Sealine S23 advice and help needed

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dannie

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I am looking at an s23 sealine 2003. Will be moored on Windemere as we have a caravan in bowness. We won't really sleep on it much, maybe the odd night. We did look at a bayliner 285 but decided we don't need a boat that big. Essentially we will use it on the lake only and want something with more facilities for full day use moored up somewhere on the lake eg toilet/fridge

Are these a good buy? it is in very good condition.
Cheers,
Dan
 
They are OK if you like that sort of thing. Bit tippy.

A lot more of a weekender than a day boat with facilities though.

You'll find more and more very smart day boats out there that come with small loos tucked away and the ability to make a brew (even with a portable stove) at the big plus of having FAR more useable space.
 
We have had our 2003 S23 for 2 years now and love it to bits. We weekend aboard her every weekend even in the midst of winter and take all of our holidays aboard her as well.

We have found that ours suits all of our needs in a compact package that is hard to beat. For us the US small cruisers just didnt offer the same level of build quality and reliable diesel engines for the same money (you would be looking at a petrol version and we didnt want petrol)

We have found our S23 very easy to handle and easily capable of sea work when we have needed her to be. We keep her mainly based inland and the compact dimensions make her easy to handle on smaller rivers and canals but she has a good turn of foot when we have taken her into more open water for a mess around at higher speed.

We have found our S23 to be very self sufficient and easily capable of weeks away without the need to be plugged into a marina power supply (a trait some of our friends with US boats sorely miss out on). The gas cooking also means you dont have to rely on shore power or meths for cooking.

The only downside for us is the size of the shower room. It isnt huge but we manage with it, luckily neither of us are tall or of larger build.

We dont envisage changing our boat for a long while yet however these boats do tend to go through a few owners in their time. We are by far the longest owner of ours already at 2 years in.
 
It is a diesel not a petrol, single volvo engine. Not sure of the hours. I have seen on another thread someone saying it's a bit tippy, we noticed that when we boarded. It seemed to suit us, the seating inside was good, the lakes does get a fair amount of rain!!! Plus it had new covers on. It's not like you hit big waves on windemere just wake from other boats. We looked at a 28 foot but to be honest it seemed a bit large for what we want it for. Is there any others we should look at? We did like the standard the sealine was fitted too. It's good to hear from someone very happy with theirs, we don't want to spend so much we can't use it!! Plus I want something nice and comfortable. We very nearly bought a 285 bayliner but we won't sleep on it enough to warrant it, plus the sealine was nicer although smaller.
 
Before we bought ours we looked at a few of the US 25 footers including the Bayliner 245, Sea Ray 240 and a Larson (cant remember the model but it was a big glorified cuddy). It does pay to look at the competition before making your choice.

If the S23 you are looking at has been well maintained and serviced (both the outdrive and the engine) on time i wouldnt worry too much about the hours. Ours had 240 hours on the clock when we bought her at 5 years old. We have since added a further 500 hours in 2 years with no major problems. You do have to keep on top of servicing and maintenance though.

We are servicing ours again this coming weekend as we have just reached 500 hours when away on her last week. The service parts are not the cheapest if you use genuine Volvo Penta parts but the cost is worth it for piece of mind.

Assuming the boat you are looking at has a KAD32 they are pretty much bomb proof and should give you many years of service.
 
I was going to give input but CX54WEK has pretty much covered all i'd say.

I've had mine for 2 seasons now and no regrets at all, and i've not had any issues that I can remember (ie. that have cost me big money!)

The KAD32 doesn't need an introduction, a very well respected and reliable marine engine.

I'm happy with the build of my S23, you can't compare it to a US boat build wise.
The gas cooker and useable loo/shower is a big bonus for me, and the winner is the fridge outside. OK it takes up some space, but you don't have to worry about your carpets getting ruined when you offer someone a beer (and make them fetch it themselves). Just to say, I have no problem having a shower in her. I just sit on the bog and have a sitting shower - I'd normally have to do that anyway cause i'm normally hungover any morning i'm on the boat :D

I'm looking to upgrade to an S28 at the moment (have been for a while) purely because I want to extend my cruising time/range
 
Nautibusiness said:
They are OK if you like that sort of thing. Bit tippy.

