Tidewater owners, I need your input...

[ConchRepublic]

Hi all,
I've been looking at trading in our Sea Hunt 172 for a Tidewater 216cc. I'm in Tampa Bay, Fl, and there's only one Tidewater dealer in my area, so it's tough to get feedback from owners down here.

If any of you have had good or bad experiences with your boat as it wears, how it performs, etc., I'd appreciate hearing about them. The fact they're a fairly new company concerns me a little, but I've been impressed with the fit and finish on the 216 I looked at. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

[ConchRepublic]

Okay, I'll even take friends of Tidewater owners, dealers, you name it... any feedback would be great. Thanks again.

[Afishinado]

Several owners on this site, just not here at the moment. They are pleased from all I've read.

[Too Short]

I've had my 21 BayMax for about 6 weeks. So far so good. I haven't had it out enough to give you any meaningful feedback but no negatives thus far.

[Reeltherapy1]

You should go look at the SeaPro Boats. They have great deals right now and very similar to Tidewater.

[Sprockets]

You may want to PM Onewolf if he does not see your thread. He has the 20 BayMax and did a lot of research before the purchase.

[ConchRepublic]

Thanks, I'll try contacting him...

[SCAngler]

good boat and a good value

[ConchRepublic]

I was impressed with the quality when I looked, but am honestly hesitant given the "new company" factor. I think they'll stay around, as Jimmy Metts certainly did well for Sea Pro, but in this economy, who knows. Prices in Florida are not too good though. I see Ed's sells a 216 package with trailer for 29k! It's a struggle to get them to 30k here with just boat and motor (F150).

[ConchRepublic]

I was impressed with the quality when I looked, but am honestly hesitant given the "new company" factor. I think they'll stay around, as Jimmy Metts certainly did well for Sea Pro, but in this economy, who knows. Prices in Florida are not too good though. I see Ed's sells a 216 package with trailer for 29k! It's a struggle to get them to 30k here with just boat and motor (F150).

[SCAngler]

there is more money in them besides jimmy now & the boats are made at the key west factory so you should not have any worries
good luck

[Onewolf]

http://www.onewolf.net/tw21.htm

[davidgef]

Hello, Bought a 21'6" Tidewater Adventurer January last year and really like it. Came with a torsion bar double axle trailer & f150. No problems with anything, although I did have a minor problem with T-top lights fogging up but caulked under masthead light & problem went away.
Thought it would be underpowered with f150 ( previous boat was a Formula with a pair of fwc big blocks that I had for twenty years ) but seems ok. Can get up in flats & still handles well offshore. Turns a 19p 5800 rpm with light load at 48 mph on GPS. Boat & motor performed exactly as indicated on Tidewater's performance page with the 17p
I did have to add a trim guage, hour meter & LED indicator switch for Trim Tabs for obvious reasons.
T-top and aluminum work are rock solid at speed, no shakes or rattles. Would reccommend this rig to anyone
Be glad to answer any questions you may have

[ConchRepublic]

Thanks for the feedback davidgef and onewolf. I"m sure I'll have some more specific questions in the future if we go through with this in the next month or so. I thought I was thorough -- Onewolf's planning makes me look like I threw a dart at a picture full of boats and chose one.

[pierhappy]

I have a 19' Bayboat and love it. Looked at Sea Pro, TideWater has them beat. Console was moved forward for a more stable ride better drains, best value for the money. i looked at them all tested them all. The Admiral felt safer on the Tidewater. Wider beam smoother ride. Tidewater is doing well, Seapro is done!!
I have met Jimmy several times, he straight upfront down to earth guy.

Pier

[tcopeland]

I have a 1900 Bay with F115. Purchased from Choplin.
Minor rigging issues that I fixed. Very good value. Nice ride.
SheWhioMustBeObeyed approves.