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One of my best friends only uses quick silver DFI in his 250 opti. Says that is what was recommended to him. He runs his boat hard and it seems to be fine. I buy optimax oil from the drum at my dealer and it is less expensive than what he pays for quick silver but I can't get him to change. Everything I read seems to say it's OK.

Congratulations on a great choice. I know a boat salesman who has access to most the popular brands in that size, and he says that is one of the best riding hull designs on the water. Waiting for pictures.

I have to agree with Propbender if you plan to use the boat mostly for fishing. I bought a small cabin boat years ago when my girls were young thinking the same as you that they would use the cabin to nap and get out of the sun. Same problem as Props, seasick, hot, cramped and that was on the three or four times a year they went. The rest of the time I was stuck with something I really didn't want. Of course the cabin did help me sell the wife that we needed a boat. The next boat I bought was a center console that I added an oversized spray hood to the front that had a window that could be opened for air, and that worked out much better for everybody. I would seriously look at that Fountain. It's a heck of a deal. Good luck on your search, that's half the fun of boating.

I like your thinking.

What he said. Except I won't wait for the tide.

I have two Standard Horizons. A CP170 and a CP 155. I bought the 170 about 6 years ago when GPS with wass was first coming out. My local Marine electronics store highly recommended the 170 as the best for the money at that time.(about a $1000.00) There were other choices at higher prices but I really didn't want to spend more than that. I bought the CP 155 at a close out sale at West Marine a couple of years ago for my flats boat. The main reason I stayed with SH was to be able to use the same C-map chip. (about $200.00). I really haven't had a bit of trouble with either one of them except for my original chip going bad. If I were going to buy a new one today I probably would go with a Ray Marine or a Garmin. I like the Ray Marine maps better than the C-chip and the Garmins come with all the maps pre-loaded. It's hard to beat Garmin when it comes to GPS technology. Hope this helps you.

I haven't heard anything negative from people I know who actually own them. The problem seems to be customer support from Tracker and BPS and that seems to be a while ago. Maybe someone who has bought one in the last year or two can comment. They seem to be nice boats (Kenner hulls) for the money.

The only question you need to answer is "Can I afford a new motor". If you can, go for it. I have found in my years of boating, that I can justify anything I want to do, if I want to do it bad enough. I do know from personal experience, that no motor lasts forever. If you are getting near 2500 hrs. you are on borrowed time. I don't know anyone with a modern four stroke or dfi that would go back to carbs. They just start so much easier and run so smooth and quiet.

E-Searider is the only way to go. Nice customer support. Needed mine in a hurry for a trip and he sent it out that day for me.

I know quite a few people who have made the trip in that size boat. Good idea having two boats. If the weather is at all questionable for the time your gone TRAILER. Nothing is worst than getting down there, and not being able to get back. It really temps you to make unwise decisions. Have a couple friends who will never run their boats down again after a miserable ride home.(IN a much bigger boat than 21") Good luck and post how your trip went.

When I had a fuel sender go bad in my Sea Hunt that was 2 years out of warranty, Joel not only sent a new one, but he paid my dealer to install it. How good is that!

Wifes Birthday, so no fishing this weeK-end. (Windy anyhow) Went down to Chokoloskee last weekend and fishing is really starting to pick up down there. Can't wait to get back when water is a little warmer.

I've had no trailer tire issues since I went to Denmans on my boat trailer and fifth wheel. I have had blow outs with marathons and the cheap china tires the fifth wheel manufactures use and will not back up. Its always a good idea to up to the next weight range on tires, the cost is peanuts compared with the difference in quality on a trailer tire.

Advanced Discount Auto was by far the best price for my opti plugs. They had to order them (one day) but was less than half what the dealer wanted.