I was wondering what everyone thinks about the whaler 28 Conquest, now renamed to a 295. I am looking for a boat that will stand up to running to the canyons and handle the ocean well. I know there a lot of great ocean boats out there but I need to stick to something with outboard power mainly because of cost. I like the whalers they have a great reputation but I really don't know how good of a boat its for running so far offshore. It seems it doesn't have that high bow flare that a lot of other boats have. I noticed on their new 255 Conquest they did raise the bow giving it a higher bow profile. I was also looking at the Scout Abaco 28 footer but I can't even find a dealer on LI for them anymore. I was orignally looking at the Wellcraft Coastal 29 footer but I am concerned with resale value and quality. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks
Boston Whaler Conquest, canyon runner?
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Scout, BW, then Wellcraft would be my choice. I just dont like BW kind of like a Giants/Jets, Rangers/Islanders thing. And yes I own a Grady, so that might have something to do with it. The BW may suit you better, I also think it is a bit bigger LOA over 30' I would definately consider getting a generator. Whats the amount of fuel tanks between Scout and BW? The BW should hold more fuel. You are going to definately get more for your dollar with the BW. I think the beam is 10'7" compared to the Abaco which is 9'6"?
The extra beam alone will be a big diference, in stability and room.
My other problem with the BW is the Black motors on the back. (another Pepsi/Coke thing) You could get the 225 4 stroke Yami-Max's, But I dont know the power recomendations for that boat. Probably 500hp.
Remember its not only the boat that needs to be equipted for the canyons, Make sure your up to the task. You will probably see boats smaller than you out there.
I would feel comfortable in this boat.
The extra beam alone will be a big diference, in stability and room.
My other problem with the BW is the Black motors on the back. (another Pepsi/Coke thing) You could get the 225 4 stroke Yami-Max's, But I dont know the power recomendations for that boat. Probably 500hp.
Remember its not only the boat that needs to be equipted for the canyons, Make sure your up to the task. You will probably see boats smaller than you out there.
I would feel comfortable in this boat.
Thanks...
Congradulations on your new Grady! I read through the entire thread that you posted. Alot of great info came out of it. I love the Gradys too except the wife complains that the cabins are too small on them. The whalers have more of an express layout then a walkaround. Know what you mean about the Black on the back of the boat, 225's supposedly would power the boat alright but I don't know if they offer the Yammahas. The whaler has larger fuel capacity, 296 gallons as opposed to 210 with the Scout. I really love the 265 Express from Grady except that the wife thinks its a little small ( she wants to be able to do over-nighters with the kids). Lots of luck with your new boat! Did you get out with at all this season or is it on order? Thanks
Congradulations on your new Grady! I read through the entire thread that you posted. Alot of great info came out of it. I love the Gradys too except the wife complains that the cabins are too small on them. The whalers have more of an express layout then a walkaround. Know what you mean about the Black on the back of the boat, 225's supposedly would power the boat alright but I don't know if they offer the Yammahas. The whaler has larger fuel capacity, 296 gallons as opposed to 210 with the Scout. I really love the 265 Express from Grady except that the wife thinks its a little small ( she wants to be able to do over-nighters with the kids). Lots of luck with your new boat! Did you get out with at all this season or is it on order? Thanks
Reel,
Not sure but you may know the MERC 225 4 strokes are actually Yamaha's in a black cowling. A.K.A Yami-Max. Again I would be concerned about underpowering the boat with the 225's. Definately take a test ride and see what you think. Nothing worse than driving around in an underpowered boat.
The GW express is a nice ride. The only thing GW to look at in the same size is the 30 Marlin.
Yeah I got the boat back the late spring. Great boat, Definately a big boat for the size. Have yet to really have a complaint about the boat....
Think if you can get over the Merc' deal you will be happy with the BW. big boat and will ride like a tank....
Jay
Not sure but you may know the MERC 225 4 strokes are actually Yamaha's in a black cowling. A.K.A Yami-Max. Again I would be concerned about underpowering the boat with the 225's. Definately take a test ride and see what you think. Nothing worse than driving around in an underpowered boat.
