Can I get some advice?

brian_g · Apr-05-2007, 03:23 PM

I have been looking for a Sea Sport Navigator or a Blackman Outerbanks for quite some time and I just came across this Navigator for sale. It has been used by a charter fishing operation and I have read negative posts on BD about other boats for sale by charter operations. Is this because they get used much more than a private boat?

Can you guys take a look at the description and photos of this thing and tell me what you think? I'm trying to avoid pitfalls as buying a boat is going to nealy break my discretionary account

and possibly strain my marraige

Thanks in advance for the input!

seasport

Dirtguy · Apr-05-2007, 03:36 PM

My advice?

Get a divorce now that way you won't have to sell a boat that you fell in love with to give her half.

Women come and go. But a great boat only happens once in a lifetime...

DG

Afry · Apr-05-2007, 03:36 PM

I'd keep looking, sure is a small cockpit, you want one of those for down here?

brian_g · Apr-05-2007, 05:11 PM

Yeah,
I know the cockpit is small, but for two people fishing seems to be enough space (do you guys think otherwise?) The pilothouse is a must and a head is a must. The Sea Sport seem to have these things in a reasonable price.

I do agree about the cockpit though

Laukia · Apr-05-2007, 05:36 PM

If it were me......I'd pass. Your on the right track thinking about Blackman Outer Banks though. Much better suited for fishing here. If your looking at this size of boat.......you want diesel. For that kind of $.....keep looking ......be patient. Good Luck.

**Ali** · Apr-05-2007, 05:46 PM

Run Like Hell.

454 Gas with an outdrive?

You can get a new Defiance 22 or 25' with outboards for less money.

brian_g · Apr-05-2007, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gato Gordo

Run Like Hell.

454 Gas with an outdrive?

You can get a new Defiance 22 or 25' with outboards for less money.

Thanks for the advice,
I have been looking on the net for info on the 454 with little luck.

Why do you suggest OB vs I/O? And what is the issue with the engine/outdrive combo?

chrisfish · Apr-05-2007, 06:44 PM

No no no no, all the comments are on the money. Gas, outdrive,small cockpit, motor box. The Blackman is much more suited for so cal. You can get the blackman with a straight inboard. Plus you won't be able to sell that boat here. keep looking

chris

Afry · Apr-05-2007, 09:49 PM

If you are going to have a slipped boat go with OB or direct shaft drive. IO's have more maintenance issues and since you have a choice now don't go that way unless you REALLY $teal a boat.

Also engine boxes are pain to fish around, I won't buy a boat with one.

That Sea Sport is designed for use in the cold where you will spend a lot of time trying to get out of the weather. The cabin burns up too much deck space.

Dirtguy · Apr-06-2007, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian_g

Thanks for the advice,
I have been looking on the net for info on the 454 with little luck.

Why do you suggest OB vs I/O? And what is the issue with the engine/outdrive combo?

I'm not sure if I agree with all this. Unless you guys have experience with heavy vehicles and BBC's, this info might be hearsay, or opinion.

Anytime you have a heavy vehicle and need a stable efficient power platform, the BBC is always a major choice.

Marine examples: All major off-shore boat manufacturers use outdrives with Big Block Chevies as their mainstay. And they use them in Sandy Eggo as well. Sea Ray has used them for years with great success. THIS example is fresh water cooled and you can get parts anywhere. Cheap, at any time. Also a reliable manufacturer for the outdrive.

Vehicles: Motorhomes are heavy, large, and a good choice for comparison. Standard choice is a 502 BBC or a V-10. If you option up, it's all diesel pusher. But it starts with an SBC or a BBC.. We have test data that actually shows that identical motor homes with a Small Block and a Big Block, the BBC actually got better mileage. Why? Because the BBC could haul the load in a higher gear at a lower RPM.

So there might not be a huge contingent in SD that have this as a choice, but don't discount it as an option that could be a great choice for many reasons.

I'd choose this over dual outboards any day. Waay less complex and maintenance intensive. May not have the bling factor ovr new Yammies, but the jingle left in the pocket is nice.

Just my .02...

DG

Afry · Apr-06-2007, 09:19 AM

It's all an opinion but you make some good points. There is no doubt that a properly setup duoprop IO can get some decent MPG but that is not the only factor. IO's still usually have the motor box to fish around and granted many parts can be resonable but salty bilge water and electrical parts don't mix well. You will have more through hull openings with IO's and still have raw water pumps and belts to maintain.

The new OB's (I like E-tec) are simple to run and very cost effective including when resale time comes around. Plus you can tilt the motor out of the water when slipped.

**Ali** · Apr-06-2007, 10:18 AM

See above.

Big Block OD's definately have their place.

But... for a boat that size and style there are much better options.

Especially if it's going to be in the water.

brian_g · Apr-06-2007, 10:20 AM

Do you guys have opinions on direct drive? The Outerbanks I have looked at have been direct drive. I've been told it's much better fuel consumption, but having a rudder seems like a negative to me.

BTW If you have suggestions beside the Outerbanks and the Navigator in the 60K range let me know. Needs to be pilothouse though.

Thanks

Afry · Apr-06-2007, 10:54 AM

Direct drive is great, no problems with rudder. Looked at Shamrocks? Why PH and not Flybridge? FB's really help when looking for paddys.

brian_g · Apr-06-2007, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Afry

Direct drive is great, no problems with rudder. Looked at Shamrocks? Why PH and not Flybridge? FB's really help when looking for paddys.

The pilothouse lets us drive from inside when it's uncomfortable outside. The 2nd station above the pilothouse is good for paddy spotting

I have looked at some Shamrocks and personally I just liked the Blackman Outerbanks and the Sea Sport better (not that there is anything worng with the shamrock).