Thining about moving up to a 225 weekender

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paperhanger

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Sep 5, 2014
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Plymouth,Ma
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First time post, I have a 2003 Bayliner 1952 cuddy and I am thinking about moving up to a 2003 225 Weekender. We boat out of Plymouth Habor in Massachusetts and the Bayliner keeps us from exploring the coast and going over to P-town. I have a F150 with tow package, so towing in not a problem and we would prefer to tow. We have owned the Bayliner for two years and it had given us 2 years of trouble free service. But, the boat has its limitations as it is really a bowrider and taking it of the coast with the low transom is iffy. Can current owners give me their thoughts on this boat? There is a couple for sale in the area, both with the Alpha1 and Bravo3. Any thoughts guys?
 
I used to own a 215EC, which is the predecessor to the 225WE. I had that boat all over the place and through lot's of rough seas. I was extremely happy with it's sea worthiness. Obviously I didn't go boating if they were calling for storms, but I did get caught in a couple when there wasn't a choice or when I didn't pay enough attention to the forecast. The boat never let me down. It's a very solid boat.

The boat doesn't specifically need the Bravo 3, as it does well with a single prop. But, you would certainly notice a difference in slow speed handling and hole shot/planing speed. Your choice on what drive should center around what you want to do with the boat and how many people will be on the boat most of the time.

If the one you pick doesn't have trim tabs, I would highly recommend adding them as they will pay off in spades (comfort, control) when you're in choppy seas. Tabs make the need for a Bravo 3 even less needed.
 
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We are good weather boaters, but, one never knows, especially in the ocean, we never tow a tube or skiers. trim tabs are a must, I put the Nauticus on the Baylioner this year, what a difference, not once was the bow pointing to the heavens. We were on a friends' 215 last week and I could not believe the room on board! The bigger 225 has all the options that we want, head, sink, ability to overnite, swim platform etc. Now to convince the admiral to pull the trigger.
 
From a 195 to a 23'? I'm just going to ask, so don't fuss. Why not a 25 to 28'? You can find a nice older SeaRay which are a heavy boat to start with, that have great power plants at great prices.

No matter what you decide be very sure to have a survey done!
 
FWIW, through 2001, there was only a 215EC. Then the boat was redesigned (VERY) slightly - only 6" longer - and then there was both a 215WE and 225WE (both the same boat, though). The difference was what the boat came with in terms of standard features. But they were both the same boat and only 6" longer than the 215EC (which I had) they replaced.
 
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We have a 3-4 month season here in the northeast, plus a limited summer season with $hitty weather that lasts for 3-4 days at a time. A 22 footer will suffice. Plus, I want to be able to trailer the boat. 25-28 footers, would be a little tough to trailer, but, thanks for the suggestion. Just want something a little bigger than the 195, and the 225 hits that mark.
 
I have a very good friend who lives up there, he's always dealing with the weather. He used to be in the Federal FD and now owns a Chimney Sweep company. I came up once a long time ago, stunning boating areas! Good luck on your hunt
 
225WE is a nice boat. I had an 03. Would not want less than what I had for power/drive; 5.0MPI and Bravo 3. If you luck out and find a 350MAG or 6.2 definitely consider that as well but they are hard to find. Looking around the 2003 model year you will find more base options on the 225 over the 215. As Dennis already mentioned, the new 215/225 Weekender hull released in 2002 was the same. 225 just had more options but many of the 225 options were orderable on the 215. Toward the later years of this hull's production, I have noticed more and more of the 215s were equipped the same as 225s. In fact I think the last year or two they actually dropped 225 and streamlined with the 215. A nice solid boat. It had option for back to back seating. I thought that would have been nice to have when I had my 225 but I have since seen one and the seats were rather small so probably would have been a wash for me. If you don't plan to carry many guests the single larger seats would probably be best. It is the most common configuration. As you have noted you will definitely want trim tabs.
 
we have a 1998 215EC which is (as has been stated before) basically the same boat as the 225WE....we really like the boat....small enough to trailer easily and pull skiers or a tube and large enough to camp overnight or escape a storm if/when needed....

one thing to note is i believe the 225WE has a dry weight of about 800 - 1,000 lbs. more than a similar 215EC which could make a difference in which engine/outdrive combo to look for and in towing...not sure where the extra weight came from.....also an aluminum trailer weighs about 1/2 of what a galvanized steel trailer weighs.....these are things to keep in mind so you don't overload your tow vehicle as you move up in boat size....

here is a thread about the 215EC boats that you may want to read....
http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/16955-Official-215-Express-Thread?highlight=215+express

cliff
 
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My F150 has the tow package so the trailering won't be an issue, and the bayliner was a excellent boat to learn to trailer and after 2 years unloading and loading at the ramp provided us with a learning experience. We are going looking this weekend as I am up in Maine for work.
 
paperhanger,

Good luck in your search. We are completing our 8th season with our 215WE. We have been very pleased with the overall performance. Ours is powered with the 5.0 MPI 260hp with an Alpha 1 outdrive. For it's size the boat is very seaworthy.

Don't rule out a 215WE if you find one in your price range. You can always add a swim platform for the extra real estate. http://www.swimplatforms.com/

Keep us updated and let us know if you have any more questions.
 
Had an 01 225 weekender, was a good boat. With the 260 horse engine and alpha 1 drive, it had plenty of power. We tubed frequently and generally ran around Tampa bay. It was stable, and had good seakeeping.
We moved to an 05 sundeck 240 because it suited our boating habits. We only go out for the afternoon, and like to take friends. Sundeck holds 12, where the weekender was good for a cozy 8...
Swim platform and trim tabs are must haves on the 225 weekender.
 
I have a 2001 225 with a. 5.0 alpha and it is a superb sea boat, have been out in a force 5 with issues, high freeboard and good hull shape kept us all safe
Get one with the full camper package if you can, on mine I do a lot of fishing so I got the dealer to turn the forward facing passenger seat turned round 180 degrees so it's rear facing, much better for fishing
Only issue I have had was water pounding on top of the main fuse box corroding the cable connector, had it changed and turned a bit so water can't pond again



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I have 2 boats to ponder. Both 2003 225's, one with the alpha 1 and the other with the Bravo, which one is the better drive. The difference in price in $1,000.00, so that is not a big deal. The alpha 1 has a full set of covers and the interior is in better shape, that is the higher priced one. But all things considered, both boats would fit our needs.
 
What size engine?
 
We enjoy ours......to bad I Winterized it last week.:smt089

We use her on Lake Superior and the Mississippi. I have also used her on the Pacific Ocean.

I haven't read all the posts but having the Bravo 3 is nice. Top end my be a little slower but she gets out of the hole nicely at 4500lbs empty.
 
If you're planning on many overnight trips make certain that the v-berth is going to accomodate whoever is sleeping over. We considered one of these before we made the decision to go with the 240DA. Good luck.
 
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