you’re asking all the right questions, and looking at the right things
12 years ago I went down that road and looked at every brand I could find from Beaufort to Myrtle Beach to Moncks Corner and Summerville, and Columbia
Suggest you look at the Pioneer. I don’t know how it will compare in price but it has the quality and features you’re looking for. Most folks that have them love them. The customer service can’t be beat. The factory is in Walterboro and they stand behind the product. On the Pioneer forum you’ll see how well the boat are made and the support the owners get when there is a problem.
Pioneer 197SF
I do recall looking at the Pioneer on line at some point & one of the dealers had some. I have to look at those again.
I have a feeling once you sea trial the Masters 207 or 227 that will seal the deal for you. They are super solid and soft riding. The 227 is an awesome boat. It was outside my budget otherwise I’d have one.
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1966 13' Boston Whaler "Flatty"
2018 Sportsman Masters 207
www.eyestrikefishing.com #predatorsstriketheeye
I am thinking of getting a bay boat in the next year or two so I started looking at them at the Columbia boat show last month. I looked over and walked through many of them.
I thought that I would really like the Sea Hunt and it was nice but it didn’t stand out from the rest like I thought it would.
I was impressed with the Sportsman Masters. Mid Carolina Marine had a 247 there that was a year old (2020) model that the dealership owner had used as his personal boat. It was rigged out w/ T-top, Garmin 12 inch gps/sonar, stereo, tow Power Poles etc. He wanted almost $81K for it.
One that also stood out to me was the Sea Pro. It seemed nice and roomy with nice finish and features. They had a 248 w/ most everything including two Power Poles for almost $91K.
I also like the Blue Wave. I have a friend who has one that we fish in the Everglades on. I think that its 23 ft. It’s a great boat and very well built.
Are you planning to go to the Charleston In Water Boat show next month? I’ve never been but was wondering if all the boats are there and if it’s worthwhile to go and try out several.
I agree the Masters series is a nice boat & I know there are a lot of other great models out there but it just really stood out to me. I just hope the ride is as nice as I think it will be.
Well I bit the bullet & put a down payment to order a new Sportsman. Finally was able to do a rest ride & it rode better than I thought it would for a 20ft bay. Wind was up & water was really choppy & cut thru it at full speed great & the demo boat didn’thave trim tabs… Went with the 207 Masters with a 150, soft T-top, I-Pilot minn kota, Garmin add ons to get down & side imaging, and a lot of other Sportsman add ons. Bad part is looks like new orders are out 8 weeks or so. I was torn between the 207 & 227 but the 227 was either going to be just too expensive or I would have had to gotten the smallest motor for it & no extras.
I have been working with several dealers but finally went with Tailwater in Georgetown, they just all felt like down to earth people & everyone that came up to get this or that from them acted like they were walking into one of their family members home.
Thanks to all of you for your input & help.
https://liquidarmour-usa.com/
I came across a youtube video on this a while back & didn’t give it much thought until recently. I checked out some reviews & videos & appears to work great to keep stains off & making cleaning / washing a lot faster.
I have my boat under a metal carport so I figured I wouldn’t need a cover but I keep getting stains from some kind of critter or bird but I am thinking both. I thought about a boat cover but that is a hassle to take on & off and would keep the bird stains off but probably not keep the critter out.
If this stuff works I shouldn’t have to worry about the stains from them & could just rinse / wash after I use it.
I contacted them to find out what i need exactly & it would cost $105 for me to do the inside of the boat or $210 for outside & inside. It looks to last 2 years but people have said it does last longer. They said there are companies they could set me up with that does it professionally but I think I can handle it myself since I am sure that would be costly
So have any of you guys had any experience with this product?
[navy]Sportsman Masters 207
Yamaha F150[/navy]