Seafarer 226 or 228

[Heyspike]

Besides the obvious extra room is there a advantage / disadvantage between the 2 boats? Also most came with a Yamaha OX66 are these good motors?
I'm coming from an old Mercury 90HP on a Mako and jest want a reliable motor. I'm looking in the 20K range and that puts me in the 2000-2004 MY boats.
There's some real nice Adventures out there for that price, but I think the Seafarer would be a better fit. Thanks , John

 

[Doc Stressor]

I took a few rides in the 226, 228, and 208 before I got my current 226.

While the layout is superior in the 228, I felt that the 226 was a more seaworthy boat. My main requirement besides the ability to ride fairly smoothly in the typical 2' Gulf chop was to be able to stay on plane at low speed in the event of bad weather. The 228 rides like many other narrow beamed bracketed hulls. It does not like to stay on plane at low speed. It also gets a little squirrelly in tall seas unless you are going faster than I normally like to run. Again, that's typical of a bracketed boat with its dimensions. I actually liked the ride of the 208 better than the 228. But there isn't enough room in the 208 to fish 4 people comfortably.

This is largely a matter of personal preference. The differences in the ride characteristics are not that great. Both the 226 and 228 are nice riding hulls for 22'. They don't run on top of the waves like many 24 degree deep V go fast hulls will do. Depending on how you trim the boat, they will either ride over each wave or cut through them. Both run pretty dry except in a quartering sea. The Carolina flare and the shape of the cuddy cabin and windshield deflect spray back down or over your head.

When looking for used boats, I would consider either hull type and make your decision based on the best deal. I wouldn't reject one or the other design out of hand.

The OX66 is one of the most bulletproof 2 strokes ever made. They are thirsty but reliable and parts are readily available.

 

[UCPA111]

I have a 226 that I converted to 228 (enclosed the transom and added bracket and repowered with 300 Verado). I run on Lake Erie which has short period between waves. It's nasty. Been in 5' waves and felt secure. I have not had a problem with slowing down. I'd have to be next to a 226 to understand planing speed differences. The logic of staying on plane may hold with the 226, but there's also something to be said for the security of an enclosed transom and effective longer boat. Probably worth watching some Youtube videos and seeing if you can ride on both.

I have some videos of what I did to my boat here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCATvLuuBWqIPmRX0gH9FiMQ

 

[Heyspike]

I didn't have time to search this am when I wrote the post, got most of the answers now. Thanks.

 

[Ky Grady]

I run a 4 blade prop on my 228 which allows me to stay on plane at a slower speed. I've had open transom, closed transom with integrated swim platform, and now the closed transom with bracket. I enjoy the closed transom with bracket much more than the others, just suits my fishing style. It really is a matter of personal preference.

 

[SirGrady226]

No complaints with this old school 226 with twin transom mounted 140's. Very stable and rides pretty good. Rated for 280 max HP and that's what she has, she's a bit of a hot rod.

 

[Heyspike]

No complaints with this old school 226 with twin transom mounted 140's. Very stable and rides pretty good. Rated for 280 max HP and that's what she has, she's a bit of a hot rod.

View attachment 6193

Nice looking Seafarer. Didn't know they came with twins.

 

[SirGrady226]

Nice looking Seafarer. Didn't know they came with twins.

Haven't seen any others with original twins from the factory, she's a gas hog for sure.

 

[UCPA111]

I run a 4 blade prop on my 228 which allows me to stay on plane at a slower speed. I've had open transom, closed transom with integrated swim platform, and now the closed transom with bracket. I enjoy the closed transom with bracket much more than the others, just suits my fishing style. It really is a matter of personal preference.

I switched to 4 blade on my Verado and it does provide more lift.

 

[Fishtales]

That is one sled!