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Trying to decide betweeen these SKA 23 and under boats. If anybody has one of these, please tell of their performance# mpg, wot and price if available. thanks slim
I have a 23-T with twin f150's. I am averaging about 2.3 mpg and at WOT I am going about 46 mph. However I am running 4 blade props which I am told is costing me about 9 mph off the top end. The boat is really solid and it's a great layout for fishing.
You might also want to consider a used Kencraft 235 it is a very big 23. Went for a ride on HBLAC's this weekend and it is fast and has a great ride. Might be worth a look.
I have a 2360 (its little brother) and ITS huge (interior volume) compared to a 23T Contender. The 2380 is significantly bigger than the 2360!
They're VERY different boats. The Sailfish has more creature comforts - the Contender is really made to fish two guys (or a couple more if you like hanging onto the T-top) and that's that.
You have to figure out what you're going to actually DO with the boat first. Both are real nice - I don't have an interest in the SKA circuit so the 2380 did nothing for me, and the 23T was positively tiny inside compared to the 2360 that I evenutally bought.
Yeah, I know - I looked at both side by side and couldn't figure out the difference (other than the SKA-legal aspect of the 2380)
Still - the 2380 is freaking HUGE inside compared to the Contender. You could almost fit the Contender INSIDE the Sailfish and still walk around in the boat!
Go with the 23T, we love ours and can't say enough good things about it. Make sure you go with the Twin 200's - it will fly -even thogh with the 150's it is still a heck of a boat. plus we get almost as good and SOMEtimes better feul milage then the sheriffs 23T with twin 150 4strokes next door (which they bought because they saw ours) plus 10 mph fast then the 150's for obvious reasons. For #'s we can cruise at 40 mph getting anywehere from 2.0 to 2.3 mpg in the intercoastal. If you have any futher question just ask.
__________________ www.team-ko.com
TEAM KO
23T Onlsow Bay w/ Twin 250's
For some reason I feel you have not even seen a Sailfish. The front two fish boxes will hold 50 LB plus Wahoo, huge King in the "money" range a, and the biggest Dolphin you can catch. The boxes hold ice extremly well. both boxes are 225 Quart a piece and close to 6 feet long. That would be one hell of a Bass. The Contender is obviously a great boat. I love my Sailfish though and the 23T would not be the boat for me. Great comment though, you truly know your boats.
I love my Sailfish (218), but I'd love a 23T better.
I was actually down to those two boats before I opted for the 218. The 23T was twice the price, which I was OK with...but what really got me was feeling that I was being ripped off on all of the Contender options..... $347 for a clear livewell lid, $379 for a second battery, $457 for a second bilge pump, $1280 for fresh water, $850 for saltwater, and $2540 for cockpit bolsters
Those options are either included...or less than half the price on the Sailfish boats.
The 218 and the 2360 are ENTIRELY different boats.
I looked at the 23T Contender and there was no way it was worth the extra coin. I had a shot at a leftover '05 with 115s on it (no dice, not enough moxie for me) but it was more (after haggling) than the 2360 was with 150s and everything except outriggers.
You could fit the 23T into the 2360s hull and have room all around it. Its positively HUGE. We had 7 people on it for Billy Bowlegs the other day and we weren't crowded - oh, and everyone had a place to sit.
As for fishboxes there are two BIG ones in the bow, insulated, with overboard drains. If you catch a 'Hoo or Dolphin big enough that it won't fit in there I want to see it - you can easily boat money fish and stuff 'em in those boxes. As noted they also hold ice quite well.
You aren't going to get a big Sword in there, but you can't fit THAT in the 23Ts boxes either.
I'd like the toekick space that the 'Tender has all around (the 2360 does not) but for the interior volume I'll deal with it. Both are great-running boats in some sloppy seas, and on nice days both can be opened up and will fly with appropriate power.
If its between the 2380 and 23T it comes down to whether you have a dual-use requirement. If you do then the 23T is not even in the same league. If NOT then the 23T is going to have a slightly better headsea ride but will be far more tender trolling in beam seas or on the drift.
georgedo - 6/4/2006 8:26 PM I have a 23-T with twin f150's. I am averaging about 2.3 mpg and at WOT I am going about 46 mph. However I am running 4 blade props which I am told is costing me about 9 mph off the top end. The boat is really solid and it's a great layout for fishing.
LostShaker - 6/5/2006 8:00 PM I have the 2360 and honestly would not trade it no matter the price for the 23T. Just my opinion and what fits my boating style the best.
You haven't ridden in the 23T. The boat aren't in the same class if you fish hard. Your style must be tilted toward the easy.
Bitefish - 6/5/2006 8:11 PM
The 218 and the 2360 are ENTIRELY different boats.
.
Thanks for pointing that out.
Sailfish makes great boats for the money and the 2360 is an awesome example of that....but other than Contender's extreme pride in their options...I can't find a single thing wrong with the 23T.
One question for the 2360 owners. It seems that Sailfish (or my dealer) likes to equip them with the leaning post/livewell combo. When they do that...there's no room for a cooler. Am I missing something And why is that anchor locker so small?
Quote:
Bitefish - 6/5/2006 8:11 PM
You could fit the 23T into the 2360s hull and have room all around it.
A sailfish over a contender...Please. I have heard it all. Contenders cost more for a reason. It is a stronger built boat. Sailfish is not in the same league as contender as far as quality. Why is it that you always see contenders and never see sailfish with the ska guys?? My point exactly. They want a boat that can withstand the elements and not fall apart after one season of fishing. I think sailfish is a great boat...FOR THE MONEY! Someone can have a good looking offshore boat with decent quality (above century, prokat, cobia, etc) for a decent price. Great concept. This boat is not a contender.
23T CONTENDER OR 2380 SAILFISH 
And why is that anchor locker so small?
