sea swirl 26 walk

[fish-on]

Looking at a 2001 26 walk sea swirl, can anybody give me any information on these boats. Good or bad. Doug.

[AC]

My biggest memory of that boat is that you could buy a new one in 1997 for $29,995 boat/motor/trailor brand new.

Other than that I can oly generalize that it is a nice mid tier boat.Similar to Proline,Cobia,Century and the likes.You don't hear many complaints from owners,and thats rare with any boat these days.

[81 CC SEAOX 23']

fish-on - 8/27/2005 8:39 AM Looking at a 2001 26 walksea swirl, can anybody give me any information on these boats. Good or bad.Doug.

Just sold my 2600 Sea Swirl Striper!!!

Water intrusion issues
.....in the bilge
.....in the cuddy
.....in the anchor locker
.....in the storage areas of the inside of the cuddy holds
.....leaking toilet
replaced 4 starters
2 engine computers
3 bilge pumps
cracked head
needed valve job in less than 400 hours
spider cracks
2 Failed wash down pumps
bow and side rails screwed together with allen screws
transmissions (out drive issues) Volvo Penta
Swim platform tore off (was not back plated)
Oil sending unit failure
electrical problems with wire spicing in the engine area
Fogged gauges (speedo, tack, engine oil temp)

Ended up taking Volvo Penta, SeaSwirl, Genmar and the Dealer Johnson Marine in Upland, Ca to court and in a out of court settlement they agreed to settle. They, Volvo Penta, Seaswirl, Genmar wanted me to sign an a quiet agreement that I would not talk about the issues because of all the problems and I refused to sign it and they tried to force a "quiet order by the court to not slander them" or talk about all the issues I have had because it may damage their reputation as a POS Boat MFG and builder and they could not get the court to enforce the request that I was entitled to my opinion and this is it. They also wanted me to sign a document saying I could not go after them again for any future issues against warrantee and Volvo Penta, Seaswirl, Genmar and Johnson Marine will not be held liable for any future issues that surface and I did not sign that either!!! Which is against the Law to sign away my warrantee rights.

Yep go ahead and buy this fine POS boat. Others have stated that there's is great without problems but here is a perfect example of an entry level boat made of the worst crap available in the marine industry that will not last even the amount of time the warrantee is for. 5 years of pure problems and hell from the boat and the companies responsible for building it that said in there ad "Enjoy problem free, and have piece of mind on our wonderful POS BOAT!!!!!"

Your boat could be nothing but problems too. I was towed in by Vessel Assist more than 6 times and do yourself a favor buy Tow Boat USA, or Vessel Assist because your going to need it!!! I have been on the water in my own boats for over 25 years in 3 other boats and this POS SeaSwirl Striper had more issues in 5 years than all my other boats combined and it was my first NEW BOAT of all 4 of my boats..... PERIOD!!!

[Taken Lightly]

SteveBaz - 8/27/2005 11:35 AM

Just sold my 2600 Sea Swirl Striper!!!

Water intrusion issues
.....in the bilge
.....in the cuddy
.....in the anchor locker
.....in the storage areas of the inside of the cuddy holds
.....leaking toilet
replaced 4 starters
2 engine computers
3 bilge pumps
cracked head
needed valve job in less than 400 hours
spider cracks
2 Failed wash down pumps
bow and side rails screwed together with allen screws
transmissions (out drive issues) Volvo Penta
Swim platform tore off (was not back plated)
Oil sending unit failure
electrical problems with wire spicing in the engine area
Fogged gauges (speedo, tack, engine oil temp)

This by far the exception and not the rule, there are plenty of happy Striper owners all over the country.

Visit www.seastriper.com for more info.

For the vast number of Striper boats on the water there are very few horror stories.

[SEASWIRL PAUL]

I have a 2100 wa circa 2000.
In regards to the 2600 theres one thing id like to add, the loa is 25ft 4in.
Minus 14in for the pulpit leaves a 24 footer with a pulpit little bigger than a foot. At least my pulpit is 14in because Ive measured it that makes my hull a 20 footer not a 21.

For them to call it a "2600" is misleading.

Now when it comes to quality they have improved I'd say 25% now over my year.

