Please compare 206 vs 223 vs 242
10-23-2007, 12:24 PM
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Please compare 206 vs 223 vs 242
I wouldn't say I'm "in the market", but I'd like to hear from those who have first hand experience with the layouts. Cockpit size, room to move around, is what I'm curious about. I don't expect a living room, and my 311 is really all I have to compare.
So much of my time is spent in the ICW just idling or topping out at 35-40mph that I'm thinking something in this range would more suit my usage. But I can't decide if I want to keep the 311 and get a 20-ish CC beater that I can take the dog in, or get one of these 20-something footers to play with and swap the 311 for a bigger CC with a cuddy. I guess I could mention that besides the dog, my current GF has two kids, and long-term plans would be at least one more, so I think about that also.
So much of my time is spent in the ICW just idling or topping out at 35-40mph that I'm thinking something in this range would more suit my usage. But I can't decide if I want to keep the 311 and get a 20-ish CC beater that I can take the dog in, or get one of these 20-something footers to play with and swap the 311 for a bigger CC with a cuddy. I guess I could mention that besides the dog, my current GF has two kids, and long-term plans would be at least one more, so I think about that also.
10-23-2007, 12:57 PM
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Hey Mike,
The 223 is small - buddy had one, and handled like crap in the ocean. The 242 is better, has some more room. IMO however I don't think would even like the ride in a 272 vs 311 on the big water. If you are just looking for an ICW cruiser, I'd suggest something like the 260, especially the 260BR. A friend has the 260BR , and I LOVE that boat for hanging out. Does about 50 with a 454 / 310hp MPI. TONS of room, and has about 10x the storage of your 311, seems like every cushion / panel flips open and has hidden storage. Both the bow and the back can be converted into huge sunbeds. I know it's a newer boat than you are looking for, but you might be able to find a deal somewhere. Good luck with the search!
BTW - I did sell my boat, but I can't post in the other thread.
The 223 is small - buddy had one, and handled like crap in the ocean. The 242 is better, has some more room. IMO however I don't think would even like the ride in a 272 vs 311 on the big water. If you are just looking for an ICW cruiser, I'd suggest something like the 260, especially the 260BR. A friend has the 260BR , and I LOVE that boat for hanging out. Does about 50 with a 454 / 310hp MPI. TONS of room, and has about 10x the storage of your 311, seems like every cushion / panel flips open and has hidden storage. Both the bow and the back can be converted into huge sunbeds. I know it's a newer boat than you are looking for, but you might be able to find a deal somewhere. Good luck with the search!
BTW - I did sell my boat, but I can't post in the other thread.
10-23-2007, 01:28 PM
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Congrats on the sale, sorry to see you go...
As for "big water"...heck I don't hardly go out there even in the 311, so I'd rather have something that's super easy to trailer close to where I want to be. I have spied those BRs and agree. Even some of the mid-90s have a cool wrap around rear bench. I just need to find somebody that'll let me see 'em in person. Plus they're not old enough yet...
As for "big water"...heck I don't hardly go out there even in the 311, so I'd rather have something that's super easy to trailer close to where I want to be. I have spied those BRs and agree. Even some of the mid-90s have a cool wrap around rear bench. I just need to find somebody that'll let me see 'em in person. Plus they're not old enough yet...
10-23-2007, 01:43 PM
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We have a 260BR (from MagicFloat//Robert) and love it. With a 496 Mag it hits low 50s and has plenty of room for friends. We have had 13 on board and the boat handled it well.
The head is deep and very functional, plenty of storage, nice bimini top (good coverage), and all the Formula added features.
Based on your needs listed above, you might want to take a look. The 260 is easy to trailer, great boat for tubes et al, and very flexible for the # of people you will have aboard.
The head is deep and very functional, plenty of storage, nice bimini top (good coverage), and all the Formula added features.
Based on your needs listed above, you might want to take a look. The 260 is easy to trailer, great boat for tubes et al, and very flexible for the # of people you will have aboard.
10-23-2007, 02:07 PM
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There's just something about having a cabin, even if it's just a poor excuse for a cuddy, that offers some assurance of a dry spot. Even if it's just for towels and clothes, I like the idea of a good sized dry space when the showers pass over.
10-23-2007, 02:14 PM
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They do make the same boat pretty much as a 260SS which does have a cabin if that is a must have. But I am telling you I never thought I'd like a bowrider to own until I spent a day on this boat - it is that cool.
10-23-2007, 03:55 PM
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For our last outing of the season it was pretty cold. Our three kids went into the finished storage locker in front of the captain's chair for shelter... they had a blast.
I too never thought I would enjoy a bow rider so much. The kids love sitting in the bow with thier friends. The seating area fills in completely (including the back rest), so 5 or 6 kids can sit up there safely.
Either way, the 260 SS or BR are a nice ride!
I too never thought I would enjoy a bow rider so much. The kids love sitting in the bow with thier friends. The seating area fills in completely (including the back rest), so 5 or 6 kids can sit up there safely.
Either way, the 260 SS or BR are a nice ride!
10-23-2007, 05:31 PM
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I love my 242LS it`s a nice size boat to haul in and out and the cabin has plenty of room for storage. By the way a bowrider sounds like it would fit the bill.
Looking for a trade
Looking for a trade
10-23-2007, 06:18 PM
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206 and 233 are both runabouts. They have 22 degree hulls. Very quick and fun to drive. but rougher rides. the 233 with a big block is a rocket. it will run high 60's.
However a 242ls/ss is everything you are looking for. a cabin for storage and a 24 degree hull for a nice ride. and is comparable to the 260 in size and. not to mention a good one can be purchased for close to 10k and you can keep the 311
However a 242ls/ss is everything you are looking for. a cabin for storage and a 24 degree hull for a nice ride. and is comparable to the 260 in size and. not to mention a good one can be purchased for close to 10k and you can keep the 311
