Looking at older GWs. 89 Sailfisher vs 86 Trophy Pro

[LostSailor]

First of all, I'd like to thank you all for for a great site. I've answered a lot of questions just digging around. I am/was a sailor, so don't know much about powerboats. But I've moved to Miami, and this is a powerboat town. Want a boat for diving the Keys, and maybe start fishing (hell, everyone out there seems to be having fun). Maybe a run to the Bahamas. I have always had good experience buying older, higher-quality over newer and cheaper, so I'm looking at GWs.

So I am looking at 2 boats: a 1985 Trophy Pro w/ 1994 Johnson 150s and a 1989 Sailfish w/ (unknown year) Johnson 200s. The 1985 was indoor dry-stored for the last 10 years (used regularly). Owner strikes me as very conscientious. Sailfish, I have less info, owner bought new boat, just did major engine maintenance. Whichever I buy will be kept in a slip.

So my 2 questions are:

1. At about the same price, is there any big difference between these 2? I know the cabin on the Sailfish is much nicer, but I think it is also heavier.

2. There seems to be a lot of controversy about whether 150s are too small. Is anyone running this setup able to tell me roughly what their speed and consumption numbers are? Are the 200s a lot more thirsty? I have no need to run flatout, but don't know what best cruise speed is.

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but any advice you can give be would be great.

 

[wilson]

have a professional survey done on these boats. people will tell you anything to sell something to you. given there age probably both will need fuel cells, thru hulls and hoses, wiring, and transoms replaced. i know it sounds like a lot, but if you can do things yourself you can pickup a decent boat and with time have a really nice package. good luck.

 

[CaptKennyW]

have a professional survey done on these boats. people will tell you anything to sell something to you. given there age probably both will need fuel cells, thru hulls and hoses, wiring, and transoms replaced. i know it sounds like a lot, but if you can do things yourself you can pickup a decent boat and with time have a really nice package. good luck.

I will second that. The biggest difference between the TP and sail are the way the cabins are laid out. The TP has one bunk and a porti potty, whereas the Sailfish has 2 bunks a pump out head/shower a table and a small galley.

 

[Grog]

The stand-up head is nice (although it can be a PIA if not properly maintained), the galley is small don't expect much, the shower is nice on paper but I wouldn't be able to use it, the second berth is nice though.

 

[BobP]

The sailfish covers overnighters, if you don't sleep in boat then it doesn't matter.

The 200s may be more efficent than the 150s
You didn't provide age/hours of the 200s, the 150s may be much newer.

Boat condition needs to be established by a surveyor expereineced in gradys, the most serious and costly problems with boats are not necessarily owner / where stored induced and not visible to naked untrained eye.
Motors get checked by dealer mechanic as a pre-purchase evaluation.

 

[publius]

The trophy is a true fishermans boat. The deck doesn't have any large storage boxes/seats on the sides so there is plenty of fighting room. Less accoutrements in the cabin = more tackle storage space. The Sail is more of a family/fishing hybrid. Has some side storage lockers on the deck sides which double for seats and the cabin has some nice comfort additions the Trophy doesn't have. I would much rather have the 200's on one of these big boats. I have 200 Yamaha's on my '88 Trophy. Definitely have someone check it out before you buy. I just had to replace the stringers and fuel tanks on mine (not cheap). Both essentially the same boat w/different layouts. You will be happy with either. If possible, don't keep it in a slip, dry store it. Don't want to give the barnacles and slimeys an invitation to live on your hull. Thru hull fittings also will be under constant attack by the salt.