20' Edgewater, Hydrasport, Seastrike, Robalo

[bugger]

I'm buying my first boat and have looked at the Edgewater and will look at the Robalo and Hydrasport tomorrow. There are no Seastrike dealers in my area so I don't know if I'll be able to see a new one but they look nice and have heard some good things.

What I liked about the 20' Edgewater today was the solid hardware on the boat, i.e 6" solid stainless steel cleats etc

I need opinions on the different 20CC models from each of the manufacturers. It seems like the Edgewater might be the most expensive...is it worth it?

I will be doing most of my boating off the coast of Connecticut with some trips out into open waters.

I will be using the boat mostly for fishing with some family joy rides too.

[PhilS]

I went through the same exercise for the last year. I looked at Makos and Hydra Sport and others, I ended up buying the Hydra Sports 212cc with a 150 Yamaha and T-Top. Love it so far, although it has been so cold I've only been out running around a little bit. Send me a PM if you want to know more- BTW where in CT are you?

[cjr]

I too went through the same thing last year and ended up with a Robalo 2120 with a Johnson 175. I've used the boat mostly off the CT shore as well as in the gulf of maine and have been very happy with it. Its a very heavy hull with a pretty deep v, which gives it an excellent ride in a chop. I do wish it had a little more power, but what're you gonna do.

Are you looking for a new or used boat?

[bugger]

CJR/PhilsS - Did either of you look at the the Edgewater? If so, how do you compare it to Hydrasports and Robalo?

I am looking for a new boat because being new to boat ownership and fairly new to boating I've been sold on the idea that this is "safer". Having said that I would love to get a new 2003 or a VERY lightly used boat with full warranties.

At the end of the day I tyhink I'll end up with a new one.

[PhilS]

I didn't look at Edgewater....just simply did not see a dealer near me and that was what I wanted...part of it for me is about the dealership where you buy a new boat....location, people, experience, volume etc.

Where in CT are you located? I sent you a PM asking that as well.

Also you have to consider where you are going to dock your boat- that may play into where you buy it as well

[cjr]

I didn't look at edgewaters beacuse they were a little out of my price range. I have heard only good things about them though. If memory serves there was a thread in the forum not too long ago discussing the merits of edgewaters, might be worth doing a search.

Its good to hear from some CT guys. I keep my boat in Essex and mainly fish the eastern sound and CT river mouth. Although this year I am planning on expanding my range to include the Watch Hill reef complex and Montauk.

-chris

[SHORTFIN]

Hi guy' s
i run an 18.5 edgewater and i am extremely pleased with the saftey and ride
it has a true big boat feeling and runs dryer than a bone !!!

I have put some time in on the water in lot's of different boats and ended up with the edgewater 18 over some of the compettitions 20 footers

Once you go on a test ride you will realize what i am talking about

it can cruise 90 miles at 30mph with a 115 fourstroke and only use 19 gallons of fuel

[bugger]

Good to hear such a positive reveiw of the 18' edgewater. I looked at the 20' yesterday and loved what I saw (the beam is over 8' wide) but is the 2' difference in length and 1' in beam really worth an extra $7,000. Any opinions?

Also if I decide on the 185, is it worth spending an extra $2k or so for a 150 vs a 115? What do you think?

Thanks a lot.

[SageBoy]

I went through the same 2 yrs ago and if you haven't looked at the Trophy's you should. I ended up getting the 1903 model and love it. Apples for apples it was a lot cheaper then all of the boats mentioned.

Definitely take a look before you buy. I think you will be quite surprised at what you will get for the money.

.02

[SHORTFIN]

Bugger
I chose the 115 for the fuel economy , with the price of fuel these days every drop counts i have run/trolled/run and gun 90 miles in one day on 19 gallons with a good load on board average speed 30 mph
i was told you only need the 150 if you are going to water ski with adults on a regular basis ,we water ski occasionaly and the 115 has a good enough hole shot to get my fat a$$ out of the drink
the boat has an honest top end of 40 mph on the gps
i like the 18 for my first trailer boat and a training boat for my 14 year old and his friends it is a cinch to get on and off the trailer
you won't find a dry riding c/c as the 18 edgewater in it's class
heck it is drier than my buddies 23 mako
I have no experience with the 20 but i have heard the hull shape is a little different ?
i would try both before you buy
I think Edgewater has covered all the bases except rod storage ,you will have to add some rod holders or a leaning post with rocket launchers
i am thinking of adding a few rod holders on the console this season

[gf2020]

I do not know this guy, but this appears to be a really nice Edgewater 185 for sale. The boat is on Martha's Vineyard.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2472173684

That is a great price for a lightly used 185 with a T-top, Yamaha 150 HPDI and trailer.

He has it listed here as well:

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/005852.html

[the wife]

I went through the same exercise for the last year. I looked at Makos and Hydra Sport and others, I ended up buying the Hydra Sports 212cc with a 150 Yamaha and T-Top. Love it so far, although it has been so cold I've only been out running around a little bit. Send me a PM if you want to know more- BTW where in CT are you?



PhilS

how did you make out with the Hydra Sport over the summer? Still loving it? --127-3-

[Telliedog]

Bugger

I think we talked when i was selling my 2000 Edgewater 20CC last spring. IMHO, I would not buy a brand new edgewater unless money didnt matter. They are great boats but very expensive. While they hold their value well, you would be better off waiting until the spring to get a demo boat or one year old boat from someone.

The biggest issue I have is that the expensive boats take the same wear and beating as better value boats. And it killed me when things got dinged, scratched, dirty and worn. You have three choices: pay the yard to keep it up, spend hours doing it yourself or let a beautiful boat fall apart.

My next boat will be much more functional such as a Parker. Far less concern about dirt, cushions, and generally looking pretty. I want to enjoy using the boat and mimize the time workign on it.