$30,000.00 Question (Read new boat)

JasonS · 01-07-2003, 07:31 PM

Alright time has come and I have quite outgrown my first boat. It was a 16ft welded aluminum sled type. Well wanting to move on up to a 18-20 fiberglass boat. So far I have looked at the Arima 19 Sea Ranger (two styles the conventional soft top and a custom hardtop by Inland Boats in Ellensburgh WA), the 1852 Seaswirl Striper and the Palmer Marine 195 Tiderunner Walkaround. Due to Naval committment my shopping time has come to an end till I get home and I want to hit the blocks running and get a boat my first week or two home. Want to keep it around 30K boat motor (stuck on getting a Suzuki 140 and 9.9) and trailer. Also it is a requirement that I can spend the night it it. Want to be able to go to Westport and Neah Bay and be able to get moorage and sleep a night or two on the boat, so a cuddy is a must. Can anyone think of any other options in this size/price range. Right now I am leaning to the Tiderunner, want to ride in the Arima and Tiderunner though. Striper is allot less boat (sizewise of fishing area) for a sizable chuck more cash, although finish and cuddywise its the nicest. Eventually after a couple years of learning a bigger boat handling and getting comfurtable navigation wise I would like to go to the further reaching Halibut and Tuna spots off shore of OR/WA. Thanks.

skein · 01-07-2003, 08:37 PM

Jason,

Are you stuck on new? I know of a boat - if it's still for sale - that might fit the bill nicely. I'll be glad to give you the info AFTER your introduction fish story. :grin:

I tell ya, these guys are ruthless. They won't let you eat, sleep, or catch another fish until you've told the story.

Skein

corrirod · 01-07-2003, 08:47 PM

JasonS, welcome aboard!

First things first, just fyi, it's tradition that new members to Ifish tell a fishing story as initiation into the group. Tell us what you like to fish for, where you normally fish, how you couldn't catch a tuna to save your life so other friends had to give you theirs (oh, wait, that's my story :shocked: ).

In regards to the boat question, man, with that kind of budget I think I'd look to something even bigger than 20ft. if you're spending any substantial amount of time on the ocean. There are alot of 21-22 ft. boats out there to fit that bill. I personally own a Trophy but there are several other boats including C-Dory, as well as Arima that make boats in that size and are great ocean boats. If you don't mind buying a new "used" boat, maybe a year or two old, there are some great deals out there right now and with the size of your budget you should be able to get all the creature comforts, ie. hardtop cabin, full cuddy, radar, gps, downriggers, etc.

Good luck and thanks for your service in the military. Be safe. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

TyeeTom · 01-08-2003, 03:05 AM

You might want to take a look at my post in "Boats and Tackle for sale." A Seasport is a heck of a nice boat. Good luck in your boat hunting.

Pitch Pocket · 01-08-2003, 08:57 AM

TyeeTom, I read your ad in the boats for sale area. There are no photo's posted. Do you have any?

Only 200 hours on a 1993? Is that on new power or original hours?

Bankbound · 01-08-2003, 01:15 PM

Where can I find info on palmer marine I can't seem to find them anywhere??

Gregotis98 · 01-08-2003, 01:40 PM

I would seriously think about a used one. Boats drop in value instantly, and people are in bad financial problems with boats to unload with not many buyers. 18'-20' doesn't leave much room for sleeping, I looked for about a year and trust me a couple of feet make a difference in fishing and useable space

Rod Holder · 01-08-2003, 03:13 PM

To bad you can't make it to the Seattle Boat Show, it would be a great place to compare boats. Thanks for doing your navel duty and protecting fat old men such as myself.
I agree with the previous posts, buy used if you can, you get much more bang for the buck. There's lots of good boats out there the key is nailing down what you what to do with your boat and what attributes are important. If overnighting on a smaller trailer boat ranks high on your list of priorities, be sure to look at the C-Dory as it has a fair bit of cabin room for a small boat........I'm biased
good luck

JasonS · 01-08-2003, 08:33 PM

www.tiderunnerboats.com for the Palmer Marine boats.

Part of the reason I am staying in that size range is truck and storage issues. I tow with a Ranger because thats all that will fit in my garage. Conversly I don't want a bigger truck also.

New/Used I don't know about buying a used saltwater motor. Allot of time I have to wonder guys selling thier boats didn't fish that much or didn't take care of it. My boat I wind up with this time has to last me 10 years. Or else my wife will make me literaly live on it, after all the last boat was just the one I wanted. I guess I would consder a used boat but it would have to be perfect. But again towing issues come up. I would love to have a 21ft Stiper or Arima. But more to tow. Burn more gas in boat lots more issues. Think I have settled on the 18-20 range also because of how much I fish alone (90% of the time).

By the way as to a fish story. Anyone ever catch a 50# tuna off of the back of a United States Naval Vessel? I have. Sunday fish call 1995 the USS California CGN-36. Nuclear Cruiser. It was pretty cool. Pain to get on deck though.

Fishplay · 01-08-2003, 09:29 PM

USS Albacore!! Welcome aboard JasonS.