I had a dealership hang a kicker on the starbord side of the splashwell and 2mos later there wes a 36in crack in the hull to deck joint all the way to the motor mounts. Took it in to the seaswirl dealership and they tacked it together under warranty.

The transom is now wet, I pulled screws out and water came out. Anyway, you be the judge.

Low to mid teir would be my opinion. Not that it can't handle waves it can handle them well. Not a very soft ride, average or less quality fittings.

I wouldn't buy another seaswirl.


Poor electrical, thin cushions, leaky windshield, bow lights failed, loose bowrail, low powered wahsdown runs off the same pump as the baitwell.

Oh yeah, not to mention a cheap plastic seastrainer that almost sunk us in 37 degree water 10mi out.

[JALICHTY]

My wife and I bought a new 1996 SeaSwirl 1850 Striper WA in 1996 and had very few problems with it, never had to be towed in, never had any water intrusion other than over the bow and gunnels in rough water and never had guages not work, although some of them didn't seem to register quite right once in a while. I think stevebaz had a lemon and decided to make everyone pay as much as possible to make him happy. I sympathize with his problems, but I think a search of SeaSwirl references will find many more positive experiences with the boats than big problems.

[seagull2000]

They build these boats in Washington State I believe, Check out their warranty. It's a long way across the U.S. if the boat has to be repaired at the factory! And who do you think has to pay the shipping ?

Check the Warranty !!!

[WB2101]

fish-on,

After reading SteveBaz posting, sounds like he also has a big problem with Volvo-Penta, who most people think makes the best stern drive on the market.

If you have the money, buy a Grady-White. But, for most of us we have to make a value judgement of boat quality vs price.

I have a 2002 Striper 2101 Alaskan and love my boat. It handles rough water off the Northern Calif. coast very well. The main problems I've had, have been items that a owner can fix. Like loose hatch screws or sealing a window frame. BTW, all of the hardware on my boat has backing plates.

Striper is by far the best selling saltwater fishing boat in my area, like a Ford or Chevy truck. If you drive a Lexus this may not be the boat for you.

[81 CC SEAOX 23']

WB2101 - 8/27/2005 4:21 PM fish-on, After reading SteveBaz posting, sounds like he also has a big problem with Volvo-Penta, who most people think makes the best stern drive on the market.

Hummmmmm lets see

Water intrusion issues
.....in the bilge (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
.....in the cuddy (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
.....in the anchor locker (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
.....in the storage areas of the inside of the cuddy holds (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
.....leaking toilet (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
replaced 4 starters (Yes... A Volvo Penta issue but not a stern drive issue)
2 engine computers (Yes... A Volvo Penta issue but not a stern drive issue)
3 bilge pumps (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
cracked head (Yes... A Volvo Penta issue but not a stern drive issue)
needed valve job in less than 400 hours (Yes... A Volvo Penta issue but not a stern drive issue)
spider cracks (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
2 Failed wash down pumps (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
bow and side rails screwed together with allen screws (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
transmissions (out drive issues) Volvo Penta (WoW 1 Stern Drive issue)
Swim platform tore off (was not back plated) (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
Oil sending unit failure (Not a Volvo Penta issue)
electrical problems with wire spicing in the engine area (Yes... A Volvo Penta issue but not a stern drive issue)
Fogged gauges (speedo, tack, engine oil temp) (Not a Volvo Penta issue)

This by far the exception and not the rule, there are plenty of happy Striper owners all over the country.
Visit www.seastriper.com for more info.
For the vast number of Striper boats on the water there are very few horror stories.

1ST PART Yes I am sure there are happy Striper owners all over2nd By visiting a Striper only club that is not exactly a fair pool of people to make a fair opinion. If you ask Porche owner how they like their Porche?? Guess what they are going to say what I hate it!! Come on!3rd Regarding this statement…. Hummmm How many people own Stripper boats?? You do not have a clue. Regardless of how many people own in my opinion this POS BOAT (because of my personal feelings and opinion of it) How in the bloody hell do you know or could you know; Quote; “For the vast number of Striper boats on the water there are very few horror stories”[/i] the information I provided is documented by depositions, attorney’s, a 2 year court battle with SeaSwirl, Volvo Penta, Genmar and Johnson Marine. Where is your information coming from and I would advise you to tell the truth, the whole truth when it can be checked by others!!! What you said is quoted right out of your butt!![/b] [/b]

For them to call it a "2600" is misleading.

