I have been impressed with my Bryant as it is a 03 model and most of the folks that go out with me can't believe it. They assume it's new.

I love the fact that they only build 400 boats per year and will custom build any way you want. and they are pretty open to some custom power plants as well, if you would like!! They have sent a couple of units to Canada lately with some pretty impressive power. A 233 with 8.1HO with Bravo 1X drive!! Here's a video of the beast if your interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJ1DgmyDzh8


But call the factory and ask to speak to Joe or Jim Bryant or just stop in (as I did) and they will come out and talk with you and answer any of your questions. Also the customer service is second to none as their boats are in my opinion. But maybe I'm biased!!

I would rank them up in the top two of the bowriders....and tops in customer service.

Parrot-head,
How do you like your Four Winns Funship 234? I like the layout. That is where I was leaning before I learned of Bryant and saw the 236 (now called 255).

Are you saying that these two companies won't give you a tour?

I can't speak for Cobalt, but they are on my list of future tours, but I can speak in regards to Sea Ray (two different plants), Bayliner, Regal, Reinell, Sanger, Davis and a couple of others, in that I got a tour and was able to take pics of anything that I wanted. (and yes, I acted like a japanese tourist on vacation)

Of course, rules are always subject to change, and they don't want you taking face shots of the employee's.

Bryants are nice boats. As far as tours in the Cobalt factory, they do give them. Didn't Adversary 98 take a tour a while back and provide numerous photos in his "report" here? If it wasn't him, then it another board member did.

When you get up into the realm of Bryant, Cobalts, Formula, etc, comparing build quality becomes splitting hairs, IMO. Any of the upper tier boats are going to last and offer great build quality. I would expect customer service from each being great as well. The biggest thing between the boats is personal preference, "what blows your hair back," so they say. If one boat design and layout fit everyone perfectly, we would only have different colored boats, unless they came up with the perfect color as well. And no matter how good, fast, or sharp your boat is, there's always one better.

I agree with your statement, with the exception that Bryant is in the same realm as Cobalt and Formula. The attention to detail, and mold work with Bryant needs work. Yes, I like our Formula. No, it is not for everyone.

Everyone has had thier experiences. I looked at a Formula 240 at a boat show that totally turned me off to Formula and it would take a good showing for me to ever buy one. But deep down, i know Formula is typically a better boat than what was shown that day. But I really can't get past the lack of quality i saw and the amount of money they were asking.

I have looked and compared Bryant to Cobalt at boat shows over the years and have to say (I bought a Bryant) that they are definitley in the same "realm" and that for the money Bryant and is way better value for the quality than a Cobalt. The Bryant service was second to none. I would still own a Bryant if they made a cruiser. Can't really comment on Formula but my general impression is they are a quality boat.

Boomer 880
Member


Joined: 10 Nov 2006
Posts: 8
Location: Illinois
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Posted: Tue Dec 05, 2006 2:09 pm Post subject:

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Finally was able to take a look at the 270 up close and personal. Our local dealer got their first one in and had it sitting on the show room floor.

Overall, I was very impressed with the boat!! I would give it a 8.5 out of 10, as the quality of materials, fit, finish, and rigging were top notch. For those that have not been in the boat, it is deep and used all of the 8'9" beam available.

The layout and seating was comfortable and used great materials with perfect stiching. The hull was straight, with no blead through, but did have a few waves within the rub rail on one side. The helm station was a great layout and verything was easy to see and reach. I would like an arm rest, but no big deal.

The head is very deap and long. However, I did not like the use of carpet of the sides, as this can hold odor. Ideally, I would have liked to see a full molded head with a liner on top. Storage paces were all sanded smooth and the 270 had pleanty of storage. The mid-ship locker was deep and wide. The front locker was also deep and extremely long... this thing is huge. Bow cooler is large and fit very nicely. Bow anchor locker and ladder were a great use of space.

Windshield fit perfectly!!!! Many other builders have huge gaps in this area!

Couple of misses... there is carpet in the enging compartment on either side of the engine. I hated this concept! The carpet will (IMO) look terrible if you have any tim pump leaks, the drains for the cleats could stain, or slip-up while changing oil (top mount filter on the 496). I would like to see latches on the in-floor lockers as well as locks for security. The sink area needs a few clear rubber stoppers on the parts that open (sink and trash) so that they are not banging while underway. The same goes for the door that can be closed to separate the bow area... should be a tighter fit. There was a breather for the water fill, but not one for the gas (seemed odd). Finally, the speakers look vulnerable to being damaged from kids et al... maybe different speaker covers are required.

The lakes are frozen up hear, so no demo,

Very nice overall package! Great job Bryant.

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I did just that before I bought my 2005 250. I didn't take my camera, though. I wasn't there to see MY boat being built, I was there to see if in person they lived up to their reputation. They did - wonderful people throughout the entire plant. From top to bottom (Mr. St. Claire included), the pride these people took in their work shone through. I was impressed. The tour sealed the deal.

I saw a Bryant boat, out in the middle of no where, while on a nice afternoon cruise with the Harley and wife.