A lot more of a weekender than a day boat with facilities though.

You'll find more and more very smart day boats out there that come with small loos tucked away and the ability to make a brew (even with a portable stove) at the big plus of having FAR more useable space.
Click to expand...

What sort of thing would you suggest? I would be interested in all opinions before we decide.
 
dannie said:
What sort of thing would you suggest? I would be interested in all opinions before we decide.
Click to expand...

Depends on what you want:
Do you want to be able to cook?
Do you want to be able to wash the dishes in a decent sized sink?
Do you want to be able to actually use the jacks?
Do you want to be able to shower?
Do you want to be able to sit people in the cabin?
Do you want to be able to sit people up top?
Do you want to anchor a lot? (electric windlass)
Do you want to be kept warm (Erberspracher)
Do you want to be able to trailer your boat?
Do you want diesel?

MY answer to the above was YES which is why I ended up with an S23. The only disadvantage I find is the tiny bathing platform. It's all compromise
 
My advice

buy it
try it
use it

Only then will you know if it suits you.

If it doesn't, sell it and buy something that does for you what the S23 doesn't.

I think you're only problem will be its a bit small, if it isn't then perfect - keep it!

Good luck

Post a picture when you have it :-)
 
alt said:
Depends on what you want:
Do you want to be able to cook?
Do you want to be able to wash the dishes in a decent sized sink?
Do you want to be able to actually use the jacks?
Do you want to be able to shower?
Do you want to be able to sit people in the cabin?
Do you want to be able to sit people up top?
Do you want to anchor a lot? (electric windlass)
Do you want to be kept warm (Erberspracher)
Do you want to be able to trailer your boat?
Do you want diesel?

MY answer to the above was YES which is why I ended up with an S23. The only disadvantage I find is the tiny bathing platform. It's all compromise
Click to expand...

It is fine as a pocket cruiser, but the OP doesn't want to cruise.
He wants a loo, he wants a brew and he wants lots of space to enjoy spending time on the lake with friends and family.

The S23 is 25' cruiser. Half of the space is taken up with a whole stack of bits the OP is never going to use and probably never see. Leaving a 12' cockpit where he will spend all of his time and be (relatively) cramped compared with an open boat.

I agree that some US brands really leave a little to be desired when it comes to build, but there are also some that are equal or superior to the European brands.

I am intentionally using a totally different style as a casing point as I don't want to start any squabbles on "my boat is better than yours", but as an example, something like a Cabo will kick seven barrels out of something like an Offshore.

When new boat sales were going great guns and I sold a couple of used boats a year I was of a similar opinion to one or two posters here. In the last three years I've gained experience on dozens and dozens of different styles and makes and some have truly changed my opinions.
Some examples:

Yes a diesel engine is definitely my number one choice where possible. I have one. But modern outboards, where suitable, are wonderful and easy to use and my old hate, the petrol inboard, has truly changed. The very latest generation of petrol inboards are so much superior to their old carburettor versions. At tick over and up to medium crusing speeds their is little difference in consumption - sure go WOT and they still suck it through, but for the first time in my boating career I would now consider a petrol inboard for my own use.

For the OP: Now these may be completely the wrong boats for you, but do take a look at something so outlandish and against the grain of this forum. You may be very surprised at how suitable it is for what you have mentioned.
Take a look at one of the very large (22'+) bow riders from one of the top American brands like Sea Ray or maybe Fourwinns or Crownline (I am a Sea Ray dealer, but don't have anything suitable used so this isn't touting I promise!).

