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Random Quote: I caught wind that the fish were biting here... though it could have just been someone passing gas...
We're looking for a solid, quality, high value used boat between 23' and 27' to use as a family cruiser/ski/swim/fish platform in the Chesapeake Bay. The Hydra-Sports Vector series has caught my eye; especially the much-lauded 2450 and 2500 hulls. We are interested in a walkaround boat. We're looking to spend between $25,000 and $30,000.
Just wondering if anyone here could give a bit of history on the 2390, 2450, 2500, 2550, and any other hulls in that size range that I may have left out, from 1990 to the present. When were certain hulls designed, between which models are there significant differences and which hulls have minor differences? Which models are successors to which ones? Also power recommendations for the different models. Looking online, I noticed the 2550 has an enclosed head and seems to be a much larger cabin than the 2450 or 2500 - similar to the 1990 Grady White 26' Sailfish we looked at recently.
I've read a lot about how great the 2500 is - is the 2450 WA a revised edition of that boat, and better, or would it make more sense to buy a 2500 instead of a newer 2450? We're really not interested in buying a name or having a prestige boat; simply the best buy for our money. If anyone thinks it would make more sense for us to buy a new or leftover Sea Pro 235 WA or used 2000 Seaswirl Striper 2301 WA, please, speak up.
Ben, I have a '92 Mako 241 that was listed in the trading dock 4 weeks back. Great boat for all things you mentioned,very stable and still for sale. Very well maintained all electronics, cushions, bimini etc.. The boat is a 24 center console I also have a brand new( 2001) alum trailer with it. Pics on boattrader.com.
My 1989 2500 WA was an awsome riding boat. Great hull but a little off on the fit and finish as well as the electrical. Nothing that wasn't fixable. People seem to like the wider bodies too. Not comparable to either the Sea Pro or definitely the Sea Swirl.
quote:Originally posted by Montauk Joe:
Not comparable to either the Sea Pro or definitely the Sea Swirl.
Not comparable meaning the Hydra-Sports is definately a better boat, or that those others are betters? I assume you're saying the HS is better, but want to be sure.
I'm just thinking... $30,000 is a lot of money and I want to be sure whether I should: a) spend it on a 6 year old classic, proven design, or b) spend it on a new or 1 year old quality midrange make like Sea Pro, Sea Hunt, Key West, etc.
Ben, I have a 97 2450 cc with twin 150 Carbs. I've put it to the test probably a little more than I should have and every time I become more confident and pleased with my purchase. It's dry and very stable and can handle almost anything you could throw at it.
The only draw back is access to the bilge.
I've had this boat for six seasons. I'm going to upgrade to the 2796 hopefully within the next month or so.
The Hydra-Sports 2500 Vector has a better hull and ride than the Sea Pro and Sea Swirl. This is primarily due to the deadrise which (I believe) is 24 degrees. Once took a Sea Swirl owner for a ride on a rough day. He end up "chumming" but was so impressed by the ride that he bought one next season. Like most deep V boats, it will consume more gas than a modified V and is a bit "active" at rest in seas but the ride is worth it.
One concern I have about these hulls... people have advised, for our desire for a variety of water activities, including occaisonal recreational skiing, that we should be looking at Mod-V hulls around 18*. What is the Deep-V, ~24* on the 2500 hull going to do in terms of effecting skiing and trolling and whatnot?
Hydra-Sports Vector 24' - 25' Hulls 
