Sunbird Boats: Are They Worthy Vessels For The Sea?

Sunbird boats are a good entry-level option for those looking to get out on the water. They are no longer in production, with manufacturing ending in 1998, but they are still available on the second-hand market. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the boats' quality and seaworthiness, while others criticise their finish quality and prone-ness to stress cracks and soft floors. Overall, Sunbird boats are a good option for those on a limited budget who want a simple and user-friendly craft.

Sunbird boats are good for fishing and back bay boating

Sunbird boats are a good option for fishing and back bay boating. They are described as a quality boat that is surprisingly good in chop and runs well in chop. One owner of a Sunbird boat says that it is a great starter boat that rode well and had some nice features for a 20-foot boat.

Sunbird boats are a good option for those on a budget, with one owner stating that they perform their function well and are a good option if you don't want to spend "an arm and a leg".

Sunbird boats are also described as indestructible. One owner says that they handled waves better at 35mph than 24 and that the boat was able to fly over waves at speed. Another owner says that they ran their Sunbird boat without a scratch on the bottom or breaking the skeg on the motor.

However, Sunbird boats are no longer in production, with the last model being made in 1998. This means that if you are looking to buy a Sunbird boat, you will have to buy second-hand.

They are considered entry-level boats

Sunbird boats are considered entry-level boats. They are a good option for those who want to get out on the water without breaking the bank. Sunbird boats are known for their affordability and functionality, rather than high-end finishes. They are a great choice for those who want a simple and user-friendly boat for fishing or cruising.

Sunbird boats were first introduced in the 1980s by an independent boatbuilding company. Over time, the brand was acquired and modernised by the Outboard Marine Company (OMC), which added the Neptune line and removed all wood from the construction. This made Sunbird one of the first boat manufacturers to adopt the grid cage filled with foam construction method, now used by Hydra-Sports.

While Sunbird boats may not have the fit and finish of more expensive brands, they offer a great entry point into the boating world. They are known for their good performance in choppy waters, dry rides, and ample storage space. However, some owners have noted issues with electrical wiring and through-hull fittings, which may need to be corrected.

The Sunbird brand disappeared from the industry after the 1998 model year when OMC went out of business. However, the Sunbird Neptune line of boats was continued under the HydraSports "Seahorse" line, and the original owners of Sunbird now manufacture Sea Hunt boats.

Sunbird boats are no longer in business

Sunbird boats were considered entry-level and lower-tier, with some customers reporting issues with stringer rot, electrical wiring, and through-hull fittings. However, others have had positive experiences with their Sunbird boats, finding them to be well-built, sturdy, and good value for money.

The Sunbird Neptune CC series, in particular, was reported to have performed well, with some owners saying they had no major problems even after several years of use. The boats were also described as having a strong hull and being well-suited for fishing.

Despite some mixed reviews, Sunbird boats are no longer being manufactured, and the company has been dissolved.

They are seaworthy and perform well in choppy waters

Sunbird boats are seaworthy and perform well in choppy waters. One owner of a 1997 Sunbird 200 cc with a 1998 Johnson 150hp engine says that the boat "runs surprisingly well in chop". Another owner of a 1991 SWL 203 (20 ft. center console) with a '91 Evinrude 120 says that their boat "handled waves better at 35mph than 24". A third owner of a 15-foot Sunbird dual console says that their boat "likes 2-foot seas and prefers fast to slow".

Sunbird boats were originally manufactured by an independent company but were later acquired by the Outboard Marine Company (OMC) in the 1990s. OMC modernised the boats, adding the Neptune line and removing all wood from the construction. The Sunbird name disappeared from the industry after the 1998 model year but the boats continued to be manufactured under the name Hydra-Sports.

Sunbird boats are a good option for those looking for an entry-level boat. They are known for their good performance in choppy waters and their sturdy construction. However, it is important to note that there may be some variation in quality between different models, so it is recommended to hand-select a boat from a dealer's lot if possible.

Sunbird boats are good for beginners

Sunbird boats are a great choice for beginners. They are easy to handle and offer a smooth, dry ride, even in choppy waters. The boats are well-suited for both bay and inlet fishing, with a built-in bait well, foredeck, and console storage for gear. Sunbird boats are also quite versatile, capable of fishing in less than two feet of water and handling two-foot seas with ease.

One of the standout features of Sunbird boats is their construction. They were one of the first boat manufacturers to adopt the grid cage filled with foam construction method, resulting in a sturdy and durable vessel. Additionally, all wood was removed from the boats, further enhancing their longevity.

Sunbird boats are also known for their affordability, making them an excellent entry-level option for those new to boating. They offer good value for money, and while they may not have the fit and finish of more expensive brands, they are a reliable choice that won't break the bank.

The boats are also surprisingly spacious for their size, with ample storage and dry wells. They are well-equipped for fishing, featuring rod holders and live wells, as well as having plenty of room for gear.

Another advantage of Sunbird boats is their lightweight construction, which allows them to run well in choppy waters. They are also easy to correct and upgrade, with owners reporting that issues such as loose hatches and electrical systems were easily addressed.

Overall, Sunbird boats are a great choice for beginners. They offer a good balance of performance, durability, and affordability, making them an excellent option for those looking to get into boating without breaking the bank.

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