Now when it comes to quality they have improved I'd say 25% now over my year.

I had a dealership hang a kicker on the starboard side of the splash well and 2 mos later there was a 36 inche crack in the hull to deck joint all the way to the motor mounts. Took it in to the SeaSwirl dealership and they tacked it together under warranty.

The transom is now wet, I pulled screws out and water came out. Anyway, you be the judge.

Low to mid tier would be my opinion. Not that it can't handle waves it can handle them well. Not a very soft ride, average or less quality fittings.

I wouldn't buy another SeaSwirl.

Poor electrical, thin cushions, leaky windshield, bow lights failed, loose bow rail, low powered walls down runs off the same pump as the bait well.

Oh yeah, not to mention a cheap plastic sea strainer that almost sunk us in 37 degree water 10 miles out.

Here is a typical problem with lower end boats!!

My wife and I bought a new 1996 SeaSwirl 1850 Striper WA in 1996 and had very few problems with it, never had to be towed in, never had any water intrusion other than over the bow and gunnels in rough water and never had gauges not work, although some of them didn't seem to register quite right once in a while. I think stevebaz had a lemon and decided to make everyone pay as much as possible to make him happy. I sympathize with his problems, but I think a search of SeaSwirl references will find many more positive experiences with the boats than big problems.

Never had any problems with your gauges but quoted by you; “although some of them didn't seem to register quite right once in a while.” [/b] Don’t you find it funny that when other people have problems with the same thing that you have it’s so easy to justify it being good because you own it and love it until you have your problems with it also, and then say what a POS. It so easy to invalidate other troubles and woes when you don’t want to see it yourself. Quote by you;“I think stevebaz had a lemon and decided to make everyone pay as much as possible to make him happy.” [/b] What a rude A$$ remark to my $40,000.00 boat that I was buying and could not get rid of but to continue to pay or lost all of my $$$ to them that cheated me out of a good boat experience. I wonder if it were your $40 grand how you would feel? Would it be as calm as your statement? You and I would have the same opinion I think. Shame on you! Yes mine was a LEMON and so could others. Quote by you; “I sympathize with his problems, but I think a search of SeaSwirl references will find many more positive experiences with the boats than big problems.”[/b] I see all your sympathy in how you express yourself.

They build these boats in Washington State I believe, Check out their warranty. It's a long way across the U.S. if the boat has to be repaired at the factory! And who do you think has to pay the shipping ?

They are made in Ontario, Oregon. (Eastern Oregon near Bend) Most every screw and bolt on the boat was over tight and stripped and required epoxy on the screw the hinges all came loose all the time. The bow rails needed constant tightening, the inset that hold rods and such in the side walls of the stern came loose a lot. Every pump on the boat failed from the OEM factory install. Bilge, washdown, toilet, livewell!! Unbelievable!! Just my opinion guys but a sub-standard boat and I will not back off my opinion 1 inch just because of the way I was treated by the people representing those companies. If they treated me like that you better believe they are going to treat you that way and if you think they are going to treat you any differantly when you have major issues…. well I have some good Florida property I will sell you that is Hurricane PROOF!! Keep in mind truthfully... this how they are going to treat you too !!!!

[Taken Lightly]

Hummmm How many people own Stripper boats?? You do not have a clue. Regardless of how many people own in my opinion this POS BOAT (because of my personal feelings and opinion of it) How in the bloody hell do you know or could you know; Quote; “For the vast number of Striper boats on the water there are very few horror stories”[/i] the information I provided is documented by depositions, attorney’s, a 2 year court battle with SeaSwirl, Volvo Penta, Genmar and Johnson Marine. Where is your information coming from and I would advise you to tell the truth, the whole truth when it can be checked by others!!! What you said is quoted right out of your butt!!

I would appreciate it if you would leave my anatomy out of this discussion.

Not many people own Strippers (usually have to rent those) but quite a few own Striper's.

I didn't need attorneys to get my information it is published by NMMA.
Seaswirl ranked 8th and 7th in market share for the 21'-24' & 24' & up categories.


