Boat buying season

skein · 12-07-2002, 08:12 AM

With the boat show coming up and tuna season just around the corner,

I'm looking at boats. Anybody know anything about ACB Boats ?

I also have the 21ft Arima and one of Edwing's boats on my short list. You tuna-talkers are gonna cost me a lotta money...

but as they say, this ain't no dress rehearsal. What are some others I should be considering, i.e. looking at up at the big show?

Skein

boater · 12-07-2002, 09:46 AM

[ 12-08-2002, 10:38 AM: Message edited by: boater ]

Captn · 12-07-2002, 10:58 AM

I might not be speaking correctly, but Puffin has about a 21' Ed Wing, with a 130 Yamaha on it, plus or minus a foot or two and plus or minus 10 hp. He does a heck of a lot of fishing any where he wants. It is not fancy, but it is a fishing machine and a good ride. Get the hydraulic seats!!

corrirod · 12-07-2002, 03:01 PM

Skein,

I've seen those boats as well and they look really cool. My only question is how well they ride in a 3 ft. chop? My Trophy rides rough but at least it's got give in the fiberglass and a deep V to absorb some of the shock. It looks like the chamber on those boats would really slam into the waves. I'd be interested to hear from someone who owns one. Anybody?

Another boat that you might check out that I saw advertised in F & H news is an Oregon company called Boulton Powerboats. They make an aluminum copy(or at least looks very similar) of the SeaSport. I do have experience with SeaSports and I would highly recommend one however they are a little pricey. According to the ad in the magazine, the Boulton aluminum version starts at $50K. Here's a pic and their webpage is www.boultonpowerboats.com.

I sure like helping other people spend their money! :tongue:

[ 12-07-2002, 04:02 PM: Message edited by: corrirod ]

Rod Holder · 12-07-2002, 03:29 PM

Take a look at www.C-Dory.com these are tough little boats (I'm biased). If you want more info, shoot me off an e-mail and I'll be glad to chew your ear off.

fishwhenican · 12-07-2002, 05:07 PM

The lines on the Boulton boat look very similiar to The Koffler Bay-Bee. Which they make all the way up a 30" model. Deep V bow but flattens out at back 6" bottom very stable. Have fun looking!

RJ · 12-07-2002, 09:57 PM

I would second that skein if your going to hit the show talk to Bruce(Koffler) a couple years back ol' wak'm and myself fished out of Nilchik(deep creek) in the Koffler boats lauching by tractor on the beach I was impressed with the boats and how they handled.I would recommend whatever you decide,get the widest beam you can, which legally would be 102''to the best of my knowledge without some special trip permits for the highway.The sled I own has a 100'' beam and I have never regretted it,like that old pontiac commercial...wider is better...goodluck in your search.RJ

skein · 12-08-2002, 05:30 AM

Corrirod,

Good question about the air chambers slamming into the chop. I dunno, but it's a question I will ask them. I also like the Boulton boats and think he really knows his stuff. He did a lot (most?) of the design work for Jetcraft before he broke off to start his own company. I almost bought one of his sleds - good price/quality combo. 50K is more than I can spend, though, so I don't think that one will get on my list.

RodHolder, I'm interested in hearing more about your C-Dory. It seems they've expanded the line and have more offerings than they had before. What do you have? How do you use it? Inside Passage (?) - now that's a trip. Tell me more.

As for the Ed Wing, Puffin is the one who got me interested in them. He's absolutely fanatical about his. I will go up to talk to them before I buy, that's for sure. The same thing is true about UglyGreen and his Almar. And, hoooboooy, does he catch fish. The wife wants a little more cover than his offers though, so that's a factor. She's a tough little fisherman, but not as impervious to the cold as I am.

Anybody else have a suggestion? Like I said, I'm pretty open-minded at this point, but want to make a purchase in time to get it outfitted and shaken down.

Skein

boater · 12-08-2002, 10:00 AM

skein, click here , then click parker boats on line, there is a dealer up here in washington.

my next boat.

