Kayot Z250

[Bdonnell]

Hello all,
Long time listener, first time caller...

I'm looking for a new ride. Found a 2008 Kayot z250 that looks intriguing. This is NOT a Harris Kayot pontoon, but a 25' all 'glass runabout. Problem is, I don't have a Kayot dealer near me (St. Louis, MO) so all I have to go on is pictures and what I can find on the web. Most of the web stuff is propaganda or brochure type info. I'm looking for real information.

Do any of you have any opinions about Kayot in general?
What brand would it compare to in terms of quality?
Any 'typical' issues I should be aware of?

It's running a 496Mag with a BravoIII, so I'm guessing performance would be fine.

There's just not much feedback about their fiberglass boats. Some opinions would help. Yes, I know, they're like... um... Bellybuttons... everyone has one, but I'll take what I can get.

thanks for any thoughts you may have...

B
________________
1990 Celebrity 190
"Honeymoon"

 

[vans]

Re: Kayot Z250

I've been watching your post hoping someone would chime in, there is a similar boat at local marina that has caught my attention, I have been around boats forever and don't know anything about Kayot.

The boat I've looked at,(only online), is a 08, 50hrs., 496-loaded, asking mid 50's, not sure I want that kind of dept, especially if they aren't even making boats anymore. I've ben considering the Cobalt line- pretty nice looking with a good reputation

I also own a 1994 220 Celebrity, it has been a great boat.

 

[Bdonnell]

Re: Kayot Z250

I'm pretty sure that Kayot is essentially the "fiberglass" arm of Harris-Kayot, kinda like Azure is the fiberglass arm of Bennington. Their website seems to indicate they're in production, but I need more input before I drop a big chunk of cash. It seems a bit telling that no one wants to comment. I think we might be looking at the same boat. It's at a SW Michigan dealer named Lake Effects Power sports. They had it at an ebay auction starting at $39k, so one of us might be getting a good deal.
I guess, either:
A) they make one or two boats a year and those people are so happy they are out boating instead of trolling boating forums
B) they're the best kept secret in the industry
C) they're so bad that no one wants to utter their name


I've loved my Celebrity. My friends think I'm crazy to get a new boat. I've got 1000 hours on her, she runs great, one small tear on the driver seat, otherwise, perfect. She's just getting too small. Just did the Spring Commissioning Ceremony yesterday. You know... the one where you get to spend all day with the boat, a buddy, a beatiful day, and a couple beers and talk about all the new and old places you plan to visit all while getting her ready to go... <sigh> I'm ready to go!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Kayot Z250

C) they're so bad that no one wants to utter their name

I kinda doubt that. I don't think there's really any garbage boats out there. With a used boat it's all about a how it was maintained and a non-obsolete powerplant. If everything checks out, I wouldn't let brand sway me much at all in either direction. Good luck.

 

[vans]

Re: Kayot Z250

I'm pretty sure that Kayot is essentially the "fiberglass" arm of Harris-Kayot, kinda like Azure is the fiberglass arm of Bennington. Their website seems to indicate they're in production, but I need more input before I drop a big chunk of cash. It seems a bit telling that no one wants to comment. I think we might be looking at the same boat. It's at a SW Michigan dealer named Lake Effects Power sports. They had it at an ebay auction starting at $39k, so one of us might be getting a good deal.
I guess, either:
A) they make one or two boats a year and those people are so happy they are out boating instead of trolling boating forums
B) they're the best kept secret in the industry
C) they're so bad that no one wants to utter their name


I've loved my Celebrity. My friends think I'm crazy to get a new boat. I've got 1000 hours on her, she runs great, one small tear on the driver seat, otherwise, perfect. She's just getting too small. Just did the Spring Commissioning Ceremony yesterday. You know... the one where you get to spend all day with the boat, a buddy, a beatiful day, and a couple beers and talk about all the new and old places you plan to visit all while getting her ready to go... <sigh> I'm ready to go!!!

FYI- I checked out this boat last night, they are only 25 miles from me.
Boat is nice, although dirty, you can tell it's sat outside without a cover, noticed some oxidation on gelcoat, some of the stainless hardware showed some discoloration, I would think a thorough detail would do wonders.
Salesman told me the boat is owners boat, they slipped boat in the St. Joseph river which feeds Lake Michigan.

Boat sits in their showroom which is packed pretty tight, I had to wiggle around to see transom, prop/lower unit looked good, couldn't get a good look at sides of boat to check condition, I'm not sure how serious I am although they offered to drop her in a local lake for test drive, seem like good people. I wish they had used a mooring cover to protect it from the sun, they did say it had bow/cockpit cover.