What boat?

[keana]

will shortly be in the market to buy a Warrior 165 or similar. I have about 10k to spend so i`m looking for a used package with a 4 stroke on the back. Does anyone have any views on these boats and what size engine I should be looking for on the back?

If not a warrior, then is there anything better out there for the same price??

I look forward to your views.

Many thanks.

[Kaptin Kod]

Originally Posted by keana

will shortly be in the market to buy a Warrior 165 or similar. I have about 10k to spend so i`m looking for a used package with a 4 stroke on the back. Does anyone have any views on these boats and what size engine I should be looking for on the back?

If not a warrior, then is there anything better out there for the same price??

I look forward to your views.

Many thanks.

Hi Andy, did post on the other site for you but was in a bit of a rush when I did it and didn't notice it was you.

I have the 165 which is a cracking boat, plenty of space for 3 anglers and kit although I opted not to have the seats fitted, wanted the room to land the fish, also very dificult to see through the tinted windows for crap floating so I prefer to stand (wind running through the hair) anyway nice high gunnels no chance of going over the side, cuts through the water with ease and feels safe even when it blows up a bit, no slamming into waves rides over them with ease, I have a 60hp 2 stroke which gives about 35 knts with 3 up as long as they stand forward, if a 16 stoner sits on the back then you do notice the drag, they are rated for upto an 80hp engine although I dont see the need to go that high, most packages seem to come with a 50hp as standard. If you want a trip out to see for yourself then give us a shout as I usually only have 2 on board and a space can be found for you.

Only other same sort of size I have tried is the Alaska but very uncomfortable when they hit a wave, they tend to slam a little to much for my liking, I decided against these but I'm sure someone who has one would dissagree.

The Raiders have a good review, as do the explorer elites, try and get a go before you buy and have someone take a look with you if you are not sure if the boat is in good nick if you know what i mean.

Also must say some new packages are going for about the 12K mark so buying cash may get you a little discount but a fully warrenteed bit of kit


Paul

[keana]

What a cracking reply thanks Paul. I might take you up on the offer of a trip out with you one day thats very kind of you.

I might be a while purchasing one yet though. I still have to retire from my job and rake the lump sum in from my pension. I`m off for an interview on friday so who knows?

What is your 2 stroke like on fuel? Someone told me that the newer 2 strokes are as economical as the 4 strokes but not as quiet. Would you go along with that?

[Kaptin Kod]

I'm quite happy with the fuel consumption, I use about 12-15ltrs on a good session moving around a lot, tend to push mine a bit hard (need for speed), still have to try it out on a longer journey but from cardiff we don't have to venture far to find good fishing.

[Lookfar]

Originally Posted by keana

What is your 2 stroke like on fuel? Someone told me that the newer 2 strokes are as economical as the 4 strokes but not as quiet. Would you go along with that?

The Evinrude e-tec 2 stroke gives about 6mpg on a 165, compared with a similar 4 stroke at around 7mpg and an older 2 stroke (Mariner 60) at 4mpg. These figures equate to very little difference financially unless you do huge mileages. More important is weight, durability and service costs. The 4 strokes cost more to buy (that gap is smaller than it was though), more to service and may or may not be more durable than 2 strokes. On that, I'm no expert.
In noise terms, the e-tec is a damn sight quieter than my old Mariner but not a patch on the 4 strokes which at tickover can be completely inaudible within the boat. A friend's Suzuki-powered 165 though, whilst very quiet, has a resonant frequency which at low revs makes the whole boat buzz.
Warrior dominate the market for good reason, it is a competent boat marketed well. As far as other boats go, the other shallow V hulls like the Endeavour and Samurai are essentially the same as the Warrior in performance, build quality may differ but I've not been close enough to them to give an honest opinion. The Predator 160 is popular with those who own one, as is the Raider, but the cathedral hulls and the Alaska suffer from slamming in a chop. The Orkney 520 is very seaworthy but personally I don't like the lowish freeboard or the lack of pace, although that is offset by superior fuel consumption.
At 10K, you are very close to the price of a basic package at show price. Might be worth looking at that rather than a 2-3 year old?

Steve

[tommy a]

I replied to the thread on the boat fishing - we have an arvor but before that had a Warrior 165 with a mercury bigfoot 4 stroke - bloody great combination and a superb boat - very highly recommend it mate.

tommy