[ 12-08-2002, 11:21 AM: Message edited by: boater ]

Rod Holder · 12-08-2002, 01:42 PM

Shein,
All these boats mention are top notch stuff and all have their strengths and weaknesses. I conjured on the purchase of the third, and last, boat for about two years, visited and talked to most of the boat builders mentioned above and concluded that the 22' C-Dory cruiser was the best fit for our us. We wanted a boat that we could overnight on, trailer easy, ocean fish, smallmouth fish (Brownlee, Lake Billy Chinook gotta have it), explore the Sound in, pull a knee boarder AND get good fuel economy. The downside of this boat (and it doesn't bother me any) is you give up speed (cruise about 18 knts, top about 28knts) and comfort, it will pound you pretty good in chopy water if you don't slow down and it doesn't have a lot of beam.
Next summer we are going to bob around Vancouver islands and the San Juans for a couple of weeks, the summer after that we're going to fish our way on up to Alaska.
The C-Dory is a great boat but it isn't for everyone, if you should decide that it's not for you, steer your spousal unit away from the C-Dory dealer at the boat show because they do have a certain charm.
I should shut up and go fishing now.

[ 12-08-2002, 02:44 PM: Message edited by: Rod Holder ]

kenai · 12-08-2002, 03:39 PM

I'm sold on the Arimas, for the money I think they are the best deal goin. I've got a 17 footer and take it out probably too far. (Chicken ranch etc.) Handles the chop well, good mileage and in talking to other owners we all came up with the thumbs up. I'd look at the 22' hardtop ranger for a solid boat for the money, not a lot of whistles and bells but a fishing rig. Normally a craft over 20 feet doesnt have flotation but the Arima and the whaler still use it, just another plus IMO. The flaw with the smaller Arimas is only one bilge pump and no real place to put another, the larger arimas have 2.
Good luck.

skein · 12-08-2002, 06:26 PM

I hear you on the Arimas, Kenai. I've had a 15' Sea Hunter since '88 and still can't bring myself to sell it. It was (is) the best all-around boat I've ever owned - period. We are really interested in the 21', but there's a pretty significant jump in the cost between the 21 and the 22. Admittedly, the 22 has a wider beam which translates to better performance, but we think a 21 with a 130 Honda should be one heck of a boat. It's pretty high on the list and will take some doing to knock it off - but I don't want to get so focused that I refuse to look at others.

Rod Holder,

We've spent the last umpteen years motoring around off the north end of Vancouver Island, mostly in the Robson Bight, Blackfish Sound/Double Bay area, and all over Broughton Strait to Port Hardy. Beautiful, delightful, fishable waters, but with the new limits on bottom fish (1), no retention of coho, and vastly increased license fees, we may not be going back. Last summer we had to really struggle to catch enough fish for supper while our friends here in Oregon hammered 'em. Canada may have finally dealt us out. And we weren't the only ones. The guy at the sport shop in McNeil laughed (ruefully) and told us we'd have *plenty* of room on the water. He was right - for the most part it was deserted up there. :depressed:

I t'ink I ban go tuna huntin' wid dese guys down here nex' year.

All I need is the right boat....

Skein

12-08-2002, 06:57 PM

Sea Dories have too narrow of a beam and aluminum is high maintenance in saltwater.

Kaptn Ken · 12-08-2002, 07:38 PM

Skein, :grin:

I have looked into the ACB boats in great detail. I have a VHS 'Intro" movie showing it at it's best. I watched their infomercial and a special on cable outlining the boat because of it's uniqeness the interest of The United States Coast Guard. I WOULD buy one myself bit I'm downsizing and have my 21' Duckworth for sale here at Ifish.net. The ACG is a very expensive, but worth it boat, in my opinion. It takes 3' chop AND MORE very nicely...They are UNSINKABLE and the Coast Guard and several law enforcement agencies have just bought up a bunch of these boats in various sizes for civil defense. Since 9/11 the US Coast Guard's interest in these craft is because they can be shot full of holes and still do their duty. I priced a 22 footer with a 225 h.p. Mercury Optimax, which is what I have on my Duckworth...You're looking at about $55,000 plus!!! There is a workld of options to customize it to your specifications!!! They're unique and very "Futuristic!" Personally, I think they are the boat (And the hull) of the future!!!

