I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

[heebeha]

She has a 4.3 litre volvo penta engine with an OMC outdrive on a load rite trailer. Its a 1995 seaswirl striper 21.5 foot walkaround cuddy

I put a bunch of photos and videos of her running to help you with your advise on this boat I am looking to buy.

http://zetal.com/striper/

Thanks in advance.

JD

 

[heebeha]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

NO One ones a Seaswirl Stiper out there who can give me an opionion?

 

[Philster]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

At that age, the brand almost becomes meaningless. Good brand, good rep, but it just needs to be inspected thoroughly for rot, water, and the drive/engine need to be checked.

I'd put 2500 aside for repairs and maintenance. Every fluid, hose, belt needs to go, plus filters of all sorts. Then I'd figure out just what to do with mani/risers/elbows.

If the hull checks out and is rot free, I'd really want that engine/drive checked. Compression check along with a sea trial is a must.

 

[marcortez]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

Although I have never owned a S_Striper....I have ridden on one while fishing before.

It was the worst riding boat I have ever been on. Up one swell and slam into the next......just rollers with no mixed seas or wind chop. Could have been operator error.....the skipper.
Cockpit space is severly lacking, even with an outboard. No place for a meduim to large cooler.....that had to go into the cabin.
The stock seating was like sitting on a bowling ball....slippery and hard. I was constantly readjusting my hindend to stay square in the seat.
No hand holds near the seats.....
Cabin entry was small and difficult to get into.
Windshield wraparound came passed the point where you could put your elbow out. Consequently, there was no comfortable position to ride, other than trying to grasp a piece of slippery dash or folding your arms in your lap.

Your link will not open for me.

 

[heebeha]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

There looks to be tons of room on this boat.

Try this link:
http://zetal.com/striper/index.html

The current owner changed all the belts and fluids this season. It sounds good, I am sea testing it before I buy it on Monday. How do I check for rot,etc, bang on the hull everywhere?

As for the engine. Anything I should be looking for, listening for? Ill do a compression test: What should the numbers be?

Maybe the numbers will help out with your opinions to. $6,500 which under market price from what I have seen searching online.

 

[cwhite6]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

If it was me, I would have a mechanic or boat surveyor come with you to check it out.

 

[gksail]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

I have a 1994 210 w/a I think the only difference is it's the outboard model. I agree it's a little limited in cockpit space Can really only fish 3 people in space. As far as the ride, it seems Ok to me. The only thing I don't like is its a little wet in rough seas. I guess because of the lack of bow flair.

 

[maxum2400sc]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

I owned a 1998 striper w/a with a 175 outboard, it was the newer style from what you listed. I upgraded to a 200 hp outboard. I really liked the boat. The cuddy had enough room for me lay out flat (im 6'3") the cockpit had ok seating, the rear seats were small. I ended up making a bench seat. The haul was very sound, the boat was very fast. I found my self cruising more then fishing and the ride was uncomfortable in 1' chop or waves (this could of been because i was going faster then i should in the small chop). I too have had it out in storms and swells and it handled the water extremely well. All in all I enjoyed the boat, I enjoyed riding out big waves in it more then i enjoyed cruising in it with friends and family. Great boat but I sold it for a sport cuddy that everyone can sit comfortably.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

There is a Striper Owner Forum (SOC) on the web. You can learn some stuff there, and ask questions of some SeaSwirl experts

 

[dingbat]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

At the 15-year mark a boat is ready for a major refitting. I have refit 3 boats that age and all three have similar needs.

Plan on replacing every piece of rubber on the boat. This included the fuel fill hose, all the fuel hoses running from the tank to the motor, and all the hoses on the motor. Don?t forget the rubber o-rings in the deck plates. Leaking deck plate are responsible for a large percentage of damaged fuel tanks and mushy decks and hatches.

I'll guarantee you that every one of those plastic thru hull fittings are on their last legs. They all need replaced along with the plumbing that goes with them.

The life expectancy of an aluminum gas tank is 15 years. At a minimum, plan to pull the fuel tank for inspection. Some models allow easy inspections, other require tearing up the deck. A leaking tank could cost you cost of the tank plus replacing the deck.

If the boat as used in SW plan on replacing the risers at any time.
Unless thru bolted, the hull joint will most likely need some attention.

I do not like how the transducers are mounted. Chances are you have moisture in the transom. Remove one of the transducer screws and stick an ice pick in the hole. If you can push the ice pick into the wood run like heck. Better yet, get a moisture meter and check the transom, deck, and hull for moisture. Chances are, you?ll find moisture somewhere. Some moisture is normal for a boat that is in regular use. Just how much moisture is the question.

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

For a pure big water fishing rig it's a great hull. I've fished Lake Huron quite a bit in a 24' Striper walk-around and it handles weather great(hardtop model) and has plenty of room for 2-4 people.

Not the best for overnighting/cruising since that's not what she was designed for, but does so adequately even so.

As mentioned, assume it has some moisture issues, unless it was never docked or stored outdoors.

 

[heebeha]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

Thanks all for the great feedback. Keep em coming please,

 

[heebeha]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

I can use more feedback please.

If this is not the boat to buy for fishing and cruising with my girl what is near the $6000 price range?

 

[dingbat]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

I can use more feedback please.

If this is not the boat to buy for fishing and cruising with my girl what is near the $6000 price range?

Is this the right boat for you and your gal? No one can make this decision but you.

I have yet to buy a boat that I did not spend another $2-3K after the fact in repairs and upgrades. Can you afford another $2-3K on top of the $6,500 purchase price?

 

[heebeha]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

I dont know what your competencies are but simple fiberglass work and even complete engine swaps are easy with these boats. I just replaced an engine in my 1999 Bayliner. It literally was as easy as pulling it, popping the new one in and plugging in a wiring plug. It took me no more than an hour to do the job, a new boat after all was done.

I am more than competent to do any work on the boat so I think Im getting a great deal. Replacing the gimble bearing, thats a whole nother post, man what a ***** getting that sucker out. I cant see $2000 ahead of me in this boat unless I take it to a marine mechanic, which I would never do. I have never taken anything to a shop including cars or bikes. Im very hands on.

 

[dingbat]

Re: I need some opinions on a 1995 SeaSwirl Striper 2150 walkaround

I dont know what your competencies are but simple fiberglass work and even complete engine swaps are easy with these boats. I just replaced an engine in my 1999 Bayliner. It literally was as easy as pulling it, popping the new one in and plugging in a wiring plug. It took me no more than an hour to do the job, a new boat after all was done.

I am more than competent to do any work on the boat so I think Im getting a great deal. Replacing the gimble bearing, thats a whole nother post, man what a ***** getting that sucker out. I cant see $2000 ahead of me in this boat unless I take it to a marine mechanic, which I would never do. I have never taken anything to a shop including cars or bikes. Im very hands on.

Have you ever replaced a transom? Have you ever torn out a deck to replace a leaking fuel tank? Removing multiple layers of old bottom paint is always a fun job. Any blistering on the hull? All very common and expensive problems with a boat of this style and age.

Unless I had a surveyor went over the boat with a fine tooth comb I would steer clear of this boat. I see way too many things to bring cause for concern. The number of holes in the transom alone would cause me to pass without mositure readings but then again, it's your money, not mine.