Here are some selected 2004 statistics from Boating Industry (www.boating-industry.com) in their August issue (US/Canada only, and were tabulated by NMMA-National Marine Manufacturers Assn.):

Fiberglass Outboard Boats Market Share (includes all FB boats, not only fishing boats):

16'-20': 1. Tracker; 2. Ranger; 3) Carolina Skiff 4) Triton; 5) Skeeter; 6) Key West; 7) Hurricane; 8) Sea Pro; 9) Boston Whaler; 10) Stratos, for a combined share of 53.2%.

21'-24': 1) Ranger; 2) Sea Pro; 3) Triton; 4) Hurricane; 5) Pro Line; 6) Carolina Skiff; 7) Seafox; 8) SEASWIRL; 9) Pathfinder; 10) Grady-White, for a combined share of 46.4%.

>24' : 1) Grady White; 2) Contender; 3) Pro Line; 4) Boston Whaler; 5) Parker; 6) Hydra Sports; 7) SEASWIRL; 8) Seafox; 9) Century; 10) Wellcraft for a combined share of 48.7%.

I'm not saying Striper's are the best boats but they are not a POS either in my opinion. Although I can believe yours was a POS.

[COOL BREEZE]

Seaswirls are made in Culver Oregon, and have been for 50 years. Mine is 15 years old and still going. I do take care of it

[WB2101]

Guys,

I have to wonder if SteveBaz actually ever owned a Striper. Seems to me, that he would have remembered what city the factory was located in, with all these legal documents.

Also, he does not know that a "Volvo sterndrive" is both the engine and I/O drive ( ref.: http://www.penta.volvo.se/us/leisure/flash/main.asp ). or, that the engine gauges are from Volvo Penta.

The anchor line locker is made to handle water from the anchor line and has a drain at the bottom. The hatch is not sealed, because does not need to be.

If this is for real, I'd sure like to hear the "other side of the story".

[roberth]

All in all, there are lemon's in everything. I had a Chevy Blazer lemon that I lost my behind on! But, that wouldn't stop me from buying another one if I really wanted one. I know many others with blazer's that are having absolutely NO problems over a long period of time!
Now, I have met several folks over the last few years and asked how their seaswirl stripers were doing since I am very interested in them. They truely loved them and were pleased with their purchases!
The 2601 is likely my next boat! It has a great layout, features, and from what I hear is a great ride in seas! I have been looking at them at every chance I get....boatshows, individuals, I stop and look at them when I see one somewhere (I know, I have the fever) and like what I see.
I would only hope that I wouldn't end up with a lemon on any one that I select when the actual time comes to get under such a large purchase! It is almost like gambling with all the new changes and techology out there nowdays.
Stevebaz, sorry for the downluck, but don't think everyone will share your views at the level you experienced since it didn't directly affect them and we have seen over a long period of time....that a seaswirl is a GOOD boat! I do however appreciate your position and glad to hear of the problems so we can know what to look out for.

[My Turn]

This story smells of BS. there is not a corporation in the world, or corporate a lawyer who would agree to an out of court settlement of an action and NOT require a full release of liability against further action in the matter. There is no way he got a check for a settlement and did not sign a release.

[crystalc]

fish-on - 8/27/2005 10:39 AM

Looking at a 2001 26 walk sea swirl, can anybody give me any information on these boats. Good or bad. Doug.

We purchased a used 2001 2600WA in August of 2004.
It had been in dry storage since 2002 and only had 11 hours on it.
The boat came with a complete electronics package, a 250 HP EFI coupled to the Duo Prop outdrive and full cockpit canvas enclosure amongst other extras.
We paid 33K and an extra $50.00 to transfer the warranty.

After spending a considerable amount of time and driving pretty much all over the east coast from SC to ME and looking at Prolines, Gradys, Aquasports, Contenders and Seacats; then comparing the condition and price of same year boats we settled on the Seaswirl, because of it's almost like new condition, price and seaworthiness. After sea trialing this boat off Morehead city NC, I was very impressed. For those of you that know that channel, it can be very rough on an outgoing tide.
This is our 6th boat and we have owned Trophy, Renken, Grady and Proline.
The boat now has a little under 80 hours and no major issues.

