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Post by Marc on Jan 11, 2022 13:09:22 GMT -5
Hi forum. Considering the purchase of 2014 29 sf and wanted to hear the pros and cons from actual owners. I’m also looking at a regulator 29 which I know is a very different build but this boat needs to suffice for my fishing both offshore and in, but also for family. This boat has twin 300 Verados and I want to know how it will handle 60 miles offshore runs in New Jersey or if I should sacrifice the comfort and go with something like a regulator
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Post by hookedup on Jan 11, 2022 13:50:15 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum. I'll let someone with a 29 answer your question, but some food for thought. I had a 28' Albemarle that I took out 80 miles off Virginia Beach to the gulf stream for tuna some years back and it was a real battle wagon. Retired and got a 21' for fishing locally. Missed the offshore and bought a 24' 245DC so I could go after some fish 25-40 miles out. The Sailfish handled so well, even in sudden storms, that now I've taken it out to the gulf stream a couple of times.
Like I said I can't answer for the 29, but my 245DC can take some pretty snotty conditions. Sailfish makes well built boats.
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Post by noslackline on Jan 11, 2022 15:39:36 GMT -5
I would not hesitate to take either of your considerations out to the edge given favorable weather conditions. In my opinion, the VDS hull design of the Sailfish will be a bit easier to live with if you plan on chunking once your offshore. On the troll they would perform simular. The 300 Verados will move that sled along at a pretty good clip. The Regulator is a tank of a rig with a great following. Hard choice... For me it would price, condtion, amenities, nav/coms, sea trial and a satisfactory survey. But in your situation, factoring in the family activites should be paramount. If they "ain't" happy, you won't be and its goin' make for a very long day!
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Post by jski59 on Jan 11, 2022 17:29:28 GMT -5
I've taken my 2860 (the older 290) 80 miles on overnights in the GOM and crossed over to the Bahamas...been caught in some pretty snotty conditions and have never felt unsafe. I think the hull rides great and lands smooth.
That being said, I don't purposely fish in big seas. Personally, I don't think a Regulator/Contender/etc will ride THAT much better in similar conditions (despite what some will say) but no doubt their construction is tougher. If you're the type to head out regardless of the forecast, a regulator might have less issues in the long run.
We lost our first 2860 in a hurricane...shopped other boats for a few months and finally decided to just get another one, it works that well for us.
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Post by marc123w on Jan 11, 2022 19:09:41 GMT -5
Thanks for the feedback so far
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Post by finatic on Jan 11, 2022 19:45:33 GMT -5
I'll say I run my 2360 offshore 60 to 75 miles off Montauk point. Pretty much the same water you're talking about fishing in. With that said the 290 would be awesome.
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Post by outtadblue on Jan 12, 2022 10:50:53 GMT -5
I also have the 2860 (290) and have been on a 32 and 26 regulator. I also fish Gulf of Mexico and have been 120-140 miles offshore. For anyone that hasn’t fished the gulf, it is usually a washing machine. Pro for sailfish: the ride. Soft and economical. The sailfish will be faster, get better fuel mileage and have a little more range. You will hear that sailfish is wet, but not so much the case for the 290. The sailfish also has more room in cockpit. Pros for regulator: ride is better in rough head on seas. These are extremely heavy boats and will stay in the water better when hitting waves head on.
I personally like the layout of the sailfish better.
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Post by finatic on Jan 12, 2022 11:04:12 GMT -5
I also have the 2860 (290) and have been on a 32 and 26 regulator. I also fish Gulf of Mexico and have been 120-140 miles offshore. For anyone that hasn’t fished the gulf, it is usually a washing machine. Pro for sailfish: the ride. Soft and economical. The sailfish will be faster, get better fuel mileage and have a little more range. You will hear that sailfish is wet, but not so much the case for the 290. The sailfish also has more room in cockpit. Pros for regulator: ride is better in rough head on seas. These are extremely heavy boats and will stay in the water better when hitting waves head on. I personally like the layout of the sailfish better. I'm not a fan of the step up walking forward on the Regulator. I agree the layout of the Sailfish is Superior.
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