The GW express is a nice ride. The only thing GW to look at in the same size is the 30 Marlin.
Yeah I got the boat back the late spring. Great boat, Definately a big boat for the size. Have yet to really have a complaint about the boat....
Think if you can get over the Merc' deal you will be happy with the BW. big boat and will ride like a tank....
Jay
That 23 Gulfstream is a real nice boat. It has a wide beam which adds lots of room. If I didn't really want to try some tuna fishing and if the wife didn't want me to get a boat big enough for the family the GW 23 would be at the top of my list. Did you get a single 225 on it or twins? Can you tell the difference in performance with 4 strokes or does it have the same type of response as you would expect with 2 strokes? Although I have heard some storys about the Merc. 4 strokes, I do have a lot of faith in Mercuary. I have a 1999 150 Merc now and never had a problem with it,although that motor (carb) has stood the test of time. Maybe i will see you on the water in spring, north or south shore?
South Shore JI area
Reel
I got the single Yami 250ox, I dont generally go further than Cholera a few times a year, So I didnt justify needing the twin 150's hpdi's. price wise difference was about 5500.00. I put the difference into the electronics. I also opted to stay away from the 4 stroke 225 because, I didnt want to under power the boat. I drove boats with 4's and same boats with HPDIs and the HPDI's blow it away out of the hole, and torque. WOT is close, as is the fuel consumption at cruise. You will notice the fuel savings at trolling speed. Oil and noise is a no brainer, 4 stroke. 4 strokes are heavier than the 2's also.
The old Mercs were great and that is what they (Merc) made their name on, But now the Opti's have had their share of problems, Many would be an understatement. Guys may say who cares its covered under warrentee but remember, It will always break down in the middle of the season, then your laid up for 2-4 weeks of a short season already. Yami has its problems to though I guess.
Are you looking new or used?
Reel
I got the single Yami 250ox, I dont generally go further than Cholera a few times a year, So I didnt justify needing the twin 150's hpdi's. price wise difference was about 5500.00. I put the difference into the electronics. I also opted to stay away from the 4 stroke 225 because, I didnt want to under power the boat. I drove boats with 4's and same boats with HPDIs and the HPDI's blow it away out of the hole, and torque. WOT is close, as is the fuel consumption at cruise. You will notice the fuel savings at trolling speed. Oil and noise is a no brainer, 4 stroke. 4 strokes are heavier than the 2's also.
The old Mercs were great and that is what they (Merc) made their name on, But now the Opti's have had their share of problems, Many would be an understatement. Guys may say who cares its covered under warrentee but remember, It will always break down in the middle of the season, then your laid up for 2-4 weeks of a short season already. Yami has its problems to though I guess.
Are you looking new or used?
Sorry it took so long to respond...
I am looking for a new boat. The level of my expertise to fix problems is minimal so I like the idea of new and waranties. I was comparing the performance difference between the 2's and the 4's and agree with what you are saying. Anyway, I also boat out of the JI area and at this point the Cholera is about as far as I go too. The idea of the big boat is this drive I have to get to the canyons for some tuna. It doesn't look like I will be getting a new boat to next year now. The cost of the 28-30 footers is unreal. Maybe I will get a smaller boat sooner but the wife is set on the idea of having a cabin big enough for weekends. Have you checked out Edgewater yet, they make some real nice boats? Their 265 Express would be right up there as an option for me with the Grady 26 Express if I decide not to wait and go with a smaller boat.
paul
I am looking for a new boat. The level of my expertise to fix problems is minimal so I like the idea of new and waranties. I was comparing the performance difference between the 2's and the 4's and agree with what you are saying. Anyway, I also boat out of the JI area and at this point the Cholera is about as far as I go too. The idea of the big boat is this drive I have to get to the canyons for some tuna. It doesn't look like I will be getting a new boat to next year now. The cost of the 28-30 footers is unreal. Maybe I will get a smaller boat sooner but the wife is set on the idea of having a cabin big enough for weekends. Have you checked out Edgewater yet, they make some real nice boats? Their 265 Express would be right up there as an option for me with the Grady 26 Express if I decide not to wait and go with a smaller boat.
paul
Paul
When I looked at the BW275 conquest they quoted me 115k with 225 opti's.
