So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

[diesel5599]

Ok, here is yet another comparison shopper completely stuck on which boat to buy. So far I have been armchair shopping for almost a year but I am finally at least forming an idea of what would best suit my needs.

I am looking for a solid mid-tier fishing boat walkaround that does not completely sacrifice comfort in the name of fishing. I am coming from a long line of cuddies, ski boats, and bow riders, but I think it is time I stop trying to turn them into fishing boats and instead try to find a fishing boat that is comfortable. I have narrowed my choices to the following boats:

2007-2010 Proline Express 23
2007 Sea Swirl Striper 2301
2005-2006 Sea Swirl Striper 2601
2006-2008 Robalo 245
2005 Robalo 235
2006-2008 Sea Fox 236
2006-2008 Trophy 2502
2006 Polar 23

I know it is a long list, and I don't expect anyone to know every single detail about them, but I really want to narrow the list down, so what I'm asking is if any of them stand out as being boats I should completely avoid (i.e. numerous fiberglass problems, cheap fittings, wood floors, etc).

I included the years as well because for some I had to go a little older to stay within my target price range ($29K-$40K). I live in Tampa FL and will be taking the boat out up to 30-40 miles offshore typically with 2-4 people on board.

I am not all that picky about fishing amenities, all I really want to ensure is that the hull is sound, has absolutely no wood anywhere in the boat, and that the boat is at least somewhat seaworthy. I do want to ensure the boat comfortably seats 4 people though, not exactly a fan of having my passengers standing up holding on to the sides while bouncing over waves.

So far I am leaning towards the Proline Express 23 and the Sea Swirl Striper 2301 because the economy is so bad there are some left over brand new (never titled) 2007-2008 boats in my area that I could get for under $29K with a trailer.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

I'm not familiar with these boats, but one comment I can make just by looking at your list, is to go on each boat. A 23' walk around and a 26' walk around will be greatly different boats. You only mentioned 2-4 people, but 4 passengers, plus you, on a 23 foot boat might feel cramped.

You also didn't mention if you prefer I/O or O/B power. This might help sway the vote, unless your unbiased.

 

[izoomie]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

How can you ignore engine options and electronics. That can add up to more than the value of the boat. Even the trailer matters imho.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

ask around on a local or Florida fishing forum. The members here are all over the continent +, and you want more specifics. The ones on your list are similar (except between the lengths) and when you're shopping used, you might not get all the choices, and the boats themselves won't be "equal" like comparing new boats, due to rigging, extras, care, maintenance. As someone said, with a boat that size and if youare going to trailer it, the trailer is a consideration where it isn't with a 16' boat.

 

[diesel5599]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

How can you ignore engine options and electronics. That can add up to more than the value of the boat. Even the trailer matters imho.

Because I have already found boats in that price range within those years that I consider acceptable. They all have trailers, and acceptable electronics/engine packages. This post was really just about the quality of the hulls and fittings of each boat. Asking about every single boat I have found to include the engine options, exact asking prices, and trailer combo's would have been counter productive.

All I really want to know is if any of the boats / hulls listed have major known issues for the years I am looking at. Once I have quickly eliminated any that do, I can then use the shorter list to comb through my remaining options. At that point electronics, engine packages, and trailer / no trailer options will come into play, as well as how well maintained the boat and engine was.

Obviously once I get it down to two or three boats that I have actually seen in person, the minute details (as well as price of course), will end up making or breaking the deal, but I'm not there yet.

 

[PaulsMarineSalvage]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

Just personal preference but the only one I would not buy is the trophy....no matter what it says on the side it is still a BAYLINER...........

 

[diesel5599]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

Just personal preference but the only one I would not buy is the trophy....no matter what it says on the side it is still a BAYLINER...........

Thank you, that's the kind of feedback I am looking for. Wouldn't want to end up with a fishing boat sharing assembly lines with a Bayliner.

 

[JimMH]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

I have a friend that has a Robalo, Very nice boat and very heavy. His is 30feet and is a fishing machine!

 

[diesel5599]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

I have a friend that has a Robalo, Very nice boat and very heavy. His is 30feet and is a fishing machine!

I have noticed the Robalo seems to be winning the poll. It also made me wonder why the Proline was so light by comparison. The Proline Express 23 is only 4100lbs dry weight compared to the Robalo 235 which comes in at 5000lbs. Makes you wonder where the 900lbs didn't go in the Proline.

The Robalo was the pricier one in this segment, I would probably have to go as old as 2005 for one of those. Not sure if its worth the trade off of getting a boat without a warranty that is made slightly better than getting a newer boat with 3yrs left on the warranty (Proline).

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

By the reviews I've read Robalo is a very solid/rugged boat and had a distinct hull designed to handle punnishing conditions very well. From your list it would lead my choice.

Grady White, Boston Whaler, and Triumph are suppose to be fairly high ranked in this segment as well.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

years ago when I was boat shopping with my dad, we found that the extent of the inner hull is where the weight is. Some boats had only a floor and the sides were just the hull--privateer was one. I think Parker has models like that, as does Carolina Skiff J series.. These were very light and an advantage was that you could use a smaller motor. On the other end, the built-out boats like Whaler Wellcraft and Grady had luxurious appointments, as they say, and a whole lot more weight--calling for a bigger engine. We got a Key West and I recall the Pro Line's were also in that middle category--it had the inner hull but not as extensive as the heavier boats.

Like everything, there's a trade-off.

 

[osborn159]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

my .02, going outside for the day, i want as much hull with me as possible, out of these choices it is my opinion the robalo is the stoutest and best hull design for fishin outside, may need more motor to move the same speed and cost a little more to run, but believing in the boat means as much as believing in the skipper, and if it costs a few bucks more to know im coming home at the end of the day so be it.
ggod luck

 

[JoLin]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

I have noticed the Robalo seems to be winning the poll. It also made me wonder why the Proline was so light by comparison. The Proline Express 23 is only 4100lbs dry weight compared to the Robalo 235 which comes in at 5000lbs. Makes you wonder where the 900lbs didn't go in the Proline.

The Robalo was the pricier one in this segment, I would probably have to go as old as 2005 for one of those. Not sure if its worth the trade off of getting a boat without a warranty that is made slightly better than getting a newer boat with 3yrs left on the warranty (Proline).

Aside from the heavy construction, the Robalo's I've seen at recent boat shows are also very nicely appointed. That adds weight, too. I'm not an avid fisherman, and If I were in the market for another WAC I'd be looking hard at Robalo for the comfort and amenities factor.

You need to compare a few of them in person. I'm not familiar with Sea Fox and Polar. Trophy will probably be somewhat bare bones, tho despite the BL heritage, there's nothing wrong with them. I owned an old Pro-Line- good boat. Pro-Line, Seaswirl and Robalo all have solid reps.

One last thing regarding the weight. If the Pro-Line is an outboard and the Robalo is an I/O, there's most of it. Roablo's weight would include the engine and drive.

Survey, survey, survey!

 

[25thmustang]

Re: So many decisions...Another torn boat buyer...

Weight can be a big difference on a boat. A lighter boat will need less power to be faster and more nimble, but a heavier boat will most likely feel more solid over waves. If you add a trailer into the mix, the lighter boat starts to become more appealing.