Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

[UWDiver]

Hello All-
I've got up to $20,000 to spend on a 21'-23' WA with trailer for use in the Great Lakes. I intend to use it primarily as a dive boat so don't care about downriggers and kicker motors. Are there any years that I should stay away from? When did they take wood out of the hull? Any thoughts on the 5.0 vs. 5.7 in terms of fuel economy? Any key points to watch for when looking at used Trophys?
Thanks for your help!
Chris

 

[txmntman]

Re: Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

I would recommend you look up some folks that have actually had trophy boats. This forum is a good place to start. It seems that Trophy (and Bayliner, who made Trophy boats before 2000) seems to draw more than their share of criticism from people who have not owned them. You might also want to check out the Bayliners Owners Club forum and do a search on Trophy boats.

To address some of your questions, I don't know if or when Trophy stopped putting wood in their boats. Wood has many really good attributes when boatbuilding, and most manufacturers have used it.

The Trophy 2002 (20 ft walkaround) is one of the most popular in its class, and most owners who have one absolutely love it. Most folks will also tell you that an OB is preferred over an IO, but I really think that is personal preference. I am looking for a WA myself, and the Trophy is one of the boats I will be looking at.

Any advice I can give you is to 1) make sure you know the primary use of your boat and 2) talk to folks that actually own the boat, not just folks that have an opinion.

Good Luck!!

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

Thanks so much for the advice. I talked to a family member who's a reliable source at a Trophy dealer and he said anything after either '92 or '94 (I can't remember) would be just fine. Right now, a 2352 with a full swim platform would be my preference. Any idea what the weight rating on those things is? A 250 pound diver with 50 pounds of gear equals a lot of weight and stress.

 

[SoFloStone]

Re: Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

Thanks so much for the advice. I talked to a family member who's a reliable source at a Trophy dealer and he said anything after either '92 or '94 (I can't remember) would be just fine. Right now, a 2352 with a full swim platform would be my preference. Any idea what the weight rating on those things is? A 250 pound diver with 50 pounds of gear equals a lot of weight and stress.

I have heard that in 1995 they started using glass stringers, but cannot verify this.

Length Overall (LOA) 23'5"/7.14m
Beam 8'5"/2.57m
Deadrise 20
Approx. Weight (w/Base Engine) 4,441 lbs/2003kg
Length Rigged 25'5"/7.75m 28'1"/8.57m
Height Rigged n/a 10'11.3"/3.34m
Draft Hull 1'8.3"/.52m
Draft Max 3'1"/.94m
Bridge Clearance Max 7'9.6"/2.38m
Fuel Capacity 101 gal/382L
Water Capacity 8 gal/30L
Holding Tank Capacity [LX only] 15 gal/57L

I would have no problems taking 2-3 divers out in my 2002 WA with no problems, it's powered with a 150 Merc with smart tabs.

Good luck in your search...

Rick

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

That's good to know about your 2002. I'm thinking of that one as an option too.

 

[SoFloStone]

Re: Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

How many divers and tanks do you plan of carrying?

 

[UWDiver]

Re: Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

Normally two but as many as four.

 

[SoFloStone]

Re: Thinking of a new(used) Trophy

Four divers with two tanks each would be too waaay too much for the Trophy's, even the 2352. Four tanks and two divers with gear would be pushing it on the 2002WA but easily doable on the 2352.

Dive gear is too bulky and needs lots of room in the cockpit, but four bottles could be rigged easily to stand up on the port and starboard gunwales.

IMO of course...