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I'm not really in the market for another Whaler, but I stumble across an opportunity, which is rare in the Alabama deep South. I am generally familiar with the Conquest line, but I would appreciate anyone's input on their ride, performance, etc. Not really excited about the covered bow (given the relatively small cuddy area) as I'm generally used to an open hull. This particular model is a 1998 hull with a 1998 Yamaha 250 outboard. Seems a little underpowered to me at first glance. Any particular issue I should explore/anticipate? Any comments, good or bad, are welcome.
I love my 1999 280 Conquest. It's a bit larger than what your looking at, but it is a great hull. Plenty of fishing space aft and the kids don't mind fishing from the bow either. However, I hate the Mercs hanging on the transom... can't wait to make an anchor out of each of them !!!
I just bought a 98 Conquest 21, and have had a great experience so far. It's my first boat, first Whaler and have had her on the water for about 3 weeks now. With the Yamaha 225 four stroke she has averaged about 5.5 gph overall. It handles well (we've been in 2-4 foot chop), and has a nice amount of room for my family of 5 to comfortably cruise and fish. The cuddy is small, but it does provide a some storage space and a place for the kids to take a nap if they get bored with Dad chasing stripers
Another member on this site, Bella, has a 1999 23 Conquest with a 225HP Mercury. I know he is pleased with performance. I believe his top speed is 42 MPH. He pulls skiers, tubes and takes the boat offshore fishing. The waters by us are often quite choppy, and this boat has a very nice, solid ride.
I do not believe it is at all underpowered with a 250HP motor.
There is plenty of room to fish off the bow, and one feels very secure. The cabin models, especially with the hardtop, are very desireable up here (NJ/NY area), as they help extend the fishing season when combined with a canvas set.
I owned (just sold) a 1998 21' Conquest which when i bought new i liked better than the 23. It handles well and the cabin is nice especially a head for the wife and kids. The old Mercs stink so I put a Yamaha on it. The true tell is I like it so much that I bought a 305 Conquest. Lots more room and the Verados are awesome.
Bottom line, if you do not plan on over nights, the center console provides more space and at 23' you can still get a head.
Thanks to everyone for the input, but it looks like it wasn't meant to be. Too bad, 'cause the old girl looks lonely stuck on that trailer. Hopefully another opportunity will present itself.
