Hey guys, lookin to move up from my 226 seafarer to a 28 or 30. What are some of your opinions on these two boats? Looking for a 2002 and up prefferably with 4 strokes. Looking for offshore use and family enjoyment in a bigger platform. I really like the 30, never rode in one, but is the 28 just as capable? I know there is the size differance, but is that all? Those of you with these boths what are your likes and dislikes? Thanks for your opinions. P.S. Lokking to sell the 2001 226 i will post with pics later this weekend. Also consider a trade with cash for a 28 or 30.
28 Sailfish or 30 Marlin
- Thread starter NDORADO
- Start date
Do you plan on trailering it or using a slip? That was one of the reasons I went with the Sailfish. 9'6" puts me in some tight spots that 10'6" would be VERY tight (local toll bridge). Both have 2 berths, but the Marlins 2nd birth will hold 2 people. Amenities are the same (fridge, microwave, shower, etc.)
There are several here who have owned both a Sailfish and a Marlin including yours truly. I also have owned a 228G Seafarer.
These are all great boats with increasing function, sea handling, and price.
The Sailfish is much more boat then the Seafarer and in terms of shear weight, the Marlin is significantly larger then the Sailfish. The Marlin has several advantages over the Sailfish.
o 3500# (better handling of chop)
o 74 sq vs. 59 sq cockpit
o much more helm space
o larger cabin
I would recommend riding on both models, looking for good deals and well kept boats, and by all means try to get four strokes.
Good luck!
These are all great boats with increasing function, sea handling, and price.
The Sailfish is much more boat then the Seafarer and in terms of shear weight, the Marlin is significantly larger then the Sailfish. The Marlin has several advantages over the Sailfish.
o 3500# (better handling of chop)
o 74 sq vs. 59 sq cockpit
o much more helm space
o larger cabin
I would recommend riding on both models, looking for good deals and well kept boats, and by all means try to get four strokes.
Good luck!
from an observer having own neither but dreamed about both...
Marlin models offer more room plus options for generator and thruster.
Sailfish is easier to transport (ie cheaper) if you ever decide to move it by commercial carrier.
Marlin models offer more room plus options for generator and thruster.
Sailfish is easier to transport (ie cheaper) if you ever decide to move it by commercial carrier.
Capt Bill
GreatGrady Captain
There isn't anything you can do with a Marlin, that you can't do with a Sailfish. Having said that, the Marlin will give you more room to move about, and in some sea conditions, a better ride. Of course, as with any boat, you can always slow down for a better ride :wink:
I've owned a '93 Sailfish for nearly 12 years, and then bought the '02, so I've had over 15 years of fishing a Sailfish. It is a terrific boat, and we've done it all, including canyon trips, and have been in some nasty conditions. Now I am ready to move up to a Marlin, for the added room, and will not have additional expenses for slip fees, hauling, maintenace, etc., as she is at my home dock, and I do the work. A bigger boat costs more to buy, more to maintain, and will burn more fuel, and that is a factor that needs to be considered.
Both are good choices, and you will not be disappointed in either.
I've owned a '93 Sailfish for nearly 12 years, and then bought the '02, so I've had over 15 years of fishing a Sailfish. It is a terrific boat, and we've done it all, including canyon trips, and have been in some nasty conditions. Now I am ready to move up to a Marlin, for the added room, and will not have additional expenses for slip fees, hauling, maintenace, etc., as she is at my home dock, and I do the work. A bigger boat costs more to buy, more to maintain, and will burn more fuel, and that is a factor that needs to be considered.
Both are good choices, and you will not be disappointed in either.
I looked at both and sea trialed both. The Marlin just seems a lot bigger than what the specs say. Also, the helm area really benefits from the extra width. Get the Marlin. 
megabytes said:
I have a 272 and bought it over a Marlin due to storage rules at my marina.
I use my boat a lot esp overnighting for 3-6 day periods and running to Bimini.
Each item listed above is a HUGE improvement over the Sailfish.
MegaB left out one important fact, since it probably doesn't matter to him so it makes sense to me, may matter to OP and others.
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Marlin fuel burn is 25% higher than Sailfish.
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Also, since the beam is that much wider, if marina kept, the larger (wider) slips may charge more per EVERY foot, not just the added length. My boat fits in same slips the 20 footers go in, no such deal on the Marlin. Marlin fits in slips much larger boats can go in too. So there may be a minimum footage charge for such slips with the smaller class Marlins in them.
Verify with marina - availability of slips and cost, for both boats.
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Marlin fuel burn is 25% higher than Sailfish.
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Also, since the beam is that much wider, if marina kept, the larger (wider) slips may charge more per EVERY foot, not just the added length. My boat fits in same slips the 20 footers go in, no such deal on the Marlin. Marlin fits in slips much larger boats can go in too. So there may be a minimum footage charge for such slips with the smaller class Marlins in them.
Verify with marina - availability of slips and cost, for both boats.
Thanks for all the great info here guys. I will be using the boat for offshore fishing the canyons about 80 miles one way, also for cruising with the family. 6 Adults and 2 children at most. Occasional overnighters in the canyons with the boys wife just wants to cruise and lay out. The boat will be kept in my lagoon behind the house so docking is not an issue. Is the 28 sailfish sufficent cabin wise, and offshore range or will i be wanting the 30 marlin. Thanks again.
