Sea Pro Boats Review
Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is based on my personal experience and opinions. I have tried to be as objective as possible, but it is important to note that everyone's experience with a brand may be different. If you are considering purchasing a boat from Sea Pro Boats, I encourage you to do your own research and form your own opinion.
Sea Pro Boats: A Tale of Unforeseen Challenges with the Sea Pro 259 DLX
(note: How's your experience been with Sea Pro? Share your thoughts at the end of the article in the comment section below)
As a boat enthusiast, there is nothing quite like the thrill of gliding through the water, embracing the freedom of the open sea, and soaking in the mesmerizing views. Sadly, my personal experience with the Sea Pro 259 DLX, equipped with 2 200hp Suzuki Marine outboards and purchased from Coastal Marine in Myrtle Beach, has been anything but idyllic.
The Sea Pro 259 DLX: A Dream or a Nightmare?
The Sea Pro 259 DLX, touted as a versatile center console model, carries a strong reputation for its performance, comfort, and fishing capabilities. But my experience has been drastically different, leading me to question the quality control measures during its production - possibly a casualty of the COVID-era build.
A Boat Filling with Water: The Bilge Pump Malfunction
One of the most alarming issues was the malfunctioning of the bilge pump. A boat filling up with water is a mariner's nightmare, and this nightmare has occurred possibly more than once. Although the repairs were covered under warranty, the consequential electrical issues were not, leading to an unexpected financial burden.
Steering into Trouble: The Optimus Steering System
The Optimus Steering system, which should be a benefit, turned out to be another source of trouble. Broken sensors led to the motors and steering being disabled multiple times. Getting towed is not the experience you sign up for when purchasing a NEW Sea Pro boat.
An Unexpected Surprise: The 'Dirt Daubers' Issue
In a recent communication with Scott Terrell from Coastal Marine, he mentioned that the clogging in the tail might be caused by 'dirt daubers,' which can hinder water drainage. The term 'dirt daubers' is used to describe a scenario where debris or sediment obstructs the water exhaust, resulting in engine performance problems.
The Windshield Incident: A Safety Concern
To add to the list of woes, the windshield popped off at high speeds, creating a precarious situation. This incident raised serious safety concerns and was a startling testament to the build quality.
The Role of Coastal Marine: A Helpful Ally
Throughout this ordeal, Coastal Marine has been responsive and proactive. They have done what they can to address the plethora of issues in a timely manner, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction. However, their efforts could not solve all the problems, suggesting that some issues may lie with the manufacturer, Sea Pro.
Sea Pro's Response: An Area for Improvement
Despite attempts to reach out to Sea Pro, my emails have been ignored. This lack of response from the manufacturer added to the frustration and lead to questions about their service.
COVID-19: A Potential Culprit?
The common thread in these issues seems to be a lack of quality control during the build, potentially a fallout from the challenges posed by the pandemic. The pandemic has had a significant impact on various industries, and it's possible that Sea Pro was not immune to these effects.
Cavitation Problems
Again, we had some major issues with cavitation which led us to miss an opportunity to sell the boat. After multiple repair attempts a satisfactory solution included swapping out the lower units to pull water from the exterior of the boat rather then the center. This seems like an issue the manufacturer should have caught and appears to be a common problem according to the Sea Pro forums.
Comparing Sea Pro to Other Boats
When we compare the Sea Pro 259 DLX to other boats of similar make, model, or price range, it seems to fall short. The number and severity of the issues I've encountered suggest a problem that extends beyond the occasional glitch or hiccup that one might expect from a new boat.
Long-term Effects of the Problems
These problems have long-term effects beyond mere inconveniences, such as a potential reduction in resale value and increased maintenance costs. This raises concerns about the reliability and longevity of Sea Pro boats, particularly my 2021 Sea Pro 259 DLX model.
Preventive Measures and Maintenance Tips
While every boat owner's experience will differ, based on my experiences, I recommend regular checks on the bilge pump and steering system, particularly if they are from Optimus. Clearing the tail pipe regularly can prevent issues with 'dirt daubers', ensuring that water flow is not obstructed. Regular maintenance and checks on the Suzuki Marine outboards can also help prevent any engine-related issues.
A Cautionary Tale
The 2021 Sea Pro 259 DLX was a significant investment, and I had high hopes for it. Unfortunately, it turned out to be more of a liability than a source of enjoyment and relaxation.
Final Thoughts
As a boat owner, my experience with my 2021 Sea Pro 259 DLX has been a disheartening one, marred by numerous technical issues and quality concerns. Despite the best efforts of Coastal Marine in Myrtle Beach, the problems in the past persisted, overshadowing the potential of the Sea Pro brand. This tale serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous quality control, responsive customer service, and the value of thorough pre-purchase research.
In the world of boating, the journey should be smooth sailing, not a rocky voyage that leaves you stranded at sea. One can only hope that Sea Pro learns from these experiences and improves their future models. Until then, potential buyers should be aware and tread carefully.
The information contained in this article is based on my personal experience and opinions. I have tried to be as objective as possible, but it is important to note that everyone's experience with a brand may be different. If you are considering purchasing a boat from Sea Pro Boat, I encourage you to do your own research and form your own opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Sea Pro Manufacturing located?
Sea Pro Manufacturing is located in Whitmire, South Carolina.
2. What types of boats does Sea Pro Manufacturing produce?
Sea Pro Manufacturing produces a variety of boats, including bay boats and center console deep V hulls. Their models include the 208 and 248 Bay Series, as well as the 219, 239, and 259 & 320 Deep V Series.
3. Does Sea Pro Manufacturing provide a warranty on their boats?
Yes, Sea Pro Manufacturing provides a warranty on their boats. However, the coverage may not extend to all problems or parts, so it's recommended to discuss this with the dealer at the time of purchase.
4. Have there been any reliability issues reported with Sea Pro boats?
Some users have reported reliability issues with certain models, such as the 2021 Sea Pro 259 DLX. Reported issues have included problems with cavitation, the bilge pump, and the Optimus Steering system, among others.
5. How does Sea Pro Manufacturing handle customer complaints and issues?
Sea Pro Manufacturing addresses customer complaints and issues through their network of dealers. They typically cover warranted repairs, but some issues may not be covered under warranty.
6. How does Sea Pro Manufacturing ensure the quality of their boats?
Sea Pro Manufacturing has a rigorous quality control process in place during production. However, some customers have reported quality issues with certain models, suggesting there may be room for improvement in these processes.
7. Does Sea Pro Manufacturing offer custom options on their boats?
Yes, Sea Pro Manufacturing offers a range of custom options on their boats. It's best to discuss these options with a dealer to understand what's available for each specific model.
8. Who owns Sea Pro Manufacturing?
Sea Pro is currently owned by Jimmy Hancock and Preston Wrenn. Hancock is one of the original owners of Sea Pro, and Wrenn is the founder of Tidewater Boats. The two men decided to relaunch Sea Pro in 2015, and the company has been growing steadily ever since.