The bigger bowriders have heads, a fridge (or the facility to fit one), somewhere to cook. Fit the bow cover and you have a small cuddy for very occassional nights over or at least a store. Have a camper canvas and you now have an ENORMOUS conservatory to relax in on a chilly evening and the boat will remain very towable and still put a grin on your face when you are allowed to run at more than tick over speed.

...just an alternative that will offer MASSES more useable day space than a small cruiser.
It's not right or wrong, but does open up alternative options.
 
Nautibusiness said:
It is fine as a pocket cruiser, but the OP doesn't want to cruise.
He wants a loo, he wants a brew and he wants lots of space to enjoy spending time on the lake with friends and family.

The S23 is 25' cruiser. Half of the space is taken up with a whole stack of bits the OP is never going to use and probably never see. Leaving a 12' cockpit where he will spend all of his time and be (relatively) cramped compared with an open boat.

I agree that some US brands really leave a little to be desired when it comes to build, but there are also some that are equal or superior to the European brands.

I am intentionally using a totally different style as a casing point as I don't want to start any squabbles on "my boat is better than yours", but as an example, something like a Cabo will kick seven barrels out of something like an Offshore.

When new boat sales were going great guns and I sold a couple of used boats a year I was of a similar opinion to one or two posters here. In the last three years I've gained experience on dozens and dozens of different styles and makes and some have truly changed my opinions.
Some examples:

Yes a diesel engine is definitely my number one choice where possible. I have one. But modern outboards, where suitable, are wonderful and easy to use and my old hate, the petrol inboard, has truly changed. The very latest generation of petrol inboards are so much superior to their old carburettor versions. At tick over and up to medium crusing speeds their is little difference in consumption - sure go WOT and they still suck it through, but for the first time in my boating career I would now consider a petrol inboard for my own use.

For the OP: Now these may be completely the wrong boats for you, but do take a look at something so outlandish and against the grain of this forum. You may be very surprised at how suitable it is for what you have mentioned.
Take a look at one of the very large (22'+) bow riders from one of the top American brands like Sea Ray or maybe Fourwinns or Crownline (I am a Sea Ray dealer, but don't have anything suitable used so this isn't touting I promise!).

The bigger bowriders have heads, a fridge (or the facility to fit one), somewhere to cook. Fit the bow cover and you have a small cuddy for very occassional nights over or at least a store. Have a camper canvas and you now have an ENORMOUS conservatory to relax in on a chilly evening and the boat will remain very towable and still put a grin on your face when you are allowed to run at more than tick over speed.

...just an alternative that will offer MASSES more useable day space than a small cruiser.
It's not right or wrong, but does open up alternative options.
Click to expand...

Whilst what you say is on the whole correct, the OP has also expressed the wish to be able to use the toilet and galley facilities aboard the boat. With the best will in the world the open sports boats have at most a cuddy cabin with a porta loo stuck under the cuddy bed. Not ideal for toilet breaks and the cooking facilities leave a little to be desired on most open boats as well.

It is unfair to say that half the boat on an S23 wont be used as that half contains the cooking and toilet facilities the OP has expressed he wants. The cockpit on the S23 is useable in all weathers and the hoods provide an excellent space to use even in the most adverse of weathers. It can easily seat six on comfort and the fridge is at hand in the cockpit aswell. Handy for those cold beers.

The S23 is towable but you do need a big car to do so. We know people that tow theirs whenever they want to see somewhere new. Some friends have recently taken theirs to cornwall on the trailer.

The S23 may not be the quickest boat around, but it is still more than capable at putting a grin on anyones face when it gets up and shifting along. Ours is quite happy to cruise along at 25 knots all day if you wish and tops out at just over 30 knots. Not bad for a cruiser that packs so much in down below.

Another bonus of the S23 is that they hold their value well and are a popular boat. Look after it and keep it well maintained and you wont lose a lot of money even if you decide the boat isnt for you.
 
