Center Console recommendations

[Wisefam22]

There is a place around Savannah that sells keywest robolo ect. Last I checked they had a 263fs keywest with twin 200s for 107 and a 272 robolo for like 119 I think it was. Both beautiful boats. If he wants easier to travel the 239fs is sweet boat as well for mix of pleasure and fishing

 

[swatski]

I have a 210 Dorado, bought new in 2015

pros
good looking boat
good layout
great gas mileage ( i was getting over 5mpg crossing over to Bimini on the Yammie 150)
fairly dry boat
relatively light boat, makes it fuel efficient for towing.
tons of storage
direct contact to Alan Lang (see con)

cons
i have a ton of gel coat stress cracks. my local dealer fixed them once, and more developed.
Alan Lang - whole lotta promises to fix my gelcoat issues. but their warranty team refuses cover the dealer costs.
price can go up substantially once you start adding options. the advertised price is just for the hull.

I have to say this looks like a perfect boat for mixed used with some ocean trips, I remember your Bimini posts with the insane fuel economy. I maybe heading to Hudson valley and would be looking at those boats. I may need something a bit larger though, Scouts are top notch albeit not cheap!
What would you say is a comfortable number of adults you can fit for a short trip?

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[Ramblin Wreck]

Well my buddy ended up buying a Parker CC. After looking at several CC lay outs, I think a Sea Fox Avenger 249 would fit my needs the most. Anybody with experience with an Avenger?

 

[swatski]

Well my buddy ended up buying a Parker CC. After looking at several CC lay outs, I think a Sea Fox Avenger 249 would fit my needs the most. Anybody with experience with an Avenger?

That is nice, the “side console” concept, with one of the best bow designs. I don’t know if I have ever seen that design before, I wouldnt have a CC but this is a great concept.

one of our good friends has a 2018 Sea Fox CC they trailer around, they love it, use it in Florabama. They want to do the Bimini trip with us, if we ever do it again. Great range - hard to beat.

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[SlowDorado]

I have to say this looks like a perfect boat for mixed used with some ocean trips, I remember your Bimini posts with the insane fuel economy. I maybe heading to Hudson valley and would be looking at those boats. I may need something a bit larger though, Scouts are top notch albeit not cheap!
What would you say is a comfortable number of adults you can fit for a short trip?

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4 onboard is comfortable. beyond that you feel the weight (mainly because i have Texas size friends). we had 2 onboard and about 350 lbs of gear, extra fuel, food and water for the Bimini trip and i was able to run into the mid 40mph effortlessly. The 210 Dorado handles really well for its little size, i ran most of the way to Bimini without using trim tabs. slight adjustments of the outboard was enough to give it a smooth ride. however, it does get pushed easily and a bit tipsy given its light weight. i was crabbing quite a bit on the way up to Bahia Mar. when we were pulling in to Big game club in Bimini the current was pushing me sideways. @AJack had to lend a hand and grab my lines.

if i were to do it over again, i would go with the 255 Dorado with twin 150s.

 

[SlowDorado]

Well my buddy ended up buying a Parker CC. After looking at several CC lay outs, I think a Sea Fox Avenger 249 would fit my needs the most. Anybody with experience with an Avenger?

did he bring a ruler to make sure the cap isn't crooked?

maybe the CCs are diffrent

im a fan of pilot houses, but Parkers have too many areas that either look cheap or needs to be refined. the passenger layout is uncomfortable too. i can't imagine sitting sideways for hours like that. for a bit more money, I would go with RangerTugs. downside is RangerTug doesn't offer twin outboards and given the weight its a fuel monster.

 

[swatski]

if i were to do it over again, i would go with the 255 Dorado with twin 150s.

That is a sweet boat the 255
for the money I would be looking at new DC Cobias as well. Very similar layout of the interior.

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[Ramblin Wreck]

did he bring a ruler to make sure the cap isn't crooked?

maybe the CCs are diffrent

im a fan of pilot houses, but Parkers have too many areas that either look cheap or needs to be refined. the passenger layout is uncomfortable too. i can't imagine sitting sideways for hours like that. for a bit more money, I would go with RangerTugs. downside is RangerTug doesn't offer twin outboards and given the weight its a fuel monster.

He takes possession mid January but he seems to like them after climbing around a few. I would be disappointed if he ran into those issues. Let’s hope not.

 

[SlowDorado]

That is a sweet boat the 255
for the money I would be looking at new DC Cobias as well. Very similar layout of the interior.

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i went for a factory tour at Scout before placing my order. the convincing factors for me were the attention to detail and mainly that the folks at the factory were happy to work there. the staff is treated right and all were happy and proud to be at work. ive only witness this at Scout and Winnebago. can't say that about many businesses anymore. most folks complain and hate their job. the quality of the final product ultimately gets affected.

