Seafarer 22 purchase
- Thread starter Biggun
- Start date
I was always a fan of inboards (ran charters on a 30' Penn Yan and my parent's 34' Luhrs - those boats had twin 350's and 454's respectively). Prior to the Luhrs, my dad had a 25' Tiara Pursuit with I/O. It was more of a pain to fish around the engine box.
I have no problems with the outboard on a bracket and fishability. I run two downriggers - one on each corner. I then run a dipsy rod forward of that on each side. Then I have 3 rod holders on each side for my planer rods. I purchased Muddy Creek Tackle track system and rod holders and planer mast/electric motors. I run Walker electric downriggers.
I love that everything is versatile and adjustable. https://muddycreektackle.com/
With I/O, you need to do a good job maintaining the bellow. Also, I have been doing all maintenance on my 300 and it's been simple. Much easier than being on my hands and knees inside the boat working in the bilge.
We have weather buoys on Lake Erie and I use them for confirming NOAA wave height. Buoys sometimes align and sometimes don't with what forecast is saying. Having fished since the mid 80s on the Lake I understand wave height and how wicked the lake can be. I don't go out in 4' or higher. But, I know the seafarer will bring me home if I get caught. Was out and the 4' waves hit 6' and we pulled to go home. Boat can handle it, but it won't be a comfortable thing.
I have no problems with the outboard on a bracket and fishability. I run two downriggers - one on each corner. I then run a dipsy rod forward of that on each side. Then I have 3 rod holders on each side for my planer rods. I purchased Muddy Creek Tackle track system and rod holders and planer mast/electric motors. I run Walker electric downriggers.
I love that everything is versatile and adjustable. https://muddycreektackle.com/
With I/O, you need to do a good job maintaining the bellow. Also, I have been doing all maintenance on my 300 and it's been simple. Much easier than being on my hands and knees inside the boat working in the bilge.
We have weather buoys on Lake Erie and I use them for confirming NOAA wave height. Buoys sometimes align and sometimes don't with what forecast is saying. Having fished since the mid 80s on the Lake I understand wave height and how wicked the lake can be. I don't go out in 4' or higher. But, I know the seafarer will bring me home if I get caught. Was out and the 4' waves hit 6' and we pulled to go home. Boat can handle it, but it won't be a comfortable thing.
I restored the boat. 1984 model. New transom (was a 226 model and I enclosed the transom). New engine bracket with oversize flotation compartment. Moved fuel tank forward for weight distribution. My capacity plate was toast. I put a new one on that says 300hp.
It can be done as nice as your pocket book allows! Google for something like "boat camper canvas pictures" to get some ideas. What you're asking/wanting is pretty straight forward, actually.
That’s great input. Like I said I normally like 2’ or less on the buoy when we go, just not that fun getting bounced around glad to hear real story’s of Waves it can handle.
wrxhoon
Well-Known Member
Biggun
You can't compare a Trophy with a Grady, they are not in the same league . I owned a 2302 Trophy a few years ago, a 23 footer with 250 Merc outboard . The Seafarer is technically a smaller boat and narrower beam . I can tell you the 228 has a lot more room than the Trophy and she handles the rough much easier, the hull is a lot stronger as well.
You can't compare a Trophy with a Grady, they are not in the same league . I owned a 2302 Trophy a few years ago, a 23 footer with 250 Merc outboard . The Seafarer is technically a smaller boat and narrower beam . I can tell you the 228 has a lot more room than the Trophy and she handles the rough much easier, the hull is a lot stronger as well.