Edgewater, (Bob Doughtery formally of Boston Whaler) boats are one of the top boat Mnfrs out there. I compare them with GW,Scout,Contender,etc. I looked at them at Glenn Marine. They didnt have the size I wanted, And they didnt seem willing to help me either. Another story posted in an older topic about GlennMarine.
I would have definately considered buying the 26 also, But I wasnt about to buy what I couldnt see/drive, or give the dealer my business. Their smaller boat was nice and I have heard only good things about them. If you can find a local dealer willing to work with you, Follow through and give the EW a once over. You will more than likely like what you see. You still are looking at a big boat with the EW 26, You are still getting twins, and long offshore runs given the right window are no out of the question....
Not sure if you looked at it but the HydraSports 26WA is a real nice boat also. Has family amenities sleeps 4 etc. Under 100K, loaded....
Jay
When I looked at the BW275 conquest they quoted me 115k with 225 opti's.
Edgewater, (Bob Doughtery formally of Boston Whaler) boats are one of the top boat Mnfrs out there. I compare them with GW,Scout,Contender,etc. I looked at them at Glenn Marine. They didnt have the size I wanted, And they didnt seem willing to help me either. Another story posted in an older topic about GlennMarine.
I would have definately considered buying the 26 also, But I wasnt about to buy what I couldnt see/drive, or give the dealer my business. Their smaller boat was nice and I have heard only good things about them. If you can find a local dealer willing to work with you, Follow through and give the EW a once over. You will more than likely like what you see. You still are looking at a big boat with the EW 26, You are still getting twins, and long offshore runs given the right window are no out of the question....
Not sure if you looked at it but the HydraSports 26WA is a real nice boat also. Has family amenities sleeps 4 etc. Under 100K, loaded....
Jay
I am not sure if GlennMarine has the boat in stock now or not, After dealing with me, I wouldn't be surprised if they have the whole line in stock. I called EW and they wernt happy. I would NEVER give them my business, and would try and steer anyone I know away from them.
They Hydrasport 26WA as I had said earlier is a NICE boat. It was my first choice, and still sometimes wonder what if. Ride is great, Dry, Plenty of power, Stable, Has everything you need for the family/fish comprimise. 23* deadrise. Definately worth the look. Their vector line is no comaprison to their seahorse line, night and day.
I am looking actually between the 27 Contender and the 26 Regulator. Contender is really playing hardball with the pricing, they are (trying) to steer me away from Regulator. I tend to like the Regualtor better because of the brackets and closed transom. I would have gotten into another GW if the 27 Chase felt bigger and had brackets. The Contender is LOA 30' and the GW 27 is only 26'11". The GW just feels small.
You said you run out of JI, So I imagine you'll be shopping around here also. If you are going to Ocean Outboard for the Hydrasports. LMK. I'll see what I can do/help you out with.
They Hydrasport 26WA as I had said earlier is a NICE boat. It was my first choice, and still sometimes wonder what if. Ride is great, Dry, Plenty of power, Stable, Has everything you need for the family/fish comprimise. 23* deadrise. Definately worth the look. Their vector line is no comaprison to their seahorse line, night and day.
I am looking actually between the 27 Contender and the 26 Regulator. Contender is really playing hardball with the pricing, they are (trying) to steer me away from Regulator. I tend to like the Regualtor better because of the brackets and closed transom. I would have gotten into another GW if the 27 Chase felt bigger and had brackets. The Contender is LOA 30' and the GW 27 is only 26'11". The GW just feels small.
You said you run out of JI, So I imagine you'll be shopping around here also. If you are going to Ocean Outboard for the Hydrasports. LMK. I'll see what I can do/help you out with.
