Mercury Slatwater Series, 225 hp, 1998

The engine is a 2-stroke. For a 2-stroke the fuel economy is not too bad, but after running a few 4-strokes I can see the difference. I will be repowering in the next year with a 4-stroke.

Majic Tilt, Aluminum trailer purchased new in 2000. Trailer pulls great with my 1/2 ton Z71. Recently purchased new radial trailer tires that made a world of difference when towing.

Minimum 1/2 ton with a V8. I suggest a 1/2 ton with a towing package.

2

Moderate chop is no problem at all. Usually don't even feel it. With a 17 degree deadrise the ride into a steep head sea can be bumpy. Not to much of a problem since I usually back off the throttle and use the tabs to push the bow down. Bow entry is very sharp so it makes a difference. The 17 degree deadrise has some advantages with the handling in a following sea and with planing capabilities.

Offshore

Typical walkaround layout. Aft storage in both port and starboard gunnels. Anchor locker in bow. Below deck livewell. Lots of cabnets and storage in cabin. V-Berth can sleep two adults and two kids easily. Sink w/15 gallons fresh water. Porta Potty stored inside starboard locker in cabin.

The hull is a 1989 so she has a few small scars. I bought the rig from the original owner in 2000 and it had hardly been used. It was garage kept and only used for motoring around the sound. It was almost like buying a new boat because they had never added any accessories to the hull. Nothing at all. The boat had never even had a bottom machine installed. Since that time I have added full electronics, a top, and many other accessories.

Well, it is mine and it is paid for. I really like the quality of the older mako boats. I would like to own a newer boat one day, but most of them don't seem to have the lines like the older hulls.

The only thing I would change is the in deck livewell. I would like to have a full transom rig with the livewell in the transom. The cut out transom on this boat is not the problem. It never stern swamps. I just hate bending down to get bait.

There are many manufactuers of the same Walk Around type layouts.

Yes I would. I do not care much for the quality in the newer Mako's, but this older Mako is built like a tank. The newer offshore Mako's seem kind of thin when you compare them to the older hulls.

$25k with all the gear electronics and safety equipment.

Hard to say since I only paid $10,000 for this one with a 1.5 year old engine. Of course I have invested much more than that in it since then. The owner was in his 60's and his younger wife was divorcing him. He was selling everyting he owned. I am pleased with this one so I would do the same again.

When I was shopping I was looking for a fishing boat. I ran across this one and was not sure about it since it had a cabin. I thought it might not be what I want for fishing. Well now I would not have it any other way. I love the idea of a cabin becasue all of my gear stays out of the elements. I have a full enclosure so when the weather is foul we can run right along and stay dry and warm. It is even nice to take a break and lay down in the V-berth from time to time. If I ever go to a larger rig it will definetly be a ride with a cabin.