Fishing in the Keys on a new "Mako"

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shaneburris74

Member
I fished the Keys this past week on a new "Mako" . A new 21ft CC with a 200hp E tec on it.I had an epiphany while there...we always ask "why don't they make boats likethe V20 anymore? I'm sure you more experienced guys realize this, but...its cause the money aint in it! I was fishing a new "Mako" or so they call it.Its made by Tracker boats. They just slap a Mako sticker on it, or a SeaCraft sticker cause they make those too....and no telling what other names. The two things that I noticed were: There was really shotty workmanship around the rod boxes and the hull area around them...to the point that they will probably rot out withing 10 years from exposure to salt water. Also, if the fuel tank ever needs to be replaced you have to remove the entire cap or cut a big hole in the floor. What good does it do for a manufacturer to make a boat like the V20's, the Mako, the SeaCraft or the Aquasports among others. A boat that will last 20-40 years, may need a transom rebuild, a paint job or some floor work. The motor manufacturers make out good but not the hull guys.Like I said I know some have realized this long ago. I just haven't had the good fortune to be on a new boat. When you ride in one of these things for a few days it really slaps you in the face. The car makers did this years ago..some may say they've gotten better. Probably due to foreign competition.The boat was sweet though..just disposable..not a dry ride at all. I stayed at a Coast Guard base down there. $80 a night and $80 a day for the boat..unheard of in the Keys. I was able to take advantage of it because I'm in the Navy. So any of you active military or DOD civilians can do it too...I recommend it. Great Trip.
 
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It makes you wonder doesn't it? My buddy just bought a new Clearwater 22' CC. Its a nice boat but the fuel tank is not accessible at all just as you described on the "Mako." With ethanol fuel I believe a fella needs good access to the tank these days. Good post Shane.
 
More to shaneburris' point...I'd be hard pressed to go out and find a new boat that I'd like...I keep an eye on what's new out there and I can't think of a one that I'd buy...would be MUCH more likely to find and refurbish and older, pre eurotransom hull...
 
good post & observations. i think there are 2 more factors that play into this. my hull was built in the mid 80's so the technology of fiberglass was reletively new. i don't think they knew how long glass would last if taken care of. also i think most people get rid of boats in 3 to 5 years, either moving up ,down, or out of the boating picture. i don't know how many friends we have that we saw every weekend out and about, now when we see them (at walmart or home depot) they say " Wow are ya'll still doing that!". that's the good thing about this forum, we all appreciate & enjoy a good idea, the v-20 hull.
 
Ya know, every time I see a new boat I can pick out a half a dozen things I hate about it without thinking too hard.
 
You know, when I bought mine, in 1987, one of the things that did not figure into the purchase was how long the boat would last.....I was more concerned about the layout, the way it was put together, the storage capacity, the fact that if I had to go inside, the hatch was already there...things like that......I am amazed at the condition of my boat after "22 years"....WOW If the salesman had mentioned that this boat will last that long...well you know how that would have gone...Still running, third motor, second fuel tank, I think because of no one knew just how long an aluminum tank that had been foamed in would last, coal tar covered now,,,,then foamed in the corners, to allow air circulation, the transom is still solid, stringers still solid, I feel that I have gotten more that I expected in this boat.....I don't ever want to give it up...my son will probably still be running it after I'm gone........Wonder what new developments in motor tech will come??
All things considered, this one's a keeper!!!!!

:clap::clap::sun::sun::clap:
 
RABBITFISH said:
You know, when I bought mine, in 1987, one of the things that did not figure into the purchase was how long the boat would last.....I was more concerned about the layout, the way it was put together, the storage capacity, the fact that if I had to go inside, the hatch was already there...things like that......I am amazed at the condition of my boat after "22 years"....WOW If the salesman had mentioned that this boat will last that long...well you know how that would have gone...Still running, third motor, second fuel tank, I think because of no one knew just how long an aluminum tank that had been foamed in would last, coal tar covered now,,,,then foamed in the corners, to allow air circulation, the transom is still solid, stringers still solid, I feel that I have gotten more that I expected in this boat.....I don't ever want to give it up...my son will probably still be running it after I'm gone........Wonder what new developments in motor tech will come??
All things considered, this one's a keeper!!!!!

:clap::clap::sun::sun::clap:
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Rabbit...you bought yours NEW in '87?...that's pretty impressive to be sure!!

Can anybody beat that?...did anybody buy and still own AND operate a V-20 prior to '87?... :clap:
 
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