[NaZdravi]

Just wanted to know if anyone had an opinion of Mako Offshore boats. I hear that the owner of Bass Pro actually owns Mako boats. (Could explain why Bass Pro carries them) I am saving every nickel I have to upgrade by '08 & would like to hear anything good/bad on them. In particular the 284. It has only been out about a year. I have crawled in & out of the one @ the Houston Bass Pro & it seems to be a solid craft. No bells & whistles, just a nice big boat. I am also up for any other model selections. I know Grady's & Boston's are the battle tanks, just don't think I can get there w/ the $.

 

[PUTZLINER]

ive looked at the same boat and wasnt too thrilled with it. if you look along the side near the drains for the cooler ect you can see that the hull is already warped. supposedly mako has gone downhill since tracker marine (bass pro) bought them. you should check www.thehulltruth.com and see what they say. im sure soon enough tracker will hear all the complaints and start building them better but i dont know when.

 

[Derekhie]

Robalo makes a really good boat and they just came out with a new 29'.

Derek

 

[tzer]

I haven't heard much good about the new makos. I have a 1989 285 (28 foot) that we repowered last year with T-225 4 strokes (yamahas). We did a pretty major rebuild (re-wire, plumb, new gas tanks, etc.). The reason I like the boat is the layout. LOTS of shady space in front of the consoles. Makes a really good trolling boat. If interested in older makos, look at www.classicmako.com.

 

[Capt Chad]

I got my 29 Fountain at South Austin Marine. It was used 100 hours on it and in great shape. I paid less than half of a new one.

Dont know if you would look at used one but if so I would check them out at South Austin Marine.

 

[gostomskij]

The older Mako line were tanks,,,70's-80's. The newer one that I have looked at are not impressive. You would do yourself a huge favor if you looked at 2-3 year old hulls with 4-strokes. Look at Regulator (I'm Bias), Contender, SeaVee, Yellowfin (if integral tanks are alright with you), Intrepid, Jupiter, to list a few. The new engine technoligy will allow for mucho more life on the powerhead. But, the old mentality with hold their price down for a few more years. That will allow you to get a used "upper-tier" boat that is 2-3 years old for a good price. Also, if properly maintained, all the quirks will be worked out after a couple of seasons.

If/when I start looking at a larger boat my first choice would probly be a Gravios (aluminum custom), or one of the above mentioned,,,, in no particular order.

Also, anyone who is in the market for a new boat need to check out this link. http://www.yachtsurvey.com/
This guy is a huge data base of knowledge that you should use when looking at a boat.

Victor

 

[harvey/mary]

Grady's and the big spread around names ARE good boats, but they are getting like Red Wing...or Adidas....and such...the price is big but the quality just ain't what it used to be. Mako is a really GOOD boat with really good quality...that you don't see as much of. I have an Uncle who purchased a Mako MANY many years ago....and still owns the same one. Still looks like new with NEVER any troubles. Of course it has been garage kept after each use and fresh water rinsed each time. Take it from there.

 

[Unbound]

Cause and effect

Does Bass Pro carry Makos because the owner owns one (implying that he is impressed with the boat and therefore proudly sells them), or does he own a Mako because he sells them (Implying that it is a practical and good marketing decision)? I know nothing of the new Makos, so I don't know the answer, but I always question cause and effect.

 

[gostomskij]

Does Bass Pro carry Makos because the owner owns one (implying that he is impressed with the boat and therefore proudly sells them), or does he own a Mako because he sells them (Implying that it is a practical and good marketing decision)? I know nothing of the new Makos, so I don't know the answer, but I always question cause and effect.

Bass Pro and Tracker are the same company. Check the bottom of the link for the boat models. Mako USE to be a Florida boat. It was moved several years ago.

http://www.trackerboats.com/

Victor

 

[B-Money]

It would make more sense to take a date to your own wedding than buy a new boat. Give one of your buddies a $1000 each day you go fishing with him/her. You will both be happier and richer.

 

[OxbowOutfitters]

I just bought a Mako..its a 74 model..20ftr..
I paid a fair amount & at present Im happy with what I bought..
Atleast till the 35'Contender appears in the Drive..

Oxx..

 

[gostomskij]

I just bought a Mako..its a 74 model..20ftr..
I paid a fair amount & at present Im happy with what I bought..
Atleast till the 35'Contender appears in the Drive..

Oxx..

That is the boat I grew up fishing on, the Suzie Q. VERY solid. The only draw back was the 34 gallon tank. Where did you buy it, did it have a name on it?

Victor

 

[trashcanslam]

if you have seen what tracker is doing to mako it would make you sick if you own a classic mako. just look at the new rolled edge mako... it's a kenner hull with the namebrand mako written on the side of it marketed at a higher price

 

[tokavi]

I don't own one but I have looked at both a new one, at BassPro and a mid 80 model recently. The 2 boats don't compare. The older boat is extremely well built and looks new (garage kept) The boat at Bass Pro doesn't seem to have the strength, sturdiness that is built into the older boat. My.02

 

[NaZdravi]

Thanks for the responses. I knew I would get an honest opinion even though everyone has their favorite. I guess I will search for an older model or steer in a different direction.

 

[manintheboat]

Even with an older one, but very careful with the 28 foot mako. They were problematic, especially in the transom area. If you do look at an old Mako or Grady, make sure that you have it surveyed. These boats are very solid and good, but are notorious for having wet and rotting transoms. You might have a ton of work ahead of you to get the boat ready. There is a guy on thehulltruth.com who is restoring a 26' center console and it has all kind of small issues. It will be a truly awesome boat once finished. I really do love the old makos but they are probably more suited for guys who are skilled to do the restoring themselves because the restoration can be very expensive and once done, very difficult to recoup your money.

There are some really cool Mako restoration projects chronicled at www.classicmako.com. You should check it out to see all of the work involved as well as to see some beautiful boats.

 

[PUTZLINER]

Does Bass Pro carry Makos because the owner owns one (implying that he is impressed with the boat and therefore proudly sells them), or does he own a Mako because he sells them (Implying that it is a practical and good marketing decision)? I know nothing of the new Makos, so I don't know the answer, but I always question cause and effect.

i think that tracker marine bought mako due to the fact it was selling like hotcakes. they bought the name not the boat. started making them totally different and never looked back. in my book as of now if your just a fisherman who only wants to go out in calm seas once evry 2-3 months it will probobly last but if your a serious fisherman you will be dissapointed

 

[Instigator]

Seems like that is th M.O. for Tracker. Buy the name, cut as many manufacturing corners as possible and market on price. My Kenner Vision is a pre-Tracker acquisition boat and it is solid. Great boat, period. Since Tracker got them the rigidity, fit and finish and rigging have all gone south in a big way. But you can get them cheaper now! Even the trailer they're putting under them is a major downgrade, which is why I just didn't go to them for my replacement. I suppose it is an effective business strategy for them, but it is really disappointing to see what were strong boat brands turned into cheap immitations of their former selves.