Considering an older mako hull... opinions?

[Speckman]

Alright, I've searched the database of topics and read some insightful stuff on makos, particularly mako vs. whaler. Are mako boats really the best value? I'm looking at a 22-23'CC, anywhere from 70's to 90's hulls, something in my price range(less than $15,000 w/ engines). I'm not looking for anything fancy, straight fishin' machine. Will be fishing OBX of NC, mainly nearshore with an occasional offshore trip. Prefer king mack fishing. Can anyone offer any opinions/insight on these boats, other boats? What should I look for?Thanks in advance.

 

[TopNotch]

Re: Considering an older mako hull... opinions?

Well with 20g's you can really get a great boat...<br /><br />Will you be spending time in Pamlico?<br /><br />The reason i ask, I took my boat down there last year. You definitely want to stay under 21' in Pamlico. The draft on anything bigger will just be too deep. And if you run up on a shoal, you'll be struggling with a 23'.<br /><br />But personally I love mako's / aquasports / grady's if you have the cash. You can also get alot of boat for the cash with a proline.<br /><br />If you get an older boat. Demo it first in the water, make sure the 'wash-deck' actaully functions. Older boats sit slightly lower in the water and cause the wash-deck to actually fill the boat up. (learned the hard way)<br /><br />One other thing, forget the whaler... They are painful in a heavy chop, your kidneys will be achin. And if you wanna get a whaler you wont make it out of the inlets on most days.

 

[Speckman]

Re: Considering an older mako hull... opinions?

Thanks TopNotch. The reason I said 20g's was because I'd like to get a cheaper hull and spend the money on the engines. That may be a backwards way of doing it, but it made sense to me. Plus, I like the look of the classic makos.<br /> No, I won't spend much time in the Pamlico, but I understand where you're coming from. I actually live on the Albemarle Sound, which is probably a little deeper overall, but I'll spend more time out of Oregon Inlet.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Considering an older mako hull... opinions?

I have a 1988 23' Wellcraft CC with twin 1.6L SeaDrives and love the boat. Were I to look now, with your price range, I would look for something simular with a late model 225 V6. I boat in relatively shallow water in the Keys and Florida bay. I use the charts and if it gets real shallow I slow down & trim out the engines. I would much rather have a 23'er than a 21' or less.<br /><br />As TopNotch points out a thorough water test is a must & I would have a factory trained mechanic go over the motor as well. Also check carefully for rot in the transom and floor.

 

[Speckman]

Re: Considering an older mako hull... opinions?

bttt

 

[Speckman]

Re: Considering an older mako hull... opinions?

bttt

 

[DJ]

Re: Considering an older mako hull... opinions?

Speckman,<br /><br />I've always liked Mako's. They ride well and are the choice of many commercial outfits. They have almost as strong a following as BW's. <br /><br />They are tough as nails, but heavy-for their size.