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Post by Cliff on Jul 9, 2020 16:51:37 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I’m taking a 2020 275 DC out for a sea trial next week and I’m excited to get into a new boat. I have some questions for owners of this model or any sailfish owner that doesn’t mind helping me out.
After far too much reading on the Hull Truth and talking to boaters, I have found the reviews mixed. Many forums talk about the wiring rats nest, but that seems to have been solved in recent years. Others complain on battery and bilge access behind stern bench. Some say it’s a very wet boat (which I can’t imagine). Some knocks on general build quality and most recently someone said the hull sides are terribly constructed and made of “cardboard” as well as the boat pounding and hard top coming loose.
Would love to hear genuine reviews of this model from experienced boaters.
The layout and functionality matches my exact needs. 80 percent of the time I have 8 people (2 families) on boat going back and forth to fire island. Other 20 percent is beach trips, restaurants, etc. I like the optionality for fishing trips as well. The dual Console class is the best set up for my family and other manufacturers don’t seem to blend the fishing/comfort quite the same as sailfish. It’s just seems very well thought out.
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Post by fishnfool on Jul 9, 2020 17:02:24 GMT -5
"Cardboard" and "terribly constructed hull sides" LMAO Thats a new one! Quad cloth lay-up with carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcement at critical stress points and along the keel, is hardly what I would consider cardboard.
Go check out all of those things in your first paragraph with your own eyes e.g. access, wiring etc and decide for yourself if they are or will be issues for you. Go checkout other DCs in the same size and compare them. No boat is perfect in every area, there are always trade offs.
Love my 2660 (same hull at the 275DC) awesome riding boat, very stable and good sea keeping manners.
Good luck with your sea trial.
My last parting words of advise, I'd recommend going over any new boat that you decide to buy with a fine tooth comb, before handing over your check. Ideally get a survey. Have EVERYTHING repaired/corrected to your satisfaction BEFORE taking delivery. Yes new boats have problems too. Make sure the dealer puts it all in writing.
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Post by Cliff on Jul 9, 2020 17:13:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback. I’m just the messenger.
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esea
Seaman
Posts: 8
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Post by esea on Jul 10, 2020 9:32:54 GMT -5
Hi Cliff,
I took delivery of a new 2019 29' CC last year. The quality of the hull and ride from the hull design are excellent. Access to all major components and batteries are sufficient. If you cherry pick all comparable size boats, mostly at much higher price points, you can find better setups and access. Is better worth another 100K? My only criticism would be with the wiring. I would call it usable but far from ideal. The ride will be better than most boats in that size range. Any boat is wet with winds and a cornering sea. I have been very pleased with my decision.
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Post by Cliff on Jul 10, 2020 18:50:19 GMT -5
Thanks. Seems crazy to me that they don’t address the wiring issues that are discussed on many forums, many times. You would think the manufacturers read these things for feedback and adjust.
I’m looking forward to the sea trial and I hope it’s choppy out. Would love more feedback from owners and I’ll report back.
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Post by fishnfool on Jul 10, 2020 20:02:40 GMT -5
Hey Cliff, SF has come a long way in the wiring dept so they've listened. It is more a function that it isnt quite as neat as some other manufacturers (boats that cost a lot more), which doesnt make it bad, it's just not great.
They will get there eventually and when they do the added labor hours will show up in the price.
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Post by hookedup on Jul 11, 2020 11:56:57 GMT -5
I did my sea trial in 2-3 foot seas, windy and raining. The salesman who demonstrated the boat was obviously nervous and I had to press him to get him to throttle up a bit. Boat and I did great. Salesman was getting green. Anyway, my 245DC has performed well during several unexpected storms and it's great to only have to worry about my passengers, not the boat or how it will handle the storm. Later added a radar capable of showing the storms and now I can avoid most of them.
As for the wiring, I'm not thrilled, but the factory didn't do a bad job wring it. I'm sure my additions are worse that what they did and I keep meaning to go back and do it right. My only gripe is that the buss bars were too small for my additions. I got longer buss bar screws and I'm now doubled up on almost every screw. Some of the wiring (switches, circuit breakers, yamaha gauge, etc.) were actually done very well with proper strain relief, tie downs, etc.
