Boating How-To’s - Tidewater vs Sailfish boats

Need some advice from experienced boaters. Im looking to purchase either a Sailfish or Tidewater 20' to 22' cc boat. Usage would primarily be on Nantucket Sound (no more than 10 miles offshore) and Long Island Sound. Is this the right size boat for the intended purpose and which of the two boats brands is more durable and seaworthy?

Thanks
Ryan

Post this on the boating forum or ask the mods to move it. You might get more responses.

I can't speak to the Sailfish but I run a Tidewater 2100 BayMax all over new england including the areas you mention + farther offshore. I have put a beating on it over the last couple of years and have been very happy with it. The only issues I have experienced with the boat itself have been limited to some minor spider cracks around the screws on the hatches, etc. Everything else very solid.

I considered both, even spoke with the owner of Tidewater when he first came out with his line (the hulls are essentially popped from old Sea Pro molds - Tidewater owner is former Sea Pro exec). Nice boats, appeared well built but the 21' felt small to me and I was looking for a bit of a softer riding boat.

I ended up buying the Sailfish 218. You will not find a better riding boat in its' class thanks in part to the VDH hull taken from Carl Mosely's SeaCraft w/ its" 22-24 degree deadrise at the transome

both great boats, huge price difference.

900 hrs and going strong

Tidepro! Had a Sailfish and it was the wettest ride ever!

i want to know more about Tidewater...there isnt 2 much info on them. Some non-biased information and reports would be great. I walked on a Tidewater 25 for the first time the other day and they are really nice....a little more family oriented than I prefer, but nice.

As for sailfish...you will not find a better 21' boat that cuts through waves without getting pounded. Its sharp deadrise really separates it from other boats in its category. Your negatives will be wiring and finish...but the hull is solid and the boat performs.

Check out the tidewater 22ft carolina bay model it has a large flare looks like a nice dry ride and seems like the perfect boat for what your looking for. I have a 18ft bay max and I'm very impressed how it cuts through rough water and we never get wet.

If you do a search you can find my writeup on my Tidewater 196 DC. In general, the boat has been great, and I have no qualms taking it out well past 10 miles on a decent day. Obviously you need to watch the weather in any boat, though. The ride dry, and it handles chop well. If you're going to be out in the slop often I'd recommend getting the trim tabs.

The construction is very solid, the fit and finish is very good, and the amenities are comparable with all of the boats in the price range.

If you want to know more about the company, send them an e-mail or give them a call. Jimmy Metts, the Owner, will typically get back in touch with you personally. I emailed Tidewater a question last week about a modification I'm looking at, and he wrote me back within a day. Good support after the sale...

Good luck with whatever you decide.