looking at buying 225 or 250 explorer specs? info?

[fishingdave]

Hey guys im looking at buying my first aquasport, look at  a 225 & 250 yesturday but honestly i can't really tell where they added the two extra feet. Any advice which is a better ride ? what are specs on both boats ? the boatim looking at are between 2001 to 2005 , and big changes or problems in thosesyears ?

thanks
dave

[Capt. Bob]

Here are 2005 specs for both. 04 specs are identical. Next catalog date I have is 97,so.....

http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff10 ... g&newest=1

http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff10 ... g&newest=1

http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff10 ... g&newest=1

http://s237.photobucket.com/albums/ff10 ... g&newest=1

The 04 catalog uses some of the same interior shots for both models so I'd think they are structurally the same (calling SeaBob4 to the white phone).

Posting size on the Forum makes the print unreadable hence the links. Clicking on the pic should enlarge it enough to read the specs.

Good luck.

[fishingdave]

anyone has one for the 225??

[Capt. Bob]

anyone has one for the 225??

November is the 225 standard and options

December is the 250 standard and options

Boat pics are labeled.

[fishingdave]

for a boat thats an inch wider and 2 feet longer, there isn't that much weight difference. I can see that the 250 has a bigger tank, and 2 feet more of room( which i didnt really notice) . Is there a major difference on ride quality compare to the two? bow height? Price wise they are selling close to the same, all the ones i been looking at have a single 225 yama or 250 yamaha on it.

[Capt. Bob]

for a boat thats an inch wider and 2 feet longer, there isn't that much weight difference. I can see that the 250 has a bigger tank, and 2 feet more of room( which i didnt really notice) . Is there a major difference on ride quality compare to the two? bow height? Price wise they are selling close to the same, all the ones i been looking at have a single 225 yama or 250 yamaha on it.

Well 700lbs is a lot to me anyway. These aren't ocean racers or high performance hulls by any means so the weights are bound to be lower for this type of boat.
 
My "guess" is the extra two feet is found in the cockpit dimension though SeaBob4 will know for sure.

Logic indicates, longer/heavier should ride better but that's not always the case. If you're looking to conquer 6 foot seas, both will be rough but again, even high performance hulls in that weather aren't easy on the bod. Again a SB4 question but the stringer design in the 250 may be "beefier" than the 225 (I believe he mentioned that before).

He'll be around before long and give you an education on these models cause he built them both.

[maddiemutt]

Dave,

I purchased a 2000 250 Explorer last April.  Before I bought the 250 I had the chance to test out two different 225's.  One was a 2001 model and the other was a 2003.  As soon as I got into the 250 it had the feeling of a bigger boat.  I'm pretty sure that the 250 is 2 foot bigger in the cockpit and not the cabin.  It was the deciding factor on the boat since I was more interested in the fishing room rather than the cabin space.  Whatever you decide I'm sure you will be pleased.  

Best Wishes,
P.J.

[RickK]

Based on my experience if you took the front of each of these "explorer" boats and lined them up, the cabins/helm would end going aft at about the same spot meaning the cockpit is the difference.  If you took my 230 and compared it to the newer ones you're looking at and did the same thing you'd see about the same result.  The style of the fronts of the explorer line are about the same until you 1) get the "wellcraft version" or 2) you get the 93-95 250 explorer which was a whole different model.
We did the opposite at the last gathering - we lined up the sterns of a 225, 230 and 250 (94 model) - what amazed me was that my 230 was only 1 ft shorter than the 250 but his cabin/helm fell a little aft of mine. This means I had more cockpit space and he had more cabin space. The newer 250s are like my 230 in the cabin/cockpit and big cockpit BUT the enclosed transom will shorten the cockpit down 2+ ft.   The 225 was just a little shorter than my 230 - difference was the enclosed transom resulted in 2 ft less useable cockpit length.

[seabob4]

Dave,

I purchased a 2000 250 Explorer last April.  Before I bought the 250 I had the chance to test out two different 225's.  One was a 2001 model and the other was a 2003.  As soon as I got into the 250 it had the feeling of a bigger boat.  I'm pretty sure that the 250 is 2 foot bigger in the cockpit and not the cabin.  It was the deciding factor on the boat since I was more interested in the fishing room rather than the cabin space.  Whatever you decide I'm sure you will be pleased.  

