I’m thinking of buying a 247 or 26 Sportsman, they seem to be a decent boat for the money. All thoughts and advice are appreciated.
A few guys here own Sportsman boats and love them, me included.
A member here has a really sweet Masters for sale,
The Hull Truth is another good place to check
Thank you sir for the response, I was at Hankel today and they have a couple 2024 247 and a 26 with what I thought were good prices, both the 247 have 300’s and the 26 has a 450 . I am torn because I always thought bigger is better but that 26 up in the creeks might not be possible, so I thought maybe a 247 and a flats boat to get the best of both worlds. Either I suck at this inshore fishing, just trying to get better.
450hp in the creek is overkill… by long shot .
Everyone thinks they need these monster boats and then never intend on taking them out of the harbor. You probably don’t.
The first thing to ask yourself is what you’ll be using the boat for 95% of the time. Get a legitimate answer to that question first.
Very sound and sensible advice and you are correct. My plan after looking at what my intention are , i’m gonna stay with a 247 Masters and a 300 Yami twin power poles and a good trolling motor and enjoy my time on the water with my family. Thanks everyone for the input.
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IMHO, you will love the 247. The Masters series are a great boat. I own a 207.
I have been researching this brand , and they are a very good most, with excellent customer service. They offer a lot more options standard, like this new seakeeper can’t wait to see what that will be like.
I think Seakeeper used to start on the Sportsman with the 262 and bigger boats, unless they’ve changed it.
@Mtn2sea Did you take a look at the one thats on the swap shop here?
I have no idea whatsoever of your needs other than what I’m reading here, so I wonder , , ,Why buy new when used will do?
Best of luck with your quest, I know for a fact New Boat Fever runs white hot 
EF1 Yes, the fever is raging, I did go look this weekend and the 247 has the seakeeper on it . I am looking for a deal and the Sportsman dealer is really interested in dealing he has a 2024 loaded , the only other boat I am considering is a Pathfinder , the quality is a little better but the price difference is quite a bit . I am transitioning from offshore fishing , and trying to get a grip on this dang inshore game, there has been a learning curve, and I live 4 hours away from the water so I have to trailer everywhere I go, so a really good trailer is a must , I pulled my Yellowfin on a Myco
Lots of good freshwater opportunities around Weaverville, plus 4 or 5 hours towing a boat to the coast is a blister unless you’ve got a few days minimum to put in. ask me how I know, lol.
Lake James is just across Black Mountain and is an awesome fishery, just something to consider. Lots of options in your area.
Did you get Foothills Marine in Morganton to spec out and price you a boat? You should. Let them know what they are shooting at and they’ll use a sharp pencil. Plus they are a Sportsman and Yamaha dealer close to you.
Just some stuff to consider. I know stuff.
Best of Luck
EF1. I was in Charleston this weekend and checked out both boats , I will contact Foothills tomorrow, the fishing up here is gone the storm has ravaged the rivers and ruined the lakes, but I am used to towing not an issue with a good quality trailer, I drug that Yellowfin all over to the keys to Fourshon La , Nc , SC. ,GA , FL all over the south and those tournies were every other week . I really like fishing , just my age is catching up with me and I just can’t take those offshore runs anymore, it takes as many days to recover as I fish , so off shore fishing is not too bad. Where do you live?
Boone, and not all the lakes and rivers are dead. Lots maybe, not all. This was lake James a couple days ago.
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EF knows stuff.
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