Attachments
Paul
Do a search at the top of the page, type in Glenn Marine. Look for the posts by rehookedup, I think it was. There were wuite a few of us who felt about glenn marine the same way.
Also incase you dont have the link for Hydrasports.
cut/paste
http://hydrasports.com/asp/Page13.asp?iBoatID=72
Do a search at the top of the page, type in Glenn Marine. Look for the posts by rehookedup, I think it was. There were wuite a few of us who felt about glenn marine the same way.
Also incase you dont have the link for Hydrasports.
cut/paste
http://hydrasports.com/asp/Page13.asp?iBoatID=72
Thanks!
Jay,
Thanks for pointing me in the direction of the Glenn Marine post! Sounds like there are some real winners at that marina.
Anyway, regarding the Hydrasport, it looks like a nice boat from the web site but they don't list the detailed specs. As part of Genmar I am noticing that alot of the features (at least from the pictures) are the same as their Welllcraft and Aquasport boats. Off hand, without the detailed specs. and seeing the boat in person its hard to tell what sets the Hydrasport apart from the Wellcrafts and Aquasport. My neighbor has a 98 215 Explorer he purchased new at Amity Harbor marina, he only has one complaint. He had some cracking up on the helm which appeared to be mostly gel coat. The dealer did repair it but the problem re-appeared, which leads me to believe there is some sort of structual problem. To sum it up he contacted Aquasport directly, when calling he was put straight through to Wellcraft which makes me wonder about the Hydrasport. Other then that his boat is built nicely, pump access, helm wiring access, quality bilge and baitwell pumps, etc. One thing I don't like about his boat is all the plastic hardware oh and the engine doesn' tilt all the way out of the water. I think they (Genmar) are moving away from the plastic altogther though, the new 2003 Wellcraft I was looking at has all stainless hardware now.
Is there anything in particular that I am missing regarding the Hydrasport? I still want to see if I can get down to Ocean Outboard this weekend to check them out. With the difference in cost it is definitely worth considering, if the boat has some quality features. The Vector line is the Hydrasport what is the Seahorse line?
Why are you looking to get out of the Grady already? The Contender and Regulators are really nice boats. You are a brave man going with a center console this far north, unless you call it an early season. I am just shrink wrapping my Trophy now. Did you put the Grady to bed yet for the season?
Jay,
Thanks for pointing me in the direction of the Glenn Marine post! Sounds like there are some real winners at that marina.
Anyway, regarding the Hydrasport, it looks like a nice boat from the web site but they don't list the detailed specs. As part of Genmar I am noticing that alot of the features (at least from the pictures) are the same as their Welllcraft and Aquasport boats. Off hand, without the detailed specs. and seeing the boat in person its hard to tell what sets the Hydrasport apart from the Wellcrafts and Aquasport. My neighbor has a 98 215 Explorer he purchased new at Amity Harbor marina, he only has one complaint. He had some cracking up on the helm which appeared to be mostly gel coat. The dealer did repair it but the problem re-appeared, which leads me to believe there is some sort of structual problem. To sum it up he contacted Aquasport directly, when calling he was put straight through to Wellcraft which makes me wonder about the Hydrasport. Other then that his boat is built nicely, pump access, helm wiring access, quality bilge and baitwell pumps, etc. One thing I don't like about his boat is all the plastic hardware oh and the engine doesn' tilt all the way out of the water. I think they (Genmar) are moving away from the plastic altogther though, the new 2003 Wellcraft I was looking at has all stainless hardware now.
Is there anything in particular that I am missing regarding the Hydrasport? I still want to see if I can get down to Ocean Outboard this weekend to check them out. With the difference in cost it is definitely worth considering, if the boat has some quality features. The Vector line is the Hydrasport what is the Seahorse line?
Why are you looking to get out of the Grady already? The Contender and Regulators are really nice boats. You are a brave man going with a center console this far north, unless you call it an early season. I am just shrink wrapping my Trophy now. Did you put the Grady to bed yet for the season?
