23SE vs. 25SE

[T-Bird]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this forum. My brother (18SE), one of my best buddies (21SE), and his dad (25 Pilot House) all have Parker Boats. I have enjoyed fishing them. I'm thinking of making the move and buying myself a Parker boat!

I'm torn between the 23SE and the 25SE. Does anyone out there have an opinion on which option is best for me? I enjoy both inshore and offshore fishing. I have a family- space and seating is important. That 25' is sooooo much heavier than the 23 which might be difficult for me to manage? I love hitting the beach and sandbars with the wife and daughter...and don't want too much boat.

I appreciate any insight that you parker veterans can provide.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Best,
Brian

 

[gibby-up]

I have the 23 and it is plenty for me to handle on my own. At first it was a bit much but after a season I am very comfortable to launch, dock and anchor it on my own. We use ours for much the same; playing on the sandbars and Cape, inshore, waters sports and couple of offshore trips per season. That's not to say that after sometime on the 25 the same would be true. I guess it just what you learn and get use to with the boat. Good luck....

 

[Megabyte]

Will you be wet-slipping, or towing?
If towing, is your tow vehicle up to the task?
Also, the 23SE has an 8'6" beam. The 25SE has a 9'6" beam.
23SE has a dry weight of 2750 pounds. The 25SE a dry weight of 4300 pounds.
The difference between the two boats is much more than just a two foot difference.

23SE
http://www.parkerboats.net/pages/boat_l ... p?boatid=8

25SE
http://www.parkerboats.net/pages/boat_l ... ?boatid=28

 

[And The Rest]

I bought a new 23SE late last year and am just now getting used to it.

We beach the boat for swimming and camping on the NC outerbanks (I've also found a sandbar or two). The great thing about the 23 is that it is no problem for one adult to push it off of the beach. And the factory specs are true, it can run easily in very shallow water.

As for offshore, I pick my days carefully. If the weather is not good, I don't want to be out in a 23 or a 25 either. Last week I took the 23 offshore (about 25 miles) and trolled most of the day with five people. Fishing was bad, but the boat performed great. I had a cousin with me who is a guide and he was impressed with the ride. Total fuel consumption was less than 40 gallons. Fuel prices are not coming down anytime soon, so unless you are richer than me, you may want to figure that into your calculations.

 

[T-Bird]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Got some decisions to make in the coming weeks....

 

[windknotnc]

You are comparing two very different boats. The direct comparison would be the 21SE to the 23SE. Same deadrise and width just 2' longer. I have had both and the 23 is a little more smoother ride as its span is better over waves. The 25 has 2 degrees more deadrise and drafts more. It is also 12" wider and powered by twins on a bracket. I am not sure there is an easy comparison of these 2 boats. I will say that the 25 is a beast and if you have the big vehicle to pull it and can afford the bigger boat go for it. Your operating costs with 2- 4S 150's will not be much worse than the single 225 or 250.