Ebbtide Boats: Worth The Buy?

Ebbtide boats are well-regarded in the boating community. The company has been building solid, long-lasting boats for many years. Ebbtide boats are known for their durability, quality, and affordability. They offer a range of boats, including Bow Riders, Deck Boats, Runabouts, Cuddy Cabins, and High-Performance boats. Their boats are perfect for day cruising, watersports, and saltwater fishing. The company has changed hands several times in recent years, and there is hope that they will resume building their own brand of boats soon.

Ebbtide's 2300 Mystique, Campione 210, and other popular models

Ebbtide boats are manufactured by the Limestone Boat Company, a Canadian boat manufacturer with a reputation for building quality power vessels. While they may not have the same marketing budget as their bigger competitors, they have been building solid, good-quality boats for over 40 years.

The 2300 Mystique is a cuddy cabin vessel, typically used for day cruising, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing. The 1997 model is the oldest available, with the 2004 model being the newest. Prices range from $19,995 to $22,500.

The Campione 210 is another popular model, with 2004 and 2005 models available.

Other popular models include the 176 SE Bow Rider, 180 Bow Rider, 182 Campione Fish & Ski, 1900 Bow Rider, 192 SE Bow Rider, and the Mystique 2400.

Ebbtide boats are known for their durability and quality. They are built to last, with hand-laid glass-reinforced resin, reinforced stringer systems, and reinforced hull sides. The company's mission was to build carefully engineered, quality boats that deliver unsurpassed safety, style, and comfort. They are also sought after for their cruisers, runabouts, and bow riders, and their boats have a medium-depth draft and average beam, making them ideal for day cruising, watersports, and saltwater fishing.

The company's history and future

Ebbtide Boats was originally privately owned and run by Tommy Trabue. In its heyday, the company employed more than 100 people. After more than 40 years in operation, Tommy Trabue sold the business to a Chinese-based company in 2012. Trabue stayed on as a consultant, but the company went out of business a few years later.

In 2016, Ebbtide Holdings, LLC was formed and bought the original boat-building premises in Tennessee in 2018, where they started manufacturing the Boca Bay and Aquasports brands. They were later contracted to build the Limestone range of boats under license.

The Limestone Boat Company, a Canadian boat manufacturer, bought Ebbtide Holdings and their premises in early 2021. The company has a 35-year history as a heritage brand and is known for its timeless designs, big water performance, quality, and durability. The Limestone Boat Company is publicly traded on the Toronto Venture Exchange and has its headquarters in Collingwood, Ontario.

The Limestone Boat Company has expressed interest in reviving some of the more popular Ebbtide models, and there is hope that they will resume building their own brand of Ebbtide boats shortly.

The durability of their boats

Ebbtide boats are built to last. The company's mission statement was to build carefully engineered, quality boats that deliver unsurpassed safety, style, and comfort. They were designed and built so that a boat would last a family a lifetime.

The company's boats have a reputation for being durable, high-quality, and affordable. They were built using hand-laid glass-reinforced resin, with reinforced stringer systems and reinforced hull sides. This Dura-Core hull manufacturing process was trademarked by Ebbtide and assured owners of a rot-free hull. The boats also featured hand-crafted upholstery with stain-resistant topcoats.

A quick search reveals that there are indeed Ebbtide boats that have stood the test of time. For instance, a 1984 Ebbtide 176 Bowrider is still around today. As a rule, any fiberglass boat should last up to 50 years or more if well maintained.

In terms of engine durability, one owner of a 2005 Ebbtide 188 bowrider reported that their 4.3L Volvo Penta engine was very resilient and, with proper service, could last a lifetime. Another owner of a 1995 Ebbtide Campione 185 also attested to the durability of their boat, stating that it "looks and runs great" even after several years.

Overall, Ebbtide boats are known for their durability and longevity, thanks to their quality construction and careful engineering.

Reviews from owners

I've owned two Ebbtides and liked them both a lot. My 1995 2100 Mystique was pretty quick and VERY practical, with lots of storage. It was also a great tow boat. They are nicely built bowriders. – C_Spray, North Carolina

I still have my 1996 Ebbtide 192SE because, in my opinion, it was very well made and it looks and runs great. – Willy, iboats forum

I purchased a used 21-foot Ebbtide 210 Campione and it runs great. I've heard a few people say they were very well made. – codyray, iboats forum

I've been boating all my life. The only real shitty boats are Tahoes, Stingrays, and Bayliners (although Bayliners longer than 30 feet are not too bad). I think you would be getting a good boat, plus the fact that you know the person is a huge deal. Lots of shitty boats out there that have issues you wouldn't sell to a friend. – Anonymous, Reddit

I liked the 1987 190 Riviera and 1995 2100 Mystique. Loved them. – C_Spray, North Carolina

I liked closely at a couple of them some years back and really liked what I saw. Struck me as very well done for a production boat. – Twin O/B Sonic, Offshoreonly.com

Where to buy an Ebbtide boat

Ebbtide boats are available for sale on various online platforms, including Boat Trader, Boatmart, and YachtWorld. These websites offer a range of new and used Ebbtide boats listed by both private sellers and professional dealers.

Boat Trader currently has a wide selection of Ebbtide boats, with 49 listings, including 1 new vessel and 48 used boats. The models offered include the 2300 Mystique, Campione 210, Mystique, 176 SE Bow Rider, and more.

Boatmart also has an extensive inventory of new and used Ebbtide boats from dealers and private sellers. Their listings include models such as the 2011 2240 Extreme Bowrider, 2006 190SE Runabout, 2007 2600 SS Deck Boat, and 2015 2700 CBR Bowrider.

YachtWorld, on the other hand, has a smaller selection of 9 yachts, including 1 new vessel and 8 pre-owned yachts. Some of the models available are the 2300 Mystique, 1900 Bow Rider, 2300, and 2300 Z-Trak SS Bow Rider.

In addition to these online platforms, you may also be able to find Ebbtide boats for sale through local dealers or brokers in your area. It is recommended to compare prices, models, and specifications before making a purchase decision.

Frequently asked questions