Specifically, their 216 dual console for a family (with some fishing) boat.
Budget not in the range for Scout or Robalo…
While I do not own one I have climbed all over them and have done a factury tour. They are definitely not the Sea Fox of past years. While they are not a Yellowfin, Contender or other well know high end boats; they are on par IMHO with SeaHunt, Sportsman and other boats in it class. I would recommend doing 2 things taking a test ride and a factory tour. Keep in mind that as you do your home work you find two basic themes 1) Alot to negative ■■■■■■■■ on Sea Fox from a majority of folks that have never owned or ridden on one 2) the boat the bought is definitley the one you should consider. Good luck
He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30
I had a 192 years ago and hated it. Thin fiberglass made for thumping hollow sounds when hitting waves. It was a 2002. I have heard that they make them better now. My neighbor just bought the 18 foot bay boat that looks nice. Its wide and I like how the seats fold down in the back allowing a platform for fishing.
Scout 185
Don’t get a DC if you want to fish. It’s a mistake. Get a CC with seats, or marine Bean bags
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
Prior to 2007 I would not consider a Sea Fox. However, they have made great strides in their quality and design.
He must Increase,but I must decrease. John 3:30
Yakman,
While I would like a CC, gotta keep the wife happy and she wants a DC, at least until the kids are older (5 & 3). I could see a CC being a future purchase.
I’ve go my eye on a 2009 DC sea fox for index $25k with low hours.
Have you asked your wife what she feels the DC will give her and the kids that a CC won’t?
Cape,
There are a few things that make a CC not as conducive for boating with little ones.
For example, on a CC, it’s tough to see what’s going on in the bow if you’re sitting in the stern.
There’s also less room to move around between the bench seat in the back and the leaning post/captains chair.
Also, with little ones, the DC offers more protection from wind/spray.
Finally, the wife likes the seating arrangements for socializing on a DC.
I could see a CC in the future when the kids are older but you have to pick your battles.
you can’t fish out of it if its not a CC!!!
just like a cooler wont hold ice if it doesn’t say YETI
or a shirt wont protect you from the sun if it’s not Columbia
dual consoles are great versatile family boats. i second the motion to take a factory tour before buying.
Check out the Pioneer 197sf. It is a great family friendly cc. My girls love to lay out and ride on the bow deck cushion and it has the cooler seat in front of the console so 4 or 5 can sit comfortably up front. Having the cooler up front keeps everyone out of the captains way while getting drinks.
The young ones love to be able to run around the boat which they wouldn’t be able to do with a dc.
It has two seats at the stern with back rest,two at the leaning post and two on the cooler up front plus the large bow deck.
If it gets cold or starts to rain you can get the canvas windshield cover with the gull wing attachments and put them up in 2 minutes.
Another thing I like about the cc is that if the waves get rough, you can stand up and absorb some of the shock with your knees. Sitting down in a boat beating through waves will mess your back up.
If you want to take the 197sf fishing you just take out all the cushions and you are ready to go.
Now if you can just sell it to the wife I bet you will end up with an investment that both of you will like.
If you ain’t hooked, you ain’t doing it right.
14’ Duracraft w/twin 25 Johnsons
http://www.myspace.com/myduesouth
Thanks for the comments DueSouth. I don’t think the DC vs CC is one that I want to wage. We’re pretty much resigned to the fact that it’s going to be a DC. Happy wife, happy life as they say.
The question now is new vs used and manufacturer.
I have a fair price on a loaded key west 203 DFS but its $15-17k more than a 2010 Sea Fox DC I’d like to see in person.
Would also consider a Sea Hunt Escape or Scout (but they’re hard to find used)
Well then I would still look at the Pioneer. Best bang for your buck in my opinion. They also have some of the best customer service that I have seen in the industry.
This is their DC 197 version.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2013-Pioneer-197-Venture-101838864 Tabs. tow bar, top, live well…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXXtuGqzmXY
Might be able to find a nearly new used one for a nice price.
Looks like 2 to 3 year old ones are going for around $25,000 used.
I would go used because they are usually already rigged with accessories so that will save a couple of thousand and most are sold by people that just didn’t used them as much as they thought they would have. So you can find one with low hours.
If you ain’t hooked, you ain’t doing it right.
14’ Duracraft w/twin 25 Johnsons
http://www.myspace.com/myduesouth
DueSouth,
That Pioneer is no doubt a really nice boat. The two negatives I see, for us at least, are that it doesn’t have an area for a head in the passenger side console and the seating across the back isn’t a bench, it’s separated by the live well. These are essentially two requirements we have.