ADVICE ON NEW BOAT.....PLEASE....!!!

[Mr.Kitch'nPass]

I am considering a new deep "V" style sled and am looking for some input. I currently own an 18ft Alumaweld guide model sled. I love all the room but my wife hates the ride. And I have to admit it doesn't allow me to go everywhere I want to go. After some research I am leaning towards an outboard w/ a prop in the 20ft range. (Alumaweld?/North River?/Willie?) Does anyone out there have any experience with offshore brackets? Are they necessary? I do most of my fishing in the bays or big rivers (Columbia) and would love to do some ocean fishing as well. I have never ridden in one of these types of boats so would like some information on them from someone who owns one. Hoping to make this my last fishing boat purchase so I would like to get it right! Any advice would be greatly appreciated! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[boater]

if i was going to buy a boat like your looking for, i`d get a glass boat, you will get alot more boat for alot less money.

[urb]

Offshore brackets alow the boat to have a full hight transom and there is much more room in the stern for fishing. From my expierance you can even get a little more speed with the same hp because the motor is mounted higher and the setback alows the motor to trim more. But most builders what a pretty penny for them.

[Lipripper]

I too would be interested in everyone input on a new( actually a used boat--new to me) boat. I would like something sea worthy around 22-24 foot and glass. Brand names and why would be appreciated. I'm leaning toward an inboard. Thanks in advance.

[Tryin2Fish]

A couple of things to look for that I have found out after I bought my boat of course.

1) i/0 vs. outboard. The outboard will give you better gas mileage which can equate directly to more fishing trips.

2) Freeboard space, that space to the waterline from the back. Important to taking those side ways swells.

3) someone eluded to the fact that a glass boat is generally less expensive than an aluminum boat but the aluminum boat has a higher resale value which for some might be important.

4) Its important to buy what you want because you can't depend on the resale or the trade in value if you already have a boat, especially in a down market.

Jim

[Gregotis98]

I'd love to change boats too. I presently have an 86 Alumaweld V sled center console with a 302 and a pump. It works great for almost all types of fishing, and I don't know if I'd kick myself if I got rid of it, but I really don't use it like a sled should be. After this summer in the ocean I'm leaning towards a larger glass boat like a Seaswirl Striper, larger Arima, Sea Ray, or even an older Grady White. I think that just about any aluminum boat on the ocean is going to be a rougher ride than glass, but an 18 or 20 deg. V would help quite a bit. Personally I don't know what the advantage of aluminum would be if you were buying a boat with some V in it.
This is always such a tough decision, buying a boat. I'm just afraid of buying something I might hate and selling it in a year. I've put a new factory motor in my boat and know it like the back of my hand but what good is to me if I don't use it for what it's made for . Wow this topic has me thinking now, I don't want this to sound like an ad but if anyone would like to talk about a trade or something let me know. I doubt if I would do anything, but it's always fun to talk boats and drink a beer.

[Pitch Pocket]

Mr.Kitch'nPass, sounds like we have similar ideas. My wife likes to be out there, but the 19’ VS open sled is a little too rugged for her in anything other than the best conditions. I find myself in the Columbia, the bar and the ocean and always looking over my shoulder at the weather and water conditions ready to turn tail and run in at the whisper of chop. I’d like to extend my season comfortably and maybe drag my wife and kids when we want to keep more than one sturgeon at a time.

We’ve looked at most of them and have focused on the SeaSport 22 or 24. You can comfortably trailer the 22 with a 1500 Suburban and the 24 with the 2500, but I mostly see them moored somewhere near the ocean (Chinook, Ilwaco, San Juans, Newport etc). Others are the Osprey and the Skagit Orca, although they seem to be copies after the fact. The SeaSport is certainly not less expensive ($60,000+) than an aluminum boat, in high demand, with great re-sale value (just try to find a used one anywhere). I don’t buy on time, so I’m saving my pennies and will suffer with the sled for another year or so, but it’s definitely on my “to buy” list.

I’ll miss the sled as it is simply a great boat. I like the room, the easy towing and trailering and more. However, I really don’t need the pump and as I get older I look for more creature comforts like a windshield, heater etc. With the hard top, you can do a little gunk holing in the San Juans too.

[sturgn]

I have a 25' Jetpace, I love it, but I have a new goal for my fishing, check out these boats, I MUST have one...... www.maxweldboats.com That "Maxcat" is just flat out awsome, talk about your tuna trips!!!

[Deepslayer]

Boy I wish I was a highly paid technician like you John. Then I could afford one of those expensive Maxweld Boats. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] When are you going to get it, so a poor manager can tag along? [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]
,Ed

[sturgn]

Shhhhhhhhhh Ed! I'm Undercover!!

[boater]

here is my next boat

[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: boater ]

[Mr.Kitch'nPass]

Hey guys...thanks for all the input so far! Keep 'em coming.

Hey, Tryin2fish what kind of boat do you have now? And what kind of boat do you wish you would have gotten?