I had the same water problem in the anchor locker. It was caused by the drain hole being about 4 inches above the floor of the locker.
I repaired this myself by simply glassing in a floor above the hole and drilling a hole in this floor to drain into the void below. Very easy.
The center storage hold would not drain. This was caused by the omission by the factory to drill a drain hole through the bulkhead between the compartment and the fuel tank compartment. The solution was to install a 6 inch deck plate in the bottom of the compartment so a drill could be placed under the floor between the bottom of the hull and then drill the hole thru the bulkhead.
I did have to completely disasseble both cockpit seats to free up the slides and adjusters and then apply marine grease to them as they were dry from the factory.
The V.P. Duo prop outdrive IMHO is superior to single prop drives and I'm also impressed with the fuel efficiency of this boat.

My only few bitches are that the two aft floor compartments do not drain very well as the drain holes are right at the waterline, better latch hardware is needed on all of the compartment doors/lids, the rod storage in the gunnels could be better, and I'm getting water settling on top of the fuel tank sender/pickup.
I can live with these minor inconveniences and overall I'm pleased with this boat.
No it's not a Grady but @ 20K less and in better condition than any of the same year Gradys or others we looked at I considered it well worth the price we paid.

[Taken Lightly]

When I purchased my 02 2101 it was $15,000 less than other boats I was considering so going in I new some things would need to be upgraded.

I removed and and reinstalled all the hinges on the hatches and replaced the round access plate over the fuel tank. I upgraded some of the wiring and re-caulked most of the fittings. I had one spider crack above the rub rail which I ground down to the fiberglass then applied new gelcoat. The spider crack has not returned. I had to replace my forward bilge pump after it got clogged with small pieces of fiberglass. All this cost less than $200.

I find it unfair to blame the boat MFG if you have a problem with a pump, strainer, gauges or engine. They only install these items they don't make them. I picked my own engine and gauges not Seaswirl. Although I have had zero problems with these items I can replace and install top of the line components myself with the money I saved.

[floodtide777]

i own the 2601 W/A and the only issues i have with the boat are:

a) the switches for the salt and freshwater washdown are in a bad place
they get leaned against by passengers and accidently get turned on.

other than that, i am real happy with the boat. she handles snotty sea conditions great, unlike some other popular boats that pound you to death. i'm sure many of you can relate to this .

the stevebaz story seems a little fishy to me also, but i know first hand about lemons. it happens.my sister went thru it with a nissan quest mini van . earlier this year, the nissan dealer had it for over 90 days after 4 seperate breakdowns ( twice broke down on the lie with two little children in the van ). my sister wanted her money back and nissan was willing to give her a brand new van to replace her 18 month old lemon. she fought nissan in court and lost, and got nothing. nissan had put a new motor, computer, and many other new parts in the van. she wound up selling it.

now does this make every nissan a pos ?

[81 CC SEAOX 23']

WB2101 - 8/27/2005 11:47 PM

Guys,

I have to wonder if SteveBaz actually ever owned a Striper. Seems to me, that he would have remembered what city the factory was located in, with all these legal documents.

Also, he does not know that a "Volvo sterndrive" is both the engine and I/O drive ( ref.: http://www.penta.volvo.se/us/leisure/flash/main.asp ). or, that the engine gauges are from Volvo Penta.

The anchor line locker is made to handle water from the anchor line and has a drain at the bottom. The hatch is not sealed, because does not need to be.

If this is for real, I'd sure like to hear the "other side of the story".

Here is the POS http://community.webshots.com/photo/...8546DsdzfXFoYJ
and more http://community.webshots.com/album/28550506oTekolhEpR

My mistakle on the location it is in Culver Oregon not Ontario. Wrote the wrong city in the heat of the discussion

[hirize]

I gotta chime in here on one point.

NO COMPANY will settle out of court and not have a gag clause included. It is soooo standard in law and they would NOT take it out because someone said they did not want it.

Many of the items Steve talked about on the fit and finish are a dealer problem and should have been fixed by a good dealer.
I had a list of items after taking the boat out 3 times and the dealer took it in and fixed every one of them on thier dime!!! This is what Steve should have had done with all the fit and finish items.
I bought my boat in San Diego and then moved to Hawaii.. Before doing so I called Seaswirl and asked how something under waranty would be handled as the only dealership out here is on another island.
They went and asked the people who would approve such a thing and said as long as I contacted them first and got approval for any repair I could have it fixed by any qualified shop.

