2020 SPX 230 OB or 2020 SDX 250 OB

[insomnia]

Mainly cruising in intercoastal waters with 2 - 4 people. Any owners of the above two boats?
Does the 230 SPX OB handle choppy intercoastal with a 19 deadrise?

Looks like the 230 SPX OB is a bowrider and the SDX 250 OB is a deck boat. How does this affect the ride quality?

If not a huge difference then would liek to save the 28k and go with the 230.

If anyone has rode one if they could give any comments pros/cons and thanks!!! Both look like nice well made boats.

 

[JimG]

Bigger is always better!

Hopefully someone with firsthand knowledge will chime in.

Best of luck and welcome to CSR!

 

[Lazy Daze]

The bowrider vs deckboat isn't a factor, in and of itself. All Sea Rays are designed with "normal" hulls below the waterline so performance isn't impacted simply because of the style of boat. What does change, obviously, is the size and weight of the boat... hull design in terms of deadrise... and obviously the deck.

Will there be a difference? Absolutely. Heck, there's approaching a ton of weight difference between the two. The 250SD is very noticeably larger. Just the fact that it has a small cabin should be an indicator of that. That's not to say that the 230SPX doesn't ride well - it absolutely does. But even blindfolded, you would know which boat you are in.

It sounds like you haven't gone and seen them in person - you need to do that. As soon as you see them in person you'll see the difference right away. Ideally do a test ride - although depending on your state and business restrictions right now, that could be difficult.

Now, will the 230SPX be big enough for you... only you can answer that. Plenty of people boat like you are planning to with smaller boats - me included. It all comes down to what's important to you vs cost... your perceived beneift.

However, I will offer this bit of advice... buy your second boat first. Think about it

 

[Robnik]

I just bought a 2019 SDX 250 stern drive last Fall. We use it mainly in the intracoastal here in Florida it handles rough water very well. The small cabin is also nice for my grandson to be able to go to the bathroom when he has to. Like the last guy said, buy your second boat first. Very good advice.

 

[DamienJ]

I just placed a deposit on this 2019 250 as my 1st boat.

 

[Robnik]

I just placed a deposit on this 2019 250 as my 1st boat.

Very nice! You’re going to love that boat. Where will you be boating?

 

[DamienJ]

Thanks! Waiting to close seems to be the hardest part. NJ / Philadelphia Area

 

[Robnik]

We used to live up there. Just south of Allentown. We had a Regal express that we kept at Bowley’s marina on the Middle River north of Baltimore. Try the C&D canal when you have time. Lot’s of places to go on the Chesapeake!