You can request a VHS tape at their website!!! [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img]

PL Ken

periwinkle · 12-08-2002, 09:11 PM

How do you guys with the cabins on your 19-23 foot boats powered with big outboards heat the cabins in the winter?? The I/Os allow the use of an car type heater..... I've been swaying back and forth on this choice so much the last 6 months I'm getting motion sickness!!!!!

So what do you think about the 'lobster boat' types powered by deisels,,,,,a little slower but look seaworthy. :whazzup:

fish assassin · 12-09-2002, 06:08 AM

If you want a smooth ride with good beam for stability,
take a look here:

http://www.maxweldboats.com/

Andy has a new model that is 23 or 24 foot long with
twin I/O's that looks real sweet! He is building one right
now in his shop in Hebo. I think if I'd seen this model
before I had him build mine, I would have gone for the 24'
model instead of the 30' model? Naaawwww!!!

-assAssin-

skein · 12-09-2002, 07:00 AM

Cool looking boat, Assassin, but my guess is it's priced outta my range. I'm trying to stay at 30K, realizing that any 30K boat worth its salt will be up to 35K by the time you get it in the water.

You've got one of these, eh? I know next to nothing about cat hulls, except it seems to me to be production intensive - two hulls to build, two motors to hang, etc. But , hey, Hebo is just up the street from Sweet Home (well, I drive by there when I fish the coast) so I'll have to stop in and talk to them. Where's your boat moored? I might want to take a look at it while I'm over there.

Funny thing about Maxweld. If someone had asked me about them, I would have sworn they made sleds - exclusively. That's what's nice about this thread - I'm hearing about boats and models I didn't even know existed.

Skein

fish assassin · 12-09-2002, 07:57 AM

OK, I gotta admit, my 30 footer cost a lot of money ... but
the smaller version should be quite a bit cheaper. You would
need to contact Andy to talk prices with him.

I may have been mistaken about the twin inboards. Now that
I think about it a little more, it kind of looked like he
was setting this one up to have twin outboards. Again, you'd
need to talk to Andy.

I keep my boat down at Depoe Bay, but it's out of the
water until spring (well, April at any rate).

Maxweld makes a quality boat that is warm, dry, stable and
FAST! BTW, I'm not associated with Maxweld boats in
any way. Just a *very* happy customer! :grin:

-assAssin-

Twin hulls: Better, faster, smoother, more stable!

Pilar · 12-09-2002, 07:59 AM

Capt'n ... 21 ft with a Honda 130. My next boat will probably be alot like Puffin but with a little different outfit. The nice thing about the local boat shop is they can to some degree set the boat up if you customize the basic design.

The only thing Puffin really lacks is a built in big fishbox. I don't much like the bench seating, I'd have to think about that and make it more comfortable. The other thing is the rod holders are fixed, not adjustable.

Having said all that, I still think for the money you get a fine boat with ***** of steel with the Ed Wing.

Drifty · 12-09-2002, 01:13 PM

Kenai,

I have been looking very hard at the 17' arima sea chaser I was wondering how you had yours set up? (fuel capacity, main motor kicker ect...) I would love to be able to get out and catch some butts in a boat that I could fit in my garage.

Drifty

Captn · 12-09-2002, 01:29 PM

Pilar, did something happer to your avitar? Didn't see pappa H. there. Nice to hear from you John.

Lured In · 12-09-2002, 01:47 PM

Skien...a good friend of mine is planning on picking one of the 23-25 foot ACB's. If you haven't ordered the movie yet, do it. It is awesome to watch. They are based out of Bellingham and I hope they come to the boat show this year. (I didn't see them last year? :whazzup: ) Anyway, I will be looking at there new jet models in another year or so.

I don't know if it is standard policy, but for my buddy, they offered to reimburse his travel expenses to Bellingham if he purchases a boat.

I would love to go for a ride in one.

(I assume you have looked at their website www.acbboats.com but they have a used section on their if you are lookng to cut pennies.)Good luck.

