tidewater and the Key West. I have not seen a Tidewater us close yet or a Key West. My dealer for the key west will not have any in until november. Look at the Tracker Website and look at the 185 deep v combo and the 175 combo; they are both beautiful rigs but when the wind kicks up I think the Tidewater and Key West would be a better boat to be in.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Anyone own a Tidewater 196DC?

Dale, I bet the OP got his boat 2 years ago (old post). But since you raised trolling motors, around here a lot of salt water fishermen use them, but they can be hard to rig on the bow of a boat with a good flare--better on a bay boat design, but there goes your dry ride.
there are options for mounting them on the rear, including some that go on the trim tabs.

 

[captaindale]

Re: Anyone own a Tidewater 196DC?

You are right; I can visualize the dilema you are talking about regarding mounting a trolling motor on the front of a tidewater 196 or a Key West 176. The tidewater especially is quite a big boat physically plus there is not much flat surface area for a foot pedal control.