Sorry Steve but I happen to beleive them for one because how I was treated on the phone. Very professional and very quick. They knew who to ask and that person had an answer.
I have not had any problems but I happen to beleive they would come through and I can already vouch that my dealer came through and they had to be reimbursed by Seaswirl for the work they did.

I like my boat and am VERY happy with my choice, I would not hesitate to but another.

I do agree with the 26 ft. sizing issue, I got a 2301 and its 25' 7" overall, why buy a 26' of almost the same size???

Aloha, Hirize

[81 CC SEAOX 23']

roberth - 8/28/2005 5:31 AM

All in all, there are lemon's in everything. I had a Chevy Blazer lemon that I lost my behind on! But, that wouldn't stop me from buying another one if I really wanted one. I know many others with blazer's that are having absolutely NO problems over a long period of time!
Now, I have met several folks over the last few years and asked how their seaswirl stripers were doing since I am very interested in them. They truely loved them and were pleased with their purchases!
The 2601 is likely my next boat! It has a great layout, features, and from what I hear is a great ride in seas! I have been looking at them at every chance I get....boat show’s, individuals, I stop and look at them when I see one somewhere (I know, I have the fever) and like what I see.
I would only hope that I wouldn't end up with a lemon on any one that I select when the actual time comes to get under such a large purchase! It is almost like gambling with all the new changes and technology out there nowadays.
Stevebaz, sorry for the down luck, but don't think everyone will share your views at the level you experienced since it didn't directly affect them and we have seen over a long period of time....that a seaswirl is a GOOD boat! I do however appreciate your position and glad to hear of the problems so we can know what to look out for.

My situation is in most cases the EXTREME but it does not make my position about the boat any sweeter. The problem got so big and bad with the fight, the hassles, the suit, dealing with a bad dealer, Seaswirls position, Volvo Penta's hard line position that there is no way I could feel good about the 60 month battle or the boat. My wife fears the water now with all the issues and ruined the chances of her coming back out and feeling safe to the point she will but does not enjoy being there safety wise. I know most of the Seaswirl boats out there are not my situation but that does not change how my experience was and that is where I am coming from. These issues like the anchor locker with flowing water into the cuddy holds and water intrusion issues were due to poor design and we drill holes into the bottom of the holds with plugs to drain into the bilge but the holes were small and the issues really never went away.

Am I bitter? Yes and I think most of you would be too if the situation were reversed. If it were another boat brand even a BW or GW or ? more than likely with even a better quality boat if I were treated the same I myself would have a similar attitude and more than likely if it were your hard earned $$$'s you would no doubt be feeling the same. Just because it is a Seaswirl that it it was the Seaswirl experience that created my feeling and the way I was treated and dealt with

My Turn,

This story smells of BS. There is not a corporation in the world or corporate a lawyer who would agree to an out of court settlement of an action and NOT require a full release of liability against further action in the matter. There is no way he got a check for a settlement and did not sign a release.

By law and you may check it out yourself no settlement requires a release of your future or remaining warrantees. No company can take it away, shorten the term, or change the way it was written or designed. That includes the hull warrantee, engine warrantee that was 2+4 Volvo Penta extended plan was even sold to the next owner with the remainder left of 1 year. My check were real and did not pay for the boat but gave me back my out of pocket money for my trouble for the engine work, any out of pocket charges by repair centers. I wish it was a large amount settlement (but it was not) to make my point even more pointed to let them know that you can not do that to the public and consumers who buys your product and gets ignored the way I was and the problems I was having.

This is my experience with the company and mine only I brought this situation to light so others could be fully aware of what may happen and can happen to you too. Don't let me be you final decision because you all find this a rare situation and mine is EXTREME but there are issues here to look at on your boats as well.

Doubt my ownership? if it will let you sleep at night and make you feel better about your purchase but that changes nothing and the truth is the truth and if you do not want to listen to my experience dont let me change your mind or even let me change your opinion but it doesnt change the problems or the truth about the situation nor will it prevent you from have a similar problem or set of problems.