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Post by sundance on Sept 20, 2017 14:07:49 GMT -6
Seriously considering buying a 208 Bay or a 228 Bay. The issue I'm having is... I don't want to spend the money for either...  and is the close to 8 grand difference really worth 2 feet? Any suggestions or recommendation would be greatly appreciated... |
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catchersrock
Ensign
Posts: 548 
Location: Maiden NC
Sea Pro model and year: 2020 Sea Pro 228
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Post by catchersrock on Sept 20, 2017 14:33:39 GMT -6
The biggest part of the 8 grand is most likely in the larger engine. I would say 75 / 25.
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Post by sundance on Sept 20, 2017 15:11:03 GMT -6
From what I can tell, its about 55/45 with the motor being the most.
Thanks!
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Post by freezerfiller on Sept 20, 2017 16:19:51 GMT -6
Oh heck yeah, if you can afford 2 more feet, go for it!! That 228 is a sweet boat!
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Post by gnrphil on Sept 20, 2017 18:40:43 GMT -6
If 8K is the difference it's a no brainer to get 2 more feet. I wish the 239 was only 8K more than a 219.
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Post by AHHHH-Spray on Sept 20, 2017 20:33:29 GMT -6
If you don't get the 228, you will develop a condition known as two-foot-itis. The only known cure for this condition is to buy a boat two feet longer, so you'll pay the extra $ eventually. Prices only go up over time, so you're best off buying the 228 now.
Seriously, spend some time on both and think about how you'll use the boat. Compare the storage, capacity, range, etc of both and figure out if you really need the features of the bigger boat. Then buy the 228.
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Post by gnrphil on Sept 20, 2017 20:41:38 GMT -6
The only known cure for this condition is to buy a boat two feet longer, There is no cure, I bought a boat 4.5 feet longer and still have two footitiis. I have a slight condition of two engineitis also but I'm on medication for that.  |
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Post by njdevil on Sept 21, 2017 4:31:35 GMT -6
208 weekdays 228 on the weekend problem solved
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Post by Juan on Sept 21, 2017 5:30:08 GMT -6
is the close to 8 grand difference really worth 2 feet? Any suggestions or recommendation would be greatly appreciated... Yes it is and No it isn't. Depends on how you intend to use the boat, where you plan to fish and what you want. Will you trailer the boat and if so, what will you pull it with and how far? Where will you store it? Will you have passengers or will you take it out alone ? The 208 may be all the boat you need or can handle. Bigger is usually better, but not always.  |
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Post by sundance on Sept 21, 2017 7:30:24 GMT -6
If you don't get the 228, you will develop a condition known as two-foot-itis. The only known cure for this condition is to buy a boat two feet longer, so you'll pay the extra $ eventually. Prices only go up over time, so you're best off buying the 228 now. Seriously, spend some time on both and think about how you'll use the boat. Compare the storage, capacity, range, etc of both and figure out if you really need the features of the bigger boat. Then buy the 228. That's what I'm worried about.... The 208 is definitely in the "Sweet Spot" as far as price goes. I've been on/looked at a 208 but haven't been on a 228. From what I can tell from research and talking to a dealer, the 228 extra "2 feet" is largely from the front of the console forward. There is also an extra storage compartment forward in the floor/step that is center... below the water line. It will hold a 5 gallon bucket with some room to spare. The 228 is also slightly larger in the transom area to support 50 more HP and the live wells are 4 gallons a piece bigger. For 32 total gallons. 16 each. I really like those live wells on these boats. Weigh wise, there is about 75 pound difference. I don't think I'll need it but I sure do want it.... I'm just one of those people that have to rationalize a choice based on the information and its hard for me right now to say its worth it.... but I certainly want it. If I knew of certain that I'd have 3 to 4 people total onboard most of the time, I'd do it. If its just me and my guest..... hard to make the call. At least that is my thought process. I appreciate everyone's help!!! |
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Post by sundance on Sept 21, 2017 7:39:33 GMT -6
