Sea Fox vs. Sea Boss vs. Penn Craft

whhoffman

Recruit
Joined
Jul 13, 2005
Messages
3
Any Info or experience on any of the three boats listed. I would appreciate comments as I am looking at all three (19ft)
 

codfather II

Seaman
Joined
Jul 3, 2005
Messages
57
Re: Sea Fox vs. Sea Boss vs. Penn Craft

I owned a 2000 23 ft. Sea Fox with a 200 hp Johnson. It was a great boat for the money. They could have improved a few things though. Simple things like through bolting the T-Top to the deck and adding a few more compartments. I did have one problem that was easily fixable. The area where the hull was joined to the deck ( rub rail ) didn't have enough adhesive when built. I simply removed the rubber and screws from the rub rail and used some 3M 5200 adhesive. Problem solved! If you were to ask me, I would say, Sea fox is a good boat. Investigate all, and compare. good luck
 

peterc38

Seaman
Joined
Jun 15, 2005
Messages
59
Re: Sea Fox vs. Sea Boss vs. Penn Craft

I never have been on a Sea Fox and this is just my opinion, but I would not consider a detail like not through-bolting a T-Top a “simple” thing. Things like cleats, rod-holders and other hardware should always be through bolted, so to not through bolt a something with the weight of a T-Top considering the stress placed upon it (wind, pounding from waves, people grabbing onto it, etc.), is in my mind indicative of poor workmanship. This would make me wonder where else the manufacturer cut corners. Again, I’m not downing Sea Fox, I would think this about any boat manufacturer if you told me they didn’t through bolt a T-Top. Sea Fox sparks some passionate debates on message boards it seems, some guys hate em and some guys swear just as adamantly that they own them and they have been a good value for the money. Sea Boss uses the old Sea Pro molds and designs I have been told, I haven’t been on one of these either but have heard mostly positive things from owners. If you are going top buy new, there are some decent mid-tier boats out there worth looking at like Cape Horn, Dusky, Maycraft, Sea Hunt, etc. I have a Sea Hunt 202 that I have been very happy with. If I was buying again I would take a hard look at Sailfish as well, I think this is really an up and coming boat manufacturer. Also, consider something slightly used and you might be able to get a good deal on a Grady or a Whaler that someone else has taken the depreciation hit on. Make sure you get a sea trial and have a survey done by a reputable marine surveyor before you hand over your hard earned money. Good luck.
 

codfather II

Seaman
Joined
Jul 3, 2005
Messages
57
Re: Sea Fox vs. Sea Boss vs. Penn Craft

Peter is correct. I was wrong saying the t- top problem was simple. I actually had to cut access holes in the deck to get at the mounts holding it down. I was able to through bolt it myself after about an hours worth of work on each side. It wasn't very hard to do yet, it's something that should have been done at the factory. Peters advise seems very sound here! I would definately look into what he is saying. I've owned two center consoles in the past. 1986 20' aquasport ( built like a tank) and the 2000 23' sea fox. To be quite honest, the Aquasport was built a lot better than many of the newer boats I've seen, including the Sea Fox. Good Luck
 
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