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I'm down to 3 boats -- which one would you purchase!
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I'm down to 3 boats -- which one would you purchase!
I'm pulling the trigger on one of these this week:
Pioneer 175 BaySport -- Looking at two. One I can get for $12k and only has 30 hours on Yammie 115 (2 stroke). The other I can get for around $16k and has 150 hours on Yammie 115 (4 stroke) and more options than first one...
Key West 186 cc -- Can get a late model one for around $20k w/ Yammie 150 4 stroke (under 100 hours, some warranty left).
Sea Hunt 196 Ultra -- Can get a NEW ONE one loaded with options for around $23k, w/ Yammie 115 4 Stroke. 6 Year Yammie Warranty. My wife and son would probably like this the best, due to the "family" amenities... Might be a tad under-powered, but that's the package price.
NOTE: I'm not doing offshore fishing with this (or anything truly offshore for that matter). Just buzzing around with my family in the Salem Sound, north of Boston. Farthest I'd want to go is Cape Ann.
I'm leaning towards the cheapest one right now, the Pioneer BaySport that's $12k, even though it's got a 2 stroke engine. $$ is definitely a consideration.
Are you sure you've thought about your requirements enough? The boats you've narrowed down to are not really comparable. You're looking at a 1,200 lb Pioneer vs. a 2,000 lb. Sea Hunt.
Salem Sound looks like a big piece of open water, the Sea Hunt will be far better suited for running around with the family out there. The Pioneer looks like a 2 adults plus maybe 2 little kids boat as a practical matter, and you'll be sticking pretty close to shore with it when cruising with the family. It should be suitable for shorter runs in calm conditions, but I don't see it going out to that cape if the family is along.
The 196 Ultra seems like it will be underpowered. That's no fun.
Are you sure you've thought about your requirements enough? The boats you've narrowed down to are not really comparable. You're looking at a 1,200 lb Pioneer vs. a 2,000 lb. Sea Hunt.
Salem Sound looks like a big piece of open water, the Sea Hunt will be far better suited for running around with the family out there. The Pioneer looks like a 2 adults plus maybe 2 little kids boat as a practical matter, and you'll be sticking pretty close to shore with it when cruising with the family. It should be suitable for shorter runs in calm conditions, but I don't see it going out to that cape if the family is along.
The 196 Ultra seems like it will be underpowered. That's no fun.
Lots of good points. Definitely not apples-to-apples... Your response leads me to the KW... However, I'm looking at purchasing that very long-distance and either driving/paying for transport on it...
One thing, the Pioneer is more like 18 feet... My question, has anyone driven a Pioneer 175 in ocean chop? I'm assuming it's drier than something like a 17 foot Whaler Montauk... I am mostly using it for simple/nearby stuff. Any insight from anyone?
Quote:
Originally Posted by miike
What didnt you like about your pursuit?
I loved the Pursuit -- had it for six years, bought it new. It was a big boat, and wasn't using it to it's potential.
The KW as packaged is the best balanced one of the group, IMO. Seahunt is underpowered. Pioneer is more like a toy. KW is just about right - maybe push back on the price a bit - then pull the trigger.
RedSoxMan,
IMO, you sold the perfect boat for your described use. But I certainly agree with you doing so if the need was to shed debt or reduce monthly overhead. Very responsible!
I think you should cross the 2-stroke Pioneer off your list. The better equipped and better optioned 4- stroke Pioneer for only $3k more makes sense for the difference in money.
I believe that 150 is the max HP on the 196 Ultra. Using the old 80% rule, we come up with 120HP. Maybe 115 isn't as underpowered as we might think. That being said, I'd want the 150, too.
__________________
'99 Boston Whaler 18 Ventura
135 OptiMax
I am mostly using it for simple/nearby stuff. Any insight from anyone?
.
When you say that, I think of bouncing around the back bay behind my house and only going a couple miles to fish or occasionally cruise to a restraunt... Stuff my Carolina Skiff would do (unfortunately while giving me a shower of course). In that case, I would buy the least expensive of them with the 2 stroke, assuming you like the 175 Pioneer. Hell, the thing is new. Now, if you never had a carbed 2 stroke, you may want to go with F115 boat as it is easier to start and easier on the ears.
FWIW, I just bought after shopping some for a close friend a 01 Grady 18 in like new shape, with a 06 F150 w/270hrs, new trailer, new electronics, new cushions etc for $16 which I would do again over any of your choices. I should note the new owners wife is going to use it, so it had to have an EFI engine. But at $12k, for your purposes thats the route I would take in a minute. Can't lose
Tough call, if you are just going to use it for a few years and then replace it, probably the 2 stroke Pioneer, you will probably lose the least amount of money on that boat, the 4 stroke would be nice but doubt it would retain the $4k premium.
Will you run over to Glouchester harbor from Salem with this boat? Just curious I have wanted to do that with my Workskiff but I am afraid if it kicks up I may not be able to come back. I usually lauch at the Kernwood ramp.
Tough call, if you are just going to use it for a few years and then replace it, probably the 2 stroke Pioneer, you will probably lose the least amount of money on that boat, the 4 stroke would be nice but doubt it would retain the $4k premium.
Will you run over to Glouchester harbor from Salem with this boat? Just curious I have wanted to do that with my Workskiff but I am afraid if it kicks up I may not be able to come back. I usually lauch at the Kernwood ramp.
Yeah, I'd like to head over to Gloucester (and Annisquam River...) ...would get interesting if the weather changed, I imagine. At least it's right along the coast. We'll see.
If I can't, I can live with that for a couple years (then upsize again...)
The KW is only a few inches longer than the Pioneer -- but 450 lbs heavier. And steeper deadrise... I guess that's the cut-off point -- between handling a trip like that.
It would be about $10k more to get the KW, because of the transport and added taxes... Not sure it's worth it.
All have good motors, but the Pioneer is a little light. The SeaHunt and KeyWest are very comparable..but the Key West has the 150.
I've owned two KeyWests, both good boats. They were both seven years old when I bought them, one had only 110 hrs, the other had 340. Good solid hulls, hatches, wiring, plumbing and electrical. Not a stress crack on either.
I would imagine the 150 Yammy is worth the most of all the motors, and it's an easy motor to service, if you are so inclined....
If its me and I am taking my wife and kid/kids its the 4 stroke engine. I would pay the extra dollars and get the Sea Hunt with a 150hp. If its too much go with the Key West and the 4 stroke power. Down the line if you and you family wants to move up you will have no problem in selling the boat with the 4 stroke power. Plus to fumes or smoke or mixing of oil. Its worth the extra dollars.
I'm down to 3 boats -- which one would you purchase! 
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