Stabiman · 01-08-2003, 10:22 PM

Jason, how about an aluminum 20' cuddy cabin hardtop that you can tow with your Ranger (2600 lbs). If you are looking for a great offshore/bluewater boat that will get you out to tuna town, halibut hole and everywhere else... take a look at a Stabi-Craft.

We don't yet have a 20' here in the USA for you to see... but I'll have the 22' hardtop back from the Portland show next week if you want to take a look. I'm almost certain I can get you into the 595HT/2080HT with a 140 Suzuki with some money left over for electronics/fishing gear.

I'm in Seattle too... so give a call or drop me note if you want more info or have questions.
Cheers,
Dan
(888) Go-Stabi

bait boy · 01-09-2003, 04:16 AM

Jason, shoot me an email I want to talk about your boat that you caught your albie off of. I was on the Cali around that same time. MM3 Hale.

Pilar · 01-09-2003, 07:06 AM

Check out Ed Wing in Chinook Washington.

My buddy Jon got 'Puffin' for alot less than 30K. 21' all welded heavy gage aluminum, 4 flotation chambers, self bailing, air ride seats, 130 honda 4 stroke, sea drive, huge gas tank. Looks like an Arima made of aluminum, with a high bow and smooth ride.

This boat is called the Ed Wing ocean 21'. Designed for use on the Columbia River bar and proven by my friend Jon on countless trips off the Oregon coast. The Tuna capacity is now 39 but I'm guessing we could have stacked more that day and someday will.

JasonS · 01-09-2003, 08:57 AM

Bait Bot it was Crack Pac remember Sunday fish calls?

bait boy · 01-09-2003, 02:58 PM

Only during the steel beach picnics and those were few and far between. Which Dept were you in?

JasonS · 01-09-2003, 03:12 PM

Reactor/Engineering I am a nuc MM/ELT. They were more frequent than that. There were three or four of us that fished allot. Warrant Oficer Looney, The DC guy that had a bad back another BM1.

bait boy · 01-09-2003, 03:19 PM

For some reason its not clicking... I was a Nuke mm but went convenional unintentionally. I might have transferred before this time. Glad to hear someone had fun on that boat...

Ramstrong · 01-10-2003, 09:04 AM

All I ever caught on the Connie were mackerel and such when at anchorage or moored. We did catch some really strange fish in Jebel Ali. There weren't really fishing calls on the aircraft carrier. It's a long way from the fantail and sponsons to the water. Plus when under way flight ops are taking place. If we aren't flying, we're in restricted manouvering for straights passages or unrep. It's interesting releasing fish from that high. :shocked:

There was one time when we were moored in Seattle for sea fair, one of my buddies was fishing off of the fantail not too long after we had arrived. All of the silt that we had kicked up brought in some blackmouth. My buddy was catching them like they were going out of style and piling them on the fantail. Somehow he get's turned in and winds up pleading ignorance (no license what limits and size restrictions?) to a police officer. He got off with a verbal warning and his fish being taken away. It was pretty funny. I told him if he would have been fishing from a sponson facing away from the city he probably would've gotten away with it.

Sometimes I miss being in, but it takes me about two seconds to come back to my senses. The outside world is so much better.

Birdnest · 01-10-2003, 05:33 PM

Hey Pilar,

Do you know if Edwing has a website? I looked and found a Edwing Boats in Chinook, but no link. You have me very curious. By the way, I always read your post with much interest and consider myself a Salty Dog groupie. :grin:

Orca · 01-10-2003, 07:02 PM

www.edwing.com

Just a few pictures and phone numbers. I wouldn't mind making a trip up there and have a look around. Something like a 24' VEC with a head, and 350 Inboard Jet would be sweet. I'd love to have them build the shell and then I could fit out the rest.

[ 01-10-2003, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Orca ]

JasonS · 01-10-2003, 10:46 PM

So thuthfully how does a Aluminum boat of a comparable size ride in a chop as compared to a Glass boat?

Captn · 01-11-2003, 05:25 AM

Jason, if you do a search here on Ifish with the word "puffin". You will be able to read many references to his fishing exploits, bay and in the salt. Pilar and many others have gone with him and his Edwing. I have not heard one person who is not impressed with how that boat handles and how efficient the whole boat is. It isn't the sexiest thing built, but if in your form follows function, then it should be a thing of beauty.

Pilar · 01-11-2003, 05:52 AM

That's it Capt'n. That Ed Wing guy is too busy building boats to mess with the internet. The basic 21' Ocean is a nice boat but plan on finishing it yourself, the outfit is pretty spare. I think a 75 merc outboard is the stock power. All of Ed's effort goes into building the bulletproof boat, not the finishing of it. My friend Jon went up there to Chinook and customized the basic design by adding

1) Larger fuel cell ... 65 gallons
2) Swim platform/outdrive bracket
3) Huge softtop, 6' person has headroom
4) Air ride seats
5) Honda 130 4 stroke.

As far as the ride goes, it's pretty good. This boat really handles well and has weathered some conditions that would swamp most boats that size. The self bailing deck and flotation chambers make it take care of itself. I recall a crabbing recovery where a freak wave put 500 gallons in the back of 'Puffin' and it scupped out in just a couple minutes.

