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Well in my search for a new boat I think I most probably end up with a bay boat from one of the above manufacturers. Currently leaning toward Key West. Any good bad or indifferent comments regarding these. Also I was leaning toward a Yamaha or Merc but some of the ones I looked at have a Johnson.Any comments.I havn't decided on the lenght yet either the 18'6" or the 19'6". Is a 115 powerful enough to pull a 19 footer. Thanks
Hello, LNG here we are again,
Well as you know there is a lot of knowlidge on the forum but it would be easier if you give some more info like weight etc so the guys don't have to look it up.
I think the 115 will do fine but be not suprised if someone tells you to put a 200hp on it
It has a 115/4 and in trial it did over 40 land miles with 4 people and 2 kids weighs 1800 pounds hull only.
Location: Quebec, Canada and Pirates Cove, OBX, NC
Posts: 17,813
Pros and cons of Key West,Sea Hunt and Sea Pro
I wonder if Marti is proud of his new boat ? I wonder
LNG Suggest you get a test ride and see if 115 is going to be fast enough . . . make sure boat is loaded with friends and that the waves are at least 1 to 2 footers . . . only way to see how the boat will perform and if it meets your needs . . . like marti said, someone is going to suggest a minimum of 200 hp but that depends on your needs . . . choose wisely but make sure you have sufficient power
" The only boat without a ding or two, is the one that never gets used!!! "
LNG- I have a 19ft Key West with Yamaha 115hp four stroke. Is it a goo dmatch up? Yes. At times would I like to go faster? Yes. But it's never been an issue.
If you ask my wife and friends who are most always on the boat with me, 38-40mph is too fast as it is.
On a calm day with no wind or waves it's a blast to zip around at top speed. But most of my days on the water there are wind and waves.
With wind and waves you get wet in just about every boat made, thus you need to go a lot slower to avoid getting wet.
So on nearly all days, a 115 on a 18 or 19ft boat is going to be more than enough power for you. But a few days here and there you may or may not miss going 40+mph.
I've talked to my local Key West dealer many times about this... on the 186 Bayreef, a 115 or 130 would be fine. On the 196, a 150 is a better match (though a 130 would push it OK).
A bayreef 186 is a fine piece but powered with a 115 (particularly a 4-stroke) it is adequate power at best. The hull weight is 1650#, fuel tank holds 60 gallons, 40 gallon baitwell, batteries, people,tackle, etc..
Considering a J115 4/s is less than a grand cheaper than a J140 4/s and about the same as a yam 115 4/s, my vote goes to the J140 4/s. My 2 cents well spent!!
I narrowed my search down to Key West and SeaPro a couple of years ago. Sea Hunt wasn't on my radar then, but I have a couple of friends that have them and they are worth considering. I went with SeaPro mainly for two reasons: price and dealer location.
As for the motor, my dealer wanted $2500 more for a 115 yammy over the 115 Johnson OceanPro. That was too much of a premium for me and that $2500 paid for a 5-year warranty and most of my electronics. No regrets so far.
As far as power, a good rule of thumb is to power at least with 75% of the max horsepower shown on the CG rating label. Although this rating is determined by many factors (weight, flotation, emergency handling) it is a good starting point. But there is no substitute for a test run to see if it performs like you want. You wouldn't buy a car without a test drive would you?
[This message was edited by Preoccupation on 08-19-03 at 01:57 PM.]
Thanks everbody for a world of information. Am I right in thinking that a 4 stroke will not deliver the same power as a 2 stroke rated for the same horsepower. Also anybody with any comments about a carbuerated Merc 150.
LNG...horsepower is horsepower no matter what technology the engine is. What I think you mean by "will not deliver the same power" is actually an issue of torque, which translates to "holeshot". Do a internet search and you'll learn a lot about torque of 2-strokes vs. 4-strokes.
LNG...I have a v1900 Sea Pro with a 115 HP 4stroke Yamaha and it is a good combo. The hull weighs 1350lbs. I can run 40 mph and that is fast enough for me. Most days I couldn't go that fast anyway. I cruise at 25 -30(seas permiting)and have averaged less than 3(closer to 2) gallons per hour for 280 hrs.
Regarding what engine and horsepower, it is all about deciding what you want. The 2 stroke will be less money, but burns oil, and is less fuel efficient. The 4 stroke is quiet, very fuel efficient, and there are no fumes/smoke. This last benefit is especially nice on a small boat. For what its worth, I have a 18'6" Robalo with a Yamaha F115. Good combo for me.
I would not buy a boat without a sea trial/test run in appropriate seas with a passenger load similar to what you'll be doing. All the advice you get here helps, but won't take the place of a sea trial.
Hi
I had a 196 Sportsman Key West awhile back.
This was my first boat, I bought used from a rental place.
What a great boat I used it in the gulf of mexico in Fl. for about 3years near Englewood. I had that boat thru everything. Great on the shallows as well as on the reefs. Mine had a 90 johnson vro 4 cyl. Never had a problem with 3 people and gear. The newer 115 should be alright provided the hull weight hasn't changed to much. I had a loran back then I don't remember speeds but it certainly was not slow.
I bought a 1900cc Keywest with a yamaha 115 this spring and love it. Have been as far as 25 miles offshore (on the right day mind you and had a buddy boat too) the fuel economy is great, about 150 miles and a 1/2 tank. the 115 has enough power top speed 40 mph plenty fast.the only thing that i would say is the only drawback is not enough dry storage. The other advantage is it is easy to tow. look around for the best price as prices vary w\\ dealers.
Get a Sea Hunt 215 Victory and don't cut corners. I looked at all these boats earlier in the year and have my heart set on the Sea Hunt.
Due to the major house renovations we are going to due, fate has it I just happened upon a used grady I could not resist...why.... it was sort of like the 215 victory but older. I also liked the ARIMA boats but they are pricey and the dealers here in Long Island do not seem to want to Bargain a little. Meanwhile Andy at Great Bay Marine was EXTREMLY helpful to us. I am praying SEA HUNT comes out with a 23 foot WA by time I finish the house.
Pros and cons of Key West,Sea Hunt and Sea Pro 