 

[Liveto99]

I have to say this looks like a perfect boat for mixed used with some ocean trips, I remember your Bimini posts with the insane fuel economy. I maybe heading to Hudson valley and would be looking at those boats. I may need something a bit larger though, Scouts are top notch albeit not cheap!
What would you say is a comfortable number of adults you can fit for a short trip?

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NY?

 

[Liveto99]

Recommend a Scout great boat and great fit and finish.

 

[swatski]

NY?

Most likely my new job would be in NJ, Elmwood Park area. My wife however could end up in an office in White Plains, NY.
Would most likely look at houses somewhere in Northern Jersey. Maybe in the Sopranos' neighborhood, lol.

I am looking forward to this move very, very much, but don't want to jinx anything, a few things are still up in the air.
One thing I find funny - having lived in the midwest for too long! - there is a complete scarcity of covered dock slips with or without lifts in that entire area. I guess we are so spoiled around here, getting a covered dock with a lift is easy and inexpensive.

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[SlowDorado]

Most likely my new job would be in NJ, Elmwood Park area. My wife however could end up in an office in White Plains, NY.
Would most likely look at houses somewhere in Northern Jersey. Maybe in the Sopranos' neighborhood, lol.

I am looking forward to this move very, very much, but don't want to jinx anything, a few things are still up in the air.
One thing I find funny - having lived in the midwest for too long! - there is a complete scarcity of covered dock slips with or without lifts in that entire area. I guess we are so spoiled around here, getting a covered dock with a lift is easy and inexpensive.

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there are several marinas right on the Hudson on the nj side. None are covered. If you keep the boat on a trailer, there’s a ramp right underneath the George Washington bridge. It’s $20 per launch. From there it’s 45 miles north to bear mountain/West Point or 9 miles south to the Statue of Liberty. I usually run north to avoid the ferry traffic. The ferries around here kick up 4-5 ft wakes without care.

 

[mrmeaniemeateaterman]

@Ramblin Wreck I just put a deposit down on a new Robalo 246 Cayman. This is a CC “bay boat” although some folks consider it more of a “hybrid bay” ie. little bit deeper draft and little bit more freeboard than a true bay boat but not as deep of V /deep draft as true offshore CC. For the waters we are in (Pamlico Sound) this better option for us as still has a head (unusual for bay boat), is a heavy boat for smooth ride, low draft, should trailer little better than the huge freeboard of offshore CC and can go offshore on good days. Plus I’ve really gotten into inshore fishing and the 246 Cayman will be a great boat for that. Plus its still very family friendly for kid entertainment.
Anyway I did look at the SeaFox 249 Avenger. I really liked the layout and value for amount of boat you get per dollar was huge. Only concerns for me was did feel like fit/finish was slightly less and major concern was resell. Unfortunately SeaFox still has yet to break from old stigma of “cheap POS”. I dont think this is valid but depreciation is fast/hard on them so that invalid stigma still lingers. Also the layout while family friendly, may make a tough sell for most people that want a traditional CC. That layout is still a really niche market. Plus for the fishing I want to do the bay boat style is just more functional, so the Sea Fox got cut off the list.
Once I get some hours on the Robalo I’ll post up a better review and some pics. Here’s their stock photo from web.

 

[Liveto99]

@Ramblin Wreck I just put a deposit down on a new Robalo 246 Cayman. This is a CC “bay boat” although some folks consider it more of a “hybrid bay” ie. little bit deeper draft and little bit more freeboard than a true bay boat but not as deep of V /deep draft as true offshore CC. For the waters we are in (Pamlico Sound) this better option for us as still has a head (unusual for bay boat), is a heavy boat for smooth ride, low draft, should trailer little better than the huge freeboard of offshore CC and can go offshore on good days. Plus I’ve really gotten into inshore fishing and the 246 Cayman will be a great boat for that. Plus its still very family friendly for kid entertainment.
Anyway I did look at the SeaFox 249 Avenger. I really liked the layout and value for amount of boat you get per dollar was huge. Only concerns for me was did feel like fit/finish was slightly less and major concern was resell. Unfortunately SeaFox still has yet to break from old stigma of “cheap POS”. I dont think this is valid but depreciation is fast/hard on them so that invalid stigma still lingers. Also the layout while family friendly, may make a tough sell for most people that want a traditional CC. That layout is still a really niche market. Plus for the fishing I want to do the bay boat style is just more functional, so the Sea Fox got cut off the list.
Once I get some hours on the Robalo I’ll post up a better review and some pics. Here’s their stock photo from web.
View attachment 109790

Good luck nice boat.

 

[Liveto99]

Most likely my new job would be in NJ, Elmwood Park area. My wife however could end up in an office in White Plains, NY.
Would most likely look at houses somewhere in Northern Jersey. Maybe in the Sopranos' neighborhood, lol.

