Experience with Shamrock?

OceanBlue · 07-01-2008, 07:28 AM

Hey y'all -

Andy and I are boat shopping (I know, I know...)

We found a likely suspect in San Francisco, but I wondered if anyone here had experience with this boat or style of boat in our NW conditions.

It's a 1988 Shamrock 260 hard top.

A couple of things have me concerned about this boat. It's 26ft with an 8' beam. Been down that swell before and the pucker factor in moderate conditions with following seas was pretty high. The Shamrock, however, isn't as top heavy and doesn't have a deep V.

Which brings me to my second concern - The deadrise at the transom is only 5 degrees. Pretty flat. Then again, this boat isn't a speed demon (which suits me fine)

And my third question about the design of this boat is the keel drive and what effect that has on its handling. I understand that it helps with stability, but is it going compensate in any way for the flat bottom?

I know many of you have lots of opinions to offer and I'm happy to hear any of them, but I'm really looking for some first hand experience. We've looked at an awful lot of boats and we just keep coming back to this one.

Before we head down to Half Moon Bay see her, we'd sure like to know a little more.

Thanks!

Jen

Net fun · 07-01-2008, 07:35 AM

I'm pretty sure Baha Dan has a Shamrock

Quote:

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

Hey y'all -

Andy and I are boat shopping (I know, I know...)

We found a likely suspect in San Francisco, but I wondered if anyone here had experience with this boat or style of boat in our NW conditions.

It's a 1988 Shamrock 260 hard top.

A couple of things have me concerned about this boat. It's 26ft with an 8' beam. Been down that swell before and the pucker factor in moderate conditions with following seas was pretty high. The Shamrock, however, isn't as top heavy and doesn't have a deep V.

Which brings me to my second concern - The deadrise at the transom is only 5 degrees. Pretty flat. Then again, this boat isn't a speed demon (which suits me fine)

And my third question about the design of this boat is the keel drive and what effect that has on its handling. I understand that it helps with stability, but is it going compensate in any way for the flat bottom?

I know many of you have lots of opinions to offer and I'm happy to hear any of them, but I'm really looking for some first hand experience. We've looked at an awful lot of boats and we just keep coming back to this one.

Before we head down to Half Moon Bay see her, we'd sure like to know a little more.

Thanks!

Jen

Chesapeake · 07-01-2008, 07:46 AM

Bajadan2000 has a Shamrock (Predator?), but I havent seen him post on this board for several months.

If you need to know the board he currenty frequents send me a PM.

OceanBlue · 07-01-2008, 07:59 AM

Thanks! Andy found that board.

Tinman · 07-01-2008, 09:15 AM

I don't have experience with Shamrock, but I do have experience with flat bottom boats. My 22 foot Pacific City dory has a flat bottom with zero deadrise. It does fine on the open ocean, but cruising speeds average 13 to 16 knots. Flat bottoms provide excellent stability, but the downside is speed. My boat is capable of 30 knots, but I've never been able to go that fast in the ocean.

A Shamrock is apt to be slower than deeper V boats, but easier on gas and more stable.

Chrome Bumper · 07-01-2008, 09:58 AM

And the keel will improve tracking and roll.

Pau Hana · 07-01-2008, 10:03 AM

Shammies aren't flat-bottom boats- they're full length keel boats. The ride is very stable, and it's kinda cool having a shaft and rudder on a smaller boat.

Go here-

www.fishtheclassic.net

Bluefinn · 07-01-2008, 10:18 AM

My friend had one great riding boat.You need a bow thruster for sure to dock it though.

bull285 · 07-01-2008, 07:03 PM

My friend bought one three years ago in Maryland. So we flew back there picked up a truck and drove it back here in one 43 hour sore butt express. It�s a 26� Shamrock Mackinaw with the 210 hp Cummins turbo diesel. With the motor mounted amidships it helps the weight distribution and improves ride. We�ve fished it for the last three years. So far it�s been great. It tops out at 28 to 29 mph and doesn�t seem to slow much with added weight. 25+ mph with six guys (fishes five perfect) and probably close to a thousand pounds in gear, ice and fish. Motor�s very economical at 2.5 to 3 mpg. Our longest run to date was right at 170 miles with 55 gallons burnt. It�s a heavy boat so it handles chop as if it�s not there. However anything over about a foot and a half chop makes for a very wet ride. Especially into a quartering wind. Plan on running the wipers constantly. I personally like the full keel. It protects the screw and rudder, plus it seems to help with tracking when you�re trolling. Don�t worry about the shallow dead rise at the transom you won�t notice it. It could use a little more beam but is still very stable even broadside into the swell. Besides it�s really nice being able to trailer it without a wide load permit. It doesn�t have a bow thruster. That would be nice but you can maneuver just fine with a little bit aggressive use of the throttle and rudder. All in all I think it�s a great boat. If you do purchase one I am sure that6 you will be pleased with it. If there are any other questions I can help you with feel free to email me at c___miller@msn.com . Hope this helps, Carl.

