Hello from the socialist republic of CT. My first post so take it easy on this Yankee boy. I am in the process of purchasing a new boat and like the looks of the Sea Pro line. I am leaning towards a 19’ bay sport model. We only have two dealers in the North East one in MA and the other in Jersey. Next month the Mass dealer will be at the boat show at Mohegan Sun which is only a sixty mile ride for me and will get to see these boats first hand. I fish out of our summer house in RI mostly in the bay for stripers fluke and bluefish. Sea pro is out of Georgia and I see most of the dealers are located in the South East. Any Sea PRO owners on the site that would care to comment on the quality and workmanship of these vessels? In two more years we plan to move South currently looking for property in the Aiken area so the wife can keep her hobby which is horses. Any and all input would be appreciated. Regards Spider Lake
Sea Pro is actually based in Whitmire, SC. I don’t own one but know several people that do and they all love their boats.
I also dont own but know of a few around. Owners seem to like them.
I would look at a boat where the dealer is closer to you for service and warranty work.
Stella Blue
The latest version of Sea Pro is a better quality than the prior IMO. I looked hard at them and think I would be happy with one. I chose a Sportsman though because it was a better fit for what I like in a boat. For example, it has two big release wells and the Sea Pro has bait wells. I (almost) never use live bait. There is a lot to like about the Sea Pro for sure.
1966 13’ Boston Whaler “Flatty”
2018 Sportsman Masters 207
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I’ve looked at them at the Charleson Boat Show for the past several years - they look great and appear to be very well built. I never hear folks complain about them. Whitmire is just out side of Columbia, SC. Make a trip to Charleston during the boat show, most likely the builders will be at the show…you probably could arrange a factory tour.
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~my dad
Equipment:
2007 Grady White 222 Fisherman / 250 Yamaha
Simrad NSS evo2 and G4
1- 23 boy that won’t move out)
1 - 19 year old (fishing maniac)
1 - wife (The Warden)
ECFC
I don’t own one, or have I looked at them. I bought a 24’ Nauticstar sport last year. It had everything I wanted in a boat, including a transferable warranty. I would definitely go with at least a 22’ in what ever you get though. That would give you plenty of room and a good ride, at the coast or stripper fishing at the lake.
Strippers do like those bigger boats#128514;
last I heard, they were exclusive to Suzuki power.
Suzuki is the only outboard that i am aware of that completely EXCLUDES corrosion from the warranty.
doesnt matter why, when or how, if you have a corrosion related issue, its not covered.
seems pretty shady for something used in saltwater that is know for corrosion problems.
as for seapro, we have worked on a few, and they seem to be a good middle of the road boat.
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Thank you all for your input. The nearest SEA BORN dealer to me is Crockers boat yard in Manchester Mass only a couple hours ride from my home in Northwest CT. All their boats are rigged with Honda outboards. I will check them out at the boat show next month. I would prefer something larger than a 19’ boat but going larger will not work unless i expand my garage space. For the fishing we do a 19’ will be fine. I fish solo 99% of the time.
We spend time in Cape Cod every summer. I remember seeing a few Sportsman dealers up that way. You looked at them?
No I have not looked at a Sea Born boats yet. I will see the dealer from Mass at the boat show next month. I miss the cape we used to rent a cottage in Wellfleet and I would spend every day wade fishing for bluefish on the bay side. Gets pretty crowed up there in the summer and route 6 is no bargain when it comes to getting on or off the cape.
You might have to drive a ways but this is a really good deal on a boat with a higher build quality than the one you mentioned.
https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2018/cobia-21-bay-3171125/?refSource=browse%20listing
Stella Blue
Hey, earlier this year I was looking at the 208 or 228 Sea pro or a sportsman 207. They’re both really built well. You get more options for your money with the sportsman. The customer service seemed more caring at Hankel Marine than across the street at Cove to coast. However, you would deal with Furny in Columbia and he is awesome at Cove to Coast. The Sportsman came with a 150 yamaha. So, I was leaning towards that. Then, we found out we have our 5th kid on the way. Therefore, I ended up going with a used 19 6 key west with a 150 yamaha on the back and saved about 25k. Either the Sportsman or Sea pro is a win win boat! Good luck.
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Click on any of the clubs and then click on Boats to see the boats available.
No long term commitment required.
BTW, you can use a different boat every day. They’re in the water, clean and full of fuel.
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I own the 228 Bay Boat. Overall, I am very satisfied with the boat. It is a dry ride and well laid out IMO. I looked at about every bay boat under the sun. I have fished it out to 20 miles on a good day and fished in 18 inches of water. One of the key selling points for me was the 5 year warranty on the boat that covers anything electrical from bow to stern. Regarding the Zuke, it is a great motor. Like any other motor you have to rinse it after use. I have the 200 and it is stronger and faster motor than the Yamaha 200. Please feel free to ping me if you have any questions.
He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30
Sea Pro has a strong rep as a mid-tier, budget-friendly boat. I would not hesitate to buy one after performing my due diligence. I do dislike the fact they seem to partner with Suzuki so you can only buy a new boat with a 'zuke…I have always preferred to have a choice-even if it costs more.
Not bashing Suzuki, but I don’t have any personal experience with them.
“Never argue with an idiot…he will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.”
I’ve got a buddy that bought one last month, a 2018 21’ bay with 39 hrs. on the 140 Suz. Have fished it a few times and can’t beleve how well it preforms with the 140. It sure sips fuel, jumps right out to plane. Can’t get over all the storage and the 2 bait wells in the stern. Will fly with the 36V I Pilot. Came with a single axil if it were mine i’d want a tandem! Don’t think much of the 9" in dash Simrad