I have about 200 hours of operating time on my boat since buying her used last Fall. The motor reads about 350 hours total time.
It is a 2006 model which came equipped with the factory hardtop (with electronics box and spreader light). It has a zippered storage bag on the underside of the hardtop which I don't know if this is a factory option or custom. It has freshwater, dual batteries, 4 gunnel flush mount rod holders options. The leaning post has a flip forward seat and a removable tackle bag underneath....I believe this was aftermarket since the original post's attachment holes have been filled.
A few upgrades that I have done to it include: adding a separate pump for the live well (see my post in the "customization" forum), replacing the plastic washdown hose attachment with a metal one, having 2 more rocket launchers welded to the hardtop, and 2 rodholders bolted to the aft portion of the bow rail. I have a RayMarine A50d combo unit.
The more I run this boat the more I like it!
The performance numbers are just 1-2 knots slower than the Performance Report on the Suzuki website (theirs is with a DF250) at cruise between 3500-4500 RPM. I think the MPG is fairly close also but I don't have a flow meter to verify this. I figure 2 nm/gal overall will keep me from running out of gas and just track my mileage. It planes easily w/out pronounced bow rise. It likes the motor trimmed out and the trim tabs are more for balancing the load or crosswinds than for putting the bow down into a chop.
On a drift, it will stern into the wind and is very stable. The high gunnels offer a lot of support when fishing and protection for my 3 children. The live well does a great job keeping the bait alive as it is round and deep. The underside of the starboard lid doubles as a cutting board when open. The overall layout including the leaning post storage, rocket launchers above, large area on top of the console (for setting out tackle trays), corner livewell, 2 macerated fish boxes, thin transom, and cooler storage under the leaning post make the fishing side of this hull extremely functional.
While underway, the rest of the family is usually forward of the console. The raised deck (with 2 large bins) give them a place to stretch out. The built in cooler with hinged lid just forward of the console allows 2 adults to sit comfortably. There is ample storage space for beach articles and snorkle gear. The telescoping boarding ladder is thru-bolted just aft of the transom door. The freshwater shower is pulled from the port transom area. Again, I think these item are well laid out and easy to use. I don't have the optional fold-down transom seat...so far we haven't missed it. I think it may be pretty loud sitting there while running out to the fishing grounds.
Other attributes: The console and plexiglass windshield are large and offer alot of spray protection. The hardtop is also, providing a good area of shade at the helm. At the time I had the rocket launchers added, the custom fabricator commented on the quality of the aluminum supports and welds.
Good value. Fishing and family friendly. Economical. Good ride. Good looks.
Warren
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