Master Baiter · 12-09-2002, 01:58 PM

I spent a year and a half shopping and looked at all of those brands, ACB, Parker, Osprey, Davis, Sea Sport, C-Dory, ..., they are all good in their own way! Just depends on what you want for options, looks, functionality.

I'll never go back to a gas motor again!

[ 12-09-2002, 03:02 PM: Message edited by: Master Baiter ]

kenai · 12-09-2002, 04:48 PM

Drifty, check your email.

big foot · 12-09-2002, 06:20 PM

Skein to add to your quest try silverstreak.com. a nice offshore alumnium boat made in sooke bc not to send us $ north but they do make one heck of a boat. they have a used 20' that looks like a good buy. big foot

periwinkle · 12-09-2002, 08:54 PM

Hey Skein,,,,,, here's a couple more to check out .....don't want any hasty decisions. :grin:

www.acadia25.com/
www.steigercraft.com

Palmer Marine, Port Orchard WA makes a Tiderunner 195 similar to an Arima....no web yet.

(Wish I had 35K to spend) When you finally buy ---let us know what you chose.

skein · 12-09-2002, 09:17 PM

Periwinkle,

Quote:

Wish I had 35K to spend

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Me too! I'm hoping the bank will still have it come spring.... As I keep telling my wife, "We've never bought anything yet we could afford." Actually I'm going to sell my current boat, which is luckily paid for, and roll that money over into a blue-water rig.

Those Steigers (sp?) looked pretty good, as did the Parkers. I'm probably going to stay with a northwest manufacturer though, just to have someone to go talk to - plus I want to spend my money where I make it - locally.

Skein - who keeps muttering in his sleep, "tuna, halibut, coho, chinook; tuna, halibut, coho, chinook..."

Tagster · 12-10-2002, 10:04 AM

Here is my semi-realistic dream boat...my wife has even given the ok, I now need to justify it to myself...

I have yet to hear anything negative about these.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/7/0/37533970.htm

Marty, do you get a lot of roll in yours when drifting?

Tag

[ 12-10-2002, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: Tagster ]

Tagster · 12-10-2002, 12:07 PM

Man, I love talking about new boats!!!

I saw another nice looking boat for sale in the boat trader.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/4/2/37945742.htm

Any opinions on the uniflight?

I think though, that I will just end up buying the Sea Sport 24 XL...hopefully they will be at the Portland Boat Show...I can't believe how well these boats hold their value!

Tag

corrirod · 12-10-2002, 12:27 PM

Tagster, if you're in the mood for Sea Sport here's the motherload:

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/8/2/34771882.htm

Looks to be fully outfitted and kept dry. The nice thing is it's still trailerable even though it's 27 ft. Aaaaaaaaah if I only had the money!

Good luck.

Popeye · 12-10-2002, 12:30 PM

Miss B.... If you know somebody else that would like to be a proud Tolly owner send me an e-mail ie: '72 40'

Redbull · 12-10-2002, 12:52 PM

Hey gang,

For those of you looking at the ACB boat, here is another choice

www.stabicraft.com

There are two boats sitting in Seattle. You can't beat it. My friend flew to New Zealand to look at the boats and bought two of them.

He now is also the North American Rep.

His name is Dan Lomax 206-409-1065. *** New Number***

He went to ACB and then to New Zealand. There is a reason he went to the effort of bringing the boats into the US!

Dan lives in Seattle, but he can bring them down for some show and tell.

New number above.

[ 12-11-2002, 08:34 PM: Message edited by: Redbull ]

Miss B Haven · 12-10-2002, 11:12 PM

Tagster - Go for a diesel if your going to dream! :grin:

skein · 12-10-2002, 11:28 PM

Yeah, Tagster, nice choice. I agree with MissB, though, go with diesel on a boat that big - and far-ranging. A friend just sold his Tolly (settle down, Mel) and wants me to go to the boat show and look at SeaSports. I reluctantly agreed to help him. :grin: Let's see....we need radar, gps systems, radios, downriggers, oh lordy - I love spending OPM (other people's money)!

