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Hey all you pro's out there, I am looking at teh Proline 23 Sport as a potiential purchase. I have looked at other 23's and would like feedback on this boat. Whats the best power....single/twin? How is service for those who own one? Any things to look out for? Thanks in advance for all that reply!!
The 23 is their deep "v" hull. I have never been on the new 23's. I used to own a 1997 231, which is now called the 25 walk, and currently own a 1998 2950. The single 225 merc on the 231 pushed the boat 42mph at wot and cruised 28-30 at 4000 rpms. Other than that all I can offer is that I have been very pleased with both Pro-lines that I have owned. I cannot offer much on the ride and stabilty since both boats I have owned have had the 19 degree deadrise... Good luck!
What is the ride like with the 19 degree deadrise? Do you go offshore with it? How far would you go (ex. to the bahamas)? It looks like a very nice boat
I know we'll hear alot of noise from these reply's but the 23 is a great hull. I've ridden them several times, there's one across from our marina as well. It has slightly more deadrise than the other pro-line models, definitely cuts through the chop well. Its probably better suited for twins with the deeper V for ride and stability at rest, trolling. Thick, solid glass hull. Nice options, great price.
Be sure and check and see if Pro Line has fixed some quality control issues. In the past, there were a few (structural in nature).. Not Bashing just be informed, see if or how the company handled it.. Etc. BTW all production boats can have a bad one slip through, so they may have been isolated incidents. I do like the lines of the 23..Good Luck
Fished one of the first new design hulls in 2001 for 2years in SKA. Great boat for the money. Had a single 225EFI Mercury. I was planning to repower w/twin 150 Optis until another deal came in. Go with twins if you can, otherwise go with a 250. Boat handled great in 4ft seas, you will need trim tabs.
Everyone knows I hate Proline. BUT, one of the main reseans I hate Proline SO MUCH, is because of the 23 Walk model. Search the old archives for "Birdman and 23 Walk". You'll find a VERY interesting and more importantly, informative story about my 23 Walk bay test.
Is it possible that companies could improve? Design and production could change for the better? I now own a Pro-Line and an old Mako, have owned a Lyman,Thompson,Luhrs(dads), Hatteras(dads),Starcraft,MFG,Glastron,4BW,Scott Atwater, Evinrude's, Johnson's, Mercury's, and Yamaha's, and none of them I hated. I dont focus on the problems, just tried to understand how they work, fix em' up and keep them running, etc. I had no structural failures or defects on any of the brands, chose the particular boat and model to fit my needs and budget at the time, and those needs changed throughout my life, thus different boats and mfgr's. I think that the PL23 sport is a real solid boat when compared in its class, reasonably priced, get the good engines and its done. You're on the water.
Like I said, I have owned two now and have been very pleased with them both. I also know a lot of other pleased pro-line owners. It appears to me that there are a few people here on THT who have problems or know someone who has had a problem and they beat the drum until the get a following. I do not believe Pro-line is any different than any other mid-tier production boat in the sence of having manufacturing problems. (Check out this link for my thoughts http://thehulltruth.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...962#3516044962 ) The reason I like the brand is the mostly due to layout of the boats and my personal experience with them. I have always felt safe and secure while on the vessels. (see http://thehulltruth.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...882#9996031882 )
Birdman, I did a search of the archives and could not find out about your experience. Please post it again or give the link. I would like to find out if the 23 you had a bad experience with was the new deep v 23 Donzi hull or the old 23 now called the 25. All I found was that you said you owned a 25 ( http://thehulltruth.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...0041#494600041 ) (what year?) and was not happy with it but did not go into detail why. I also see that you owned a 20'cc before the scout ( http://thehulltruth.com/6/ubb.x?a=tp...3131#528603131 ). Did you own the Pro-line at the time you owned the 20'cc. I just want to get your story straight so I can understand why you have such distaste for the brand.
rode today on a 2550 pursuit with a single 225 honda,,, the power was quiet and solid,, an awesome power plant..i'll bet it will be equally solid on the proline 25..
New Proline 23 Sport Purchase ?? 