NDORADO said:
With that many people on board and that far offshore I would get the biggest boat I could afford. The aft berth in the Marlin is double that of the Sailfish. I can't remember what the fuel capacity is on the Sailfish but the Marlin holds 300 gallons. I see where BobP is coming from on fuel burn but you load that Sailfish up for a Canyon run and put 6 people on it your fuel burn will naturally increase. I am not sure how comfortable 6 adults would be on a Sailfish on an overnight trip. If storage is not an issue why not get the bigger boat as long as it fits into your budget?
I have a Sailfish and LOVE it. I was faced with the same dilema when I bought mine and the Sailfish won out for my intended use. HOWEVER...
I used to fish the Hudson Canyon ALOT on a big sportfish. And while my sailfish could do it, I would say that if you are planning that trip on a regular basis with the amount of Crew that you stated, go with the Marlin. And while alot of people would sleep more than three adults in the cabin of my boat, I frankly wouldn't unless I had to. Two people in the cabin of my boat requires a traffic cop. Good luck with you decision, but again...MARLIN hand down.
I used to fish the Hudson Canyon ALOT on a big sportfish. And while my sailfish could do it, I would say that if you are planning that trip on a regular basis with the amount of Crew that you stated, go with the Marlin. And while alot of people would sleep more than three adults in the cabin of my boat, I frankly wouldn't unless I had to. Two people in the cabin of my boat requires a traffic cop. Good luck with you decision, but again...MARLIN hand down.
6 adults would be OK for an inshore trip, add 2 kids and you're asking for trouble. For an overnight, 6 is WAY too many. The Sailfish can go out 80 miles but the Marlin is much better equiped should things get nasty.
All the pointers are going towards Marlin.
You're also closer to 100 miles for a canyon trip too.
All the pointers are going towards Marlin.
You're also closer to 100 miles for a canyon trip too.
I don't know how comfortable 6 adults and two kids are going to be on a Marlin either, both boats were not designed to seat or host such crews.
You may want to look at the 330, more suited to your payload and use. That's why it was designed.
I may have missed it, but the common adage goes; buy as big as you can afford. No boat is big enough when it get snotty that far offshore and you have 80 miles to home port.
You may want to look at the 330, more suited to your payload and use. That's why it was designed.
I may have missed it, but the common adage goes; buy as big as you can afford. No boat is big enough when it get snotty that far offshore and you have 80 miles to home port.
reply
there is not a lot of difference between a 282 and 300...2 feet of length and 1 foot of beam and when u look at thte two boats side by side visually this is true.....
in my opininon, get the 282.....the marlin will offer a little bit better ride and a bit more room, but u will spend more money.
don't get me wrong, i love the marlin too but like someone said b4, u will end of paying much more for it in upkeep, slip fees, etc....
sluggoe
2002 282 Sailfish
there is not a lot of difference between a 282 and 300...2 feet of length and 1 foot of beam and when u look at thte two boats side by side visually this is true.....
in my opininon, get the 282.....the marlin will offer a little bit better ride and a bit more room, but u will spend more money.
don't get me wrong, i love the marlin too but like someone said b4, u will end of paying much more for it in upkeep, slip fees, etc....
sluggoe
2002 282 Sailfish
BobP said:
Did I win the lottery and someone forgot to tell me? :lol:
In my case it was a wash since I went from ox66 EFIs to the F225s. I actually burn about the same fuel but save some cost over my 97 due to not adding oil. Of course a 282 with F250s does even better but at least in my case the fuel costs didn't go up along with the payment.
Own a sailfish and been on Marlin couple times. Big difference in size not so much in price. I think the extra money is worth it go with the Marlin.
GET THE MARLIN
We run 70 to 80 miles to the NE canyons from Ocean City on a routeen basis with the Canyon Draggin', a 2002 Sailfish 282. It makes the trip with ease. However.... I required a trailer boat, so I went with as big as I could routeenly trailer. If I lived on the water, or wanted a slip boat, no question I would have went for a Marlin. For offshore use, its just bigger and weighs more. That translates to more comfort on those long hauls. Also, I think the aft berth on the Sailfish is small. We use it to store gear. I guess if you have one or two youngsters short enough, they could sleep in there. I'm only 5'6 and I can't stretch out in the aft berth and I can't get my 5'6 rods in there either!
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Your two listed requirements, crew/family size and LONG range canyon running screem Marlin over Sailfish.
We run 70 to 80 miles to the NE canyons from Ocean City on a routeen basis with the Canyon Draggin', a 2002 Sailfish 282. It makes the trip with ease. However.... I required a trailer boat, so I went with as big as I could routeenly trailer. If I lived on the water, or wanted a slip boat, no question I would have went for a Marlin. For offshore use, its just bigger and weighs more. That translates to more comfort on those long hauls. Also, I think the aft berth on the Sailfish is small. We use it to store gear. I guess if you have one or two youngsters short enough, they could sleep in there. I'm only 5'6 and I can't stretch out in the aft berth and I can't get my 5'6 rods in there either!
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Your two listed requirements, crew/family size and LONG range canyon running screem Marlin over Sailfish.
MegaB, the Op was comparing like motor technologies.
25% difference came from Grady site, the way I see it last time I figured this out.
As it goes, the 330 is 25% more fuel burn than the Marlin, and so on.
25% difference came from Grady site, the way I see it last time I figured this out.
As it goes, the 330 is 25% more fuel burn than the Marlin, and so on.