New boat help!

[fstone]

Does anyone have any information between the Duckworth 19 ft Pacific Navigator (Stern drive or Outboard) verses the Duckworth 19 ft Advantage Outboard. I know the Navigator is 10 inchs wider at the bottom and 6 inches longer, but also is $8-10K more.

Also, has anyone tested the Sterndrive in the Alumaweld, Duckworth, or Weldcraft? Is there enough cost saving (purchase and fuel) to go with the Sterndriver instead of the outboard?

I need a light boat for trailering, but also would like a deep enough vee to cut the chop.

Thoughts?

Thank you

[tomictime]

get the O/B...19' w I/O = not much fishing room.

[WaterDog]

After looking at the specs on line it looks like the difference is as you've pointed out. The wider bottom will be more stable and should plane easier since there is more surface area and use less fuel. Wider is better but at that cost, the extra width is a pricey option. Have you looked at North River or Thunder jet?

[fstone]

I tried to do some research on the Thunder Jet, but their website is terrible. After the lighting cracking 100 times, I gave up. I really could not find the info on the vee degree.

North River builds a good boat in the Seahawk, and I have been researching them also. It is my understanding they do not offer a sterndrive.

I sold my Jetcraft last year. I moved from Oregon to Washington and the Jetcraft was too flat for the lakes. Great river boat, but not deep enough for the new use. It also had a SportJet, which was very noisy and a lot of vibration. So, it is time for something new.

[WaterDog]

From the Thunder Jet website the Luxor (OB) is 16deg. A guy at work just got a 20'er with an offshore bracket and suzuki 140 and is very happy with it. Looks like a decent boat. They will also do a stearn drive but you have to order it. Boulton will build whatever you want. Motion is 18deg and will build whatever as well. Lots of choices out there. Good luck in your search.

[Okie]

Think about all the ways you hope to use the boat. Then look to see if you can find one that comes close to doing all the things you want to do with the least amount of trouble.
The engine, outboard, inboard, either way will work. How much power, do you want a top on the boat, can you clean it easy when it gets fish blood in it. Is it easy to anchor. All the things to be considered. I'm not sure anyone can give you advice except you will have to make the final decision yourself. The brand, make of engine, could be argued about as everyone has their favorite one they like.
So in the final answer, it's your call as to what you think is best for what you would like to do with it. Good Luck!

Been there did that and owned many boats.

[Bluto]

The offshore bracket w/outboard is a good investment if you want more usable deck space and the extra 10" bottom can go a long way for boat stability. I've always equated stern drives with higher maintenance costs (but then again, I've never owned one). If you do go with an outboard, take a hard look at the new Suzuki 4-strokes. I put one on my new boat and couldn't be happier.

[snit]

I'm not a fan of dog houses. I think you'd be happy with a outboard (bracket or not). I think the Advantage model has a "hokey looking" windshield, as there's no side window frame ( I believe, this is from memory). Just my opinion. I'd definately check out the other boats listed. I have a 20' Alumaweld Intruder with a 150 Yami on a bracket and I love it, but there's lots of good boats!!!! IMO, get the biggest boat and engine that you can afford.

[Boatfool]

Look at the specs on the two Duckworths and you will see a lot more than 6'' of length and 10'' of width.I think the Navigator is the one with the real deep bow entry.Like a 28 degree variable to 18 degrees.It also has a reverse chine and handles big water much better than the Advantage does.Also don't get an outboard without the setback bracket.

[fstone]

Hey Waterdog,

I called the Thunderjet dealer, seems like you can get a 20 footer with a Suzuki 140 for a reasonable price. With your co-worker's boat, do you know how it cuts the chop?

It is my understanding the vee is measured at the stern, but the bow area does must of the cutting. I do not think you can analysis from the boat data. I am guessing the test drive answers this question

Thanks to all for your help, it is appreciated.

[ChSp]

I have a 19.5 Advantage w/ outboard bracket and 115 Yamaha. The windshield is available in the more conventional configurations with side panels, I have them and prefer them overall, although there are a few times it would be nice to be able to reach around. I am generally very happy with the ovearll design and functionality. The large front storage area is really nice, and the large drain holes in the bow are a nice feature, although I haven't needed them (yet).

The biggest gripe I have is that the ride isn't very dry, lots of spray coming back over the windshield in choppy water. Seems like some other boats I've run alongside have had less. I don't know if the steeper entry angle of the Pacific Navigator would reduce the problem or not, but it would likely make for a smoother or faster ride under choppy conditions, although the Advantage does a reasonably good job on that count. Regarding Boatfool's comments, the Advantage also has a reverse chine design.

The bottom line is you get what you pay for, and most of us don't get many opportunities to go that deeply into debt for a toy, al-be-it an important toy.

[WaterDog]

fstone - He says it cuts pretty good and the ride is decent. Yeah the price is pretty resonable. I know he is very happy with it loves the 140. He plans on useing it as a family boat fishing and pulling tubes and skies.

[OB1]

This may not be a fair comparison but I had a 20 ft Siver Wing with a jet and the ride in rough water was poor. My brother bought a 21 Seahawk with a 200 HP Susuki and outboard bracket,this boat handles the rough water excellent!! The Suzuki is an awesome motor to boot.
He has this web site if you want to ask him yourself.

http://myoutdoornetwork.com/