Skein

OceanBlue · 12-10-2002, 11:38 PM

Skein - Me TOO! OPM is awesome.

Tagster - Gosh, if you've got the authorization and it's what you want, what justification do you need?

You need to get it in time to outfit it for tuna season :grin: And I'm sure the wife will want to do a little "interior decorating" too.

Happy Holidays! HOHOHOHO - Ohhhhh, I need a tuna fix!

Miss B Haven · 12-10-2002, 11:50 PM

Skein - it's OK, really! :shocked: :whazzup: Just means somebody else is now a proud new Tolly owner! :grin:
Too many good boats, too many fish, too many adventures, not enough time (or money)! :depressed:

Mr. Fisherman · 12-11-2002, 02:55 AM

Redbull, Your friend dosen't have his phone on. Can you have him email me?
How do the prices compare with the ACBs?
I thought the ACB was way out of my range and had decided to work towards buying a used C-Dory as they are very economical and very sea worthy.

Miss B Haven · 12-11-2002, 02:13 PM

Jen- As long as we're Christmas boat shopping:

http://www.yachtworld.com/listing/yw...USD&units=Feet
Hmmm... 275,000 lbs, 28 knot cruise, 9800 gals. What do you suppose the range is?

skein · 12-11-2002, 02:35 PM

Nice MissB, but not enuff fishing area. Besides, I would probably get lost looking for the head.

Skein

Miss B Haven · 12-11-2002, 02:38 PM

skein - one of the bait girls (included) would be glad to show you the way!

Pitch Pocket · 12-11-2002, 04:07 PM

Mel, that boat is probably one of those that never leaves the dock. It's range is probably to the fuel dock and back.

Think long and hard about the diesel. I did quite a bit of research (go to google and look up diesel boat motors) before I powered my SeaSport 24. Most all opinions are that unless you run your boat full time, you will have a hard time making the extra cost pay. If you don't run them full time, the diesel will not last as long as you expect and will need an overhaul before it's time and it is EXPENSIVE!! Most also say that you start to look at diesel at 27' but even then it is marginal.

It didn't take long after some due-diligence to reject the diesel idea. After I explained how I was going to use the boat to the dealer in Bellingham (by the way, they didn't reimburse my traveling expenses when I bought the boat......rats, I should have thought of that when I was negotiating), he recommended against it too.

The gas motor is powerful and reliable. It is half the cost to rebuild and if you take care of them, they can last a long time before you have to take them down.

If you get anything diesel, get the diesel stove. It's a $1600 option that works as a heater for winter fishing besides being a very efficient cook top. I didn't get it, but can retrofit if I just can't stand the cold anymore. I'd rather spend the 2 grand on the TR-1 Gold (coming next spring).

In any event, I'm very happy with the SeaSport. I get more confident with it every time I use it. It can handle just about anything you can throw at it. Built like a brick house, yet pretty nimble on the water.

skein · 12-11-2002, 05:33 PM

Thanks, Pitch. I've always thought the Seasport was an awesome boat. I talked to a guy in Newport that had one and I don't think the whole Russian navy could have taken it away from him. Nice, nice boats.

What do you have for power, a 350 or 351? Something else? Does the doghouse get in your way? Do they build a Seasport a guy could hang a big outboard on, or is it strictly an inboard show?

So many questions to this boat-buying business....

