Comparing Wellcraft to Sea Swirl, opinons?

[capecodtodd]

Hello all. The search continues for a new boat and it is getting to be the season to buy and more and more are hitting the market everyday. I have always liked the cuddy cabin style for its function and form. I have been doing lots of research and the Wellcraft 240 coastal is right at the top of my list with the Sea Swirl 230 a close second. They both are very similar in features and options but the Wellcraft is a bit more expensive. I have a budget of $20,000 and maybe stretched to $24,000 for something exceptional.
I am seeing Wellcrafts in the early 2000's and mid 2000's with the Sea Swirl at this price point with a few of the SS having been repowered and with newer trailers.

The wants are:
23-24'
hard top
walk through transom
4 stroke outboard or I/O with as low hours as possible
a solid trailer
an upgraded head with a holding tank and pump out for the admiral.
a complement of electronics, radar would be fun.

From my research the wellcraft seems to be built a bit better with the fit and finish and the major complaints I have been reading with the SS is with the wiring. The WC seems to cut the water better for a higher end speed but the SS appears to be more of a stable boat in the rough. Complaints of water coming in the back of the WC under certain conditions is noted. Using wood for construction seems to be gone in both boats in the mid 2000's.


What are your opinions/comments of both boats? Perhaps you have owned one of these and can share your experience?
Thoughts?

 

[garbageguy]

We have a 1998 Wellcraft 240 SE, it's been very good to us. It's a different configuration than what you're looking at. If you're buying new, I'd get the configuration you like better. If buying used - condition, condition, condition. I have experience with many boat "brands", but not SeaSwirl.

 

[JoLin]

They're both decent brands, but you're looking at boats that are 15+ years old.At that age brand is almpst meaningless. It's all about condition and the layout you like best.

My .02

 

[capecodtodd]

I agree Jolin I have seen older boats in the 00 to 01 range that have been well kept and have been repowered and with a newer trailer to boot. I am very handy and can do lots of things but replacing an engine is not one of them but cosmetics or adding something to a solid boat is doable.
I was in a friends boat today with a 2 year old Yamaha on it and there is nothing like the confidence a new engine gives you.
I am going to hold out for a 4 stroke motor because I think they last longer.

I'm still considering an outboard which is very common on the cuddies or a I/O. Over the last 30 years I have owned 4 boats, 2 had outboards and 2 had I/O's. I like an I/O but they do protrude into the back space. I might not have an option when it comes to a used boat but we shall see.

The search continues...