Tidewater Boats for Sale

A young South Carolina builder

Tidewater was founded in 2006 in Lexington, South Carolina, by Jimmy Metts and Chris Martin, who had both worked at Sea Pro Boats. The company started with five models. By 2018 it had 24, from 17 to 32 feet, and it invested $8.3 million in a second plant at 1 Brickyard Road in Lexington to build the bigger boats, adding about 100 jobs. The range now runs to more than 30 models from 18 to 38 feet.

The series

• CC Adventure: the core center consoles, from the 180 CC up to the 380 CC.
• LXF: center consoles with more seating and finish, including Tidewater's wrap-around bow seating.
• TPC: tournament-style fishing boats.
• Bay Max: shallow-draft bay boats.
• Carolina Bay: hybrid bay boats with more offshore ability.

LXF specs from Tidewater's brochure

• 210 LXF: 20'10", 8'6" beam, 2,300 lb without motor, 200 hp max, 56 gal fuel, 13" draft, 17 degrees at the transom.
• 220 LXF: 22'2", 8'10" beam, 2,700 lb, 250 hp max, 71 gal, 18 degrees.
• 230 LXF: 23', 8'10" beam, 3,200 lb, 300 hp max, 95 gal, 20 degrees.
• 252 LXF: 24'8", 9'3" beam, 4,150 lb, 126 gal, 16" draft, 21 degrees, 10 people.

The 252 LXF was listed with a 300 hp max in the earlier brochure and 400 hp in BoatGuide's 2018 review, which reported over 50 mph with a 400. Check the capacity plate on the boat you are looking at. There was also a 252 SUV, the 252 LXF layout with a ski arch instead of a T-top.

Spec sheet: the 232 LXF

The 232 LXF is a dual-purpose model that does both fishing and family days. Dealer Nautical Ventures lists it at 23'8" centerline with an 8'10" beam. It weighs 3,800 lbs, carries 95 gallons of fuel and is rated for 300 hp. Deadrise at the transom is 20 degrees, draft is about 15 inches, bridge clearance is 96 inches and capacity is 10 people. There's a 25-gallon livewell.

The same page describes the grid stringer, foam-filled hull Tidewater has used since 2006, with a fiberglass T-top as standard.

Yamaha published a 2017 performance bulletin for this boat with a single F300XCA. Check that bulletin's figures against the rpm of the boat you're looking at during a sea trial.

What to check on a used Tidewater

Outboard. Get hours and records, check the lower unit oil and ask for compression numbers. Make sure the motor is within the capacity plate rating.

Gelcoat and fittings. Look for stress cracks around the T-top feet, console and rod holders. Check for water around through-hulls.

Livewell and pumps. Run every pump and the washdown. Check the bilge for water and oil.

T-top and electronics. Check the T-top for loose mounts and the wiring behind the console for corrosion.

Trailer. Saltwater trailers rust quickly. Check the frame, brakes, bearings and lights.