Anyone looked at the new 1700 model that Pioneer introduced this year? Just about settled on this model after looking at everything from an Action Craft to a Key West in the 17’ size. Great price, wide boat, Pioneer quality, and love the bench seat style like a flats boat.
I know it is the old Sea Pro SV1700 mold/design, but Pioneer beefed it up with heavier cloth, and a better stringer system and added 350# to the hull. They offer better gelcoat options, and a SS rubrail for a heck of a price.
Looking at going Mercury 115 Pro XS, not to start any outboard arguments. No need to express, you should get XXX motor, already decided that it will be an Optimax regardless of which hull I get.
Structurally better as well as better fit and finish. I believe the floatation system is another area that has been significantly upgraded. By fit and finish, I mean quality of the non skid, hinges, hatches, cleats, finishing of liners and undersides of hatches, the bilge, how the hull and liner are bonded together, etc.
The brand is going to give you great resale IMO. Much like early 2004-2006 Pioneer hulls held, and still hold, excellent value since they’re in demand but sold cheap, relatively speaking, in their beginning stages.
Thanks Phin. That is how I feel about the product as well. Feels good hearing it from you though. I agree that I believe this product is priced very well as an entry to the market. However, I believe that boats will gain popularity over the coming years, and they will begin to offer more options, etc. Along with that the price will increase and these early hulls will hold their value well.
I plan to keep this boat about 10 years. Going to rig it right from the start with Sea Star, trim tabs, jack plate, HDS electronics integrated with the stereo and engine, and an Ipilot troller. May add a poling platform and/or power pole if I see the need in the future, or if I get to move back to the coast.
Reviving old thread here but was wondering Geronimo if you pulled the trigger on the bulls bay 1700? I’m looking at one now, looks like a great boat just wanted to get an owners report.
I hear a lot of good things about the Bulls Bay but not a lot of owners (or any for the 1700). I like the boat but there’s just something stopping me from pulling the trigger. I’m also looking at the 2015 Mako Pro 17 Skiff and ironically a Whaler Montauk. I have to finance so looking at new (can get way better rates). I like the Montauk a lot but even stripped down the 15 is 25k and the 17 seems to be around 32k.
I’ll be mostly lake fishing with some trips to the coast for inshore.
I would stay away from the Mako Skiff. They ride horrible. Either go for the 18 Bay Mako, or stick to the 17 Bulls Bay. I priced out a 17 Bulls with a 115 Pro XS Mercury and aluminum trailer before any add options for $20k. That’s a wide, very nicely built 17’ boat with a strong/fast motor for well under the Whaler. Also, I think you will keep resale value as the Bulls Bay is built well by Pioneer, and those boats started out economical and went up in price. I would expect the BB to go up over time as well. Heck, they may have already since I priced that boat out last November.
My local dealer has one for 17,500 with the Yamaha F70 and an aluminum trailer. I can upgrade to the F90 for another 1200 and the F115 for another 2300. Sounds like a similar deal. If I upgrade the motor I’m going with the 115 as the 90 and 115 weigh almost the same (about 100 pounds heavier than the 70) so why not get extra horsepower for same weight.
Will the 70 push that boat okay or is the 115 the way to go?
Reviving this thread. I’m looking at getting one of these boys, has anyone pulled the trigger on one? I’d like one with the 115 Yamaha and a poling platform. Seems like a pretty sweet setup!
I know a charter in g town who is one with a platform and Merc Pro XS 115. About the same weight as the new Yamaha and 115 SHO. Should be an awesome setup. It’s a nice wide boat. Go get you one. Can’t go wrong with the Pioneer boys craftsmanship.