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Post by barryturano on Jul 11, 2020 13:11:51 GMT -5
I have an older (2005) 2660 center console. I must say the wiring is an issue, mainly because people add stuff and make a mess. As far as construction the boat is a rock solid. As far as wetness if you are out in a sea with a beam wind you are going to get wet. That is why curtains were invented. The only boat that I think rode a little better was my old Albemarle. That was a 24 cc but it had a jack shaft with a mid ship mounted inboard. The the center of gravity was not the same. I am very happy with my sailfish. I am still getting used to the outboard thing which is a lot different than what I have been used to. I have been working through the wiring which I said looks like it was all after market modifications. Do yourself a favor discount about 90% of what you read on THT. Lots of opinions by a lot of people who like to hear themselves talk. You know what is said about opinions?! They are like A$$ Holes, everybody has one. If you are not running what they deem to be the boat of the day they will trash the crap out of it. Best thing is to sea trial it and draw your own conclusion. You will get good information from this site, albeit a little partial (which is to be expected) but it is good, warts and all. Good luck with your trial. I think that you will be happy. Welcome aboard.
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Post by Cliff on Jul 11, 2020 20:06:47 GMT -5
Thanks guys for the feedback. I went back to dealer today and did Some more digging on the boat. I’m impressed by it all. The wiring leaves a bit to be desired but luckily my father is a retired NYC electrician and meticulous with everything. Also the dealer pointed it out and said it will be sorted and organized prior to delivery and sea trial. I’m coming from a 2004 Chris craft launch 28 which was a great boat but I held onto it for 2 more years than I should have. It’s tired and deserves a home that wants to do a full refit and paint job along with upgraded electronics. A 2004 garmin unit feels like Microsoft DOS at this point. The boat is still in show room and today I fired up the electronics and stereo and felt like I was in the future. I’m excited for the sea trial and can’t imagine that it won’t perform and feel so much better than my current boat. I’ll you all posted but I’m likely Taking delivery next Friday assuming the trial isn’t a disaster.
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Post by fishnfool on Jul 11, 2020 20:34:25 GMT -5
Good luck!
Dont forget a survey, you'll be a happier new boat owner for it.
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Post by KJ on Jul 31, 2023 15:02:58 GMT -5
My brother has a 2015 275 DC,with twin Yamaha 200 HP. It is having electrical problems. When the battery switch is set to either of the single starting batteries you will only hear the click of the solenoid. If your lucky. The anchor winch may or may not work. Trim tabs will work but the indicators for them won't. One of the main things is that he may loose steering as well. If you push the individual motor trim switches on the helm the motors will not go up or down. If you press the both switch, they both work fine. He is a mechanic and has gone through a lot of the boat and wiring trying to find the issue. Most times if you have the battery switch on both the engines it will start, but you still might not have steering. The battery switch has been replaced. All new batteries, 2 starting and the house battery. All connections checked. Especially for bad ground. Main circuit breaker feed and individual wires checked and tightened if necessary. All main cable and battery connections checked as well.
I would appreciate any input or suggestions any of you have.
Thanks, KJ
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jerryk
Captain
When not online I'm likely on Knot Online
Posts: 597
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Post by jerryk on Jul 31, 2023 15:58:09 GMT -5
KJ I suggest you start a new thread for your issue as it warrants its own discussion.
As for the 275 DC, I've been happy with my 2017 with dual Yammie 200s. Rides well. A few bugs that first owner ignored and I was too anal to let go of, and one or two more that I'll get to someday. For instance, I think I have a slow freshwater leak maybe in the head plumbing but no easy access to it so I just don't leave system pressurized. Electrical wiring is OK but not stellar, but better than some I've seen. Battery access is OK but they are a pain to replace and that is an area I wish Sailfish would have made more room. Overall though I've been pleased with it and I think it compares favorably to most other boats in its class and price range.
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