Personally I like the 19 foot boat and you will get good service out of it. I think they will handle chop pretty well also since they are maybe heavier than the older Sea Pro boats. Both boats will handle like a dream in somewhat calm water, its when it gets snotty out when you notice that two feet, and also when you have 4 or 5 people trying to fish. If its no more than three fishing a 20 foot is okay. Anymore than that its a conscious effort. On 22 foot boat I have fished 4 easily and 5 becomes the effort part. I know 2 feet doesn't sound like much, but there just is something about that extra length and weight that comes with it that I think handles typical bay wave patterns or series extremely well. I have the older model 22 foot bay boat that operates at about 2200 lbs. or about 100 lbs a foot. Going at a decent cruise speed in about 2 to 3 foot chop my boat rides pretty dry and doesn't pound to much since it will stay pretty level. There are probably 10 different reasons to consider pro and con going between models. Like a 20 foot boat will fit in garage, 22 won't make it. Cost is always a factor. A 20 foot boat is easier to maneuver in tight spots, a 22 is not. I have had 9 people and dog on my boat and probably overloaded but my 22 foot did well and still had room to move around. Loaded down is when I really noticed how weight and hull shape can punch through choppy water and not even feel the bump of a wave. Sea trial both of them and if calm water make sure to hit some boat wakes to see how they handle the chop. Actually better if its a little rough out. Most people are fair weather boaters but when it gets mean out and your good ways from port then that is a factor. The other is mind will justify the heart. If your heart is on a 22 ft boat and you can afford it at a new boat price then its easy to justify the reasons and service. If 20 foot boat is all you need and you think $4000 a foot including a more expensive engine does not make sense then that is justifiable as well. This probably isn't much help but there probably is no right or wrong answer it just comes down to whats important to you. Edit: For shits and giggles went and looked at spec sheets and performance numbers. They only tested a 150 zook on a 208 and, and 200 hp on the 228. Those might help since there is only a slight difference in half inch of prop with the 200 hp engine. Unless you want to go over 50 mph then a 228 with 250 hp engine is way to go. I don't think putting a 200 on the 208 will perform them same and it will probably be about the same speed if you if stick with a 200 HP on a 228. What really gets funky between the zook 150 and 200 numbers is that even on a slightly heavier boat the 200 gets better mpg at 3500 than the 150 at same rpm. Its that whole HP per weight issue. It could be the 228 with a 200 is best all round, again that is different if you want a boat to be able to go over 50. I appreciate you taking a look at them. I don't really care about going 50 plus. I do realize that its more about "sweet spot" of motor output / cruising speed. The 140 Suzuki on the 208 will run 43 WOT according to specs. The 140 is the best  for the buck from what I can tell. The 200 step up just isn't worth it to me. The sweet spot on the 228 is the 175 when it comes to value/output. These are what the dealer call the NAP boats. I really do like these new Sea Pros. Meet one of the owners at a boat show earlier this year. He was really a nice guy and took the time to explain everything to me. That goes a long way with me.... |
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Post by sundance on Sept 21, 2017 7:43:58 GMT -6
What you guys think about the factory Trim Tabs?
I've never personally ran Trim Tabs. I've always used a hydrofoil. I know they are not quite the same but they both get you on plane faster and allow you stay on plane longer. On my last skiff, it 7 mph difference when I added a doelfin.
I would think a V boat would need trim tabs more than a skiff but the center of gravity on these boats are very low. Very stable.
Thanks!
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catchersrock
Ensign
Posts: 548
Location: Maiden NC
Sea Pro model and year: 2020 Sea Pro 228
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Post by catchersrock on Sept 21, 2017 8:05:34 GMT -6
On my 19'6" bay boat, the trim tabs allow me to push the nose down to take rough water. Its not an issue of getting on or staying on plane for me. Just added rough water ride. When the water gets rough, the ability to push that deep front belly and flared front end into the waves makes a huge difference.
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Sept 21, 2017 8:09:42 GMT -6
Two feet is a BIG difference even though it does not sound like much.
