Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

[Wolfsong]

Does anyone have any experience with either or both of the above Dual Console F/S? We are looking at an upgrade and really like the configurations of both.

Sunbird 170 F/S from the late 1990s. This is NOT the Bayliner Capri style hull. It is the OMC hull that was later used by Javelin in the 2000 F/S model they sold. Includes a 115 HP Johnson OB, Bimini, foot controlled bow mount trolling motor. No carpet and they are available in the mid 5K range.

an example: http://savannah.craigslist.org/boa/3012338699.html


Seaswirl 1850 DC. Also late 1990s hull. Most have a Johnson 130. I do not know if the front deck is wired for a trolling motor. Can anyone confirm? I was looking at the motor mounter trolling motor options as well. Overall dimensions of the Seaswirl are a bit bigger than the Sunbird. I also like the more open rear deck as opposed to the elevated platform in the Sunbird BUT the wife wants a place to lay out and relax! Again no carpet and seem to be in the 7K range.

an example: http://charleston.craigslist.org/boa/3111165816.html

Overall the boat will be used 90% on Lake Lanier in Ga for Striper fishing, cruising, swimming and towing a tube or kneeboard. No skiing, no wakeboarding, no need to travel at 45 mph. 10% of the time we would like to haul it the the NC or FL coast to ride the ICW. Is the bigger boat a better one as well? Most of the launching will be solo so is the smaller boat a better choice? Max passengers would be 5-6 but 90% of the time 1-2.

Most of the actual boats we are finding for sale are at least 4-5 hours drive and I am most sure how to set up a marine survey on a boat I have never personally looked at.

Any experience would be helpful. Please however save the "All Sunbird boats suck" comments.

MIke

 

[slalomskiing31]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

http://www.boats.com/boat-details/Sea-Ray-180-Sport/130420661

Talk this guy down to 7000... Might be worth the trip to go and get it. This is an 05' Sea Ray 180.. Great little boat!

I've owned one of these before.. This boat is also awesome! This was my first bowrider. Had lots of fun with it, plus it had lots of room! (2001 Monterey 180 Edge in Greenville)

http://asheville.craigslist.org/boa/3075973173.html

No pictures, but could be a good deal! Good quality boat, 190 would make it go fast! 2006 Mariah SX18

http://charleston.craigslist.org/boa/3053932221.html

 

[Wolfsong]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

Thanks for the reply. I have been made wary of the 3.0 L I/O combo by a marine surveyor and mechanic. He advised the aluminum heads and cast block are a real nightmare WHEN the impeller fails and the engine overheats. OB seems to make more sense especially when tho boat will be used in salt water. Also no carpet is a big plus. Livewell a necessity and minimal upholstery ( or removable ). I fish live herring as bait and scales are a bugger to get out of carpet.

 

[Wolfsong]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

Nobody? Really?

 

[slalomskiing31]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

I have never had a problem with the 3.0L.. If you look around enough you will find problems with any engine. Sounds like you want a center console!

 

[jdlough]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

If you are occasionally going to have 6 people on the boat, I'd go for the SeaSwirl.

I almost bought the same boat, but passed on it due to engine troubles. I ended up getting the SeaSwirl 2100DC, which is basically the same boat, only 2' bigger. It's a very solid, well built boat. My only minor complaint is that when two big people stand at the stern, some water can enter through the deck drain scuppers and the rear deck gets a bit wet. The 1850 may be the same, I don't know. It's really not a big deal. Some folks plug the scupper drains in the deck with expanding rubber plugs. I don't bother.

I like the layout of the SeaSwirl better than the Sunbird. More fishing room, and that rear facing seat lets a passenger keep an eye on your tuber. It doesn't have a bench for laying out flat, but the bow lounge seats are comfortable.

I believe the 1850 is rated for 150HP, so the 130HP will be fine. If the 1850 is not wired for a bow trollling motor, it should be easy to install the wiring. The bow seats are open under the hatches all the way to the console, and fishing a wire from the console to the battery under the deck is also open and easy.

Either way, you are very correct in choosing an outboard powered boat with a self-bailing fiberglass deck. It's very easy to keep clean - just hose the fish blood out the scuppers.

