After looking around and comparing boats at the boat show this past weekend I think I’ve narrowed it down the Tidewater 198 cc. Does anyone have any input…good or bad? The 18ft Key West came in a close second but I think Tidewater gives you more boat and more options for almost the price.
Bulls Bay, Tidewater, KW, and Pioneer are all in the same “family”. I would rank them in that order also for quality, options, and performance.
I would have thought the 203FS would compare better to the Tidewater 198cc. They have done a good job of creating “bridge” models between their lines so as not to directly compete within their own brands. Can’t go wrong with any really in that group as long as the boats specs meet your needs and options are good.
Make sure you compare on the water though. Got in a Key West 239FS on the water and then a Sportsman 231 Heritage and it was night and day difference on the water. KW was much more stable with the stepped hull, and navigating the deck was much easier on the KW.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
quote:
Originally posted by GeronimoBulls Bay, Tidewater, KW, and Pioneer are all in the same “family”. I would rank them in that order also for quality, options, and performance.
I would have thought the 203FS would compare better to the Tidewater 198cc. They have done a good job of creating “bridge” models between their lines so as not to directly compete within their own brands. Can’t go wrong with any really in that group as long as the boats specs meet your needs and options are good.
Make sure you compare on the water though. Got in a Key West 239FS on the water and then a Sportsman 231 Heritage and it was night and day difference on the water. KW was much more stable with the stepped hull, and navigating the deck was much easier on the KW.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 JohnsonWilderness Ride 115
Bulls Bay is made by Pioneer as a lower end inshore boat. Pioneer is heads and shoulders above the other two.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
I couldn’t believe the price difference between the KW and the Tidewater boats. The 18ft Key West was listed for $29k and the creature comforts seem very minimal while the Tidewater was listed for $32 with ample features. The Tidewater also included a Magic Tilt trailer. I also liked how wide the Tidewater was. I’ll be scheduling a test ride in the near future.
The price difference is in the details. Non skid, different resin, lighter which allows a stronger hull without added weight. Heavier vinyl, leaning posts over cooler seat, aerated live well options, full size console, deeper deadrise, etc.
The 198 should probably be compared to the 203FS, not the 18’. Apples to oranges.
And agreed on that about Pioneer Salty. I wish Pioneer would come out with a decent priced 23’-24’ with twins to make my desision in the future easier.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
Tidewater was started by a previous owner / partner of Key West
Tidewater is still part owned by Hutch Holsberg. Owner of Key West boats.
Diane Potts, Scout boats, is Hutch’s sister. They are the aunt and uncle of the two owners of Pioneer boats.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
I bought my Tidewater 19’ bayboat back in 2007. I have loved mine. I haven’t had any problems whatsoever. The only thing that I dislike is the tiny access compartment at the stern. I’ve been through 3 or 4 livewell pumps and it is about impossible to get both arms inside that compartment to re-wire it. Other, than that… I would buy it again tomorrow.
Tidewater 1900 Baymax
115 Yamaha
quote:
Originally posted by Citadel1999I bought my Tidewater 19’ bayboat back in 2007. I have loved mine. I haven’t had any problems whatsoever. The only thing that I dislike is the tiny access compartment at the stern. I’ve been through 3 or 4 livewell pumps and it is about impossible to get both arms inside that compartment to re-wire it. Other, than that… I would buy it again tomorrow.
Tidewater 1900 Baymax
115 Yamaha
Thanks for the input. I’m testing the 198 Saturday. If anyone wants or knows of someone who is in the market for an aluminum boat let me know.
quote:
And agreed on that about Pioneer Salty. I wish Pioneer would come out with a decent priced 23'-24' with twins to make my desision in the future easier.“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Pioneer has a 26 ft. Center Console almost ready to release. Not a bay boat, but off shore model.
Pioneer 222 Sportfish
Yamaha 250
Tidewater is just a Sea Pro mold !!
I had heard that the original owners of seapro and KW had got together and formed Sportsman boats? I own a 2003 216 BR and love it, the second KW I’ve owned. Can’t beat south Carolina boat builders…
CCM
Seapro is back in buisnes and has built a new plant in Whitmire S.C. and has started manufacturing high dollar boats! Nice! Saw a 22’Bullsbay the other day seems to be a great lay out and very reasonable.
quote:
Originally posted by GeronimoThe price difference is in the details. Non skid, different resin, lighter which allows a stronger hull without added weight. Heavier vinyl, leaning posts over cooler seat, aerated live well options, full size console, deeper deadrise, etc.
The 198 should probably be compared to the 203FS, not the 18’. Apples to oranges.
And agreed on that about Pioneer Salty. I wish Pioneer would come out with a decent priced 23’-24’ with twins to make my desision in the future easier.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 JohnsonWilderness Ride 115
The 26 is about to be released. From what I heard, they are working on the power packages. Back in March they were putting twin 200’s and twin 300’s on to sort out the optimum performance. This will be nothing like they have offered but it has been in the works for some time from all the info I have heard.
I’m interested to see what they come up with on it. I’m going to move up in the next year or so to a larger boat. Think is, I want to go with more of a Tournament style boat with no forward seating and a coffin box. Really thinking an upper tier boat but the search is young. I talked to the Pioneer rep about it, and it is a possibility so, who knows.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
Bought a new 22 tidewater Carolina bay boat last year. Love it.
The old sea pro hulls were bought by the pioneer guys. They are made in Walterboro and marketed as Bulls Bay boats. Not tidewater.
The Pioneer boats are a cut above. Made differently.