Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

[RatFish]

I searched the forums and did not find any recent or relevant information/comments on Hydra-Sports boats.<br /><br />Within the next year I will be buying a new or used boat. Including my wife and 4 kids, I will, at times, have to accommodate 6 people. I have to find a compromise between fishing, cruising and water sports so I decided on a Dual Console in the 20' range. I will be using the boat in fresh and salt water. The areas that I will be boating commonly have anywhere from 1 to 4 foot chop.<br /><br />I looked at a 2003, 202DC Hydra-Sports boat and was impressed. It's a 20'5" boat with a 8'8" beam, 22 degree rise and 200hp Yamaha Saltwater Series 2-Stroke. Price, without negotiating, was about $31,000. Except for a few cheesy "nonessential" plastic parts, the fit and finish of the boat seemed pretty good.<br /><br />Does anybody have experience with Hydra-Sports boats? I was also considering a Seaswirl 2101 Dual Console or possibly a bowrider that has snap in carpet, could add some rod holders and handle moderate chop. I need to tap your collective wisdom for your opinions and advice. <br /><br />By the way, I looked at new and used late Grady-Whites, Boston Whalers and EdgeWaters but they are out of my price range. I would like to keep the cost to around $20,000. Maybe I'll hit the lottery but I doubt it.<br /><br />Thanks for your help. I value your opinions.

 

[KCook]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Personally, I would not want to be out in any 20' boat in 4' chop!<br /><br />Whether or not an I/O bowrider will work for will depend on how much of your boating will be in saltwater. There are a lot more bowriders to choose from than dual console models. So that would really throw the door open.<br /><br />Here is an extensive thread on the various dual console brands - Dual Consoles ... Opinions? Good Ones? <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[RatFish]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Thanks KCook,<br /><br />Your right, 4' chop would be awfully rough. I would not head out if I knew conditions would be that bad. I've had situations in the Delaware Bay (NJ,DE) where things get ugly pretty quick and you are miles from shore. You may start out with light chop then the wind kicks up or a storm suddenly passes through and the sea state quickly gets bad. Realistically, a 2 to 3 foot sea state would probably be the worst I would encounter.<br /><br />As far as saltwater usage goes, my best guess would be about 60% freshwater, 40% saltwater. I can't rule out an I/O bowrider. A lot of bowriders are very capable. What I really like about the dual consoles are the self-bailing fiberglass decks, generally high freeboard and generous deadrise. I have not seen a bowrider with a self-bailing deck. Does anybody know of a bowrider with a fiberglass, self bailing deck with decent deadrise?<br /><br />Thanks for the link KCook, I'll check it out.

 

[KCook]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Another wild card could be a Cobia deckboat. They are selfbailing. Rather low profile though, so that 4' chop would be a real thrill.<br /><br />Dunno of any bowriders that are selfbailing. For a simple reason. They all boast about their deep cockpit. Which means low floor. Which means no possibility of selfbailing.<br /><br />Oh well,<br />Kelly

 

[93bronco]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

that seaswirl 2100DC is a nice boat, you can get a hard top with rocket launchers & have a porti for the ladies.<br />its a very versatile boat.

 

[RatFish]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

I just checked out the Cobia Deck Boat. They seem very nice but I would probably rule them out because they do not have much wind protection. Most bowriders and dual consoles have a full windshield.<br /><br />I was looking through a 2003 Chaparral brochure and it said that the Chaps have a "Self Bailing pit Drainage System" but I would stay away from them at this point because of the treatment they give to their customers (see Brand new boat listing to port!!).<br /><br />I really do like the Seaswirl 2101DC. My number one requirement is top deck seating for 6. My wife's number one requirement is... You guessed it, a head. It also covers most of the other requirements on our lists. Bet that hard top cost more than I paid for my first boat. They don't come cheap.<br /><br />Does anybody know of another manufacturer that makes a dual console with fit, finish and price comparable to the Seaswirl 2101DC? <br /><br />Thanks for your help.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Does anybody know of another manufacturer that makes a dual console with fit, finish and price comparable to the Seaswirl 2101DC