You can find out more about SeaSwirl at the Striper Owners Club forum.
http://seastriper.com/


Of course, If your wife really wants a flat place to lay out, there's not much choice is there?
Boating is better with a happy wife. My wife just yesterday was talking about wanting a place to lay out, and now wants a bigger boat! WooHoo!

 

[laserbrn]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

If it were me looking at it, I couldn't possibly compare a Sunbird to a Striper. The Striper is a fishing boat by design and they are good at what they do. The Sunbird is just for kicks.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

Thanks for the reply. I have been made wary of the 3.0 L I/O combo by a marine surveyor and mechanic. He advised the aluminum heads and cast block are a real nightmare WHEN the impeller fails and the engine overheats.

The issue described is NOT related to the 3.0. It is referring to the Mercruiser 470 motor. It was a 4 cyl motor made by Mercruiser in which they mated a Ford 460 cylinder head to a block of their own design and manufacture. It has not been in production for many years now.

The 3.0 that has been in use for a long time and still used by Mercruiser and Volvo Penta is a Chevrolet based motor. It is actually a dedicated marine/industrial motor that was derived from the straight six truck motors of the 60 and 70s. The 3.0 is a rock solid and essentially bullet proof motor.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

The Striper is a fishing boat by design and they are good at what they do. The Sunbird is just for kicks.

Well, that Sunbird does look pretty fishable. It looks like those bench cushions are removable, it has 2 livewells, it already has a trolling motor, and it has no carpet. I don't know if the deck is self-bailing (it looks like there's a deck drain back by the bench). If so, that is a big plus.

I like the SeaSwirl because it's roomier, but still easy to trailer.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

the wife wants a place to lay out and relax!

Hey waitaminit! Those back to back seats on the SeaSwirl fold out flat for laying out, right?

Well, there you go!

 

[Wolfsong]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

Wow, Thanks for all the thoughts. We are going to do a lake trial on the Sunbird this Sunday. I am a bit worried about the 90 hp being enough but 95% of the time it will be just me and my wife. That and the Sunbird weighs 1904 dry while the Striper is in the 1860 lbs range. Seems like the Sunbird has a more hefty build?

The real kicker is distance and timing. I will NOT buy a boat without a certified Marine Survey. The Seaswirl looks very good but the current owner admits the trailer is not up to snuff. How in the heck do I drive 5 hours each way, see the boat, confirm it is as advertised , do a lake test and then call the surveyor ( normally at least a 4-5 day out booking). Then IF the boat passes that test, find a new or used ( what am I thinking!!!!!) trailer for the boat. How do I shop for a trailer? I have never even thought of what to measure, where to account for rollers and bunks to be located for proper support. Plus then I get it home and need to drop $1,000.00 in a decent trolling motor and batteries.

The Sunbird is turn key ready but might turn out not to be enough boat or motor.

 

[laserbrn]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

I suggest you keep looking. I don't think I'd pay that much money for either of these boats. That Sunbird looks like it's past its prime a little ways and I agree it doesn't sound like enough boat. For $6k I think you can do better if you are patient and diligent. Be on the lookout for plenty of time and you'll become the perfect boat predator.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

That and the Sunbird weighs 1904 dry while the Striper is in the 1860 lbs range.

According to NADA, the Sunbird weighs 1387 lbs.
http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1997/Sunbird-Boat-Co


And the SeaSwirl 1850DC is 2260 lbs.
http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1999/Seaswirl-Boats

 

[Wolfsong]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

I suggest you keep looking. I don't think I'd pay that much money for either of these boats. That Sunbird looks like it's past its prime a little ways and I agree it doesn't sound like enough boat. For $6k I think you can do better if you are patient and diligent. Be on the lookout for plenty of time and you'll become the perfect boat predator.

laserbrn: Fair enough. What should I be looking for in the 6K range to fit my wants and needs?

 

[Wolfsong]

Re: Sunbird 170 F/S vs. Seaswirl Striper 1850 DC

Another model has made the list. Mid 1990s Grady White Tournament 190 DC. Anybody have thoughts?