Bluewave Vs. Seahunt: Which Boat Is Better?

Bluewave and Seahunt are both popular boat brands, but which is better? Bluewave boats are said to have some of the best drains in the industry, a great rear casting deck, and livewells on the center line. They are also said to be fast, with one user reporting that they hit 66 mph during a sea trial. However, some owner reports have been less than positive, with some issues reported with hatches. On the other hand, Seahunt boats are the #1 selling saltwater boat in the country and are said to be affordable and well-crafted. As a family-owned company, they prioritize putting your family at the forefront of their designs. Ultimately, the decision of which boat to choose depends on individual preferences and needs, but both Bluewave and Seahunt offer a range of features that cater to different types of boaters.

Blue Wave's build quality

Blue Wave boats are well-regarded for their build quality, with some users praising their design, speed, and shallow draft. The brand is said to be popular in Texas, with some users noting that they see tons of Blue Waves on the Texas coastline.

One user describes their Blue Wave as heavy-assed, noting that it can float in 15 inches of water but needs a trolling motor or manual assistance to move around in such shallow depths. Another user claims that their Blue Wave is not a shallow-running boat, but others disagree, with one stating that their fully-loaded Blue Wave has a draft of 15 inches, which is really good for a bay boat.

Some users have criticised the build quality of Blue Wave boats, with one describing the boat as cheap and another noting issues with soft spots on hatches. However, Blue Wave's customer service is praised, with one user saying that the company fixed issues with their boat, even when it was out of warranty.

Overall, Blue Wave boats appear to have a good reputation for build quality, with users highlighting their speed, shallow draft, and customer service as particular strengths.

Sea Hunt's durability

Sea Hunt boats are built to last and are crafted from the finest quality composite materials. The company uses only the best available materials and components, which are inspected and meet high standards. Sea Hunt boats are NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association) certified, which follows the ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards.

The durability and longevity of a Sea Hunt boat also depend on how well the owner maintains it. Sea Hunt boats are made from GRP or fibreglass, which, if well-maintained, can last for many years—even up to 50 years. The boats are designed with ease of maintenance in mind, so owners can spend more time on the water and less time on upkeep. However, maintenance is always required to combat the elements that can wreak havoc on any vessel. For example, seawater can corrode the boat, so it's important to rinse the boat with fresh water after each use. While fibreglass boats are relatively maintenance-free, it's necessary to polish the hull occasionally to keep it in good shape.

The Sea Hunt boat company has initiated 13 recalls since 1995, with only one considered to be of high severity. This is a relatively low recall rate, and the issue has been resolved.

Blue Wave's speed

Blue Wave boats are available in a range of sizes, with the smallest current boat listed at 16 feet in length and the longest vessel measuring in at 241 feet. The average length of their boats is 22.01 feet.

Blue Wave boats are popular for their speed and are considered suitable for activities like day cruising, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing. The Blue Wave 2200 PureBay, for example, is known for being a fast hull. During a sea trial, a 2400 PureBay with a 300 Yamaha motor reached a top speed of 66 mph.

Another factor contributing to the speed of Blue Wave boats is their hull weight. For instance, the hull weight of the 2400 PureBay is 2200 pounds, which is impressive when compared to other boats in its class. This lightweight construction helps the boat plane faster and ride shallower.

In addition to speed, Blue Wave boats offer other advantages such as excellent drainage, rear casting decks, and well-designed livewells. Their boats also have a very shallow draft, making them suitable for fishing in shallow waters.

Overall, Blue Wave boats provide a good balance of speed, features, and value for money, making them a popular choice for fishing enthusiasts.

Sea Hunt's safety

Sea Hunt boats are built to the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association), ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council), and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) safety specifications.

Sea Hunt boats are made with a combination of materials including fiberglass, foam, and wood. The wood is used in areas where high-stress, high-load components are necessary, such as the stringers and transom. The fiberglass is bonded to the foam core to provide added strength and stability. The foam provides a lightweight and strong support structure, reducing the risk of sinking if the boat becomes flooded or takes on water.

However, one common issue with Sea Hunt boats is damage to the stringers and transoms, which are critical to the boat's structural integrity. This damage can be caused by improper use, inadequate maintenance, extreme weather conditions, or aging. To address this problem, it is important to regularly inspect the boat for any signs of stringer or transom damage, such as cracks, soft spots, or deformation in the fiberglass structure.

Another issue to watch out for is corrosion on metal components. Sea Hunt boats are exposed to harsh marine environments, and the aluminum and stainless steel fittings, rails, and hardware can corrode over time. To mitigate this, frequently rinse the boat with fresh water to remove salt and other contaminants, inspect all metal components regularly, and replace any corroded or damaged parts.

In terms of electrical and electronics issues, Sea Hunt boats are prone to wiring and electrical system failures. To prevent and address these issues, regularly inspect the wiring, terminals, and connections for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion, and use corrosion-resistant materials and protectants. Additionally, keep your marine battery correctly maintained and install a high-quality marine battery charger to avoid electrical system failures.

When it comes to fuel management, Sea Hunt boats are susceptible to fuel contamination and water intrusion, which can result in poor engine performance and possible engine damage. To address this, regularly inspect the fuel system for leaks and damage, keep your fuel tanks topped up, and install a high-quality fuel-water separator in the fuel line.

Resale value of both boats

When it comes to the resale value of boats, it is important to consider factors such as the boat's age, condition, popularity, and original price. Let's take a look at the resale value of both Bluewave and Seahunt boats and provide a detailed comparison.

Bluewave boats have a wide range of prices, with newer models being more expensive than older ones. For example, the 2023 Blue Wave 2200 Classic is listed for $9,995, while the 2024 Blue Wave 2800 Makaira is priced at $240,439. The average price of a Bluewave boat falls between these two extremes. Bluewave boats have a strong reputation for their build quality, and this is reflected in their resale value. Their popularity among fishermen, particularly those seeking a heavy-duty boat, also contributes to their resale value. The unique features offered by Bluewave, such as the rod storage, bow seating, and generous storage space, are likely to be valued by potential buyers.

On the other hand, Seahunt boats also offer a range of prices, with newer models being more expensive. For instance, the 2024 Sea Hunt Ultra 234 is listed for an unknown price, while the 2005 Sea Hunt Victory 225, a much older model, is priced at $15,837. The average price of a Seahunt boat falls within this range. Seahunt is a well-known yacht builder with a strong reputation for the quality of their boats. Their popularity among those seeking boats for day cruising, saltwater fishing, and freshwater fishing is likely to contribute to their resale value. The features offered by Seahunt, such as their Center Console design and saltwater fishing capabilities, are sought-after by many buyers.

When comparing the resale value of Bluewave and Seahunt boats, it is important to consider their respective price ranges and the specific features that each brand offers. Both brands have their unique strengths and are likely to have similar resale values, depending on the specific model and its condition. Ultimately, the resale value of a boat will depend on how well it has been maintained, its popularity in the market, and the specific features it offers.

Frequently asked questions