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trophy 2302 walkaround

8K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  trophyone 
#1 ·
Any and all opinions are welcome.I was told the 2001 and newer are much better than the older models but i have no first hand knowledge .
 
#5 ·
Hey wayne, Come on up anytime! Been some good size rock showing up here and there. And plenty of mid 20" fish to be had. We are going out Live linning tomorrow. We will be down for the open house. As much as we buy from you guy's we have never meet Tom in person. You guy's have a top notch out fit to say the least. tom takes care of us. See ya Thursday
 
#9 ·
I love my boat.....I just don't get a chance to use it.....hence.....it's in its pigeon coop more than wet. But when it's WET.......AAAaaahhhh!:D

It's like the Cialis that I've been using EVERY day so that I'll be READY when the time is right.........It ain't right yet......so I stay dry.
 
#11 ·
I owned 2 Trophys...a 1996 Model 2001 and a 2003 Model 2509 (both bought new). The 2001 was great (including the Force 115 motor) and I wish I still had it. The 2509 was plagued with fit and finish issues from a leaking livewell, to bad gel coating cracks, to water in the transom. The 1996 seemed to be a better built boat and the good quality led to me upsizing to another Trophy, but after the experience with the 2509 I don't think I'd go that route again. It had a good ride and I liked the design but it just had too many issues. This isn't meant to be a blasting. Just pay attention to the details of what you're buying.
 
#12 ·
I like the boats.

I ran the hell out of a 2503 CC for a week long photo shoot back in 04 and fished the same boat for the 2005 season here in Charleston. The boat did great and handled very well. (We also won the first tournament we fished)

The only thing I dont like is the black motors they hang on the back of them. We did have motor trouble,,,more than once.

 
#13 ·
Very happy with mine



rla,

I've had 4 years of very happy fishing and cruising with my 2004 2302 WAC, hardtop, 2005 225hp Merc Optimax, purchased new in September 2004. The previous note about the cockpit fishboxes is on target--they're essentially usless and represent a design flaw the way they catch rainwater and washdown water. We have had some simple but mildly aggravating latch, hinge, and general hardware problems, but nothing serious in terms of servicability and function.

She handles fairly well, and I say fairly because she's a bit tricky to get balanced and fully trimmed out in chop. A little experience is all it takes, and I came out of a 21' CC into this one, so I just had to get used to the heavier hull and trimtabs. She can stay on plane at 19-20 mph, bow down, and handles chop very well in that attitude.

With so such tall sides/freeboard, and especially with the curtains up, she catches the wind a lot so is tricky to dock or maneuver in close quarters with a lot of wind but I think any boat with much sail area is going to be the same.

I am very, very happy with the Optimax. It's the first large Merc I've had in +20 years of boating, and this one's been pure gold. It pushes a 28-32 mph cruise at around 4200 rpm and apparently runs on fumes while trolling and idling/drifting.

I have to agee with one of the other posters who said the Trophys get a bashing from some who don't run them. Our 2004 2302 is most definitely not a Grady or Contender or other higher-end hull. It is even moreso not a early to mid 1990s Bayliner. It's a well made boat and as long as you identify it as a price-point boat, you can be very happy with it. Ours now has provided 4 full years of essentially trouble-free fishing and cruising on the Lower Bay and we have no reason to expect anything other than many more years of the same. From what I've learned over those 4 years, I'd make exactly the same decision again.

Foy
 
#14 ·
I own a 2007 2302. This has been my first season running any boat regularly. I love my boat.
It is a little bumpy in a tight chop, but once you figure out the right trim and speed life is good.
Mine has the Verado 250. Great motor for the boat, and it will push it up to 40ish depending on load. I find a real good cruise between 25-30. Lots of cockpit.
The only wet place in a head chop is the transom bench.
I've had mine in the bay, and also took it out Oregon inlet 22 miles to the Gulf tower.
The only problems I've had have been a few pulled screws. The pads are all self-tapping screws, and can back out/strip. Be careful stepping on the fish box seat pads especially.
And there aren't enough rod holders. There should be at least two more rocket launchers on the hard top, and at least two more on the transom.

Golf tower


Gettin' gas


Video
 
#16 ·
I have a 2006 2302 trophy and i love it. In the past year i have it out 200 days on the water. No problem plenty of room nice smooth ride. Its warm with the canvas up and made simply to fish fish fish. I can maneuver it easily with no problems as long as you understand how to run a boat. I drift it sideways between the pilings everyday no problem a bump here and there keeps you locked into those fish. I have it out in 5 to 6 foot seas and stayed dry. The hull is awesome. Ive been on a lot of grady whites my grandfather owned them for 40 years. In my opinion they beat the **** out of you compared to the cushioned ride of the trophy. Im sure some dont agree but i live it everyday. Go buy that boat and dont look back. I havent had any problem with the fish boxes however i do keep it in dry storage so i wouldnt know about that. The mercury optimax barely burns gas and with the 125 gallon tank i only fill up once every couple of months. Good luck
 
#17 ·
I have a 2302-bought in 2003 new. with ahard top it is an excellent boat crossed the bay many times headed to the concreat ships .the wife and i overnight on it [lots of room] even have a grill sets in the rod holder . handles rough water well. you can fish with me any time to see it up close.
 
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