280 marlin

[dtbb825]

Hello, I am new here. Great site loads of useful info. I have a few questions for marlin owners.
I am in search of new to me boat, a top candidate is an early to mid 90s 280 marlin. It's a good size, I can fish inshore but also has canyon range. Plus I can keep it on a trailer in offseason and save on storage.
I have not fished or been out on one, how is the ride and how is it drifting? Itseems like it's almost impossible to fish the transom for bottom fishing like black fish. Is this the case, if so is a big deal or do you just learn to live with it? Are there any known issues I should be looking for? I see a lot forsake powered with 225 2 strokes, how does the boat perform with power?
Thanks in advance guys

 

[Another Distraction]

Hi,

I own an early 90's 280 by an accident after driving New England and New Jersey for an 00 or 01 marlin. I bought my 280 on the spot.

225's will be more than enough, no worries at all there. None.

I test drove so many 300 marlins and the 280 is faster, burns less fuel, and rides slightly bow higher. The stern live well blows the stern seat away and the hardtop is strong and flat for sitting on with a cold beer. Access to the batteries is way better too.

Now before I get the 300 Marlin guys in an uproar, your tear drop windows and bump up up hardtop are better looking for sure. Plus you get the second electronics box for storage.

I don't fish so I'm no help there. Where are you located?

If you look to deep into the boat you won't buy it because there are always issues. I got wicked lucky with mine. Best of luck, I'm glad my search is over.....even though I do have an itch for the 33' now!

 

[dtbb825]

Thank you for the info. I live and boat in NJ. Most of my boating will be done inshore with a few offshore trips on good weather days. I really do like the look of the 280 marlin, my concern is trying to fish four or five guys with out being able to use the back of the boat. I would like to hear some opinions from folks who have a marlin and what it's like to fish the boat.

 

[Another Distraction]

You mean the stern.

If fishing the stern is important then this isn't the boat for you. You need inboards. Look at Luhrs or Pursuit.

Good luck.

 

[Ozz043]

G-Day
I've got the 300 Marlin and all I do it bottom fish....love it. The engines don't get in the way at all, the deep v rocks a bit at anchor but it's certainly not a deal breaker. Fishing 4 to 5 fellas is going to be squeezy with a few tangles thrown in..3 is perfect...but I'm fussy like that
Cheers

 

[g0tagrip]

I have a 2007 Marlin and I bottom fish a lot. I usually have four guys fishing. Occassionally if I have a very experienced crew we can fish 5. 4 is a no brainer one in each corner of the deck, but with 5 we have to be careful not to tangle lines on that side of the boat.