I am looking forward to this move very, very much, but don't want to jinx anything, a few things are still up in the air.
One thing I find funny - having lived in the midwest for too long! - there is a complete scarcity of covered dock slips with or without lifts in that entire area. I guess we are so spoiled around here, getting a covered dock with a lift is easy and inexpensive.

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If you find a covered marina let me know. On Long Island they have high and dry.
if you look at houses in NY let me know my old lady is a broker. She also can recommend someone in NJ if you need someone.
I am a licensed plumber in White Plains I’ll introduce her to a few good restaurant owners if she wants so she knows where to eat.
good luck.
Welcome to high taxes, high car insurance and tolls. ?

 

[Dixie Highway]

Welcome to high taxes, high car insurance and tolls.

Jeez he could have moved East just across the Mississippi for that...

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

@Ramblin Wreck I just put a deposit down on a new Robalo 246 Cayman. This is a CC “bay boat” although some folks consider it more of a “hybrid bay” ie. little bit deeper draft and little bit more freeboard than a true bay boat but not as deep of V /deep draft as true offshore CC. For the waters we are in (Pamlico Sound) this better option for us as still has a head (unusual for bay boat), is a heavy boat for smooth ride, low draft, should trailer little better than the huge freeboard of offshore CC and can go offshore on good days. Plus I’ve really gotten into inshore fishing and the 246 Cayman will be a great boat for that. Plus its still very family friendly for kid entertainment.
Anyway I did look at the SeaFox 249 Avenger. I really liked the layout and value for amount of boat you get per dollar was huge. Only concerns for me was did feel like fit/finish was slightly less and major concern was resell. Unfortunately SeaFox still has yet to break from old stigma of “cheap POS”. I dont think this is valid but depreciation is fast/hard on them so that invalid stigma still lingers. Also the layout while family friendly, may make a tough sell for most people that want a traditional CC. That layout is still a really niche market. Plus for the fishing I want to do the bay boat style is just more functional, so the Sea Fox got cut off the list.
Once I get some hours on the Robalo I’ll post up a better review and some pics. Here’s their stock photo from web.
View attachment 109790

Congrats on the boat....very nice! I agree on the perception of SeaFox as I’ve read similar statements on multiple forums. I have no real life experience so I can’t add any user insight, but look forward to crawling around all the boats at the ATL boat show in a few weeks. What gets me is I’ve read the resell concern but I’ve yet to find any really cheap used ones. Maybe I’m not looking where I need to, but the used newer models seem to be in line with their peers like Tidewater, Sea Hunt, etc. Honestly a jet boat fits 95% of my needs, but the thought of a more ocean worthy vessel with a much longer range is compelling. The Avenger layout was almost perfect for my family to be honest, granted I don’t see us hardcore fishing anytime soon but cruising with friends, pulling a tube, etc. would happen a lot and I’ve always liked the CC experience as the captain. I do agree it’s a niche layout, but today’s CCs are so much more family oriented then in years past. If their popularity with families continue, I believe we will continue to see more refined family features aimed at folks like me. Looking forward to checking out Tidewaters LXF as well. Might be a better compromise. With all this said, a 21 or 24 jet will probably be what ultimately wins out.

 

[swatski]

Congrats on the boat....very nice! I agree on the perception of SeaFox as I’ve read similar statements on multiple forums. I have no real life experience so I can’t add any user insight, but look forward to crawling around all the boats at the ATL boat show in a few weeks. What gets me is I’ve read the resell concern but I’ve yet to find any really cheap used ones. Maybe I’m not looking where I need to, but the used newer models seem to be in line with their peers like Tidewater, Sea Hunt, etc. Honestly a jet boat fits 95% of my needs, but the thought of a more ocean worthy vessel with a much longer range is compelling. The Avenger layout was almost perfect for my family to be honest, granted I don’t see us hardcore fishing anytime soon but cruising with friends, pulling a tube, etc. would happen a lot and I’ve always liked the CC experience as the captain. I do agree it’s a niche layout, but today’s CCs are so much more family oriented then in years past. If their popularity with families continue, I believe you we will continue to see more refined family features aimed at folks like me. Looking forward to checking out Tidewaters LXF as well. Might be a better compromise. With all this said, a 21 or 24 jet will probably be what ultimately wins out.

I only someone offered a forward drive outboard - that could be surfed behind!

As much as I love riding my AR240 it's not exactly built to ride offshore, but I don't see anything else that can do everything, literally everything like it does. so I'm not going to rush.
I wish Yamaha didn't mess up the 275 as badly as they did (for the money they want for it).

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[swatski]

If you find a covered marina let me know. On Long Island they have high and dry.
if you look at houses in NY let me know my old lady is a broker. She also can recommend someone in NJ if you need someone.
I am a licensed plumber in White Plains I’ll introduce her to a few good restaurant owners if she wants so she knows where to eat.
good luck.
Welcome to high taxes, high car insurance and tolls. ?

Sounds good, thanks a bunch.

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