Ebbtide Boats & length/performance

[Stinger]

I am in the market for a new runabout. I am currently researching Sea Ray, Chaparral, and Ebbtide. I have found Ebbtide to be the cheapest of the three and am concerned about Ebbtide quality as I am not too familiar with Ebbtide. I currently own a 98 Four Winns 16.5 ft. runabout with a 135. It is quite choppy on rough water. I am looking to upgrade to at least an 18ft. boat to improve ride performance. I am aware that the longer and heavier the boat, the smoother the ride. Will I notice a considerable amount of difference upgrading to an 18ft., or would the 19 to 20 ft. range be better? Keep in mind that cost is a major factor when deciding on what length of boat to buy. I would like to stay around $23,000. A dealer in the area priced an Ebbtide 190 with a v-8, cockpit covers, bimini top, cd player, and trailer for $22,400. An Ebbtide 200 with same options & motor was priced at $24,000. These seem like good prices. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[KCook]

Re: Ebbtide Boats & length/performance

Boat prices are determined mostly by the level of appointments in the boat. Not only do nicer appointments cost the builder more. They also raise the perceived value in the eyes of the shopper. Basic quality of construction is a whole different subject from the appointments. Depends on just what "quality" means to you.<br /><br />Chaparral SSi and Sea Ray have better appointments than the Ebbtide Campione. So you can expect a price difference. But you can say this is a result of market forces. In basic construction and finish the Ebbtide is no worse than the Chaparral or Sea Ray.<br /><br />Here is another thread with Ebbtide owners - Ebbtide Boats <br /><br />Sounds like your present boat has an outboard? Not only the size increase, but I think the move from OB to I/O will improve your ride. At least in chop. Nasty wakes are a tougher issue. The only way to know for sure is test rides.<br /><br />In other words, no clear answer!<br />Kelly Cook

 

[bryont]

Re: Ebbtide Boats & length/performance

I am very new to boating..My wife and I bought a 1991 182 Champione last spring as our first boat. It has the largely unknown Yamaha I/O 4.3 V-6 rated at 210hp. I run a 19 pitch aluminum prop and a v shaped hydrafoil. We truely love our boat. To be 12 years old it is in awsome shape. A lot of that came from the last owner but when we buy a new boat maybe this fall Ebbtide will be in our sights. I have had no problems with any part of this boat and it spent nearly every weekend on the water in the summer. Performance for that V-6 surprised me. I am a power hungry type of guy but for our first boat it has truely impressed. With two people I can hit right at 50 and it planes out pretty quickly. I have never had the foil off so I do not know how much it helps. It is rated for 6 people but 4 is comfortable. I like my boat. Hey what dealer are you talking to. Those prices seem pretty good.

 

[Stinger]

Re: Ebbtide Boats & length/performance

Bryont,<br /><br />I don't recall the name of the dealer at this time, but will let you know as soon as I get back in town from vacation. I only spoke to the dealership once, but I did speak to the owner directly who appeared to be a straight forward guy. Unlike numerous other dealerships, the owner of this one gave me his costs for pretty much every extra option I wanted. Instead of charging me $1800-$1900 for an upgrade from a V6 to a V8 like most dealers, he quoted me around $700. I was shocked! He requested I shop around to other dealers and compare their prices to his and guaranteed me I would not find lower prices than his. I'll give you the dealerships name and phone # sometime this Saturday or Sunday. Thanks for the reply. The dealership is located in Beloit, WI.<br /><br />Stinger

 

[Stinger]

Re: Ebbtide Boats & length/performance

Bryont,<br /><br />The name of the dealer is Riverside Marine, Beloit, Wi. 608-365-8759.