I think these boats will compare favorability to the Seaswirl.<br /><br />Grady 205

 

[RatFish]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Thanks dingbat,<br /><br />I already checked out the Grady-White Tournament 205 and Boston Whaler Ventura 210. Equipped with similar power plants (200hp Yamaha Saltwater Series 2-Stroke), they cost way more (over $40,000) than the Seaswirl and Hydra-Sports Dual Consoles. I'm keeping my eye out for a good used Whaler or Grady. As a matter of fact I'm keeping my eye out for a good used Dual Console. A used boat would probably give me the best "bang for the buck" but I would never rule out an exceptional deal on a new boat.<br /><br />Thanks to those that have already replied. I'm still open to suggestions.

 

[KCook]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Most DC models are under 20' and do not have a head compartment. So it is kind of slim pickins in the size you want. Here are a few more, not saying they are any better or worse than Seaswirl, just some to consider -<br /><br /> Aquasport 215 Osprey <br /><br /> Wellcraft 210 Sportsman (Nearly identical to the Aquasport, made in the same plant)<br /><br /> Cobia 215DC <br /><br />If you were to consider small WalkAround style boats that would open up your options considerably. There are a lot more of these than DC models. Some WA models offer an optional bench seat at the rear of the cockpit, which would take care of your seating requirement.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[RatFish]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Thanks for the links Kelly. You're correct, I have not seen a DC under 20' with a head compartment. <br /><br />I know I'm really limiting myself with DC's. Maybe I should consider a WA. Do you or anybody else know of a mid-priced WA manufacturer that offers the rear bench seat? Late model used is ok. I also plan to use the boat for water sports. What's the consensus on using a WA for water sports (skiing, wakeboarding and tubing)? <br /><br />One of the reasons I shied away from a WA is that my tow rig is only rated at 5000#. WA's tend to be a little heavier than DC's. I'd like to keep the total weight of my new rig (boat, motor, trailer) to no more than 80% of my towing capacity (4000#).<br /><br />Thanks for your help.

 

[Paulinct]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Have you checked out Proline boats? They seem to have decent fit and finish. The have a sport line and a regular line..not sure of the differences. Just see them around alot and they seem to be capable boats<br /> Proline homepage<br />One of the best ways to see what late model prices are Boat Trader

 

[KCook]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Good point about the WA models having more weight than the DC jobs. This is about as light as WA boats get - Key West 2020 WA <br /><br />As long as the WA has adequate power, I would think it would ski about the same as a DC. Which brings up another wrinkle. It is easier to find small WA designs with an I/O option than DC boats. Of course the I/O would add even more weight. Not all builders offer the bench seat option for the WA models. Just have to check with your dealers.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[RatFish]

Re: Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice

Paulinct,<br /><br />I saw a couple of Proline boats at a boat show 2 years ago. They have a couple of nice DC's. I liked them but if memory serves, they did not have any storage under the floor. I'm not sure why?<br /><br />Boat Trader is a good reference for prices in the various markets around the US. It always seems that the boat I'm interested in is 1000 miles away (I'm in NJ). One of these days, something will turn up. I keep telling myself to be patient.<br /><br />Thanks Kelly,<br /><br />I have heard good things about Key West Boats. A 20' WA at 1850# is light. It would be well within my tow limits with plenty of room to spare.<br /><br />I guess you can ski behind just about any boat if you had enough power. I firmly believe that you should get the most HP you can afford. I would rather have plenty of HP and not use it rather than be under powered and wish I had more.<br /><br />Unless I get a bowrider, I probably would stick with an outboard. Here in NJ, I/O's are dominant in freshwater and outboards are dominant in saltwater. I think for the most part DC's and WA's are considered fishing boats. Most fishing in these parts is in saltwater. A fishing boat with an I/O would probably hurt resale value.