Skein

fishwhenican · 12-11-2002, 06:16 PM

On diesel engines: From a previous post there was a link to info on diesels in boats. While some of the info posted was correct, not all of it was. A diesel works very well in a constant load (boat on cruise) situation. Mileage or gallons per hour are going to be at least 50% better. You do have to make a decision on whether the extra cost is going to be worthwhile depending on how long you are going to keep the boat and how often you are going to run it. Parts and repairs are definitely more expensive.
A lot of the problems I see are lack of maintanice induced, like fuel filters are ok to go untill the engine stops, Duuh. The fact that you have to let them cool down before shut down. Or let them warm up before you start working them, and you work a engine pretty hard just getting up on plane. Another thing to consider: take the Cummins 6BT engine, Automotive application (with a mechanical pump) max hp was 230. Marine applications are 325, some 350hp, sure you have water cooled manifolds,but a engine will not last as long at max hp output as it will at a reduced rating. If I was going to get a 6bt I would get a 250 or 275 hp engine, It won't get you there as fast but it will last longer with less maint. I would also get one with an Inline Injection pump on it. Max hp output of a VE rotary or the Delphi (Lucas) pump in a automotive or industrial application is around 190 hp. Yet both Cummins and Volvo Penta had them "cranked" up to 250 hp outputs. Rotary style pumps cost less so the OEM puts those on rather than an Inline. Bottom line is don't get one that is "overrated" compared to a industrial or automotive application. Also the OEM will soon be forced to go to electronic controls on engines in the future to meet emmission requirements. Electronic controls mean more hp because of better combustion control. Low sulphur fuels, better combustion chamber design, better engine oils all add up to even longer use before major repairs. If you are going to keep a boat a long time, run it a lot, it may be worthwhile to get one with a diesel. When you read about diesel "technology" in boats make sure you are looking at what has been sold recently not at a 20 year old 3208 Cat or 6Bt Or, or.

kenai · 12-11-2002, 06:54 PM

Skein, I found the perfect craft for you and your budget. 1998 22' Arima Sea Legend hardtop. http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/1/6/36057216.htm. Good Luck

12-11-2002, 08:18 PM

The best reason to have diesel power is diesel has a high flash point.

periwinkle · 12-11-2002, 08:20 PM

Miss "B", three flights of stairs to the pilot house!!! I'd be all tuckered out.......and would never make it down to a bent over rod... :grin:

Tagster,,,,,, Twin 440's ,, man, don't get too far from a gas station.......
I had a 34' bow picker :shocked: (I'm reformed like a 'born again') once with twin 350 I/O 's, a 300 gal tank, and I needed most of it to go from Everett to Blaine (sockeye's)....

Fishplay · 12-11-2002, 09:43 PM

Here you go Skein. This could be the same boat Kenai posted. It's in Portland. 22' Arima There a lot of other boats available on this site also.

[ 12-11-2002, 11:26 PM: Message edited by: Fishplay ]

OceanBlue · 12-11-2002, 11:59 PM

Okay guys - here's the new boat!

The perfect boat

Now I just need to find $5 million.

Master Baiter · 12-12-2002, 06:39 AM

Here is another diesel site:

http://marineforums.com/

Pitch makes some good points and but IMHO, a well maintained diesel will give you less problems over the long haul. They are more efficient, can have a much greater longevity, typically more reliable, and safer as noted by Keta. My boat was originally a gas boat and the guy I bought it from did all the comparison calcs and came up with approximately 3 times the mileage increase, 3 GPH gas v. 9 diesel. Diesel powered boats also hold a higher value, the initial capital cost is not lost!

The nature of a diesel engine has marine application written all over it, they are always going up hill (always pulling a load). I wanted a diesel boat for the same reason I bought a diesel cart to pull that horse.

Sincerely,

MB

Pitch Pocket · 12-12-2002, 10:28 AM

I get 5.5-6 gph with the 5.7 GI and I don't dog it. The engine cover isn't that big of a deal. I would prefer a flat deck, but I work around it without grumbling. I do find myself using the cover for bracing, leg against the gunnel, foot against the cover, when rocking and rolling.

You can power the 24' with outboards, but they are expensive (about 12 grand per), don't last as long, and you don't have any interior heat with them.

It would take a lot of hours to have the typical fuel savings of 2-3 gal per hour to pay for the added cost of the diesel (about a 10 grand add-on). You do have better resale value (hypothetically) so you can hope to get some of it back. It would probably take about 5 years of use to break even on the added investment. If you take care of them properly, you can get over 5,000 hours on them before major repair as compared to about 1500 for a gas motor. If the diesel ever needs major engine repair, for whatever reason, the cost is comparitively high.

I like the idea of the safety issue, but I don't see many gasoline powered boats blowing up.

If you want diesel, the dealer right now has a 2003 with diesel power that he will sell at a very attractive price. Email me for contact info if you're interested.

