The open sea usually whispers promises of freedom and tranquility, especially when setting sail with a boat like the Sea Pro 259 DLX. Yet, my journey since obtaining this model from Coastal Marine has been more akin to a tumultuous storm than a calm sea.

The Sea Pro 259 DLX, crafted by Sea Pro Manufacturing, is acclaimed for its comfort, dynamic performance, and top-notch fishing amenities. However, the reality, in my case, has fallen considerably short of these commendable claims. This discrepancy leads me to wonder if the production process was affected by the hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among the storm of technical malfunctions, the most troubling has been the defective bilge pump, causing an unnerving threat of the boat flooding on multiple occasions. While the pump repair was under warranty, the subsequent electrical issues were unwelcome, leaving me with unplanned expenses.

Adding to the turmoil, the Sea Pro 259 DLX exhibited intense cavitation issues, making its control a Herculean task and effectively sinking its resale potential. This problem has detracted from the joy of being at sea and resulted in considerable inconvenience.

In an unsettling incident highlighting the boat’s subpar build quality, the windshield dislodged during high-speed navigation, presenting a significant safety risk.

The Optimus Steering system, a feature expected to elevate the boating experience, has ironically proven to be a persistent annoyance. Faulty sensors have frequently paralyzed the motors and steering, necessitating the inconvenience and embarrassment of towing services.

The credibility of the Sea Pro 259 DLX was further tested when a planned Mother’s Day outing had to be canceled due to a defect in the Starboard motor. Such a failure is unexpected and disappointing for a boat with just 130 operational hours.

Despite the commendable efforts of Coastal Marine to rectify these persistent issues, the recurring problems have cast a shadow of doubt over the overall reliability of the 2021 Sea Pro 259 DLX.

The string of technical issues suggests a possible lapse in quality control during the boat’s production by Sea Pro Manufacturing, possibly due to the operational restrictions of the pandemic. This oversight has resulted in a significant setback for the end user.

The Sea Pro 259 DLX, a noteworthy investment, was expected to deliver a pleasurable experience. Instead, it has proven to be a source of constant frustration. The concerns go beyond minor irritations, raising serious questions about the safety and dependability of this model.

In conclusion, my voyage with the 2021 Sea Pro 259 DLX has been a turbulent journey marked by numerous technical issues and quality lapses. Unfortunately, these formidable challenges have eclipsed the promise of the Sea Pro brand. I would urge Sea Pro Manufacturing to address these concerns promptly to restore consumer confidence in their products.

Until then, potential buyers should consider treading carefully when eyeing the 2021 Sea Pro 259 DLX. It might be a rough sail that you’d rather avoid.

Written by: Denver Roofing – Stuart B. Stoneberg

14 vocational students fill a room in Parsippany, New Jersey. Today’s challenge? Turn a TPO roofing membrane into a piece of art. A few hours later the room is filled with unique creations from a ninja cape and crown to a purse filled with TPO ‘flowers.’ 

What are these students doing and what does making TPO sculptures have to do with vocational training? The 14 students are participants in roofing product manufacturer GAF’s Roofing Academy. The goal of the program is to give the students skills and knowledge to make it big in the roofing world. 

While it seems the TPO projects were in good fun, they were a lesson in learning to manipulate and properly utilize the membrane roofing material. “We have to do a lot of welding where we’re in tight places and bending material in weird ways,” says program director Brian Cornelius. “So we give them total creative freedom to do an art project, and they make something out of the TPO material. It’s fun for them, but it also has some real meaning because right after that, we transition into welding some of these more difficult details.”

This is GAF’s second run of the Roofing Academy in Parsippany after other pilot programs across the country. The two-week program is held at GAF’s 400,000 sq. foot headquarters at GAF’s Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence (CARE.) The program calls on 16 to 24-year olds who aren’t in school or employed to come in and learn a valuable skill for their future. The latest program participants come from the Job Corps Center, but GAF is also focused on helping others who might have trouble getting jobs like former felons or military veterans. 

The program is also encouraging the next wave of skilled roofing professionals in a shrinking workforce. “One of the greatest challenges facing the roofing industry today is a shortage of skilled labor,” says David Millstone of Standard Industries. “We saw the Roofing Academy as a way to address that by training new workers and connecting them with contractors.”

The program spends one week on steep-slope roofing and one week on low-slope roofing including solar installation. The idea behind the Academy is for students to leave the program and secure employment immediately. GAF stands behind the program and their willingness to give people a chance at a better life. “My dream is five years from now, I’d love to see a handful of these students owning their own company and making millions,” Cornelius says. “I can promise you that’s going to happen.”