New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

[Home Cookin']

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

You might not take out a bunch of drunks when you cruise, but you might bring home a few!

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

If I were to go I/O I'd want a 4.3L for sure. Both for watersport, top speed, and resell value. Lots of 3.0's sitting on the market.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

2003 Seahunt 200 Escape thoughts on this? Little overpriced?

 

[Natty Light]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

2003 Seahunt 200 Escape thoughts on this? Little overpriced?

I would jump all over it if the water test goes ok. Looks great. Sea Hunt is a respected make. It will be very easy to clean which will become more and more important to you the more you boat. The motor will drink a little more gas than some of the newer ones and you will have added expense buying oil but the design is reliable and still supported by Evinrude.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Wish it was a 4 stroke 150, but I like it.

 

[Natty Light]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Wish it was a 4 stroke 150, but I like it.

If you intend to do a lot of watersports you might end up being glad you have that two stroke. Generally speaking two strokes are quicker out of the hole and accelerate faster. New four strokes are catching up now but during the time that boat was made I think you would rather have the two stroke. That's just my loaded opinion. Also, two stroke people are usually better looking and are more fun at parties.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Thanks bubba, real good info. I'm still struggling to find that 18-19ft 5-7k boat though. Are there other models out there that are similar to the sea hunt escape (non carpeted lower maintenance--dual console/Bowrider)? Also found quite a few stingrays Stingray Listings don't know if any of these are good deals.

I really appreciate all of the help and insight you guys are giving me.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Is the 115 evinrude enough for a 1996 sea hunt escape 172?

 

[southkogs]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Is the 115 evinrude enough for a 1996 sea hunt escape 172?

That Sea Hunt is designed more as a big water boat - a dual console is not really the same thing as a bow rider, more of a utility type (as you can see from it not being as "fluffy" ). She's probably no speed queen, decent boat for tubin' or wake boarding and so/so for water skiing. I would think that it's a 30 - 35MPH boat; total guess though.

I really like the dual console types even compared with a typical bow rider, but it leans more fishing than water sports.

If you can find a Stingray in good shape, bearing in mind Bubba's price range ($5-$7k) - I wouldn't be afraid of it. In used boats condition trumps brand.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

I love dual consoles. If I was to buy a boat that wasn't aluminum, it would be a DC. If that Sea Hunt you're asking about is a 17', it would probably move out pretty well with a 115.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Is there a hybrid bowliner/dual console? I need hard bottomed boat for easy cleanup with removable comfortable cushioned bow and stern seating for the ladies while cruising

 

[moosehead]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

You might not take out a bunch of drunks when you cruise, but you might bring home a few!

Classic, this would make a good signature line.

 

[saumon]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Listen to what Bubba said. There's ALWAYS some hidden expenses when messing with boats (read "costly repairs") so if your budget is around $10k, a $6K boat is is a good place to start. This and, being a first boat for only a couple of years, you'll have the chance to learn what you want and, most importantly, don't want and you'll likely loss close to nothing on resale in that price range.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

I am leaning towards the sea hunt 200 escape. They are asking 9500. How costly is a 150 Johnson 2 stroke to work on? Unsure of hours...no gauge.

 

[saumon]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

If it run fine (good compression, shift easily, trim operating, accelerate smoothly), it cost nothing and, if some repairs are needed, they're easy to work on. Only downside is that they're thirsty...

Sea Hunt, Scout and Key West were all good quality boats and a DC is more convenient (fishing-wise; heck, this one already have a bow mounted TM, washdown and removeable cushions!) than a "pure" carpeted bowrider...

As said, a test ride is MANDATORY, and you can always bargain, saying that a 2-stroke is an obsolete power...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

2003 Seahunt 200 Escape thoughts on this? Little overpriced?

grab it immediately. Mynext door neighbor has that rig, mainlty used by his children and their friends (23-26 years old) fishing tubing skiing cruising partying hanging out.

Lots of us love the 2 stroke and sek them out.

 

[Lakeguy469]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Already contacted seller, going to go test it this week.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

good idea but that's the kind of boat you can buy without testing, as far as that one boat is concerned. But since you are new, its' good to know if that's a good size and lay-out for you--although it's not very considerate to do that type of testing on someone else's time. Be ready to buy it and take it home.

I have a 2003 sea hunt. don't be put off by little cosmetic issues; a 10 year old boat will have some wear and tear. You better hurry.

One question--I have never seen a sea hunt rigged with a Johnson. Not that Johnson is a problem, but I wonder if it has been repowered? more of a curiosity.

That is a great boat for you to drag down to the coast for some real boating adventures. Best of both worlds.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to forum, eager to get into boating, need guidance!

Is there a hybrid bowliner/dual console? I need hard bottomed boat for easy cleanup with removable comfortable cushioned bow and stern seating for the ladies while cruising

The dual console is the hybrid. It's a hybrid between a bowrider "sofa boat" (as Home Cookin' calls 'em) and a fiberglass lined center console. If it wasn't optioned on the boat originally, you could very easily have removable bow cushions made. I'm going to have that done for the front deck of my boat.