Hey, Sturgn...you must have me confused with a man with money. Nice boat but I dont think I could get the kitchen pass for that!! [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

[Mr. Fisherman]

I've been shopping for over a year now.

Gregotis98, I agree with the brands you mentioned but would include a couple more for consideration. Boston Whaler and Ed Knight custom aluminum boats.

The Puffin is an Ed Knight boat and it is incredible. It was made for crossing the Columbia River Bar. Sea Ray is a nice vessle too.

My advice is simply to get out and fish on the boat or one like it before you buy it. I made that mistake with the boat
I have now and regret it.

I love that ocean fishing and refuse to buy a boat that won't get me out there (and back again [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img].

There has been a lot of discussion on this topic. Make sure your new boat has enough fuel capacity to get you where your target species is and back with 30% of the boats fuel capacity in reserve. The Coast Guard recomends this as from time to time they close the bar and you have to stay out there or go to another port. Be safe out there.

I still haven't made up my mind. I want a towable boat that won't cost me an arm and a leg to operate. I'm leaning towards an Arima 21 or 22' but haven't fished from one yet.

I'm also strongly considering a hard top with a bulkhead. If your boat is open you're gonna get wet and yer gonna get wet alot. Been there done that. I'll do it again [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img].

Good luck,

Mr. F.

[ 09-02-2001: Message edited by: Mr. Fisherman ]

[fishbait]

I've spent alot of time on a Maxweld boat. Not the one shown in the pictures, more of a standard hull. The craftmanship is excellent. they make a great boat.....

[Mr. Fisherman]

My kitchen pass and budget.

Aint she a beauty [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]

[Firedog]

You might take a look at the Seaswril stripers or the Arimas. Both excellent boats for what it sounds like you are going to be using it for. Lots of room and comfortable for the Family. There are others that are the same style and in a decent price range also.
New Striper .com

[ 09-03-2001: Message edited by: firedog ]

[Salmonator]

I picked the trophy over the striper for two reasons. One being the seat to steering wheel angle was akward. The second was that the outboard models had no fishbox! Seems like a small problem until you realize you can't strap one onto the back (duh) and that you bought the outboard for stern room in the first place and don't want no stinkin' cooler bouncing around your fishing space. The inboard stripers have a cool transom box however. The trophy's also have a nicer curve at the bow and throw the waves to the side nicely. I don't get very wet at all even in the rough stuff with the top down... Joe

[Mr.Kitch'nPass]

Seems like alot of you guys are thinking glass boats. Think I would have to give up alot of room that way. I also trailer the boat alot so want to keep the weight down. But now I think I will at least consider glass. Aluminum seems more durable. Tell me where I'm wrong guys. Thanks! [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[Backlash2]

Thanks for mentioning the Trophy's Joe, not sure if I had the ***** to do it first. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

I have spent weeks and weeks worth of fishing time inside a '93 23' Trophy. I can honestly say, Bayliner or not, this boat is the best laid out of any I've seen. It was obviously designed by someone who actually fishes. Cutting boards built in to each side in the back of the boat, THREE fish wells that hold 4 25-30 lb. flatties a piece(I have researched this, repeatedly [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] ), 140 gallon gas tank, etc..

Definitely worth a thought, or two.

BTW- When you start talking about a real, V-hull, sea worthy vessel, you won't save much weight by going aluminum......

[Denali]

Kitchen,

I just went thru the same process/dilemma you are looking at. Because I mainly fish large resevoirs and ocean/Columbia the jetsled was not really an option for me. I ended up getting a 20' Duckworth Pacific silverwing with bracket. I hung a Yam 200 on the bracket along with my 8hp kicker. The bracket gives you full height transom and an incredible amount of room in the stern. The only drawback is fighting fish around your outboards as they are set way back. Other than that I think it is the best setup you can get. Glass boats being heavier will ride softer and bust waves better. I like the aluminium for maintenace and towability. I looked at NR's, Willie's, but ended up with the Duck only because I couldn't pass on the deal. I like the hulls better on the other two. Have fun shopping.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Trophy.... Nice....

Here is a link...

Trophy.com

Enjoy...

[StorminN]

If you're into aluminum boats (and have the cash), check out two quality manufacturers in Washington, they are Almar and Woolridge
http://www.almarboats.com http://www.wooldridgeboats.com

The Canadians have some really innovative hull designs. I fished with a guy up there that had a "water ballast hull" boat. Basically, picture a 21' center console sled (outboard prop, though), with a fairly flat bottom (8 degree?), then take and weld on a deep vee to the bottom of the boat... and leave the transom off the deep vee part, and put two small holes in the bow of the deep vee part, to let in water. Theory is, when you're sitting still, you're a flat bottom boat, very stable, and the deep vee part fills with a couple of hundred gallon of water, making it even more stable because of the weight and resistance. Then when you get on the gas and get going, all that water drains out of the back of the deep vee section, and all of a sudden, you're a boat with a 24 degree +? hull... pretty cool. He had a 150hp outboard with a long shaft on that boat, said it used some gas, though... I bet.
I tried to follow him offshore of Vancouver Island, halibut fishing... my 19' Custom Weld was beating us to pieces, his boat was riding smooth... I've been trying to find the manufacturer of that boat ever since...

