Sea Pro Boats?

[TheMann]

Can anyone tell me about his or her experience with Sea Pro Boats? Looks like a good boat for the money. I am looking at two models, their 220CC (2004) and SV2100CC (New 2003). Both boats have a 150hp Suzuki 4 stroke installed by the dealer. This will be my first boat purchase and I want to make certain that I have spent my money wisely. Will be fishing out of the North Shore area and most of my fishing is done with the fly rod. Any input would be appreciated. :cool:

[KMM]

Mann:

North Shore of where?

Please remember you're on the "worldwide web" here new reel timer.

You public profile shows little info on you whereabouts too. Welcome, but open up with some more personal info for us, then we may be of some help.

KMM

So Cal

[SageBoy]

I will try and assist better then the last post since it really doesn't matter where you are from regardless of it's the North Shore of Boston or the North Shore of Austraila. You are simply asking for someone's opinion on a particular boat and regardless of where you will be using it is irrelevant.

I don't personally have a Sea Pro but a firend of mine does and loves it. He has nothing good to say about the boat. It can definitley handle the seas if you should get stuck in them.

Another boat you may want to consider is the Trophy. Apples for apples it's a tough boat to beat for the price. I have the 1903cc and love it.

.02

[TheMann]

Sorry folk, but North Shore of Boston. My real concern is what is more sea worthy, the deep V or shallow V for this location? :confused:

[Flying Scotsman]

IF you expect to be hitting rough seas, the deep V is always the better option. If you want to fish flats, then the shallow V. Also, are you sure it's a 150HP Suzuki 4 stroke? I thought they only make a 140 or 250 HP 4T. I sure wish I'd gotten a 4T, my 150 Yamaha burns a lot of gas and at today's prices it hurts my wallet :mad:
I've heard some concerns about reliability on Suzuki engines, again if you intend to go out far in rougher weather, you may want to look into that.

Good luck whichever way you go!
TFS

[maineguideman]

I just purchased a sea pro and I love it. I have the SV1700 with a yamaha 4 stroke 75. It is unbelievable dry stable tons of storage. But its real claim is its built with the best components. waterproof guages, bronze high speed water pickup, stainless everything, lighted livewells, etc. The list goes on. I looked at alot of boats and the sea pro had the best package for what i wanted to spend. Try to look at as many different models and brands as possible. Boats are personal items and what works for me could be terrible for you. Thanks & good luck

[Flying Scotsman]

Forgot to add: Insist on a test ride for any boat you're interested in. Two boats that look exactly the same can be a completely different ride. Any respectable dealer will arrange a no obgligation test ride , after all it's a very expensive piece of kit.

One more thing: when looking at the "cheaper" boats, do some research on resale values. The chances are you may want to upgrade or sell the boat in a couple years. The more expensive boats tend to hold their value better, so look at the difference between what you pay today and what you may get if you sell it in 3 years - that's the actual proce you pay for the boat.

Good luck to all!
TFS

[titleguy]

Sageboy- I believe we have the same friend if that is you Capt. John. I, too, have nothing but good things to say about the Sea Pro, very comfortable, we fish 3 guys without tripping over one another too much- He has the 21 w/ a 150? 2 stroke. The biggest improvement to the boat was the addition of the trim tabs. Great boat and high sides make it good for kids as well.

[Scott02559]

Hey TheMann,

I have a 2001 SV2300 with a Yamaha 200 OSX.

I personally have been relegated to weekend warrior status for the past two years. Forcing we to brave the "normal" conditions of our great waters (Winds SW 15-20, seas 2-4). Listen to NOAA weather radio and you too will come to the conclusion that every afternoon this is what you can expect.

That being said my SV2300 has taken some real abuse (Buzzards Bay stacked 3-4, 6' seas 25 miles south of the Vineyard etc. etc.). She has started to show the effects of our "normal" sea conditions, stressed fiberglass, the deck separating from the hull, the rub rail falling off, among many other issues. Of course I am not saying that any other semi-V hull would not have the same results under these conditions. But if I were you I would look towards a deep-V hull if you plan on making any long runs on days when the wind is blowing and the bluefin are on the other side of CC-bay or the stripers are off of P-town.

