There was a MAKO thread on here a while back where a few people said new MAKOs were not good boats (they used stronger language). Well, I had just bought a used 2007 1901 Mako bay boat with a mercury 115 on it and was a little bummed. I've now had it on the water for a couple of months and I really like it. I'm on Lake Champlain, not the ocean. I don't have a lot of experience with boats (read 'none') but it seems to get on plane in a few seconds, does about 40 mph wide open and runs smooth in choppy waters. I really admire the old Makos and their lines, but so far, this has been very good to me. I can also get into just a couple feet of water (engine raised) when I'm bass fishing.

and take the bad all in stride.

I bought a 2002 Mako 192 a few years ago as my first boat. Loved it as it was a big 19 feet (i.e., 8.6 beam). However, the aft does flex, hair line cracks starting to show, and it struggles to get on plane with a full tank (80 gal) 130 4-stroke. But all in all I'm happy with her.



Is she going to match a Regulator or a Contender, no. But last time I check, nothing is built the way is "used to be".

on the new mako 18, you can flex the top of the topsides a good 1 inch back and forth with your hands.

JUNK

and take the bad all in stride.

I bought a 2002 Mako 192 a few years ago as my first boat. Loved it as it was a big 19 feet (i.e., 8.6 beam). However, the aft does flex, hair line cracks starting to show, and it struggles to get on plane with a full tank (80 gal) 130 4-stroke. But all in all I'm happy with her.



Is she going to match a Regulator or a Contender, no. But last time I check, nothing is built the way is "used to be".


I have a 2006 Mako 192 w/ T-top that I bought new, and have to say that it has been a great all around boat. It is very wide which makes it stable drifting and with the fam, although that does impact its ability to cut through large waves. I have no issues with power w/ 4 stroke 150 Suzuki. I was hitting 46mph before bottom paint, and still will hit 42mph with a full boat mid season.

6 year engine warranty and 10 years hull I think... not much else out there for the $ that I don't need to worry about nearly as much. That said, I'd like a Regulator or Edgewater 23-24' next, in a few more years depending on where I'm living and what fishing I'm into at the time.

That said, the newer Makos are worse in my eyes. I love the tall sides and closed transom of the 192. The newer 20' replacement is a joke for the ocean. I'm also happy I avoided Mercury, but that is just a personal preference.

There was a MAKO thread on here a while back where a few people said new MAKOs were not good boats (they used stronger language). Well, I had just bought a used 2007 1901 Mako bay boat with a mercury 115 on it and was a little bummed. I've now had it on the water for a couple of months and I really like it. I'm on Lake Champlain, not the ocean. I don't have a lot of experience with boats (read 'none') but it seems to get on plane in a few seconds, does about 40 mph wide open and runs smooth in choppy waters. I really admire the old Makos and their lines, but so far, this has been very good to me. I can also get into just a couple feet of water (engine raised) when I'm bass fishing.


Don't you know that if you ask whats the best boat or engine..its the one the people who answear own. Everything else is bashed crap!! LOL:biglaugh:

Most don't know anything about other brands. but they know how to bash. That said.....a BAYLINER is a POC .....
True story !!!!

I use a 2006 23'er every now and then and it is a very nice boat

having a bayliner still beats fishing from shore -

Now, let the real bashing begin :rotf2:

I fish from a bathtub

just ask the professor:smash:

having a bayliner still beats fishing from shore -

Now, let the real bashing begin :rotf2:

easy boys....i fish from a bayliner 19' bowrider.....not ideal but the bass dont mind, lots of fish have come over the rails.
that said next year she's going down the rd for a bigger boat

Had the family out for 6 hours yesterday on my Mako 1901. Ran beautifully. Caught a bunch of smallies and my son caught a 5 lb. sheepshead on a jointed rapala. I've never seen one before, but it gave a great fight. I'm 6'2" 225 lbs. My son is 6' 135 lbs. we stand on the front platform together and fish with no flex.
I just wish I was striper fishing with that boat in the Piscataqua. Since it has never been in salt water, do you think I sshould not put it in salt water? I've been told that but what's your opinion?

Had the family out for 6 hours yesterday on my Mako 1901. Ran beautifully. Caught a bunch of smallies and my son caught a 5 lb. sheepshead on a jointed rapala. I've never seen one before, but it gave a great fight. I'm 6'2" 225 lbs. My son is 6' 135 lbs. we stand on the front platform together and fish with no flex.
I just wish I was striper fishing with that boat in the Piscataqua. Since it has never been in salt water, do you think I sshould not put it in salt water? I've been told that but what's your opinion?
of course you can put it in salt water.

Had the family out for 6 hours yesterday on my Mako 1901. Ran beautifully. Caught a bunch of smallies and my son caught a 5 lb. sheepshead on a jointed rapala. I've never seen one before, but it gave a great fight. I'm 6'2" 225 lbs. My son is 6' 135 lbs. we stand on the front platform together and fish with no flex.
I just wish I was striper fishing with that boat in the Piscataqua. Since it has never been in salt water, do you think I sshould not put it in salt water? I've been told that but what's your opinion?

Sure you can, just flush the engine out when done, and give the boat a quick spray down. Mine is holding up fine and is on a slip in saltwater.

mine has never seen sweet water. Again flush the engine and rinse her down.