Paul
With out sounding like a salesman....I dont think you can even bring the Aquasport into the equation. Maybe you can compare Aquasport with Wellcraft. and end it there. I know they are all Genmar. Some of the main diferences are Bronze vs plastic thru hull fittings. Glazed hull to deck joint vs screw & glue. Handlaid vs chopper gun. The weight of the boats and then look at the finish, hinges, handles, and even the rubrails and grab rails.
The 27 welcraft is I guess the closest in specs and it still falls behind, right away out of the box the
HS26 / Wellcraft27
23* / 21* deadrise
7990 / 7253 weight
236 / 188 fuel
The weight on the 26 is based on twin 225's, the wellcraft is twin 250's. The beam,LOA, water capacity, and other stuff is with in each other. If you drive the 2 I think you will definately notice the differance. the extra rise although may not seem like a lot really helps cut through the chop. Once you get down to storage, fish boxes etc. It will become even more noticable. Most of that stuff is kind of superficial, ride and longevity is the main concern.
From what I have read an heard the laminate schedule for HS is different than the schedule for wellcraft and aquasport. Hydrasport has it's own dedicated production line, the other 2 are built on the same line.
The seahorse line is still a HS boat but its their lower end boats, also smaller. More along the line of your friends aquasport.
I am not rushing into any thing with another boat. I am really seeing the best deal I can get although I am serious, I will not rush. Cold wise I have the curtains for my boat now and only use the fronts and sides. I will be getting the same enclosure with the new one. Its hard to do and take the loss but I want to drop the hammer and go then drop it again and get home. Kind of always want what you dont have I guess. I miss the space of a CC fish wise. Its hard, Because I love my boat and everyone else who fishes it thinks I am crazy even thinking about a new ride, especially with the extras. If I do it some one will get loaded GW at almost half price....And yes my boat is still in the H20 maybe another week or 2.
Oh yeah dont forget the HS is Kevlar reinforced
Pursuit is another great boat but along the prices of the GW's.
As I had mentioned LMK if you are heading down. Have you tested the wellcraft yet?
With out sounding like a salesman....I dont think you can even bring the Aquasport into the equation. Maybe you can compare Aquasport with Wellcraft. and end it there. I know they are all Genmar. Some of the main diferences are Bronze vs plastic thru hull fittings. Glazed hull to deck joint vs screw & glue. Handlaid vs chopper gun. The weight of the boats and then look at the finish, hinges, handles, and even the rubrails and grab rails.
The 27 welcraft is I guess the closest in specs and it still falls behind, right away out of the box the
HS26 / Wellcraft27
23* / 21* deadrise
7990 / 7253 weight
236 / 188 fuel
The weight on the 26 is based on twin 225's, the wellcraft is twin 250's. The beam,LOA, water capacity, and other stuff is with in each other. If you drive the 2 I think you will definately notice the differance. the extra rise although may not seem like a lot really helps cut through the chop. Once you get down to storage, fish boxes etc. It will become even more noticable. Most of that stuff is kind of superficial, ride and longevity is the main concern.
From what I have read an heard the laminate schedule for HS is different than the schedule for wellcraft and aquasport. Hydrasport has it's own dedicated production line, the other 2 are built on the same line.
The seahorse line is still a HS boat but its their lower end boats, also smaller. More along the line of your friends aquasport.
I am not rushing into any thing with another boat. I am really seeing the best deal I can get although I am serious, I will not rush. Cold wise I have the curtains for my boat now and only use the fronts and sides. I will be getting the same enclosure with the new one. Its hard to do and take the loss but I want to drop the hammer and go then drop it again and get home. Kind of always want what you dont have I guess. I miss the space of a CC fish wise. Its hard, Because I love my boat and everyone else who fishes it thinks I am crazy even thinking about a new ride, especially with the extras. If I do it some one will get loaded GW at almost half price....And yes my boat is still in the H20 maybe another week or 2.
