1996 245 Explorer Question/info

[HeckLures']

First Hello this is my first post on the forum and am seeking advise.

I found a 245 for @$7K with Johnson 225 @ 200HRS and looks like a nice clean boat minus the cosmetics and dirt. Guy just does not have the time.

How is the ride in these? I fish Pensacola 25-30 miles offshore and it gets snotty at 2-3ft east so that is what I am asking about. I plan on taking this boat to Anchorage, Alaska to fish for Halibut in the Cook/Gulf of Alaska

Second is any problem areas to look for?

V/R HeckLures'

[gran398]

Welcome! We have had site issues lately regarding missing posts, so wish to bid you good tidings, with quick acknowledgment.

The members here have experience with your model, and will offer good advice re ride/range.

Again, welcome.

[seabob4]

The only problem areas I can think of is some soft spots in the cockpit sole...got any pics?  Love to see her...

[Capt. Bob]

Welcome aboard HL

[pete]

hey welcome!always wanted to catch some of those halibut!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard HeckLures'  :!:  :!:
I have found that an Explorer is a bow heavy boat because of all the glass involved in the cabin area.  The flip side is I have 13ft of open space in the back to fish or lounge. So there is some good and some bad.
My Explorer handles rough seas ok but she can get wet.  If there are any seas up at all when I go out, the first thing that goes up after the biminis is the helm vinyl.  Now I can deal with the spray.  I would definitely recommend a wrap of some type at least around the helm, minimum.  I can completely enclose from the helm to the engine on my 230.
If you're dealing with 2-3s and need to go faster it's not too bad and can trim up, get the prow out of the water and have all the slicing through the water done farther back on the hull, which will throw the spray out and behind the helm. Anyone back there will be getting wet though, depending on the size of the seas. I'm still learning about this myself and typically don't go too fast through big chop.  Any bigger waves and you'd want to slow down anyway.
The 245 is a big boat and should be able to handle it ok.  We've got plenty of members with 245 Osprey and Explorers that can comment on their experiences.

[flounderpounder225]

First Hello this is my first post on the forum and am seeking advise.

I found a 245 for @$7K with Johnson 225 @ 200HRS and looks like a nice clean boat minus the cosmetics and dirt. Guy just does not have the time.

How is the ride in these? I fish Pensacola 25-30 miles offshore and it gets snotty at 2-3ft east so that is what I am asking about. I plan on taking this boat to Anchorage, Alaska to fish for Halibut in the Cook/Gulf of Alaska

Second is any problem areas to look for?

V/R HeckLures'

Hecklures,
I'm in Pensacola also, the 245 is a great boat, lots of room as stated, wet in our type of normal 2-3? Sometimes depending on wind direction, but most boats are out here anyway (a little wet).  Send me a PM if you like with more info, I would be happy to help you look at it, or check it over, I have the 245 Osprey which is the same hull, and basically rigging.
Marc

[slvrlng]

Here is a video I shot of Flounderpounder's 245 running in 2 to 3 with a four to 5 thrown in every now and then. Of course his is an Osprey so you will have more weight up front so it will be a little wetter. This was shot coming back into Pensacola from the Liberty ship.This was running about 30 and was a really nice ride!

http://s669.photobucket.com/albums/vv60 ... erpounder/

[Glock Diver]

Here is a video I shot of Flounderpounder's 245 running in 2 to 3 with a four to 5 thrown in every now and then. Of course his is an Osprey so you will have more weight up front so it will be a little wetter. This was shot coming back into Pensacola from the Liberty ship.This was running about 30 and was a really nice ride!

  Looks like some THT 2-3's and 4-5's!     Heard something about some snapper??

[RickK]

Yeah, those 1-2's are hard to judge on video.  

[Circle Hooked]

Here is a video I shot of Flounderpounder's 245 running in 2 to 3 with a four to 5 thrown in every now and then. Of course his is an Osprey so you will have more weight up front so it will be a little wetter. This was shot coming back into Pensacola from the Liberty ship.This was running about 30 and was a really nice ride!

  Looks like some THT 2-3's and 4-5's!     Heard something about some snapper??

 

[flounderpounder225]

Lewis..... come on brother, your the commentator on this ride, but I don't think the 3-4's are cuttin it, there aint no white caps out there, and I can't really be objective, cause at 69 MPH all I was concerned with was keepin the landings soft...  Hey it's your story and you can tell it anyway you want, and the SNAPPER don't lie.
Marc

[asaltdiver]

I have a 96 also. I use it almost exclusively for diving. 4 divers and 12 tanks are no problem. The boat rides well up to 3 foot seas but is very wet. A helm enclosure is in my opinion a must. I repowered from an Evinrude 225 with a Suz 250 in 09 and it made a world of difference in the boat. In sloppy seas the bow is held down alot better with the bigger prop and more torque. They are not the fastest hull around but they are about bullet proof. Good luck.

[RickK]

Here's how you stay dry


 



Or warm


and how you chill

[seabob4]

Here's how you stay dry


 



Or warm


and how you chill

I like!