Ride Comparison: 235 v. 255 CONQUEST

Optimizing the performance of Boston Whaler boats
Mvboater
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Joined: Sat Jun 03, 2017 7:58 am

Ride Comparison: 235 v. 255 CONQUEST

Postby Mvboater » Sat Jun 03, 2017 8:00 am

How much better is the ride in the 255 CONQUEST versus the 235 CONQUEST? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking at both the 235 CONQUEST and 255 CONQUEST. I can buy both boats for about the same money. The 235 CONQUEST is a newer boat by three years, and has much less hours.

jimh
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Re: Ride Comparison: 235 v. 255 CONQUEST

Postby jimh » Sat Jun 03, 2017 8:43 am

One index of boat hull dimensions that might be linked to the somewhat nebulous characteristic of "ride" is the length-to-beam ratio. Compute the length-to-beam ratio of the two hulls. The hull with the higher length-to-beam ratio may exhibit better ability to make progress upwind into head seas.

Generally speaking, as hull waterline length increases, then the ability of the boat to remain stable in waves improves.

The 255 CONQUEST has an ACCU-TRAK hull design. The 235 CONQUEST has a newer hull design, but it is not markedly different.

Generally the ride characteristics do not change with age or hours of use, so the notion that one hull was made more recently than the other or one hull has been underway fewer hours than the other should not affect the ride.

Mvboater
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Joined: Sat Jun 03, 2017 7:58 am

255 Conquest versus 235 Conquest-need advice

Postby Mvboater » Sat Jun 03, 2017 1:35 pm

I am comparing two Boston Whalers. A 2006 255 Conquest versus a 2009 235 Conquest. I can buy them for close to the same money but the 235 has only 175 hours compared to 400 for the older 255. Is the ride of the 255 significantly better?

Anyone having experience with these boats - I would love your input.

jimh
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Location: Michigan, Lower Peninsula
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Re: Ride Comparison: 235 v. 255 CONQUEST

Postby jimh » Sat Jun 03, 2017 4:57 pm

Please note: this thread was started in MARKETPLACE, then moved to PERFORMANCE. A duplicate topic was started in THE GAM. The duplicate thread has been merged with the original thread. To discuss aspects of the performance of Boston Whaler boats, such as their ride characteristics, the PERFORMANCE forum is the best topic area. The originator of these threads has been notified that his thread has been moved and his duplicate thread merged with the original thread.

Stayinstrewn
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Joined: Thu Oct 15, 2015 9:16 pm

Re: 255 Conquest versus 235 Conquest-need advice

Postby Stayinstrewn » Thu Jun 08, 2017 10:50 pm

Typically more waterline is your friend, meaning better ride. I haven't been in either [boat] so [I] can't help with direct experience.

A running time of 400 hours isn't bad at all. Look more closely at the whole package, including the ride, and see what boat is right for you and your family.
Wasque - 1979 Outrage 22, Honda 225