Maybe you should check out some of the local builders with deep-V's like Bluefin. Trust me when you have a problem with your hull in early July a lot of dealers give you the run around (or in my case go out of business) and your left trying to resolve the issue directly with the Manufacturer 600 miles away (not fun).

Hope this helps!

[Brad G.]

I have fished the North Shore a fair amount and a good portion is in open water so I would highly reccomend a deep v. Sea pro seems to be getting popular, I have not had any first hand experience with them. Get only what you need and nothing more as more stuff just gets in the way of fishing. I also have friends that own First Light in Rowley and run Suzuki motors harder than most anyone on the water and they have been doing well with them. Much better than their Merc Optimaxs. Like it was said, take some test rides first. I would also not hesitate to reccomend the boat I have, a 21' Alcar. Not a big name, but not a big price either. Bay Sails Marine in Wellfleet makes them on a semi custom basis. First Light had a 19' and loved it and then I got the 21'. Very sea worthy boat for 21' with nice deep v, high freeboard, and not too much hardware. Very simple...less stuff to bust.

[gf2020]

Sea Pro on the North Shore of Boston means J & W Marine in Salem and Jay Irving is a good guy.

I would recommend either the 206 with the Suzuki DF140 or Yamaha F150 4 stroke engines, or the 220 with a Yamaha 200 HPDI. Moving up to the Suzki DF200 or Yamaha F200 on the 220 really jacks up the price.

The Sea Pro bay boats are real nice, they're just not great for our typical conditions on the North Shore.

[TheMann]

I really appreciate everyone’s input. BEING A NOVICE TO THE BOATING WORLD (#$119) , your information has helped me make a decision. I have decided to go with the Sea Pro 206CC and the Suzuki DF140, unless someone can tell me that I would be much better off with the DF200. Sea Pro specs the boat out with a motor recommendation of 150hp and a max of 225hp. I took the SV2100CC for a spin and she was fitted with the DF140 and had plenty of power. Got up to 45mph with no problem with 1/4 throttle still available. Jay and Walter (really nice guy's) at J&S Marine say that they outfit 90% of the 206CC's they sell with the DF140. Walter said that the boat would be a rocket ship :brow with the DF200 but my fuel efficiency would drop big time --124-3 . What are your opinions? :confused:

[TheMann]

So, should I go with the 140hp or 200hp as asked earlier?

[gf2020]

I think the 206 and the DF140 will be a sufficient combination. I imagine the DF200 must be about $4000 more.

[TheMann]

Guys, the boys at J&W in Salem made me an offer on the 206CC with the 200DF that was to good to pass up. Only $2500 more, so I decided to take them up on it. I think this boat will be a screamer with the 200hp motor. I'll be taking it for a test spin on Monday to see if it needs trim tabs :brow . If all goes well I should have the boat by Wednesday --127-3- .

[gf2020]

Heck, if you're dropping the coin on the DF200 then you may as well spend another $400 for trim tabs! :)

There's a nice looking red 206 with a T-top and a Yamaha F150 that I've seen on the Merrimack lately. Like I said previously, I almost bought the 206, it's a nice boat.

Good luck!

[capemike88]

Are you talking about the offshore series that Carolina Skiff makes? THose are some nice looking boats in the 20-26' range. I'd love to get my hands on that 24' With twin 150's, I could make it out the mouth and be at breaking rock in about 45 seconds --125-3

Mike

[capemike88]

My bad, those boats are from the Sea Chaser Series..

[TheMann]

Took the 206CC with the DF200 and stainless 21.5 pitch prop for a spin today and was able to get her up to 59mph at 5600rpm's (#$106) . What a sweet rigg, she was at plane in three seconds flat. Personally, I don't think she needs trim tabs. Cant' wait to get her on Friday --127-3- .

[peykojoe]

Hey The Mann,

Ive been looking at boats lately as well. We have a few we like, and one of them is the Sea Pro 206. Im just curious to what you guys up there pay compared to us down here in Boat Land(Florida). Im willing to make a trip to almost anywhere if it will save me money to buy it.

A 206CC with the 200DF, leaning post, T Tops goes for around 27,000.00

What kinda deal are you getting?

[TheMann]

Yup, that sound about right. :brow