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First off, this is my first post and I would like to thank you all for the vast amount of information and opinions on this sight, it has definitely helped me narrow my search for my first boat. On to the question:
I am looking at a 2007 Scout 205 SF and a 2008 Sea Hunt Ultra 210. I have seen plenty of threads on here about the quality of both brands, but nothing that directly compares the two and would like opinions. I will probably use the boat 50/50 for fishing/family activities. Both are equipped with Yamaha F150 and priced as follows.
2008 Sea Hunt Ultra 210: $31k (Chatlee) or $33.5 local
stock + TTop, Wesco trailer.
Bottom line is the Sea Hunt comes extremely loaded from the factory and the Scout is a little more bare bones but I love the quality. I have seen the Scout in person but have not yet seen the Sea Hunt. Your help is greatly appreciated!
You're right, I could, I know your price. However, if you search this and other forums for your business you get many heated responses. This is my first boat and although I believe in a fair shake for everyone I'm not sure how much of my wife's good will I'm willing to use up if the stories turn out to be true.
seriously...a pioneer 197 beats them both in layout, ride, fit/finish. yes, I have been on them all. look close and bring your own tape measure, dont be fooled my mfg model names. its know the scout is a step above the seahunt in fit\finish, but the seahunt owners are very very happy folks, so are scout owners. anyways, if you can, check out the pioneer, not only will the mrs find it prettier than the others, you will notice the build quality. look at them all REAL close, seatrial them all. Also, just to throw it out there, sea pro has really stepped it up this year, i was at a show saturday, climbing all over them and the scouts..and key west. i was amazed at the flaws on these boats that they chose to put in the show!
Good luck!
__________________ pioneer197/yami f150
pioneerownersclub dot com
Good point on that. the console is what some would consider small which adds alot of room to the rest of the boat. No potty option. I had to go with a dora the explorer training potty Im surprised the prices are that close on the boats you mentioned, i would imagine there is still some haggle room. If you like them both, might just see which dealer is more willing and which one gives you the best gut feelings. service after the sale is HUGE...luckliy both boats you mentioned come with a solid reputation of being backed by the MFG'r. I have heard some great stories of scout supporting customers long after a sale and im sure sea hunt is the same.
__________________ pioneer197/yami f150
pioneerownersclub dot com
The Sea Hunt is going to have more usable space (storage, seating. etc) than the Scout. It's an all around bigger boat. I have owned my 207 which is the same hull as the 210. for over a year and have had no complaints. I love the boat. Scout does have a better fit & finish. For the money, I went with Sea Hunt & I'd buy another one today if I was trading up. Here is the link to the Sea Hunt owners site http://seahuntownersgroup.yuku.com/
The ultra series by Sea Hunt is Hands down the best combo boat out there. It has a great layout for bringing the family out with the rear bench and the front v seating. It also has all the fishing features you will need and is alot of boat for the money. It may not be as neatly finished out but who cares, it will ride as well as anything in that price range or less. Fit and finish to me is way overrated, remember the motor is what will get you home not the fit n finish.
All nice boats and I have been looking at these and more for several months. My use is similiar to yours and I have 3 children. For me, the 210 Ultra is the best fit for my family. The bow seating and transom bench provide tons of room for family fun. I figure that I can work around these issues for serious fishing but also know (from experience) that if the family ain't comfortable they will suck the fun right out of your time on the water!
troutpioneer - 4/21/2008 9:44 PM seriously...a pioneer 197 beats them both in layout, ride, fit/finish. yes, I have been on them all. look close and bring your own tape measure, dont be fooled my mfg model names. its know the scout is a step above the seahunt in fitfinish, but the seahunt owners are very very happy folks, so are scout owners. anyways, if you can, check out the pioneer, not only will the mrs find it prettier than the others, you will notice the build quality. look at them all REAL close, seatrial them all. Also, just to throw it out there, sea pro has really stepped it up this year, i was at a show saturday, climbing all over them and the scouts..and key west. i was amazed at the flaws on these boats that they chose to put in the show! Good luck!
I'd disagree that the Pioneer "beats them both" in layout OR fit and finish. The scout has a better fit and finish than the Pioneer--it is what it is. I've also been on all three, (and I closely compared themwhenI purchased my Sea Hunt)and without any bias I'd say that. The Pioneer seems smaller inside than my Sea Hunt 202 does, (even excluding the much larger console with a head).
