Manatee 23 Vto: A Boater's Dream Vessel?

Manatee boats were popular in the 70s and 80s and are no longer in business. They were well-built boats with a solid reputation. A 23' Manatee boat would have been a good option for those seeking a basic, no-frills vessel. The 23' footer was known for its speed and ability to handle long-distance voyages, as mentioned by someone whose father owned one. The boat's simple design and ease of maintenance are also highlighted by other owners. Overall, the 23' Manatee boat, while lacking luxury features, is a good choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable vessel.

The 23' Manatee boat is good for fishing and family recreation

The 23 Manatee boat is a great choice for fishing and family recreation. It offers a smooth ride and efficient planing, making it perfect for a day on the water with loved ones. Here are some reasons why the 23 Manatee boat is an excellent option for those seeking a vessel for fishing and recreational activities:

Performance and Handling:

The 23 Manatee boat delivers a smooth and stable ride, providing a comfortable experience for all on board. Its efficient planing capabilities allow for a seamless transition to higher speeds, making it ideal for cruising and fishing.

Spaciousness and Comfort:

The 23 Manatee boat offers ample space for both fishing gear and family recreation. Its layout provides room for comfortable seating and fishing equipment, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

Durability and Craftsmanship:

Manatee boats are known for their sturdy construction and attention to detail. The hulls are well-built and durable, ensuring a safe and reliable experience on the water. The craftsmanship of Manatee boats is often praised, with some owners attesting to their sound structure and solid floors even after years of use.

Community and Support:

There is a dedicated community of Manatee boat enthusiasts who speak highly of their vessels. Online forums and boating communities provide a wealth of information, with owners sharing their positive experiences and offering insights into the brand. This sense of community can be valuable for new owners seeking advice and support.

Affordability and Accessibility:

Manatee boats are often available at reasonable prices on the brokerage market. This accessibility makes them an attractive option for those seeking an affordable and well-crafted vessel for fishing and family recreation.

In conclusion, the 23 Manatee boat is a fantastic choice for fishing and family recreation. Its performance, comfort, and durability make it a versatile vessel capable of creating memorable experiences on the water for years to come.

The 23' Manatee boat has a good resale value

The 23 Manatee boat has good resale value, with one owner reporting that they saw a Manatee boat for sale for $3K with a fairly new Merc engine, with the engine alone worth more than that. Manatee boats are well-made, with one owner commenting that their 1976 19-foot runabout was a great first boat. The owner of a 23-foot Manatee boat spoke very highly of it, and another owner reported that theirs was a great boat in its day.

Manatee boats are no longer in production, which may contribute to their resale value. They were built in Florida and were popular in the 1970s and 1980s. They are well-regarded for their craftsmanship, with one owner commenting that their 1981 model was still holding up well over 20 years later. Another owner reported that their 17-year-old boat had a solid floor, which is a testament to the quality of Manatee boats.

The 23 Manatee boat's resale value is further enhanced by its reputation for being a good, reliable boat. One owner shared that their 23-foot Manatee boat was basic but ran pretty quickly for a boat with a CHEVY straight six engine. Another owner of a 21-foot Manatee boat reported that theirs had needed little TLC but was otherwise a sound hull, and they had taken it out in nasty weather without any issues. The boat's resale value is also helped by its spacious layout, with one owner commenting that the interior seems like that of a larger boat due to the lack of side decks.

Overall, the 23 Manatee boat has good resale value due to its reputation for being a well-crafted, reliable boat, as well as its spacious interior layout. Its status as a discontinued boat may also contribute to its resale value.

The 23' Manatee boat is a good choice for those seeking a starter boat

The 23 Manatee boat is a good choice for those seeking a starter boat. Manatee boats were popular in the 70s and 80s and are known for their sturdy build and performance. They are well-suited for fishing and family recreation, offering a smooth ride and good planing capabilities.

One of the standout features of the Manatee boat is its spacious layout. The full beam is carried forward, providing a generous amount of interior space. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a live-aboard cruiser or a boat with ample room for family and friends. The enclosed bridge offers wrap-around seating, and the aft deck provides additional storage space for a dinghy.

The Manatee boat's design also prioritises comfort and stability. With a range of 1100 miles at 6-7 knots, it is a favourite among cruisers. The boat's performance is further enhanced by its efficient fuel consumption, making it ideal for long-distance cruising.

In terms of construction, Manatee boats are known for their solid hulls and sound craftsmanship. While some maintenance and updates may be required for older models, they have a reputation for holding up well over time. The hulls are typically made of fiberglass, with plywood decks. However, it is important to address any issues with foam insulation to prevent saturation.

Overall, the 23 Manatee boat is a well-built and versatile option, suitable for both beginners and experienced boaters. Its spacious layout, comfortable amenities, and efficient performance make it a good choice for those seeking a starter boat that can accommodate their evolving needs on the water.

The 23' Manatee boat is a good option for those wanting a live-aboard boat

The 23 Manatee boat is a good option for those wanting a live-aboard boat. Manatee boats are well-known for their spaciousness and sturdy construction. The company behind these boats, Kadey Krogen, is known for producing roomy vessels, with the interior space of the Manatee 23 being carried forward to the master stateroom. This makes the boat feel much larger than its 36-foot length.

The single-cabin design of the Manatee 23 is highly sought-after by live-aboard cruisers, with only a few of the double-cabin models ever being built. The boat's enclosed bridge offers wrap-around seating for guests, and the aft deck hardtop provides storage for a dinghy. With a range of 1100 miles at 6-7 knots, the Manatee 23 is an excellent choice for those looking to cruise and live on the water.

Manatee boats have a strong reputation, with many owners speaking highly of their performance and durability. The boats are well-built, with solid floors and hulls, and are known to be safe and reliable. They are also easy to trailer and handle, making them a good option for those new to boating or looking for a more manageable vessel.

The Manatee 23 is a good choice for those wanting a live-aboard boat due to its spacious interior, sturdy construction, and positive reputation among owners. It offers a comfortable and safe boating experience, with the added benefit of being easy to handle and trailer.

The 23' Manatee boat is a good choice for those wanting a well-crafted boat

The 23 Manatee boat is a good choice for those wanting a well-crafted boat. Manatee boats were popular in the 70s and 80s and are known for their sturdy build and comfortable ride. While the company is no longer in business, many of their boats are still in operation today, a testament to their durability.

One of the standout features of the Manatee boats is their spacious interiors. The full beam width of the boat is utilised for the salon, providing ample living space. This makes the Manatee an excellent choice for those seeking a roomy and comfortable boating experience. The efficient use of space also extends to the galley, which offers generous storage options and a practical layout.

In terms of performance, the Manatee boats deliver a smooth and stable ride. The hull design, often described as a "basic boat", focuses on functionality and ease of use. The wide bow flare contributes to a drier ride, making it suitable for a range of conditions. The boat's handling is also praised by owners, with some mentioning its ability to perform well even in nasty weather.

The craftsmanship of Manatee boats is evident in the details. The use of materials like fiberglass and plywood in the construction ensures a robust and long-lasting vessel. The engines are generally well-regarded, with some models offering impressive speed and power. The boats are also known for their fuel efficiency, making them an economical choice for long-distance cruising.

Overall, the 23 Manatee boat is a well-crafted vessel that offers a comfortable and spacious interior, coupled with stable performance and efficient handling. For those seeking a boat that combines practicality, performance, and durability, the Manatee is an excellent choice, even years after the company ceased operations.

Frequently asked questions