Need bloody help... Need your comments... New purchase

[kerncat]

One consideration on mileage..I have heard about all the great mileage on boats for years and sure, some get terrific mileage for a boat and others (like mine) suck...remember this..when mileage is quoted it means straight line mileage, no matter what the quote..the ocean is seldom flat and often has strong current moving...when you go from point a to b and the chart shows 25 miles, with up and down the waves and against current, you might actually have to go 30 or 35 actual miles against current to cover 25 "straight line miles" ...I used to fish really small boats a long way offshore..often by myself..It's really not smart...100 miles in a 20 foot boat may be ok with the sales man but I'd bet if you offered him a ride, based on what he tells you, he'd decline..

The economy is in the tank and going to get worse..tons of really good used boats out there, but that's your call..I'm cheap.

[SALTYDAWG]

Save a couple grand and buy my Skippy, It's got the same 1.7 diesel and is a proven fish killer, Completely outfitted and on a new custom trailer. It gets 4-5 MPG and has over 500 mi range

[SALTYDAWG]

After reading your post all the way through, Let me tell you this...
The salesman is yanking you, The 1.7 diesel gets great fuel economy but not quite as good as he claims. Mine has never got better than a little over 5 MPG
As far as the top speed, He is totally full of shit saying its 35kts Mine, Although probly a little heavier than the Trophy will do 25kts at WOT (4400 rpm) But it will run all day long at WOT and not even breath hard. These motor packages got a bad wrap when they first came out, With weak pistons and turbos and I blew my 03 motor. Cummins replaced it with the 2005 model with upgraded pistons and turbo and I havent had any other problems.

[wildhorse1966]

Originally Posted by SALTYDAWG

Save a couple grand and buy my Skippy, It's got the same 1.7 diesel and is a proven fish killer, Completely outfitted and on a new custom trailer. It gets 4-5 MPG and has over 500 mi range

that boat is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SALTYDAWG]

Originally Posted by wildhorse1966

that boat is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You should buy it!

[reed04]

if it were me id buy the skipjack good solid boat ive had a couple and they are one of the best out there.(imo)

[gecsr1]

Bait tank to small (13 gal). and fuel tank to small 55 gal.... and only 19' in lenght too small.. Diesel engine good.... mileage mabye 4 mpg .... j

just my thoughts

[Dirtguy]

Lot of really good info here. You'd be wise to take it into consideration.

Specially the one about asking the sales guy to join you 100 miles off shore, since it gets such great mileage.

I can envision the piss running down his leg ....

DG

[fishoutofwater]

I'm struggling with the fuel figures cobber I get at best 0.9L per 1.85 km close enough to 1 gallon per 4.5miles metric conversion 4.5L per Gallon and that is at 50% load on flat water perfect conditions. Re the boat fairly new here in Western Australia looks the goods over all .Re 100miles off shore personally I would not go there full stop. Rule of thumb in a small boat 1 hour traveling per the conditions on the day example cruise speed 20 knots thats how far you should go .Been ocean boating in small boats over 25 years and I'm replying to you now, so the rule has keeped me safe.

[ALUMINATOR]

New or not this boat is already two years old! Hummm what happens when you try to sell it later? How much more will you loose when you drive it off the floor?

When somebody wants to go offshore 100 miles you should know that a 19 footer isn't going to be a safe choice.

There are some great deals out there now so don't be in a hurry. Find a boat that somebody has spent all their money on and make them an offer. Like the others have said Bill's boat is already set up with the goodies and buying used will save you enought money that your fuel will be paid for the next few years!!

When you do find aboat please have a pro check it out. Even a few friends will see it differently than you will. Look at enough boats so you know just by reading an ad if it is worth going over to see it. Engine and drive are one of the first things to look at. Don't need a tow and a repower costs almost as much as the boat!!

I am only giving you my thoughts.

Have fun shopping and be safe!!

[Got Wasabi]

Have you done a test drive yet? If not, why not? You'll at least know if the boat can handle the swell and get up the speed he's quoting.

Those numbers from the salesman are BS. Anyone can put out a bunch of numbers... look at car EPA stickers. A 19' boat is good for inshore and may out to the local banks, like 371, 425, 101, rockpile, islands, etc. If you want to go any farther, the boat's too small. Also this is assuming you're putting all of the proper safety equipment on the boat including radar!

I would agree with most of the guys here that it would be a better value to buy a used boat that has been properly broken in and taken care of. Just make sure to have an experienced person / people go with you to check it out first.

PS. Listen to Anthony Gracza he just bought his boat last year. It's a year newer than the one you're looking at and look at what he's going through....

[gkazan]

thank you all,

all these comments helped allot. Looking in to a Defiance 220 EX now