Center Console

[gator1]

We are starting to think about finding a place in Florida and with that we want a center console. We are go to keep the current boat we have and use it as a home base, however the CC will allow us to run around the bay and to restraunts and what not. We typically do a 1-2 fishing trips on a friends yellowfin each year so this will allow us to do another one as we please. I think I want to stick with twin outboards for reliability reasons and want to stay in the 20-26 foot range. Although the yellowfin is a gorgeous boat, it is far too expensive for how we will use the boat. I have looked online and really like the Boston Whaler 25 outrage, however I am amazed at how much they seem to hold their value. I plan to stay with a known builder, I just have trouble spending as much as our cruiser is worth on a center console. Any thoughts?

 

[Bucit]

You will need to go 26' or bigger for twins. Whalers are overrated in my mind. The newer ones are better but the older ones were a rough ride.

 

[fwebster]

I am in NW Florida and keep my boat at a Sea Ray dealer with a large service department. After seeing all kinds of smaller boats in the shop and seeing the kinds of problems the mechanics were having to repair, I decided to spend the $$ for a top quality make when we bought a center console. I saw every short cut in the world on wiring, plumbing and construction from well known but mid and value priced builders. I found an older Boston Whaler on a freshwater lake and restored it to its original condition before moving it to Florida. I never had one single problem with the boat.......had plenty getting the ethanol fuel system damaged system cleaned up.......but the Whaler was bullet proof.

My other observation is to stay with Mercury or Yamaha 4 stroke power on the coast. The other brands, even the large hp Hondas, all have corrosion problems.

Good luck shopping..........

 

[gator1]

That's what I have noticed, a couple are in the 24-25 range with twins. for what we will be using it for, I think the Boston Whaler will be a bit much.

 

[Bucit]

Frank, I know Yamaha's were know for their midsections corroding and was a major expense to replace. Did they finally figure out a fix?

 

[fwebster]

I just chose a Whaler for quality and resale value since I didn't plan to keep the center console but a few years. My point was look beyond the gelcoat for a quality build........all stainless steel hardware and fittings (zamac or potmetal, even brass covered by chrome won't hold up in Florida), no black iron or galvanized iron plumbing fittings (cheap and popular for live well drains), can you easily trace the wiring or is it a hen's nest ('cause you will need to in a boat the lives in Florida), are the wiring terminal ends marine grade silicone filled or sealed against moisture or just common crimp terminals?

We thought Scout, Regulator, Jupiter, Sea Pro, and Sea Ray Laguna models were all sound high quality boats.



We have a lot of Yamaha's in the 250-200 hp category and I see more Honda midsection corrosion than Yamaha. But, I think the model motor has a lot to do with it. For example in the under 75 hp range, the Hondas are nearly bullet proof....even tourists renting pontoon boats can't seem to kill them. The same is true with the big hp motors from Yamaha and Mercury. Both give excellent service as long as you keep water away from the power head.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Whalers are overrated in my mind. The newer ones are better but the older ones were a rough ride.

Funny, but "overrated" is what people who don't own Sea Rays say about Sea Rays. :smt021 I have two Whalers. You're right that the newer ones ride better, but the old ones still make great fishing and pleasure boats.

There's a reason why they hold their value so well. Kinda like Sea Rays.

 

[tc410]

Regulator's are also great. Not quite the level of a Yellowfin or Henley Bahama, but a great runner-up. See if you can find a 25-26 with twin Yamaha power. Might be tough to locate one. Heavy, rock solid and great Carolina flare for a very dry ride.

 

[Bucit]

Funny, but "overrated" is what people who don't own Sea Rays say about Sea Rays. :smt021 I have two Whalers. You're right that the newer ones ride better, but the old ones still make great fishing and pleasure boats.

There's a reason why they hold their value so well. Kinda like Sea Rays.

They hold their value based on peoples perception of them. I've been on 11 footers to 30 footers (Whalers) from the late 60's to 2000 models. They ride like an older Mako. Modified hull then goes flat towards the last half of the boat. They're a rough ride for sure. I'm not saying they're not made well but there are many other center consoles that ride a hell of a lot better.

 

[Gofirstclass]

"They hold their value based on peoples perception of them. "

Are you suggesting that those perceptions are wrong? Isn't the people's perception of Sea Rays pretty much why they hold their value well?

 

[Bucit]

If people drank the kool aide and thought Kia's were the bomb then they'd hold their value too. It doesn't have to mean they're made well or not.

 

[Gofirstclass]

If people drank the kool aide and thought Kia's were the bomb then they'd hold their value too. It doesn't have to mean they're made well or not.

Hmmmm, there are probably a bunch of people out there who are really enjoying their Kool-Aid.

 

[gator1]

have any of you had any experiance with Edgewater? They seem to a be quility build and I like many of the features they offer on their cc!

 

[sdarc]

No personal experience but I heard it was started by the guy(s) that designed the newer Whalers. They look the same.

 

[blaster]

Might check out the Dauntless line of whalers. They have more vee than the montauk or super sport. Mine rides great in the chop and stays dry.