Sea Fox boats are very popular among boaters and fishermen alike. They are known for their durability and seaworthiness. However, like any other boat, they are not perfect and can develop problems over time. These problems were sometimes brand related while others were due to poor maintenance.
Over time Sea Fox fixed most of the common problems that popped up. So, if you own an older model Seafox boat, don’t worry too much. They made sure to correct the issues before newer models were released.
Any boat without proper maintenance will have problems. It is just a matter of time. The older the boat, the more likely it is to have problems. While doing research on this topic we found that there were common problems with Sea Fox boats.
Sea Fox boats are entry-level boats. This means that they are not the most expensive or luxurious boats on the market. Because of this, some boaters expect them to have more problems than other boats. We want to assure you that this is not always the case.
Broken Stringer
Older models of Sea Fox boats were known to have broken stringers. This was a common problem that happened due to the wear and tear of the boat. The stringers are the beams that run along the bottom of the hull and support the deck.
The broken stringer meant the complete replacement of the top half of the boat. This was a very costly repair and something that could have been easily avoided with proper maintenance. Sometimes warranty would cover it but it was a big inconvenience for the owner.
The good news is that Sea Fox has fixed this problem in newer models by using a different type of stringer material. They also started to offer a warranty on the stringers which was a great relief to owners.
Stringers Coming Loose
Another common problem with Sea Fox boats was that the stringers would come loose over time. This was usually due to the fact that they were not properly secured when the boat was first built. The stringers were loosely bonded to the hull with fiberglass and resin.
Over the years Sea Fox has taken care of this problem by using a stronger bonding material to keep the stringers in place. They have also started to offer a warranty on the stringers so that owners can feel confident that their boat is properly built.
Stringers are an important part of the hull and deck support. If they are not properly secured, it can cause the deck to become unbalanced and start to sag over time. This is a very costly repair but with newer Sea Fox models, you won’t have to worry about it.
Here Goes a snippet:
“Seems to me that the OP asked a simple question. If you don’t want opinions, the internet is not for you. for all those are belly aching at the responses, move on or give hard facts.Sea Fox is a mass produced boat. Back in ’06, I went to the Miami boat show as I was looking for a 26-30 foot class. I was on a budget so I steered clear of the Yellowfin, Contender, Sea Vee etc. The Sea Fox tent was packed with bikini clad chicks that looked like they were picked up at the local strip joint. It definitely caught my attention. ME MAN!
When I walked into the boat, I didn’t know if I was on a boat or a jump house. The deck seemed like it was warped or glued on because it was bouncy. NOT the kind of thing I want in an offshore vessel. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and looked through the hatches and through console. Cheap is an understatement. The sales guys said and I quote from memory “What do you want for a new boat priced at $45,000???”. He got instantly annoyed and I walked away. I had the pleasure of taking one out for a day of fishing as my buddy had bought a used one right after the show. It was a calm Miami day. Maybe 5 knot winds and we rushed through Government Cut. For those that know, it can get bumpy there. But the day was beautiful but the ride was not. As we got to the first ledge, the boat was porpoising and we were getting wet. In 5 knot winds, it wasn’t the wind it was the hull.
My buddy ended up selling it. He called the “screwdriver boat” because after every trip he needed a screwdriver to tighten something that came loose.
If you want to stay in the bay and hit the sandbars, go ahead. Can’t beat the price. But if you want to fish hard and run hard, look elsewhere. This isn’t a brothers friends cousins roommates boyfriends opinion. I personally rode the boat and quickly realized why they were mesmerizing you with huge boobs and a cheap price at the show.
Good luck!”
Gel Coat Peeling on Hardtop
One common problem that Sea Fox owners have is the gel coat peeling on their hardtops. The Gelcoat is a clear coating that is applied to the boat to protect it from UV damage and fading. Gelcoat is very important in maintaining the boat’s value and keeping it looking new.
Gelcoat oxidizes over time and starts to peel. This is especially true if the boat is left in the sun for long periods of time. The good news is that gelcoat can be easily repaired with a little sanding and buffing. The problem with Gelcoat is that it can start to peel over time, especially if it is not properly maintained.
A new layer of gelcoat can be applied to the boat but it is a very costly and time-consuming process. Older Sea Fox boats were notorious for this problem but it has been fixed in newer models.
Hull Delamination
Delamination is the process where the layers of the hull start to separate from each other. This is usually caused by water getting between the layers and causing them to expand and contract. This can cause the hull to become weak and eventually break apart.
Hull delamination was a common problem with Sea Fox boats. This happens when the outer layer of the hull starts to separate from the inner layer. This is usually due to water getting inside the hull and causing the layers to delaminate.
To repair delamination one needs to strip the hull down to the bare inner layer and then rebuild it. This is a very costly repair but Sea Fox has taken care of this problem in newer models by using a different hull material.
Wiring Issue
A common problem that Sea Fox owners have is the wiring. Older models of these boats were known to have wiring issues. This was usually due to poor installation or the use of bad materials. Electrical connectors are prone to corrosion and can cause shorts in the system.
To repair this problem, the wiring needs to be replaced. This is a very costly repair but it is something that needs to be done to maintain the safety of the boat. Sea Fox has fixed this problem in newer models by using better materials and Better installation techniques.
Stress Cracks on Gunnels
One common problem that Sea Foxowners have is stress cracks on the gunnels. The gunnels are the sides of the boat that run along the top of the hull. They are made of fiberglass and are very strong. Over time, however, they can develop stress cracks.
Stress cracks are usually caused by the boat being improperly supported. This can happen when the boat is sitting on its trailer for too long or when it is not properly winterized. Stress cracks can also be caused by the hull flexing.
Sea Fox boats in the past had issues with the gunnels cracking but this has been fixed in newer models.
Mildew and mold growth
This quite often is not a brand-specific problem but more often a boat owner problem. It is however worth mentioning as it is one of the most common problems on any boat. Properly cleaning and drying your gear after each use, as well as opening up compartments to air out will help prevent this growth. In addition, using a dehumidifier on your boat while in storage will also help to prevent growth.
If not taken care of at the right time, mold and mildew can cause extensive damage to your boat and gear. It is important to clean and dry your gear after each use and to open up compartments to air out.
Conclude:
These are some of the most common problems that owners of Sea Fox boats face. Most of these problems can be easily fixed with a little bit of effort. However, some of them can be very costly to repair. Sea Fox has taken steps to fix some of these problems in newer models but it is still important to be aware of them. With proper care and maintenance, your Sea Fox boat will last for many years to come. Older Sea Fox boats had some issues but most of them have been fixed in newer models. If you take good care of your boat, it will last for many years to come. Thanks for reading!
Clifford Slater is a seasoned writer with over 25 years of experience in boats and fishing trips. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in boats and fishing, he has become a recognized authority in the industry. Clifford has made it a point to regularly visit popular fishing destinations such as Florida and other places in the USA to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the field.
Over the years, Clifford has acquired a wealth of knowledge about boats and fishing, which he has shared through his writing. His articles and books are widely read by fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike, and his insights are highly valued by those seeking to improve their skills in the field. Clifford’s passion for boats and fishing is evident in his writing, and his readers appreciate the depth of his expertise and his ability to communicate complex topics in an engaging and accessible way.
Clifford Slater’s impressive credentials and dedication to his craft make him a trusted authority in the world of boats and fishing. His commitment to staying up to date with the latest developments in the industry, combined with his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, ensures that his writing is always informative and valuable. For those seeking to improve their skills or simply enjoy the beauty of the sea, Clifford’s writing is a must-read.