CX54WEK said:
Whilst what you say is on the whole correct, the OP has also expressed the wish to be able to use the toilet and galley facilities aboard the boat. With the best will in the world the open sports boats have at most a cuddy cabin with a porta loo stuck under the cuddy bed. Not ideal for toilet breaks and the cooking facilities leave a little to be desired on most open boats as well.
Click to expand...

For a pure day boat forget any form of cuddy or cabin, it's just space that can't be enjoyed outside.

The larger bow rider (and even centre console) style boats almost all have a decent heads compartment tucked into the dash. Reverse in jobs, but surprisingly spacious, some with vacuflush loos to holding tanks and some with showers.

Cooking facilities are usually limited agreed. But a BBQ and portable stove is all anyone needs for a brew and a party onboard?
 
Thanks everyone, the big bowriders are an option I had not at all considered, I didn't know you could get toilets etc on them. We are going to look again at a sealine today so will let you know what we think.
We have looked at four winns and weren't convinced they were right for us, but haven't looked at any crownlines yet.
Cheers
 
Nautibusiness said:
For a pure day boat forget any form of cuddy or cabin, it's just space that can't be enjoyed outside.

The larger bow rider (and even centre console) style boats almost all have a decent heads compartment tucked into the dash. Reverse in jobs, but surprisingly spacious, some with vacuflush loos to holding tanks and some with showers.

Cooking facilities are usually limited agreed. But a BBQ and portable stove is all anyone needs for a brew and a party onboard?
Click to expand...

Yes but the OP has expressed an interest in the odd night aboard, not really practical in a bow rider!!!!
 
dannie said:
Thanks everyone, the big bowriders are an option I had not at all considered, I didn't know you could get toilets etc on them. We are going to look again at a sealine today so will let you know what we think.
We have looked at four winns and weren't convinced they were right for us, but haven't looked at any crownlines yet.
Cheers
Click to expand...

Have you looked at the smaller Bayliners (245), Maxum (2400), Larson, Rinker and Sea Ray (240) offerings?

May not be what you want but worth a look to discount the competition to the Sealine S23/S25.
 
You should also have a look at the Rinker 250 Fiesta Vee. When I was looking for a bigger boat last year I looked at the S23 and the Rinker. For me the Rinker won out with a better use of the cockpit space (including the reverse facing seat on the left, which the Sealine doesn't have). The other boat I liked the look of is the Doral Monticello, which has a rear bench seat that slides out to give you more cockpit space.

All three boats can be had for around the same money and would be worth looking at before you make your mind up.
 
CX54WEK said:
Have you looked at the smaller Bayliners (245), Maxum (2400), Larson, Rinker and Sea Ray (240) offerings?

May not be what you want but worth a look to discount the competition to the Sealine S23/S25.
Click to expand...

I thought you said they (S23s) held their value? ;-)
 
CX54WEK said:
Yes but the OP has expressed an interest in the odd night aboard, not really practical in a bow rider!!!!
Click to expand...

You would be amazed at the space with the bow tonneau on and the infill in place and then the camper canvas up in the cockpit it makes for one hell of a "tent".
The sleeping space (headroom) is admittedly small and low, but the berth size is very generous and, hell, you have your eyes closed and are usually snoring once in that bit. The remainder of the boat is vast, spacious and very airy and for the sake of one or two overnights a year, but dozens of day trips it makes far more sense than full on cabin facilities which will be used almost never.
 
Last edited:
At the end of the day we could argue this until we are blue in the face. It is upto the OP to decide the right boat for them.

Personally i dont see that sleeping on a bow rider is really an option. Cooking and using the toilet facilities would be interesting as well once you have added a fridge, cooker and overnight gear aboard, there really wont be much room for manouvre as it were.

A "real" cruiser offers more choices, more privacy and also offers the cockpit which is roomy enough for when you have guests. Hey you can even have guests stay over night relatively comfortably and there is no need for roughing it or camping aboard. You have proper and comfortable beds. No need to be making berths up either there is a fixed double berth that is large and roomy.
 
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