OceanBlue · 07-01-2008, 09:11 PM

Thanks for all the help. We found a shamrock discussion board and wow, all I have to say is... California, here we come!

Headed down to check out the boat this weekend.

Metal Manipulator · 07-02-2008, 05:56 AM

Pictures?

Pilar · 07-02-2008, 07:25 AM

There's a boat like this in the harbor in Newport. Nice looking boat. Shaft drive single engine is a challenge to maneuver next to a dock. Also you have extra hassle getting something off your prop like a crab pot line or spectra.

But the main thing is will it make you happy. Good luck on your quest.

OceanBlue · 07-02-2008, 08:26 AM

angler_andy · 07-02-2008, 07:16 PM

Here is another BIG plus.

- 210hp 359 cu. in. (5.9 liter) displacement Cummins Turbo Charged Diesel (1300hrs.)
- Range of 350 plus miles at normal cruise of 28mph turning 16x17 three-blade cup-
ped prop. at 1900rpm using 7.40 gph (no trim)
- 1400rpm planing speed (no trim)
- Max. 500 plus mile range achieved at 17mph using 3.4gph (1400rpm)
- 1 1/4" armco aquamet 17 stainless steel propeller shaft
- 34mph top speed

Gregotis98 · 07-02-2008, 07:31 PM

They're a very quality built boat and you'll notice it when you look at it. I have trouble sometimes driving my single shaft around the docks but just try to be smart about where I'm parking it and give myself PLENTY of room.

OceanBlue · 07-02-2008, 08:26 PM

Thanks Greg. Docking is a concern of mine also. But no boat is perfect and if that's the worst this has to offer, I think we're in good shape. Practice makes perfect. We can do this.

WaaaaaaHoooooo!

After reading many posts (here and on a Shamrock owner's site) and pm's I think our time and energy in heading down to CA to check this thing out is more than warranted. Stable, capable, fantastic fishing platform with few downsides. We're off! Will keep you posted on the progress.

Thanks all!

Jen & Andy

Chrome Bumper · 07-02-2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OceanBlue

That's a purty boat.

OceanBlue · 07-02-2008, 08:41 PM

And she's a fishin boat!

We're all a twitterpated!

Boats · 07-02-2008, 08:42 PM

This is going to sound stupid... but are the diesels loud on these boats?
I have a friend who was looking at one... but changed his mind over concern about the noise. Now he's looking for a Grady with 4-stroke outboard.

Thanks!

Salty Walty · 07-02-2008, 08:46 PM

Are those surfboards or monster planer boards?

backlash442 · 07-02-2008, 08:50 PM

That picture almost looks like the back side of Santa Cruz Island with the orchard in the background.

My friend owned a 26' boat with a jackshaft. He put a brody on the steering wheel to make it spin a lot faster. According to him it gave him much more control over the boat. Amazing how he could put that boat in tight places. Just takes practice.

bull285 · 07-02-2008, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boats

This is going to sound stupid... but are the diesels loud on these boats?
I have a friend who was looking at one... but changed his mind over concern about the noise. Now he's looking for a Grady with 4-stroke outboard.

Thanks!

Boats, as long as the motor box has the sound deadening foam intact, my experience has been that when you are running on plane they are no more noisey than a gas motor. Slightly more so at idle or trolling. Much more so with the box off.

little doc · 07-02-2008, 10:10 PM

Cummins 6b's are relatively quiet. Turbo's are quieter than NA's but dont last quite as long. Detroits are LOUD by comparison (think 2 stroke diesel). A 4 stroke o/b is quieter still. Some big game fishermen swear by the thump of a diesel, particularly a Detroit, being able to call fish in to the boat.

Scott.

backlash442 · 07-03-2008, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bull285

Boats, as long as the motor box has the sound deadening foam intact, my experience has been that when you are running on plane they are no more noisey than a gas motor. Slightly more so at idle or trolling. Much more so with the box off.

IMO depends on the diesel make. Volvo's are pretty noisy. At least the KAD's. Not sure about the new D series. Yanmar's are quiet. Friend who put the brody on his steering wheel had a Yanmar and it was super quiet. He now has twin Detroits in a 36' Topaz and they are noisy.

OceanBlue · 07-03-2008, 04:50 PM

She's got a Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Thanks for the input everyone! We're off to California for a test ride. Will keep y'all posted!

Enjoy the TUNA! hunt and the holiday!

ron m · 07-06-2008, 11:27 AM

So, Jen, are you gonna give us an update?

You're probably still traveling, but let us know!
ron m