As to the OP's question, if you have the extra cash get the Scout. It has a better warranty new and when you resellit you will get more for it. If you are looking for more boat for your dollar, get the Sea Hunt. I don't think you'll be let down with either choice. Incidently, I chose My Sea Hunt due to the enclosed head for my wife and for the price. Had price not been an issue, I would have bought a Grady or the Scout.
"I'd disagree that the Pioneer "beats them both" in layout OR fit and finish. The scout has a better fit and finish than the Pioneer--it is what it is. I've also been on all three, (and I closely compared them when I purchased my Sea Hunt) and without any bias I'd say that. The Pioneer seems smaller inside than my Sea Hunt 202 does, (even excluding the much larger console with a head)."
Arent you an ex scout owner?
I guess we'll agree to disagree then. I have spent a considerable amount of time on both scout and pioneer. I wish i had my camera at this last show by the way. I may be biased as im obviously a big fan of pioneer...and by trade i am in quality assurance.
__________________ pioneer197/yami f150
pioneerownersclub dot com
I was at the Charleston boat show..I saw them...again. My mind still isn't changed.
Pioneer's a fine boat, but like every boat, it isn't perfect for everyone.
And yes, I had a '98 Scout 185 about 5 years ago.It was a pretty bare bones boat, and your Pioneer would certainly beat it in any fit and finish comparison.IMO, it doesn't really compare to the Scouts made today, if you're trying to insuinuate some bias towards them. I'vealso owned a Key West and a Grady White. I'd be happy todiscuss the shortcoming of those as well if you'd like; they all definitely had them.
I have never undestood why the Pioneer folks thinks their 20ft boat is so much bigger that anybody elses 20 ft boat. Yes I know that the Pioneer doesn't have the Euro transom that helps with the cockpit room but so does the Sea Hunt 202 and those two boats are very very close space wise. I do love the Pioneer but it is more designed for just fishing than the Scout or Sea Hunt Ultra. That doesn't make it a bad boat but it is what it is, for a combo boat there are better options than the Pioneer.
By the way I just picked up a new 07 Nautic Star 2000 DC and in my storage lot in I am in between a 207 Sea Hunt and a 197 Pioneer Venture. Which oddly enough were 3 of my 4 finalists. I can't think of a better way to compare than having the three side by side. At the end of the day there just isn't huge differences in size. In fact my Nautic 2000 is bigger than the Pioneer both in the bow and the cockpit.
They are all great boats but I was in the exact same situation you were in.....I loved the Pioneer but couldn't justify the added expense especially since it didn't have a head. Have you considered a DC? I finally determined that they way I fish I almost like having all that room in the cockpit to fish out of the back. The Key West 225 is a nice layout for a DC if you haven't looked at one yet. At the end of the day my wife likes to hide behind the windshield so her hair looks a little better when we get where we are going .
haha good points...in case you have not noticed yet, everyones boat is bigger than the ones they did not buy.
I cant speak for all pioneer folks, many say the boat rides like a much bigger boat. the boats really start to differentiate once they get off the trailer and hit the water. I think a seatrial is a MUST. that was the biggest learning experience for me when shopping. You can have three boats in the water all with similiar specs and they are each going to be a bit different.
In the end, you just want to find the right boat that blows your hair back. boats are just an added bonus to life, nothing to stress over.
I saw 2 new nautic stars 20's on the water this weekend, they looked great.
__________________ pioneer197/yami f150
pioneerownersclub dot com
Bought my SH from Chatlees and LOVED them! Could not be happier with the SH 186 either! By the way had a Scout 202 for 2 years and was NOT pleased with it, so I sold it and moved over to a SH... Just do your HOMEWORK B4 you buy! Good Luck! Hitman
Pioneer hands down i looked at Scouts, Sea hunts and so many more and it was the best fit and finish plus its a huge 20' boat. I fish mainly offshore 25+ miles and it a perfect boat for me for this type of run in 2-3' seas and 10-15mph winds. great boat for the money and an unbelievable ride for this size boat
Scout 205 SF vs. Sea Hunt Ultra 210 
Im surprised the prices are that close on the boats you mentioned, i would imagine there is still some haggle room. If you like them both, might just see which dealer is more willing and which one gives you the best gut feelings. service after the sale is HUGE...luckliy both boats you mentioned come with a solid reputation of being backed by the MFG'r. I have heard some great stories of scout supporting customers long after a sale and im sure sea hunt is the same. 
