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Post by domandben on Mar 17, 2024 17:49:31 GMT -5
Hi everyone,
I really need your help and hope you will be able to lend me your wisdom. I'm deciding between 2 Sailfish center consoles
1) 2002 Sailfish 266 CC, Twin Yamaha 150 HPDIs with 730 hours, looks well cared for. Asking $4,000 more than boat #2 asking price
2) 2004 Sailfish 236 CC, single Yamaha F225, 550 hours, shows some slight signs that it wasn't as well cared for as boat 1
I will get a survey by a qualified marine surveyor and sea trial before purchase. I had a boat 20 yrs ago for about 3 yrs with no one to teach me boat handling skills. So I'm basically a newbie, I mostly want to fish in the Raritan Bay / Sandy Hook area (NJ) April - November. Wouldn't intentionally go out in bad weather but it can happen here unexpedly and general consensus is you need at least a 21' boat in this area to be able to enjoy most days on the water safely. I found a captain who will give me lessons in whichever boat I purchase. The goal is to eventually get good enough to run to some mid shore fishing spots which would be up to 30 miles offshore. I'd also like to take the wife and daughter out occasionally. They will not fish and just want to lounge around. My question: should I buy boat #2 as it is cheaper and will cost less to maintain but not sure I'd feel safe 30 miles offshore with it. Or should I go with boat #2 because I can grow into it and it has twins which will help with a novice like me handel the boat and more room for the ladies to take up the bow a is more than capable to hit those offshore spots. I'm sure there are multiple angles I should also be considering but dont know because of inexperience. Any guidance you guys could give would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
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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 Mar 17, 2024 18:42:35 GMT -5
Go with the twin outboards. Better cared for makes a difference, but more importantly if you want to go out 20 miles or more is the redundancy that two power plants give you...that is true peace of mind. It also is an easier boat to handle around the docks.
Just my 2 cents....
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Post by fishnfool on Mar 17, 2024 19:10:20 GMT -5
All things equal, bigger is better. 150 hpdi's are good motors if maintained. Put some used F150s on there some day after the 2 smokers die.
Are both boats similar condition?
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Post by domandben on Mar 17, 2024 20:21:07 GMT -5
Thanks Jerry K. That's good advice. Fishnfool. The 23' just had some little things I didnt see with the 27', The upholstery was more worn and split in some places and there was a noticeable water line around the hull of the 23' Just didnt show the same pride ownership. I talked with a friend with more boating experience and he told me, while upholstery is more aesthetic it tells a real story of how someone cared for the boat. I'm sorry if this is a silly question, but is it possible to add the retractable seat backs on the newer Sailfish to o models like this? Got to keep the ladies happy! Thanks again for your input fellas! lder
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Post by fishnfool on Mar 17, 2024 21:00:31 GMT -5
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Post by TLSea on Mar 18, 2024 2:42:35 GMT -5
2004 was somewhat transitional year for these two boats with regards to the console. If the console on the 2004 looks Identical to the 2002 266, then the 236 was built early in ‘04. Early in the second quarter of ‘04; Sailfish switched to a new console that was slightly wider and provided a much bigger area for the newer and wider mfd’s that were becoming more and more prevalent. The 2002 model 266 has in-floor fish boxes on both sides of the cockpit; the 236 does not have this starting in ‘04.
Some people had problems with the hpdi back then. The ones on the boat you’re looking at must be okay since they’re still around. I prefer and drive twin engines. However, if and in this case and I had to make a choice between twin two-cycle hpdi’s or a 4-cycle F-225, I would take the the 4-stroke engine. Your fuel budget will be much lower since you won’t need to add 2-cycle engine oil with each fill-up for gas.
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Post by finatic on Mar 18, 2024 4:15:24 GMT -5
Twins, good luck.
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Post by footy3 on Mar 18, 2024 8:30:30 GMT -5
In my experience there are a hundred things that need to be taken care of regularly that you could almost never observe with a quick visual inspection, and come before cleaning etc, so if one is 2 years older and in noticeable better cared for condition, I think that says a lot about the owner, and the boat. I would also say your long term budget should impact this decision quite a bit, there's going to be more maintenance, and more fuel consumption with a pair of 2 strokes, and the potential for a more expensive repower down the road. Also, since you mentioned a couple times the comfort of the ladies, don't discount engine noise, a single 4-stroke is significantly quieter than a pair of 2 strokes, not as much an issue when you're anchored on a sandbar, but still something to think about.
The bigger boat will make a big difference for you striper fishing in November and March, I boat out of Seaside Park so know what you're going to be looking at.
Final thought is how likely is this to be a "long term" boat? You've been out of boating for a while, if you think it's likely you're gonna either "trade up" or even get out of the game in 2-3 years it also may influence your decision.
Good Luck!
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Post by finatic on Mar 18, 2024 11:02:20 GMT -5
O shoot I thought the 150's were the 4 strokes. IMO,,,keep looking find a boat with twin 4 strokes.
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Post by domandben on Mar 18, 2024 11:55:38 GMT -5
Thanks to all for some really great advice. I am concerned about the 2-stroke with both long term durability and noise. I've really seen a mixed bag in terms of these engines. On the Hull Truth as is typical, some guys love them and some hate them. footy3 so glad you are familiar with the area and weather. I was really hoping to be able to get out to the Shrewsbury Rocks, lobster traps, wrecks and maybe the mud hole. I dont really like flounder and fluke fishing that happens in the bay over the summer so was hoping to chase some different species like shark, wahoo and tuna in that midshore area. Of course that would be during good weather and over the june-Aug months. Do you think the 23' with the single would be okay for that? In terms of long term, I'm getting near retirement and thinking about that chapter in life, also lost my dad unexpectedly last Sep and really reminded me of some of the great times i had with him on my boat. I think I'd be looking to trade up in 3-5 yrs with either boat as I learn what I like/need in a boat and have more disposable income and time when I can get these kids out of damn college! Thanks again everyone for the great advice.
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Post by lainiej on Mar 18, 2024 12:29:30 GMT -5
The Sailfish 23 is a big 23 footer. You can put most other 23 footers inside of it. The sharp deadrise cuts the chop very well and the boat is capable to run far offshore. If you go with the F225 make sure the exhaust has been replaced or at least scoped. Go and google F225 and you will see what I am talking about. I had 2 of them on a big 30 Grady and had the exhausts rot out, I did love those motors. They are not the strongest but run very well overall. The 236 and 266 are the older style hulls with the smaller consoles. I have a 2360 and the hull redesign does make a big difference when at anchor or on the drift. The older hulls do lean a bit when weight is shifted.
Good luck
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Post by Twisted on Mar 18, 2024 14:12:37 GMT -5
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Post by domandben on Mar 18, 2024 14:57:00 GMT -5
What would I be looking at in terms of cost to have the exhaust replaced?
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Post by fishnfool on Mar 18, 2024 15:08:32 GMT -5
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Post by domandben on Mar 18, 2024 15:22:25 GMT -5
Definitely reinforces the need for a good marine surveyor! Thanks for the info on this and on the backrests.
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