I am considering an inshore boat and was looking at the Mako 2110 or 2210 tunnel versions. Does anyone have any opnions on these? They seem well built and priced much lower than Ranger or Skeeter. The boat will see about 50/50 lake/bay use.

Second question is about motors. I am leaning towards a 4 stroke. Any thoughts from those who have owned them? Which make is preferred in terms of reliability, ease of maintenance and availability of parts etc.

Thanks in advance!

If you are going into skinny water weight will make a difference, a 4 stroke weighs more then a 2 stk. As I understand it a 2 stk winds up quicker then 4stk, this matters in getting on top in skinny water.

Kben is right. A 2 stk will be a better choice for skinny water. They are quicker than the 4stk. There are many site that compare the two options. Hit google. Good luck in your choice.

Your mako is the re-birth of the nitro bay boat, which is made by Kenner in Arkansas, which all are Tracker brand boats. Change the name and label, added perceived value.

Four strokes are just pigs in shallow water situations, they have to be carefully setup to just achieve mediocre acceleration for shallow take off.

The optimax will deliver equal fuel economy with superior performance on that hull.

MAKE that tracker dealer put a decent prop on it, not the garbage the "factory" tells them to. The powertech four blade flats prop makes that tunnel hull perform to it's potential, that trashy three blade they'll try to stick you with won't come close.

I sold a herd of them, my clue ticket is punched.

I have the 2101 and love it. Make sure and get the hydralic jack plate, it makes a big difference. Also, make sure and get the tandem axle trailer. I have the 150 Optimax and can run at 48 mph (GPS).....45 with 4 big guys in the boat, 60 gallons of fuel, two 30 gallon live wells full, and two 96 quart coolers full of adult beverages. The 200 will only gain about another 5 mph for $3K more but it will get you on plane quicker in skinny water. As stated above, the right prop makes all the difference. Still, not bad speed for a big boat. I can run wide open in a good size waves and stay perfectly dry (all spray is diverted behind you). Also......really really fuel efficient.

Dozer

I really do appreciate all the comments. Dissapointing to hear about Mako. I have fished offshore a lot in the past and run many bluewater boats. Always had a high regard for Mako. But these new lines kinda blurred my preception a bit as they 'seem' to be a Mako that was somehow 'different' from the ones I used to know back then.

The sub 30K price tag for a 2101 seem attractive but $ are not the only thing so I will take a run down to the Ranger dealer and have a look. MIght be a mistake for me to do that you think? I hear that they are pricey but clearly one of the best bay boats out there.

I am leaning towards the 4 stroke cos I really don't like the two stroke smell. I don't fish that skinny much and honestly a lot more time will be spent on the highland lakes which is closer to where I live so hole shots are not such a big concern. When on the bay I use the boat much like a taxi to get me there and then I get out and wade. Also there's an occasional run to the jetties for mackerel if the weather and seas permit. Call me chicken or a sea grass conservationist but I don't particularly like running flat out in skinny water. Haha!

I also like the quietness of a 4 stroke. These days the lines seem to be blurring between the new 4 strokes and 2 strokes in terms of power to weight ratios, noise levels, and fuel consumption. I will have to do more research.

Two stroke weighs less than four stroke, and costs less for rountine maintenance. But, the four stroke gets better fuel economy and ultimately will last longer than a two stroke.

Read a good article that summed it up like this:

Two strokes for bay boats or 'pocket' center consoles that will get used in shallow water.

Four strokes for 'battlewagon' fishing boats that will see alot of blue water.

I Have a mako 1801 with a 115 opti it is a much dryer ride than my dads 24ft fishmaster. I will be getting the 2201 in january and going to power it with the 225 proxs.

cudakilla, if your going to look at a ranger then there are a number of fine boats to look at that are priced below the price of the ranger. I have not owned a mako so can't comment on them but for the money look at Pathfinders, Blazer's, their both a lighter weight boat but you can't beat them for perforance. Also there are champions, triton on the list. Ride and compare as far as four stokes same fight as chevy and ford what ever the person wants both have their pro's and con's

cudakilla,if you arent worried about shallow dont get a tunnel you giveup ride plus a few other things i have a 2102 kenner which the jury is still out on that, but i have a 150 suzuki 4/stroke which i love great motor. one year ago i was a merc die hard swore i would never own a 4/stroke now i love them. they say they they dont have a hole shot i have dam near throw several of my bass fishing buddies out of the boat.

Mako Owners Forum:
http://www.classicmako.com/forum/default.asp

Owned by Tracker Marine:
http://www.trackerboatcenter.com/index.asp

Other boat forums:
www.thehulltruth.com
http://www.boattest.com/


I have no comment on the boat. Never been in one...

Here is a boat you can get offshore and bay...However, requires 18" of water to get out of....

http://austin.craigslist.org/boa/447690283.html

Sea Pro are good boats, too...as long as you purchase one newer than 2000...

I have a 211 Mako tunnel with a Suzuki DF175 four stroke. The Mako boat as compared to the same size Kenner is longer, wider, beefier for a higher engine rating, and has a larger fuel tank. The Suzuki is everything I have heard and would not go back to a two stroke. It is very quiet, smooth, and no injection oil or smoke to mess with. It is 40 lbs heavy than an 175 Opti but when you count a two gallon oil tank it is only 22 lbs difference and not enough to worry about on a 22 foot boat. The Mako tunnel ride is good and handles well. I can not tell much diference from the Sea Fox I had. I think it is a good combination and bang for the buck.

Thanks for all your opinions. I looked at that Seapro and even though it is a nice boat I think that that particular boat is probably not the one for me.

I am however leaning more and more towards either the Frontier 21 or the Blackjack by K2 Marine. It just seems to be a very well thought out design and the standard features and layout are all very meaningful and useful. The boat feels very solid and well put together.

I am leaning towards either the Frontier with a 150 or 200 4-stroke Yamaha or a Blackjack with 250 4-stroke. Both in black to match my truck.

If any dealers out there have either one of the other in inventory please pm or email me. I plan to buy by the end of this year. I am in the Austin area but will drive to pick up anywhere in Texas. Will consider a good used one.

Cudakilla PM sent