New on here. You guys probably get tired of answering boat questions, but here we go again. Looking at the Sportsman 231 and 251. Given good conditions, would these 23-25ft boats do ok going out to Y-73 or Comanche? 251 is about 30K more but has twins. Just not sure if that 2 feet and another engine would justify the expense. Thoughts?
Are you buying new? Trailer? Slip? Either boat will get you to y73 on a good day. The question of twins vs single is a never-ending discussion and is somewhat dependent personal preference and/or owner’s wallet. I prefer twins altough i have gone offshore with a single before. I have never been on either of those two boats in particularly.
One well maintained outboard can be very, very reliable. Buddy boating makes it even better.
30k can buy a lot of gas, bait, tackle, or professional charters.
Two outboards are two opportunities to make it home on your own power when set up correctly.
quote:Will be buying new. There may be better boats I still need to look at. Plan on buying this fall when my job travel slows down a bit. Will trailer it and probably launch with a 30 ride out of the harbor down the Cooper just for convenience. Just want to make sure I get a boat that would meet my expectations.
Originally posted by millacdAre you buying new? Trailer? Slip? Either boat will get you to y73 on a good day. The question of twins vs single is a never-ending discussion and is somewhat dependent personal preference and/or owner’s wallet. I prefer twins altough i have gone offshore with a single before. I have never been on either of those two boats in particularly.
I think it would surprise you how much difference the 2 feet will make in how bad you get beat up on rough days. In either boat you will be fine provided that the person driving is experienced.
The 2 feet definitely makes a difference in ride believe it or not, twin engines is a plus (whole different debate) but I would feel confident in one well maintained outboard as well.
Its really up to if you can swing the extra 30k, obviously you should, but is it completely necessary? I dont think so.
Look at where Jesus went to pick people. He didn’t go to the colleges; he got guys off the fishing docks.
I would look at Marine Service Center in Murrells Inlet. Speak to Zach. I got my 25 gamefish loaded for $85k. Only thing I’ve had to add to it was outriggers.
…
Mike Martinez
“Team Hookers Dream”
2016 Sea Hunt 25 Gamefish twin Yamaha 150’s “Wet Dream”
1994 Ken Craft 175CC 1998 Yamaha 115 “Dream Machine”
There have been plenty of days I wish I had 2’ more boat. I would get the biggest you can afford. Extra room and I think the 251 has the floor fish boxes which will help keep clutter off the deck.
It won’t be very often when you are out in the boat and think “Man, I wish I would have gotten the smaller one…”
Thanks all for the suggestions. Minimum 25 it is. Wish I was in town this weekend for the boat show. Maybe I can get boat show prices in the fall.
Might as well go with the 34 freeman, only a little bit more 
Look at where Jesus went to pick people. He didn’t go to the colleges; he got guys off the fishing docks.
quote:
Originally posted by RapchizzleIt won’t be very often when you are out in the boat and think “Man, I wish I would have gotten the smaller one…”
On the water “Man, I wish I would have gotten the bigger one…”
On the trailer “Man, I wish I would have gotten the smaller one…”
My life story
quote:
Originally posted by MuddyWaterFisherquote:
Originally posted by RapchizzleIt won’t be very often when you are out in the boat and think “Man, I wish I would have gotten the smaller one…”
On the water “Man, I wish I would have gotten the bigger one…”
On the trailer “Man, I wish I would have gotten the smaller one…”My life story
For me its:
Inside the jetties: “Man, i wish i would have gotten the smaller one…”
Outside the jetties: “Man, i wish i would have gotten the bigger one…”
quote:
Originally posted by Jetty JockeyNew on here. You guys probably get tired of answering boat questions, but here we go again. Looking at the Sportsman 231 and 251. Given good conditions, would these 23-25ft boats do ok going out to Y-73 or Comanche? 251 is about 30K more but has twins. Just not sure if that 2 feet and another engine would justify the expense. Thoughts?
I got the chance to demo a 25 sportsman last year with twin 200’s. Let me tell you. We took it out to the 60 it was nice on the way out but 4 to 5 on the way back in and she handed it like a champ. You can’t beat the customer service Sportman offers. If it were me I would suggest the 25. It has a lot of room for a 25 foot boat. Only reason I didn’t get one was because I ran across a steal on the Fountain I have now. The 25 with the 200’s runs around 55mph, gets out the hole fast and is easy to move around. The Simrad electronics are nice as well.
Fountain 32CC with that Verado power
It’s all about the Hull. I know I had a Scout that I fell in love with because it seemed like it had the deck of a little sporty…which it did. Had 2 yammy 225’s also. That boat would beat you half to death on the way out in a 3’ head sea. Loved fishing it. Hated some of the rides. Contenders and Regulators seem to have some of the best rides for the money. I have heard Bluewaters are good. If you can afford 2 motors…do it.
quote:
Originally posted by Chadquote:
Originally posted by Jetty JockeyNew on here. You guys probably get tired of answering boat questions, but here we go again. Looking at the Sportsman 231 and 251. Given good conditions, would these 23-25ft boats do ok going out to Y-73 or Comanche? 251 is about 30K more but has twins. Just not sure if that 2 feet and another engine would justify the expense. Thoughts?
I got the chance to demo a 25 sportsman last year with twin 200’s. Let me tell you. We took it out to the 60 it was nice on the way out but 4 to 5 on the way back in and she handed it like a champ. You can’t beat the customer service Sportman offers. If it were me I would suggest the 25. It has a lot of room for a 25 foot boat. Only reason I didn’t get one was because I ran across a steal on the Fountain I have now. The 25 with the 200’s runs around 55mph, gets out the hole fast and is easy to move around. The Simrad electronics are nice as well.
Fountain 32CC with that Verado power
Thanks. For sure I will Demo one before pulling the trigger. I have heard nothing but good things about the boats.
quote:
Originally posted by Jetty Jockeyquote:
Originally posted by Chadquote:
Originally posted by Jetty JockeyNew on here. You guys probably get tired of answering boat questions, but here we go again. Looking at the Sportsman 231 and 251. Given good conditions, would these 23-25ft boats do ok going out to Y-73 or Comanche? 251 is about 30K more but has twins. Just not sure if that 2 feet and another engine would justify the expense. Thoughts?
If you want to demo one before hand shoot me a message and I can put you in contact with the deal sales rep and he can get you out on a demo. By demo I don’t mean 5 mins up the river either. My demo was all of Labor day weekend LOL
I got the chance to demo a 25 sportsman last year with twin 200’s. Let me tell you. We took it out to the 60 it was nice on the way out but 4 to 5 on the way back in and she handed it like a champ. You can’t beat the customer service Sportman offers. If it were me I would suggest the 25. It has a lot of room for a 25 foot boat. Only reason I didn’t get one was because I ran across a steal on the Fountain I have now. The 25 with the 200’s runs around 55mph, gets out the hole fast and is easy to move around. The Simrad electronics are nice as well.
Fountain 32CC with that Verado power
Thanks. For sure I will Demo one before pulling the trigger. I have heard nothing but good things about the boats.
Fountain 32CC with t