I have had a 352 for 18 months, and love it, BUT! There are a few things you should know before buying one. They miss represent multiple things. The usable gallons is only 305. They sell options that don’t function. Their $7500 ac unit doesn’t function in any situation. The battery charger doesn’t produce enough volts to power the ac, and you can’t run the sea keeper and the ac at the same time. Not totally relevant because the ac doesn’t blow cold air. The battery charging system is a joke, and doesn’t charge enough to run sea keeper or ac. Sportsman doesn’t stand behind their product! When these situations were brought to their attention, they said it “works as advertised.” Which I interpret is that they didn’t advertise that the ac or Seakeeper would work. Other things to consider, they advertise that the coolers are insulated. This is a lie and they know it’s a lie. There is no insulation . The layout rocks, and I like the ride. I have put $450 hours on the engines in the first year. Now some of those hours are unnecessary because I have to have the engines on to keep the batteries from going dead within a few minutes. Less than 15. all boats have issues. It’s part of owning a boat. Just beware. Some builders build to a certain finish and stand behind their product and others have a different philosophy . Sportsman warranty language is pretty clear where they stand. I have replaced 16 screws that were not stainless , and numerous other fittings. Sportsman makes it clear that they don’t guarantee their screws will be stainless. Cushions are a good quality but the stuffing holds water and the cover does not wrap all around so the front bed soaks in and retains water. The bilge pumps are trash. I’ve had to replace all of them. The fish lockers don’t have enough pitch to drain. They aren’t water tight. Coolers are not insulated . Live wells are cool, but pumps fail. Overall this is a price point boat.fit and finish is far below top manufactures. The 352 is still better than the 34 cobia, tidewater, scout and a few others. But sportsman is still many steps away from Jupiter, intrepid , Valhalla,Edgewater , Everglades .
Appreciate the honest feedback. Sportsman seems to have some great marketing, features, options and aesthetics but a few of things you have pointed out (cushions, drainage on lockers, etc) I have noticed when viewing Sportsman. I am searching for something a bit smaller 26-28’ range to tow but am leaning more towards blackfin. Did you consider Blackfin?
Great video of a nice boat.
Can they CE certify?
Does the trailer come included in the price?
Do they export?
Love my 252!!!!
How about a look at the 261? There's a nice one in the background of you last video. (It might be ours. Waiting patiently in Michigan!)
Great video I commented on a video you did 4 months ago on making jig heads
Appreciate that Chase. I'm going to get the exact answer from Doug (who was in that video and then get back to you).
I have had a 352 for 18 months, and love it, BUT! There are a few things you should know before buying one. They miss represent multiple things. The usable gallons is only 305. They sell options that don’t function. Their $7500 ac unit doesn’t function in any situation. The battery charger doesn’t produce enough volts to power the ac, and you can’t run the sea keeper and the ac at the same time. Not totally relevant because the ac doesn’t blow cold air. The battery charging system is a joke, and doesn’t charge enough to run sea keeper or ac. Sportsman doesn’t stand behind their product! When these situations were brought to their attention, they said it “works as advertised.” Which I interpret is that they didn’t advertise that the ac or Seakeeper would work.
Other things to consider, they advertise that the coolers are insulated. This is a lie and they know it’s a lie. There is no insulation .
The layout rocks, and I like the ride. I have put $450 hours on the engines in the first year. Now some of those hours are unnecessary because I have to have the engines on to keep the batteries from going dead within a few minutes. Less than 15.
all boats have issues. It’s part of owning a boat. Just beware. Some builders build to a certain finish and stand behind their product and others have a different philosophy . Sportsman warranty language is pretty clear where they stand.
I have replaced 16 screws that were not stainless , and numerous other fittings. Sportsman makes it clear that they don’t guarantee their screws will be stainless.
Cushions are a good quality but the stuffing holds water and the cover does not wrap all around so the front bed soaks in and retains water.
The bilge pumps are trash. I’ve had to replace all of them.
The fish lockers don’t have enough pitch to drain. They aren’t water tight.
Coolers are not insulated .
Live wells are cool, but pumps fail.
Overall this is a price point boat.fit and finish is far below top manufactures. The 352 is still better than the 34 cobia, tidewater, scout and a few others. But sportsman is still many steps away from Jupiter, intrepid , Valhalla,Edgewater , Everglades .
Appreciate the honest feedback. Sportsman seems to have some great marketing, features, options and aesthetics but a few of things you have pointed out (cushions, drainage on lockers, etc) I have noticed when viewing Sportsman. I am searching for something a bit smaller 26-28’ range to tow but am leaning more towards blackfin. Did you consider Blackfin?
I Am SOOOOO Appreciative of this information because I was about to huh a 322 tomorrow. Now I’m going to do even more research.
What boats would be your best recommendaction between 33-37feet based on top quality and safety standards?