Oh yeah dont forget the HS is Kevlar reinforced
Pursuit is another great boat but along the prices of the GW's.
As I had mentioned LMK if you are heading down. Have you tested the wellcraft yet?
I, too, enjoy the fishless JI Area...
I just spent more than a year anguishing over the same decision, for the same reasons. I'm taking delivery on a Reg 26 this sping, to (hopefully) expand that fishing horizon.
I'd be more than happy to share the research and rationale.
I just spent more than a year anguishing over the same decision, for the same reasons. I'm taking delivery on a Reg 26 this sping, to (hopefully) expand that fishing horizon.
I'd be more than happy to share the research and rationale.
Exactly what I wanted to know!
Jay,
First off I want to let know I really appreciate all the time you are taking to answer all my questions and concerns. I must say, this is exactly the type of information I am looking for regarding the Hydrasport. I own a low quality boat now and the last thing I want to do is buy another one. I am hoping to make it over to Ocean Outboard this Saturday, probably sometime early afternoon. I should be picking up my boat in the morning, I am getting a lot of work done this year (its a Bayliner). If you know someone there they you are going to let know that I am coming I will be easy to spot, more then likely I will have my twin 2 year old boys with me and the wife.
My first boat was center console so I know what you mean with the space. It adds lots of fishing room which I sometimes think about myself. I guess I just have fear of cold with center consoles, since on my old boat, only a 17 footer and no curtains or anything the wind and splash would sometimes knock me out for the day in early spring and fall. Theres no comparison with the boats your looking at to that old sea pro.
I am taking my time too, I wanted to but a new one at the Tobay boat show this year but I really should wait until next year. I have about another year of payments left on this boat which is helping to throw the finances off a little. But if I find the right boat and deal I may make the leap. I haven't even test driven any boats yet, I was about to sign on the dotted line for the Wellcraft 27 at Tobay but got smart in the last minute thinking I don't even really know anything about this boat. Part of it I guess is the wife liked it too so it would have been an easy sell with her. I would love to take the Hydrasport out for a run!
Mike,
Congrats on the new boat. I would love to hear the storys about the purchase and how you came to your decison. Also, where and how are you getting your offshore skills. Something I will still need to aquire before I head out. I heard someone mention joining a fishing club is a good idea. I like the idea but for me its tuff to make the time right now with work and the kids.
Paul
Jay,
First off I want to let know I really appreciate all the time you are taking to answer all my questions and concerns. I must say, this is exactly the type of information I am looking for regarding the Hydrasport. I own a low quality boat now and the last thing I want to do is buy another one. I am hoping to make it over to Ocean Outboard this Saturday, probably sometime early afternoon. I should be picking up my boat in the morning, I am getting a lot of work done this year (its a Bayliner). If you know someone there they you are going to let know that I am coming I will be easy to spot, more then likely I will have my twin 2 year old boys with me and the wife.
My first boat was center console so I know what you mean with the space. It adds lots of fishing room which I sometimes think about myself. I guess I just have fear of cold with center consoles, since on my old boat, only a 17 footer and no curtains or anything the wind and splash would sometimes knock me out for the day in early spring and fall. Theres no comparison with the boats your looking at to that old sea pro.
I am taking my time too, I wanted to but a new one at the Tobay boat show this year but I really should wait until next year. I have about another year of payments left on this boat which is helping to throw the finances off a little. But if I find the right boat and deal I may make the leap. I haven't even test driven any boats yet, I was about to sign on the dotted line for the Wellcraft 27 at Tobay but got smart in the last minute thinking I don't even really know anything about this boat. Part of it I guess is the wife liked it too so it would have been an easy sell with her. I would love to take the Hydrasport out for a run!
Mike,
Congrats on the new boat. I would love to hear the storys about the purchase and how you came to your decison. Also, where and how are you getting your offshore skills. Something I will still need to aquire before I head out. I heard someone mention joining a fishing club is a good idea. I like the idea but for me its tuff to make the time right now with work and the kids.
Paul
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