Search the web for Canadian boat manufacturers, and/or go to the Vancouver Sportsmen's show in February, they have a lot of good boat builders up there, and with the exchange rate, you can get quite a deal.
Check out Silver Streak and Wolf Marine

-N.

[ 09-04-2001: Message edited by: StorminN ]

[FM2]

Hey Mr.Kitch..is this Dave ?

I want to put my $.02 in on your search. I have had both glass and aluminum boats from 16' to 30'. For a great all around boat I found the 21' NW Jet to be a great purchase. This boat is very versitle and I used it for family outings to fishing trips. I have fished lakes, rivers and oceans in this boat and it was easy to pull with a suburban. Here are a few things I would recommend:<UL TYPE=SQUARE>A covered area to get out of the weather, your wife will really enjoy this. Air ride seats for those rough water conditions, while a deeper vee cuts through the water the air ride seats make up for the shallower vee. Inboard motor with 4 stroke kicker, tie in the fuel line directly to main fuel tank. Full swim platform, this is a great place to net fish. Fish finder, compass, gps and vhf radio. Lots of storage.
A nautamatic trolling system, a very sweet system that free's you up to move about the boat and help your friends.[/list]
I prefer the aluminum hull over the glass as there is little maintanence and you can drive right up on beaches to fire up the Q. I could go on but I have a few pics of my boat, which unfortunately I had to sell but I will definately purchase another one.

Front of Boat


Rear of boat

Inside

Good Luck on your search [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[O'City Fisherman]

You also might want to check out the 26' Alaskan Hardtop. This is a nice boat and has everything that I would like to have. http://www.hewescraft.com

[img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

[Master Baiter]

Nice boat FM2! Did it come with that high railing or did you have that put on. I like your setup, it looks like a good seaworthy machine and still get you up the rivers. I need a boat for the river and salt and yours seems to cover both quite well. I am looking for a jet first but I would like it to give me the option of going to the salt since it will be while before I can afford an Osprey! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

I have to concur with some of the others about the Trophy. I have never been big on Bayliners but I have spent alot of time in my buddies 22.5 cuddy and have never felt unsafe even in nasty conditions.

[ 09-05-2001: Message edited by: Master Baiter ]

[FM2]

Thanks MB, it was a sweet boat. The railing is the 24" high option and there was also a 36" high one but it was too tall. The railing provided great protection and even has rod holders built on. I had a 12" step on each side of the engine cover which gave me extra storage on one side and a stainless steel fish box/live well on the other. I mounted fish on seats on the engine cover so there was a comfortable place to sit while fishing or just enjoying the scenery. I also had a nautamatic trolling system installed and to me that was the best add on of all. It uses a compass, gyroscope and computer to control the kicker. It would steer with a microphone sized contraption with a knob on the top. Very nice system.

Hey Kitch, another important item with an inboard is to have a fresh water cooled motor. This is really good to have for many reasons but the main one being going into the salt water. I wouldn't have another boat without it.

[Mr.Kitch'nPass]

FM2 It is Dave...Nice detective work [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] Thanks for all the helpful input on the boat. I am looking forward to fishing with you on Saturday. From what I'm reading sounds like we should get along just fine! Going back to Bouy 10 tomorrow. Give me a call tomorrow night and I'll give you the report and we can firm up the details for Saturday. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[Grits]

I had the chance to fish out of an 18' smokercraft "Cobra" (glass boat) this summer. We hit the ocean a few times and once on a really rough day. The boat did really well and I never felt unsafe. This boat trailers well and with a 100 hp 4 stroke and a kicker it only weighs around 3000lb full of gear. We comfortably fished 3 people and you could have added a fourth no problem. I don't know what my friend paid for it but I know he had looked at the 179 hewescraft and this boat was cheaper. You can check the boat out on www.smokercraft.com

Good luck finding the boat of you dreams!

[Mark]

I have been looking at the wellcraft boat
any comments?

[Mofish]

In aluma boats buy Motion Marine in a fiberglass boat buy Grady White.

Hands down the two best built boats today.

If you want to see my Motion Marine e-mail me.
Mofish

[boater]

ya ya ya, we`ve been thru this before, everyone knows that an alumaweld with box gurder construction and a glue`d in sportjet is the best aluminum boat on the market today, ive seen these motion marine boats before, cute, very cute little boats.

[Perfect Drift]

Friends in Junea have a 22ft. C-dory. That is a nice boat. galley, head, table, 100hp o/b, tandem axle trailer, lots of inside and outside space. I would buy that boat if I wanted a big boat.It's nothing to run 70 miles to find fish and that's big water. www.c-dory.com

[StorminN]

I forgot to mention Armstrong Marine, it's another Canadian company, very well built, seaworthy boats, all aluminum.

-N.