Best Wishes,
P.J.

PJ is correct.  The additional 2' was added just aft of the tubs aft of the helm seats.  Basically, the hull and deck molds were cut in 2 at that point, 2' were added, then new molds built.  The way you really notice is the distance between the helm area and the insole fishbox.  A whole lot closer to the helm on a 225.

The Osprey was done a bit different, where the foredeck received some additional length, hence the center hatch on the foredeck on the 250 as opposed to the plastic hatch on the 225.  Easier to work with  both ends on a CC versus a WA/Cabin boat, on a CC you can place the console wherever fore and aft.


BTW, IT'S ABOUT TIME THIS FORUM WOKE UP!  IT'S MY FAVORITE!!!    

Bob C

[fishingdave]

so basicly there more fishing area in the back deck or just a bigger cockpit ? My main concern is the fishing deck and being able to handle 3 to 4  chops no problem.  Im looking at two boats for around the same price, 225 with hardtop, stainless thru holes (tournament series)  ,every electronics with radar, 225 yamaha ox66, outriggers, ( notrailer ) or a 250 with, bimini,plastic thru holes, 250 yamaha 0x66 , tamdom trailer, nothing great for electronics.  both 2001 and i could probley get the 250 for 15k and 225 for 16k

not sure whats better the added feet or the fully loaded. the 250 is also 500 miles away asthe 225 is 20 miles

thanks
dave

[seabob4]

Dave,
Those are 2 interesting choices.  The 225 looks like a no-brainer, especially with the hard top and the electronics package, 2 very pricey set-ups.  The t/hulls are not an issue, unless you just like the look of SS.  So basically it comes down to size.  You definitely notice a difference once you board them.  The 250 (used to be the 245) absolutely feels like a bigger boat because it IS a bigger boat.  If you fish with 2 or 3 rather good size buddies, you'll appreciate the cockpit room of the 250.  If you primarily fish with the family (read "The wife and 2 little ones), the 225 would more than likely suffice.

One main consideration is where you fish.  Protected waters, both will serve you fine.  Offshore?  Well, in my opinion, bigger is better.  What is your location?  I know down here in FL, there are plenty of 225/250s for sale, I don't think you would be limited to just these 2 boats.  With an investment like this, a seatrial is a must.  The 225 for you should be no problem.  But with the 250 500 miles away, well, that's a stretch.  A seatrial would obviously give you a first-hand impression on the size difference, which could be a deciding factor in the purchase.

Your thoughts and comments?

Bob C

[Capt. Bob]

Quick thoughts.

I've driven both but in different conditions. The 250 (to me anyway) feels more "solid" but this is just a feeling.

The 250 has (again to me) more usable fishing space in the cockpit.

A trailer (new, with proper brakes, aluminum with stainless fittings) for the 225 will cost $3000 +. You can get one cheaper/used because it's always better to break down on land than sea.

225 electronics are how old? 2001 electronics are obsolete by now  but for the price of a new trailer you can get some of the equipment you want.

1000 mile round trip will make a good entry into the "How far did ya go for your Aqua" thread.

Lastly, and this is strictly my thoughts based on no known facts.
I like the 225. I feel it gives the best compromise of the newer Aqua line. A large cockpit, swim platform (which does steal fishing space) decent cabin space and it just looks good for a WAC (properly proportioned).

SeaBob hit it right on the head. It's all about what type of "boating" you do.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[fishingdave]

I live up in ct, and most of the fish that i will be doing is in long island sound , but i would like to be able to go 100miles out and go tuna fishing once or twice a year with it. Im going to take a look at the 225 today , and get more information on it back to you.

thanks
dave

[seabob4]

We anticipate your appraisal...  

[Double Trouble]

I think you are asking a lot of a 23 foot boat going 100 miles offshore. Ive been out there in 40 foot sport fisherman and there were days that I wished I hadnt. I dont think you carry enough fuel anyway.