thoughts on this mako?

[jeffconnell12]

Hey guys, i am looking to make a purchase between 15-20k. I currently have a 16.5' center console but would need a larger boat for overnighters and crossing the strait where it can get choppy. I have heard good things about mako's and this one seems to have been well maintained (would follow up with a survey). I will be about 10-15km offshore at times when fishing and will use it to cruise around the harbour and go crabbing a few kilometers away. Love to hear your thoughts, thanks!

21' MAKO SPORTFISH CUDDY CABIN

 

[slowleak]

Re: thoughts on this mako?

A buddy of mine has a Mako similar to that, late 80's/early 90's walk-around.
I fished off it a few times and don't think I'd go again if invited. The gunwales are low on that boat, too low to feel safe in in rough water. We were in 3-4' seas and staying in the boat while fishing was nearly impossible. We were kneeling at the gunwales trying not to get tossed in. The boat also kept taking water into the splash well the whole time we fished, the three of us had to be careful about where we stood. His has a 140 Evinrude on it, I couldn't imagine it with a heavier motor. Myself, I'm 6'3" tall, my buddy around 6', he's fallen overboard twice, and the concern is such that he now never fishes without trailing a knotted rope behind the boat so in the event that he falls in, his chances of not losing reach of the boat are lessened. The gunwales hit me just below my knees on that boat, not nearly high enough to feel safe in big water. As a boat, he's had no issues with it, he bought it new and trailers the boat, which is stored indoors year round, so its still in great shape, but if the water isn't dead calm, as almost a non swimmer, I won't get aboard that boat again.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: thoughts on this mako?

that's good advice about the low freeboard, which can be an advantage in some applications, and I've never liked the open transom.
But fishing a 21' boat in 4' seas is going to be tough no matter what the boat--is that what you plan to do? I wouldn't, although I'd drive that boat across them. Big difference--and I had my 21' CC out in that Saturday fishing. Driving it was manageable and safe, fishing not until I found protected water.

However, the old Mako's have a good reputation for well-made and well-designed boats (not like the new ones at BPS) and that one, if the seller is on the level, looks like a good find. I'd look at it, and not worry about the age. It will sell quickly.

Maybe ask your local fish forums and ask around the marinas but don't post that ad or someone else will grab it.