Well, I just got back from the DC boat show (BTW, it was 1/3 the size of Balt - save your time and don't go), but I did close a deal on a 23SE. After two months of back and forth with Tri-State, I'm a proud new owner!! Here's what I got:
Parker 23SE with 150hp/Yamaha 4 stroke
Added 2 pull up s/s cleats
Replaced plastic thru-hulls with Chrome over Bronze
Leaning Post w/Launcher
Electronics for the boat include:
HF/Antenna/Rail Mount
STANDARD QUEST-X WHITE VHF RADIO
GX1500S
DIGITAL VHF 4FT 528-VW WHITE 4.5DB.
SHAKESPEARE 4188-S RAIL RAT
Stereo/IPOD cable/Speakers
JENSEN AM/FM SIRIUS READY STEREO
JENSEN IPOD INTERFACE CABLE FOR
MSR3007 AND MSR2007
POLY-PLANAR MA5106 (W) ROUND 51/2
140 WATTS
D Lilly 258 Cable Feed RG58
SHAKESPEARE 4079 1M RG58 W/PL259
FOR ART-2,CS-2,AS-2 SHZ4079
Plotter/Sonar Combo Unit
GARMIN GPSMAP 4208 PRELOADED
W/BLUECHARTS
Garmin GSD-22
200/50KHz, 14/45deg, plastic,
transom mount transducer
Did you run a 23' with a 150hp? It is definitely a cheaper option than going with a larger engine. Many guides go with smaller engines on their boats to cut costs of running their business (which isn't a bad thing b/c guides are always stuck in the poor house). Besides slower hole shot and top-end speed, a major problem with underpowering a boat is you have to run a smaller motor "harder" leading to more wear and tear and possilbly a shorter life expectancy of the motor. So if can part with the extra money, I'd suggest upgrading to a larger engine and you'll be happier in the long run.
Tidal Fish SUPER Subscriber - I Support Tidal Fish!
Join Date
Dec 2001
Posts
7,976
Congratulations on a great rig.
I agree completely with Chris for reasons posted on the CA board. If I could have the F250 on mine, instead of the F225, I would have it but the rating of the 23 SE is for 225 HP.
A fine boat... I know you have looked long and hard and have received many opinions....
That baby is gonna smell like slime in no time... You are gonna be so happy with the lack of "flyline grabbers" on it too... Nice GPS unit too.... Just makes me one step closer to pulling the trigger on a new ride myself. (See what you have gone and done now ???? :)
Congrats Joe! Looking forward to seeing you (and your new boat) out on the water this year. We still owe you a pickerel trip. We'll get you out at some point.
By the way...my wife and I are flying to Islamorada tomorrow morning. Our family rented a cottage w/ a boat slip. My mom and dad towed our boat down in advance. I hope to have some nice fishing reports to post when I return!