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Random Quote: A man will mind his own business, if it is worth minding.
I have a 2003 Edgewater 247 CC. Boat is fully loaded and hasn't given me an ounce of trouble. Thinking about upgrading to something bigger, in the 28 or 29 foot range. Looking for a boat 1-2 years old. I would like a fairly comfortable cabin (as comfortable as you can get in that size) with AC and Gen. I would also like to have the ability to tow the boat (live on the west coast, like to go to Bahamas and Keys). I Have looked at multiple boats. The 285 Whaler is nice but can't have a generator according to the salesman. The Edgewater 265 Express seems nice, but also can't have generator and has a very small cabin. Looked at the Sea Ray Amberjack 290, but the beam is too big and it has I/O's. Tried to look at the Pursuit 2870. This might be a good option. I came across the Proline 28 Express (It is called the 29 Express in 2007, although Proline tells me it is the same boat). This seems to be the best boat for the money overall including size, price and towability. Any thoughts?
290 Coastal, but I may be biased! Definately the most bang for the buck with tons of room inside, large cockpit, air, gen, sleeps 6 (if you're friendly) and is easily pushed with a pair of 250 four-strokes to better than 50 mph. Cruise around 30 mph will net around 1.4 MPG. It has a very dry ride and won't beat you up in a chop.
Proline's buid quality has a reputation of being poor, and the resale is awful, especially on there boats over 25ft ! I would either pay a few more dollars for something like a Pursuit or an Albermarle (if you are ok w/ inboards), or get something a few years older. You will be happy you did.
Proline's buid quality has a reputation of being poor, and the resale is awful, especially on there boats over 25ft ! I would either pay a few more dollars for something like a Pursuit or an Albermarle (if you are ok w/ inboards), or get something a few years older. You will be happy you did.
I agree and spoken with several PL owners who've all complained how company management does not stand behind their boats should a SERIOUS problem occur. I spoke with PL's "technical rep" and sales manager at a couple of boat shows and I can see how these people could be very difficult to deal with.
Here are three PL owners who posted on Boat U.S.'s group database that have boats with serious problems and they get nothing but a hard time from company management about fixing them.
If they're treating them badly they'll do the same to you.
My 1997 Proline 251 has been great, no big problems, company has been very helpfull (No big issues however) and the build quality is alot better than the lower teir boats I've seen.
I have owned 2 Pro-Lines and found the quality to be good and Pro-Line's support to be good. I like Wellcraft too but don't see much difference between them.
I should amend my statement and not give the impression that recent prolines have any kind of problem and wellcrafts are far better. I don't think they are. However, wellcraft has upgraded their customer support and their hardware is a cut above Proline in my opinion. Go ride on both boats and make your own decsion....
I have a 2006 Pro-Line 24 Super Sport and have found their customer service and support to be good. They always took care of any problems, although I admit my problems were minor. I have been pleased with the build quality for a "production" boat.
Looking for a 2004-2006 lightly used vessel with enclosure, generator, A/C. Would like to be able to tow it occasionally, and seaworthy enough for middle grounds or bahamas. Any thoughts on the aquasport 275 explorer?
2006 Proline 28 Express