[ 12-12-2002, 11:32 AM: Message edited by: Pitch Pocket ]

12-12-2002, 10:34 AM

In Ketchikan a boat goes off about once every 5 years :depressed: . Usualy alcohol is involved too.

northriver1 · 12-12-2002, 10:54 AM

Skein, I recently purchased a Northriver 23' semi hard top which I plan to use on tuna. I live in Junction City which is not that far from you. You would be more than welcome to come by and take a look.

Master Baiter · 12-12-2002, 12:24 PM

Pitch,

Thinking back on it I believe the gas motor originally in my boat was carbuerated (sp?) hence the low mpg (gph?). 5-6 mpg is not too shabby!

MB

Drifty · 12-12-2002, 12:57 PM

Skien,

My buddy just sold his Skipjack fisherman and that was one tuna fishing boat. It had a 1000lb fishbox in the floor. Here is a link to one just like it only a few years older. Skipjack Fisherman 25

corrirod · 12-12-2002, 02:13 PM

Pitch,

You get 5-6 gph? That's amazing. I burn more than that with my 120 Force outboard. My neighbor gets 9-10 gph with his 22ft. SeaSport. Is 5-6 at cruising speed?

I'd really like to buy the 27ft. SeaSport Pilot someday, right after I win the lottery for sure.

I used to be down on outboards but I'm slowly starting to favor them. The technology and reliability is getting so good now, not to mention the emissions and fuel economy. No real winterization needed, less oil changes, less weight, more leg room in the boat, etc..

I'd be interested to see a study on maintenance costs for I/O's vs. Outboards over the life of the motors. If anyone knows where I could find one please let me know. I know for the price my neighbor would've paid to have new cooling risers replaced I could've bought a replacement outboard.

rojo · 12-12-2002, 02:57 PM

If I ever down sized it would be to a seasport, just like the way they look going thru that big chop on the lower columbia. Sure like the way pitch pocket has his setup sweet boat. As far as gas versus diesel, once your over about 30' you need the diesel. Weight in a boat realy gets heavier fast. i.e. a 24' probable weighs 5000 to 6000 lbs, a 32' weighs 14000 to 17000 lbs and you need the torque...Roger

RJ · 12-12-2002, 03:09 PM

rod...maybe when the Boatshow gets going a bunch of us ol' dogs can get together and help skien spend his money ,that is until they kick us out for licking the door handles :grin:

Pitch Pocket · 12-12-2002, 03:15 PM

Keta, STAY OUT OF KETCHICAN!!!! :grin:

Badabing........ But seriously folks.......

Re: Fuel consumption
I don't check it each time anymore, but when I first got the boat I watched fuel consumption very closely. It came out to 5.5 gal per hour every time give or take a small bit. That includes low rpm stuff like backing into the current to drop shrimp pots and bottom fishing.

I imagine if I ran it all the time on step, fuel consumption would vary. I very seldom run it full out, mostly between 32 and 3500 rpm unless I find flat water somewhere or am in a big hurry. In any event, the fuel gauge goes down much faster than I want it to.

If your buddy is only getting 9 or 10 gph out of a 22', I'd be concerned. Carburated or fuel injected?

Thanks Roger, and you're correct. The 24 weighs about 6000#+ loaded.

skein · 12-12-2002, 03:34 PM

RJ,

Ohmygod, that's the last thing I need. Imagine a bunch of ifishers with wish-lists that would make an admiral quake, turned loose at the boat show using my name to explain their excesses! I'd probably end up with a SeaTollySkipJackAlmar DorySport with an aluminum air chamber made by Ed Wing, and powered by twin 454 YanmarPentaVortecs with quad duoprops, and a Honda 130 as a kicker. Oh yeah, and it would have 4 levels to keep Mel happy. [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

You guys are gonna be real disappointed when I end up buying a 1967 Fiberform with a 35 Evinrude - because that's all I can afford.

I better leave my Ifish cap at home when I go shopping or someone might spot me and come over to help.

Skein

12-12-2002, 03:47 PM

Skein,
I've got parts for the Evenrude :grin: