View Full Version : Opinions - 1988 Proline Walkaround and Suzuki Motor


BEETLE
07-11-2006, 07:28 PM
Thinking about this one - just came back from checking over. - 1988
23' 8" Proline Walkaround - full tansom w/bracket. 8.6 beam 2800 lbs. - I don't know what the deadrise is.

2000 Suzuki 225hp... 600 hrs. (+ - ) on motor.
Boat and motor passed my rigorous inspection.
Going back to do compression test and run motor up, and do a follow up check over before doing the deal.

Anyone familiar with this boat (ie: ride and handling) or motor - your opinions and experience welcome.

BEETLE
07-11-2006, 07:31 PM
pic...

Raider Ronnie
07-11-2006, 07:37 PM
Steve,
There is a 25ft center console Proline on my dock, so that would be similar in ride if you wanted to talk to the guy who owns it to get an honest opinion !
Either way, get a sea trial on a windy day to find out how it handles some rough seas !

BEETLE
07-11-2006, 07:42 PM
Problem #1 is - how have the hulls changed since 1988, problem 2 is the boat is on a trailer quite a drive from rough waters.

The guy had been using boat from 1999 to 2003 chasing Tuna and codding, it is geared up for tuna. (outriggers, large rod holder, front fighting post, ect.) Has to sell for lack of time, finances, and wife.

thefishingfreak
07-11-2006, 07:48 PM
looks like a formula they put a hardtop on,, and called it a fishin' boat

little windshield. no wipers.
gunna be looking out thru the plastic on wet days.
hardtop is probly too heavy for that boat. bilge water will drain forward.
600 hrs. is that a guess?
i'll go with you if you want. i'm picky :call:

striper1 has one... we fished it on stellwagen last weekend.
quick decision has one too...

BEETLE
07-11-2006, 08:08 PM
little w/shield -true - has wiper but you'd have to crouch down a bit to view thru.
600 hrs yes guess - we both figured this based on his use since new.
Just reading up on THT forums, seems the hulls may have changed since then, but what is you opinion after being on Striper1 ??

thefishingfreak
07-11-2006, 08:19 PM
hauls ass.
no wiper.
little livewell.
too much plastic.
nice cabin...plenty of room..
hardtop is WAY too heavy!!!! nevermind outriggers up there.
he has tp keep a 55 gallon drum full of water on the deck, in the slip so it won't fill the bow with rain water.

glass calm when we went out..so can't say about the ride?
seems wet to me???

took one wave in the face from julie and van... but i only drove it in perfect conditions...

BEETLE
07-11-2006, 09:07 PM
sounds like the newer models have not changed much over the older.
I read on THT - hard rider w/a 2 ft. chop + wet w/bow quartering sea.
The outriggers and front fighting post would be removed. 30+ gal. livewell comes with boat - so I have the option to leave baitwell full of water on the slip.

How much HP does Striper1 have ?

Fisherwoman
07-11-2006, 09:14 PM
FIshingfreak, Sorry about he wave in the face:eyes:

Beetle remember what I said about the boat rolling side to side alot, you better take a ride before even thinkin of dealin. JMHO

thefishingfreak
07-11-2006, 09:18 PM
hi julie:) :grins:

two words steve
SEA--TRIAL....

Striper1
07-12-2006, 04:07 AM
sounds like the newer models have not changed much over the older.

How much HP does Striper1 have ?

Beetle,

The first thing I would look at is the hull and deck. Back then they used wood in some parts of the boat...

I have a 225 EFI merc cruse around 27-29 mph

on my boat I think the hard top is over built and I think the boat was
designed for twin OB

like freek says sea-trial


Freek you would have not gotten wet if the alternative could keep a true coarse :huh:

I was staring to ask what was in there coffee:bshake: :wave:

JohnR
07-12-2006, 06:03 AM
Beetle - you know my feelings ;)

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=40400&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e307/lost2a6/100_1736small.jpg

A Cheap Walk: http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/1/8/78592918.htm

BEETLE
07-12-2006, 06:07 AM
Thanks Striper1,

There is a 1999 Hydrasport 23 Walk (Seahorse not Vector series) that I had inquired on weeks ago with a 2000 Johnson 200HP on a bracket.... this boat keeps coming to the top of the list... I'm going to give it a shot and take a look at it - just got to go to CT. for it..
It is in excellent shape from what I can see in Pics. and talking w/ the owner, and it's in the water for sea trial.

I'll hold off on this Pro line.. OK boat, but has a lot of stuff on it (tuna gear) I don't need, and it did had some minor issues, that I really don't want to give the time up to rectify.

JohnR - I still have the attraction to the SCs, but I don't want a project boat, and don't want to buy someone else's completed backyard science project.
Case in point - why would the guy with the boat pictured above, rebuild the transom and not close up the transom if he was putting on the bracket ?????

quick decision
07-12-2006, 06:36 AM
I would stay away from any pre 1993 proline beacause they used a lot of wood on those boats.

Casper
07-12-2006, 09:13 AM
Hi Beetle,

You might want to check with Van, I think his's is a Proline, about that size.

Fisherwoman
07-12-2006, 09:32 AM
Striper1, Sorry was blabing to much while driving, LMAO

DON"T DO IT BEETLE!!!!!!!! LOL

BEETLE
07-12-2006, 01:18 PM
Casper - already did see Van
QD - Thanks for the info
Fisherwoman - shut up and drive :p

Raider Ronnie
07-12-2006, 04:03 PM
Fisherwoman - shut up and drive :p[/QUOTE]


"Roger that" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:hihi:

stiff tip
07-12-2006, 05:01 PM
beetle..if you have wood on the boat,u have to check it out w/ a wood awul poke around good ....i replaced all the glass over wood on my 85 cc alcar+ the transom ,deck n stringers ....look good bring a friend .....

BEETLE
07-12-2006, 05:22 PM
copy that - got the awl in my "boat inspection kit" when I go to check em out :btu:

"bout the only thing I liked people have had to say on the Proline is the "hauls ass" part
Fisherwoman and Baitcaster would understand. LOL

Van
07-12-2006, 05:37 PM
Not fer nutin, Steve, but I thought you were going smaller. Isnt that boat just a bit smaller than the Contender?

BEETLE
07-12-2006, 05:53 PM
Going best bang fer the buck #1 bro... coming away with money in the bank :btu:
Don't need a BMW - when a Chevy will do..

Van
07-12-2006, 06:30 PM
Gotcha,,,,Good luck, and yes a test drive and thorough inspection would be smart for a ~20yr old boat.

Why don't cha come for a ride with me, but mines a 95 all glass, no wood.

Slipknot
07-12-2006, 08:00 PM
Going best bang fer the buck #1 bro... coming away with money in the bank :btu:
Don't need a BMW - when a Chevy will do..

Then it sounds like you want the Hydrosports to me.
I've always liked those boats, perfectly affordable fishing boats for our waters around New England.

BEETLE
07-12-2006, 08:03 PM
The Proline is back down the list, tomorrow's visit cancelled, looking more towards the 99 Hydrasport - but that could change tomorrow with another visit to the websites :cputin: or this weeks edition of Want Ad :read:

:spin:

Yo Slip - what up Bro .. how you doin ?