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codeman671 · 03-26-2012, 10:22 AM

I would suggest Manitou boats (Rochester Sports Center on 125) or Premier from Winnisquam. Having owned both brands I was happy with each.

I think the fit and finish is better with Premier, although my last Manitou was an 07 and I know they have improved since. I think the Manitou was a better handling boat in rough water as well as faster. The Premier rides well, don't get me wrong.

I had a problem with the bimini frame on my Premier snapping last season in the wind at a relatively low speed. I have the 13.5' long version which is considered very large. I am hoping Premier did something to reinforce/correct this going forward. Winnisquam had it fixed in no time, right in my slip.

Go 4 stroke. I was talked into the Optimax 250 Pro XS on mine. It is a great motor, and definitely quieter than my last Optimax 225 but it still is not as quiet as the Verado. I notice that with my monster bimini extended it is a bit loud under power. With the bimini stowed it is very quiet.

Being an islander our boat is constantly hauling a lot of people, dogs and gear. Winnisquam dropped my prop pitch considerably to get me out of the hole better and to get my overall RPM's up. I didn't notice any real loss of speed at top end as the motor is turning where it should be now and it sounds a lot better when under load.

03-26-2012, 10:22 AM	#16
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,506 Thanks: 221 Thanked 817 Times in 490 Posts	I would suggest Manitou boats (Rochester Sports Center on 125) or Premier from Winnisquam. Having owned both brands I was happy with each. I think the fit and finish is better with Premier, although my last Manitou was an 07 and I know they have improved since. I think the Manitou was a better handling boat in rough water as well as faster. The Premier rides well, don't get me wrong. I had a problem with the bimini frame on my Premier snapping last season in the wind at a relatively low speed. I have the 13.5' long version which is considered very large. I am hoping Premier did something to reinforce/correct this going forward. Winnisquam had it fixed in no time, right in my slip. Go 4 stroke. I was talked into the Optimax 250 Pro XS on mine. It is a great motor, and definitely quieter than my last Optimax 225 but it still is not as quiet as the Verado. I notice that with my monster bimini extended it is a bit loud under power. With the bimini stowed it is very quiet. Being an islander our boat is constantly hauling a lot of people, dogs and gear. Winnisquam dropped my prop pitch considerably to get me out of the hole better and to get my overall RPM's up. I didn't notice any real loss of speed at top end as the motor is turning where it should be now and it sounds a lot better when under load.