Help me decide on a new mako.

[Camd94234]

Alright guys I am new here but everybody has helped me a lot with my current mako.

I have a 1979 mako 20 with a 1989 Yamaha 150. Boat is 100% original including transom gas tanks and stringers. I picked the boat up for 300 bucks and was not in the water for 8 years. Cleaned it up drained the gas and did repairs that members did on their 20s to mine. Got her running and in the water and was very surprised on how it rides and what I can do with it. I think it's time to grow up in size. I love my little 20 but I think I want something that has a little more deep v and can go offshore. I live off cape cod so the weather can turn and I want something that is a little more willing.

I have experience with a 2440 Robalo cuddy which I love but too big for myself and girlfriend to go out on for the day and go to the beach.

So I have started then search for a bigger mako.

So far I have looked at a 1979 25 with a 2002 evinrude 225. Engine is down one cyl and the guy wants 4K for it and has a good trailer. Boats looks nice have not checked the stringers etc.

Also looked at 1990 211 original owner and he wants 6500. Which is top of my budget.

The only big center console I have been on is a buddy's 25 Grady which ride like a tank.

I know the Grady is different but how does the 25 compare riding in 2-3 foot chop?. Let me know what you guys think, or tell me in completely wrong for getting ride of my $300 dollar 20 footer.

[brando]

How often do you plan on going offshore and define offshore. That will help to direct you to the right hull. Personaly I love a cabin boat for our weather. Ive had my 238 multiple times 20-40 Miles out. Once did a 70 Mile trip to the canyons

[Camd94234]

I wouldnt be going to the canyons or anything. But maybe 10-15 miles on a good day. I live in nantucket so their are a lot of rips that are good for fishing and my 20 just cant make it. I would love to make get a small tuna if weather permits. Fishing on monomy island off Chatham. I just dont want somthing that is going to draw 2+ feet of water. I still want to be able to go to the beach if we want too.

[flounder]

The 25 is a completely different riding boat compared to your 20. She was designed and built for offshore fishing and she will not disappoint you in that regard.

Read up on her history in the sticky above.

We have run ours for almost 30 years, fishing, cruising, and running both inshore and offshore charters. She has never disappointed us.

[Camd94234]

So how would a 211 compare to my 20, only reason why Im shy of a 25 foot boat, reason being is that Sometimes I have a hard time with my dads robalo 2440, but that is a very heavy boat but with twins its not so bad, and the 25 Im looking at has a single on it. Also I have been trying to find a late 80s 23 but I cant. Nobody seems to be able to give me info of their boats. The only guy that wants to work with me is the guy with the 25. For the money I feel like I cant go wrong.

[JohnB]

the 25 will let you do the most and for the price it seems like a good deal especially considering you left our the best part in that it has a new transom. (Ive been eyeballing that boat as well but really want a 241/261)

The 211 really wont do to much more then your 20 does but that 25 will eat up the bay chop that can kick up. To me, grew up boating all summer in the bay out of rock harbor, id take the 25. The boat is a battle wagon that was built for offshore but with a shallow draft that lets it get into shallow water if you want to beach it. The 23 degree deadrise will also allow you to be able to comfortably go out in a lot more.

[Slack Tide]

I agree with these guys, the 25 would be the way to go but you need to budge for either fixing the engine or I personally would look for a decent used 250 ox66 for a couple grand and slap it on there. Mine performs exceptionally well offshore and I also take it to the sand bar frequently with no issues in shallow areas. I think it drafts 14". As far as handling it, just know your limits at first and practice makes perfect. This was the first boat i've ever owned and in time and some practicing at times when its not busy i've gotten comfortable with loading/unloading/docking/beaching solo.

[Noname Dave]

I have to disagree with some on this thread. The 21 will be a big difference from the 20.

How clean are both boats? What engine is on the 211? Repairing or replacing the 225 is not going to be cheap.

[JohnB]

The 21 is a nice step up but doesnt offer the deep v that the 25 does. And with a family it lacks the extra seating. Not trying to say the 21 isnt an improvement but from boting in the bay at the cape for years you will not be going out in the 21 when youre not in the 20. I dont know how far from the ocean he is but for me from rock harbor its 18 miles in the open bay that you have to travel before you even got into the ocean. Ive done it in my uncles 17 whaler but can tell you its a lot better of a ride in a 23+ boat with 21+ degree deadrise when it goes from 1s to 3+ in that bay which it always seems to when you go out offshore

[Camd94234]

The 211 has a 90 Johnson 200 on it.

The 25 has an 02 evinrude 250 which is missing and not firing on one cyl. I am perfectly fine with reporting with a newer engine. I got a deal on a 200hpdi which I was going to put on my 20. But it has a 25inch shaft. How would a 200 push the 25? Or would a 250+ be a better choice.

[brando]

Id want nothing less than a 250 on a 25 Boat. 300 would be perfect. Since you commented about your dads robolo Id stay away from a cabin Boat. I can handle my 238 solo but it does catch a lot of wind. Having an extra hand is helpful on certain days. I would look at the Mako 221 or 231. Probably perfect boat for you.

You see the 224 and 231 in classifides? 224 seems like a good deal

[flounder]

If you can get into a 25 at an affordable price and the boat is solid, do it. Rebuild the engine and your done for a while.

Run her, get used to her, and build her up with power as your budget allows. Can't imagine you will have any regrets. She will do everything you want in comfort.

Give "RustyOldDad" a shout for his opinion. He just bought a 25 with the same power and is getting used to her. He seems to be on the fence with regard to keeping her because of size. But, I think his concerns stem from launching and retrieving concerns, not handling issues.

His comments may be helpful to you.

[Slack Tide]

Also definitely need as least a 250 on the 25!

[Camd94234]

I will be taking a look at the 25 this up coming weekend, hopefully I will be leaving with it. That is my plan anyways, I saw pictures and she is in need of some love.

Anything different than the 20 I should look for, transom even tho it was redone this spring. Stringers deck etc.

Also it needs a t top any idea on if I buy it where I can buy a t top?

[JohnB]

Start with a big bimini and save up until you can get a custom one. The box ones never look right, at least never to me