Pathfinder 2300 V

[TG_190]

I was looking at the Pathfinder 2300 V, which is modelled after the 23' SC. Looks like a nice boat. Anybody got any feedback on that one??

http://www.pathfinderboats.com/pathf...specs/2300.htm

Looks a little lite, but the quality seems good. I will have to take a look at it.

TG_190

[FELLOW-SHIP]

HA TG
Pathfinder is committed to a light hull designs which is great on bay boats and flats boats but when you use that same theory in open seas you can have a few problem. I am almost 100% sure that they are using a cored hull on that 23’ that can cause problems in the future just like a transom can get water logged so can a cored hull. Another problem is when a boat is light it could bounce when it hits a wave instead of cutting through it like a heaver boat of the same design.
FellowShip

[Briguy]

Hey guys, were only talking about a 300 pound differance in the weight of a pathfinder 23 and my '78 cc 23. That's about the same weight of 50 gallons of fuel or one fat friend or 3 female "friends". Im sure the pathfinder is a sweet ride but not at 55k. As for cored hulls, that's another subject...

[JohnS]

Been on a 23 Pathfinder and it is a NICE riding boat, even offshore....
If you have the $$$$, they make a nice boat. Just my two cents..... [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[TG_190]

I've heard nothing but good things about this boat, and the dealer sounds "eager" to prove that it handles the rough stuff well.

I've also heard that a lot of good design features are in this boat.
i.e. accessiblity, ergonomics, balance etc.

I will definately take a closer look at it, as it reminds me of the classic seacraft lines that I really appreciate.

As far as cored hulls go, I will do a search on this topic,
or but would somebody be kind enough to give me the skinny on the gotcha's of this sort of construction?

It seems like a lot of "high quality" boats are going this route.

BTW, for 55k -70K what boat would you guys buy in the 25" class?

I also like the specs and the story on the Cape Horn 24'. Seems like a good
offshore boat. I am also gonna look at the Triton 24 and 26.

TG_190

TG_190

[ScottM]

TG,
The problem with cored hulls is that once you tap a screw or drill any type of hole, the coring is now exposed to potential moisture. You have to be real careful properly sealing a hole to prevent saturation. A lot of cored hulls use balsa which will wick up water like a sponge, become soft and eventually rot.

[JohnS]

I emailed Maverick Boats, manufacturer of Pathfinder, Hewes, and Maverick boats, with this.......let's see what I get for a response.

"This question is most likely best served by someone with technical knowledge.

I have a close personal friend who is interested in purchasing your Pathfinder 2300, as am I.
One of the MAJOR concerns most people have been telling him about is the way the hull is manufactured. They say that this hull is manufactured with "cored hull" which, in time, will absorb water/moisture. This may happen from simple things such as screws being installed, age, etc. Could you please supply me with some detailed information regarding this subject? This would be greatly appreciated and help us make a determination on your product. I would ask the local dealer but I assure you, they are clueless about this question. I look forward to your response and thank you in advance."

[JohnS]

And with the email, Maverick Boats responded, quickly I might add, with this!!!

"John,

Thank you for your interest in our Pathfinder 23DV. I have spent many hours in our demo 23 and can tell you it is a great boat.

We use a balsa coring in the 23 as do most offshore center consoles. What sets us apart is the lamination method, VARIS, that totally encapsulates the coring. With this method you get a perfect glass to resin ratio, something impossible to accomplish with hand lamination. The balsa coring makes a stronger bond than a composite core which we use in our inshore boats. We build these to take punishment and the balsa does a better job in making these boats "bulletproof".

Over a very long period of time, I assume the coring could become wet. I assure you, this would be very rare in this case as again the VARIS makes a very secure bond. If you check around you will find that the vast majority of offshore CC boats are built using a wood core.

If you would like to speak in detail please feel free to contact me toll free at 1-888-742-5569.

Skip Lyshon
Maverick Boat Company"

[WillyC]

TG 190,

For a good explanation of a cored hull check out the link below. This website also has lots of other very pertinent info. on all sorts of boating issues.
http://www.yachtsurvey.com/structuralissues.htm

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Ha TG
Looks like I open up a can of worms for you on the cored hull thing. But you needed to know what the Pathfinder people don’t advertise much about their boats. There are a few other manufacturers that also use this cored hull approach. I believe most if not all Hydrasports boats are built the same way and lets not forget Boston Wailers. “For me” I would never buy a off shore boat with a cored hull I wouldn’t want to hit something like a log and have it go right through the hull because of it having balsa wood core. If I am going to spend big $$$$ I want it to be made strong. The other point about through hull fittings, attaching bilge pumps, and transducers through the hull would be a major major concern for me. In all farness though if I was wanting a light flats boat that I was going to push someone around with a push pole all day long I probably would want the lightest hull I could find.
FellowShip