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Sept 21, 2017 12:12:19 GMT -6
Two feet is a BIG difference even though it does not sound like much. Should have also mentioned that I had my 220cc for one year then went to 238cc |
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yolo
Ensign
Posts: 626
Location: Back to Manasquan Inlet, NJ
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Post by yolo on Sept 21, 2017 12:15:20 GMT -6
The only known cure for this condition is to buy a boat two feet longer, There is no cure, I bought a boat 4.5 feet longer and still have two footitiis. I have a slight condition of two engineitis also but I'm on medication for that. DUDE I have twoengineitis BAD lolol I also have tenfootitis lolol |
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Post by sundance on Sept 21, 2017 12:41:43 GMT -6
Sundance, I have a 2100 Sea Pro boat that dry weight without engine, rigging, gas etc. was stated at 1600 lbs. The new 208 is beefier at 2250 lbs. I also run Suzuki 140 that is first generation. With me using a 19 inch pitched prop and lightly loaded my top speed hitting at just under 6,000 rpm at WOT is 43 mph. My engine runs great and 2nd generation does not add top end speed but only maybe some midrange fuel economy. Needless to say a lot of times those performance bulletins are a little higher than reality, and expectations should be tempered a bit. I also sometimes think they are based on theoretical than actual performance. I like the 140 but even in my boat if running about 5000 rpm I am going about 35 mph. I think a 140 with that heavy a boat the 208 is will leave you wanting. Trim tabs. Get them on whatever boat you get and don't look back. They are the single best investment to be able to enhance a boats running attitude and performance. they are about only thing on the market that will allow you to control the boats ride horizontally from port to starboard. They as well allow control from stern to bow without have to just use tilt trim on engine if running in shallow choppy water. On a bay boat when they do get in rough conditions in a crossing sea they are the best thing since sliced bread to lay boat over and high side the wave face. Smooths out the ride and sheds wave energy to one side. It also helps to make the ride drier unless its really blowing. Thanks! I really appreciate your input!! That makes perfect sense.... |
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Post by sundance on Oct 12, 2017 19:19:07 GMT -6
Sundance, Talk is cheap, you're the one spending mullah, if we did help that is awesome. I know these newer ones are expensive, maybe should be named Sea Poor. My last sage advise is definitely sea trial the setups of what your buying pretty aggressively before spending the cash so you know what your getting. If its a bit choppy that is best, but if not definitely do some doughnuts, build some nice wake chop and plow through it a few times and see how she does. All these boats run great in smooth water. A friend of mine and I bought boats about same time and his dad used to own a boat store and marina so he told me that trick. An acquaintance of mine a few years back bought a 24 foot Blue Wave boat and did not not aggressively sea trial boat. We went fishing with a long run in 2 to 3 foot chop. We were soaked to the bone. We tried running with the waves, heading into the waves, hitting waves with the wind, and against the wind, cross ways... it made no difference. Never seen a man get sea sick and have the worse case of buyer remorse all at once. I tried to cheer him up by saying good news is that thru all this spray, I can't tell if your crying or not. Last report is he tried to take that boat back to dealer, but that he was pretty much stuck with it. Pretty boat and runs nice in calm water, just bring your rubbers if it gets messy out. I just hope we here at the collective Sea Pro Forum were able to help you in your thought process. All we ask is that you come back and post some pictures of your new rig and stay in touch. There has not been a whole lot of chit chat about most of the new Sea Pro boats back on the site. When Sea Pro sold and closed, this site essentially became brand support based on proud and conscious owners willing to help and share with others. The new Sea Pro probably would not have come back under that brand name unless it wasn't for folks on this site helping others out. Funny thing is just the other day a guy comes on here and tells us with the new 228 pressure livewells, that he turned it on and almost sank the boat and wondered if all Sea Pros had this problem. It was a first I have heard. I do know that the 228 does have lever you need to work in a compartment to drain the livewells, which is something new. BTW I am not whoring myself out but for maybe for a newer Sea Pro we can get some guys willing to trade up to make a promo video. Got a 208 on order. Trying to decide whether to get one of those self deploying and stowing Minn Kota's or put my daughter through college.... She might have to take out a loan... |
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Post by Juan on Oct 13, 2017 6:01:47 GMT -6
I think Juan went and bought a self delpoy minn kota Yeah, I bought one and love it. The Minn Kota Ulterra has been out for a few years now and has proven dependable and without issue.. I actually waited a couple of years and watched closely to be sure before I pulled the trigger and luckily by waiting, I was able to buy the new version II which has several upgrades over the original. The only maintenance recommended is to apply a bit a grease to the pivot point once every 6 months or so , and spray with a silicone spay now and then. The improved spot lock, jog and other features are great additions but just being able to deploy and then stow it from anywhere on the boat makes it worth every penny imo. |
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Post by hero19 on Mar 31, 2024 8:36:32 GMT -6
I have a 2016 208 great boat...But my issue is with the rod lockers, will not hold a 6' rod...so thinking on going to the 228 because it will and we like to have our rods locked up. So to me yes it is worth the extra 8 grand... Hope this helps
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for the buck from what I can tell. 