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Random Quote: If we don't catch fish - you don't come back!
Climbed all over a 22' on Hwy 41 north of Sarasota last week. Seems like an excellent deal and I was surprised that it has a full livewell and an anchor locker. $21k with an aluminum trailer and 150 4stroke Suzuki seems like a no brainer. The hull looks identical to a 22' Pathfinder. My guess is it is much lighter than a similar hull that has a finished top sides. The only drawback for me was a 40 gallon tank and very low freeboard (even for a bay boat). With the low freeboard and light weight - I would be tempted to put a polling platform on it. I love the idea of having a glorified jon boat that rides well and you hose off occasionally and don't have to worry about. Not to mention - who cares about depreciation - you only paid $21k!
My theory is you will see a lot of other manufacturers start a second line that is priced where fiberglass boats need to be priced to sell in this economy. Either this is the future or offshore manufacturing - either way prices have to come down for the industry to weather the storm. I am not in boat sales but I bet it is pretty hard to find a buyer for a $50k 22' bay boat or $125k for a 26' center console these days.
Rep came by last week and asked if we would carry them. I declined. Boat is lacking in fit and finish compared to the Proline boat. I realize it is an economy rig, but, they could have done a lot more for the price point they are going for. There are lines out there better equipped, built, and priced similarly. Seachaser 220 Bayrunner definitely comes to mind. That boat retails in the 22K-24K range with a 140-150 4-stroke and has more seating, 2 piece construction, storage, better livewells, better looks, etc. It would surprise people what they are probably making in profit margins on those boats. The Kenner, Mako, and Seachaser roll gunnel series boats are better values in my opinion.
I stopped and looked at the rolled edge Mako's that were next door (on Hwy 41) to the Prolite dealer and liked them as well. My only impression was that they were at least $8k more for a similar sized hull (the dealer was selling the 21' for $29k with a 150 4 stroke and aluminum trailer). They may be worth it but that is still a 30% + increase over the Prolite. For $30k - I can start to think of a ton of other boats I should be looking at. The competition at $21k (new w/ a 150 four stroke) is pretty shallow (even when you include late model 22' bay boats with 4 stroke outboards). I haven't seen the Sea Chasers or Kenners.
None of this matters until we hear from someone who has ridden in the Prolite and has a legit review of how it handles and holds up after a few months of ownership. If it rides moderately well and does not come apart in a "harbor" type chop - they will probably sell a ton of them.
Re: Pro Lite boats by Pro Line (First Pro-Lite owner review)
Quote:
ccim - 8/3/2008 7:27 PM
None of this matters until we hear from someone who has ridden in the Prolite and has a legit review of how it handles and holds up after a few months of ownership. If it rides moderately well and does not come apart in a "harbor" type chop - they will probably sell a ton of them.
Well, I drove home with my new Pro-Lite 22 Flats yesterday. I have been reading about and researching these for several months now. I first saw one in person back in November. The test ride sealed the deal. It wasn't too rough yesterday in the bay, but it was windy and a light chop. I cannot believe how smooth the ride was. And quiet! My hesitations all along about this boat were that I thought it would beat you to death and be really loud with the hull slap. I was wrong. I could not get over how quiet the E-tec 150 was either. Amazing. As for getting up on a plane. When the dealer got on it, I think the whole boat jumped out of the water. Seriously. This boat is rated for up to a 200? I could not imagine! There were three of us in the boat and it jumped up in second or two.
Just thought I would post some information. We will get it out on the water again soon and add some more info. Pm with any questions.
When Pathfinder sued, they neglected to document the hull, so no comparisons could be made to numbers on file, i.e. strake location and length, chine width and angle, deadrise at the prow and deadrise at midships as well as at the transom, etc. Hence, they had no case. If Proline had indeed made a "splash" of the pathfinder hull, chances are is has been improved to some degree or another.
"Splashes" are done all the time in the marine business. The employment of a marine architect, an individual who is able to dimensionally document his or hers designs, is crucial to protecting the hullform from copy. The initial cost my be high, but the investment is well worth it.
I picked up a 22 flats with a 150 Suzuki a little over a week ago. I wanted a hull to draft a foot or less and it fit the bill and budget. I've had it out twice, the last time on Friday in 15+ mph winds and ran it all over south Biscayne Bay here in south Florida in a nasty 2 foot chop. Very dry for a flats boat. Jumps up fast and will run at least 48 mph ( a quick pop until break in's over) with my 235 pound son and my 220 pound rear end in the boat. I was impressed. I do not, however, like the stiffness of the no feed back steering and would have liked to see hydraulic steering. I'll keep you guys posted over the next few months as I get a better feel for her.
anyone seen one of the new boats yet looks like just a rolled gunnel plain fishing boat for a decent price
All six of them are hulls we had great success with under the PRO-LINE banner. All time proven hulls, no guess work involved.
The entire project was done by our founder, one of us old guys.
I think he enjoyed the PRO-LITE project more than a new 32 he just did that we actually make a profit with! I hadn't seen him have so much fun for a long time.
If you wish, PM me, I'll try to load you up with all the info you can carry.
I've been using the 20Flats, that for sure we should have called a "Bay" not a "Flats". A "Bay" will take sloppy water better than a "flats". When we built the 22 & 20 "Flats" as a PRO-LINE, we called them "Bays".
I'm delighted to give you any info you may wish. Thus far, it looks like we've pretty much got a 100% customer satisfaction level going on with them. Hope our luck continues re that.
Mike Carrigan
Thanks Mike,
I got the info I needed from a mechanic at the dealer. Will try to find my way up to the factory one of these days. I loaded a trolling motor with 2 Interstate grp 27 batteries and a swing back seat rigged as a second live well. Lots of weight, and she took 4 of us fishing today. Still fast to get up and will still run 45, crusing nicely at 35 keeping us comfortable and dry. I'm getting used to the steering and I'm off to the keys this coming weekend, looking forward to some serious fishing in the new boat now that break in is done.
Thats fine Mike. Props to Davey Marine. They worked hard to put me in this boat, financing is a bear right now. Modern Marine helped out too. They had the boat in stock. I only had a 30 day aproval from the bank and with production shut down in january the factory could not build me one. My family is estactic, my 16 foot skiff left to many people at home and was way overcrouded with my 2 boys. .
OK!
Now I know who you are!
Wow, are you correct re retail financing.
For sure one of our industries biggest problems (like we need more, huh?).
Alls well that ends well, you and your lovely are happy, thats what matters.
"Plugs" maybe not appropriate, however, your dealer has always rated if not #1, darn close to it with us "customer service".
ENJOY & THANKS!
Mike Carrigan
Pro Lite boats by Pro Line
