Went and looked at the Blue Wave 220 Striper today. Looks like a good, sturdy boat, but have never been out in one. I have three questions ...

1. Supposedly as of 2003, this model comes with a 40 gal shad tank (I think by Blue Water - not sure). Does anyone know about this bait tank? I like the idea of it coming built in from the factory and covered under the boat's warranty. I was thinking of getting something like the Sunshine, Supertank, or Grayline anyway, but don't want to go with this if it's not comparable. It's a plumed, insulated, filtered, and heated tank, but don't know if it's really considered "best of breed" like the others. Anyone familiar with it?

2. Does anyone have any experience with Renfro Marine in Lancaster? This is where I saw the boat. Spoke with Tommy Renfro and he seemed nice enough. Just wanted to know if anyone has experience with this dealer they'd like to share. I want a dealer that will work hard for me in case there are any warranty claims or anything else that needs their cooperation.

3. Blue Wave seems to have a good reputation on this forum. Anyone here have the 220 Striper?

Thanks!
shad-bone

Shad all I can tell ya is Bluewave is a good boat with good tech. support. I love my boat! Check the website www.bluewave.com for boat info.

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theres only two kinds. Good ole big'ems. And big ole good ems.

I know Tommy Renfro well
Hell take care of you.
Haven't heard anything bad
He has helped me in the past
Hes got a good mechanic.
The Blue wave shouldn't give you any problems what motor are you going with
BOB www.bobholmesguideserviceonrichlandchambers.com

Bob, thanks for sharing your experience with Renfro Marine. I haven't really thought about the motor yet. I noticed that it had a Yamaha 200 V MAX. The only question I asked Tommy was whether he thought that boat needed a 200 or if I could drop down a little to save some money. Tommy said he runs the exact same boat himself and suggested not going below the 200 on the 220 Striper.

I like the 4 strokes, but think they are a little overpriced still, so I'm most likely looking at a 2 stroke fuel injected. Is the HPDI the way to go or should I just stick with the 3.1L OX66?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm sure it shows, but I am pretty new to boating and have a lot to learn.

Thanks.

[This message has been edited by shad-to-the-bone (edited 02-08-2004).]

[This message has been edited by shad-to-the-bone (edited 02-08-2004).]

Shad, he's right about NOT downsizing to save money. You'll be disappointed in the performance.

Plus too, Yamaha's 150 is now carbed - not fuel injected. I'm not sure why anyone would be an outboard with carbs on it.

I'm not sure where you fish most of the time but go with the OX66. You won't have to worry as much about the corrosion. Texoma is NOT a fresh water lake.

Oh yeah, I bought the Sea Pro SV2100CC striper model this year but I didn't get the bait tank because I wanted to control that end of things.

The striper model has a special console without the seat and live well in front. It's got a curved base where the bait tank rests.

Sea Pro wanted $500 for the option. I told them I wanted the console, but not the tank.

There was no charge for the striper console.

I bought a 27 gallon molded tank from Sunshine because I am well aware of the quality of his product. And, his tanks are less than $500.

Just my puts.

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Ax Man Mac

I have had the 22 ft. Blue Wave Classic for 5 years, outstanding boat! I have nothing but good to say about the support that the company shows their owners!

Keith
Lake Bridgeport Guide Service

I bought the Sea Pro 2100cc in 1997. Have had nothing but good times/fishing out of it. Went to the boat show the last 3 years & found no boats I would rather have, only motors.

Shad BONE any BOAT twenty feet long should have a 200hp motor
Just look at the yahmaha 225 4 stroke.
I am personaly waiting on the mercury 250 4 stroke coming out in may.
yes the hpdi is the other best way to go
my 2 cents
Bob

I have a Blue Wave Classic 22 with a Yamaha 150 Saltwater (2 stroke fuel injected). I am completely satisfied with that being enough horsepower and top out at 43 mph.

If I had it to do over again now I would get the new Yamaha 150 four-stroke and am confident that the extra 100 pounds wouldn't affect performance significantly.

Shad-

I've got the 220 Classic w/ the Yamaha 200 HPDI, and have never regretted the engine decision for a second. I'm not sure you need this much motor when you're by yourself, the bait tanks are empty, and your're at 1/4 tank of fuel, but I'll tell you the bigger motor is sure nice when you've got all of the above full (30 gal external bait tank, 40 gal fuel, 5 guys, full ice chest, etc).

Its rare day on Texoma when you can actually open it up, but I've done 54 on the gps with bait, full fuel, tackle, and 3 other guys. The HPDI is a really nice motor that I've never had any problems with.

matt

I have a 220 with a 175 Yamaha and I am more than happy with the power I have. This is my second Blue Wave I had the 189 1st. If you get one take a hard look at the front anchor storage every time I use it I think what a great option to have everthing is in one place wet rope and anchor is kept separate with a drain hole.

Thanks for all the feedback. Still not certain about the motor choice, but feel much better educated than before.

Bird Dog, I'll look into the anchor storage options on that boat. Good thing to think about, as long as I don't loose too much other storage to accommodate it.

Thats where the anchor storage is on the bay stealth.
Its handy