The only thing I would change is to add a fish box under the deck and maybe upgrade the fuel cell to 80 or 100 gallons.

With the 130 Honda it gets 3 - 4 mpg. The 4 stroke is quiet, you can only hear it run on step.

All I can say is that my next boat will be an Ed Wing.

Birdnest · 01-11-2003, 06:23 AM

Orca,

Thanks for the link. I like 'em. The 22' Cuddy would treat me and mine just fine. I also like the Fish Rite Bayhawk Cuddy with the hard top. Aluminum is probably #1 on my wish/priority.
I see a few of these guys offering a I/O jet to these deep V boats. With the loss of HP when using a jet vs prop, what are the main advantages to a jet? I could see one being not having a tangled mess of a fishing net in your prop and running with a little less draft, but are there others?

Pitch Pocket · 01-11-2003, 06:43 AM

I'd look at that 22' seasport that Tyee Tom is advertising. It's a little expensive for a '93, but if it is 200 original hours and he is negotiable, it would be a great ride.

Pilar · 01-11-2003, 07:18 AM

Birdsnest, thanks for your kind words.

Without exception every fisher I know that is trying to use a jet in the ocean far offshore is grieving over fuel consumption. The jet is great for shallow water but it is just too inefficient for the long haul.

The only things we encounter offshore to foul a prop on are fishing line and the occasional crab/Shrimp pot.

Miss B Haven · 01-11-2003, 07:54 AM

Birdnest- I would say you are actually better off with an I/O or out board than a jet as far as worrying about wrapping something. A jet can suck something up in the intake (kelp/line -whatever). An outboard or I/O can be tipped up either to or above the water line and cleared off the swimstep (or by getting in the water.
If you suck something up in the intake of the jet it could be hard to clear without diving or pulling the boat. I would imagine that this is VERY unusual (kelp can plug you quickly, but backing it off should clear it most of the time) but this is not a reason to get a jet. Shallow water running is the only reason. :smile:
I have Inboards, same deal, it's a few feet down and under to cut a line off! :shocked:

Birdnest · 01-11-2003, 12:53 PM

Hey JasonS,

Here you go...http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=31271

JasonS · 01-11-2003, 07:48 PM

I like the forward slanting windshield like the Seasport line. I noticed on the Edwing virtual boat they had models one like that. What would that 22' Cuddy weigh in at? How much customization can you do with them and what kind of price range are you looking at?

OceanBlue · 01-11-2003, 08:13 PM

A note on the "Puffin" - the Edwing Pilar mentions - I keep telling John that he needs to get shocks installed on the Pilar like the Puffin has. Nice ride. Even on the bench seats. For its size that boat plenty of seating that folds into a bed and still tons of room for fishing, fishboxes, gear, etc. AND that thing is bullet-proof.

She ain't purty, but she's sure functional!

Of course, I haven't seen 36 tuna aboard that boat, but she could handle it, no sweat. And she virtually drives herself! :grin:

DB_Cooper · 01-11-2003, 08:40 PM

Where can I find some pics of these Edwing boats ?

Orca · 01-11-2003, 09:36 PM

Birdnest,

I would be interested in a jet mainly for initial cost, and ongoing maintenace. It should be cheaper to install and maintain. Also I could then take it to Billy Chinook, Columbia, etc. and run it right up on the beach with out worrying about the outdrive.

But, I would want to do some more checking on fuel consumption. I know a guy who says he took his 23' sled with a 502 to the ranch and back for just over 40 gals (wasn't a flat day either). He may have told me wrong, or I may be confused, but if true, I could live with 2 mpg. Sounds like the Honda 130 can get up to twice that good however. Too dang bad 4-stroke outboards are so expensive.

Deepslayer · 01-11-2003, 11:29 PM

Waiteman check the Edwing site that Orca posted above. They look pretty sturdy to me.

Mark Mc · 01-12-2003, 07:47 AM

Hi Orca, we can't be sure what kind of a "scale" your friend uses when he says "it wasn't flat." It may have been bumpy but he could still get on a plane. You can be sure that, when it gets snotty enough that you can't get on a plane, and you have to slog at 7-8 knots for 25 miles, those big blocks hooked to a jet will still have to turn at least what, 2500 - 2800 rpm, and will be guzzling.
In any case, I would get "empirical evidence" before making such a decision.

p.s. 2-stroke technology is supposed to be getting pretty darned good, with fuel injection & what not. Have you checked into the new stuff?

[ 01-12-2003, 08:50 AM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

Orca · 01-12-2003, 02:00 PM

Mark MC,

I really have to believe that the 502 is a gas guzzler as well, and it must have been a good day, a bad fill-up, or again I may be out of my mind.

I looked around at some of the new 2-strokes, and the prices are pretty decent, nowhere near the 15K for a big 4-stroke. I'd like to build (or have built) a 24' aluminum hard-top with at least 200 - 225 hp, and be in for around 25K. Not even possible with a big 4-stroke, but maybe with the 2-stroke or a used sterndrive.

[ 01-12-2003, 03:22 PM: Message edited by: Orca ]

Mark Mc · 01-12-2003, 03:20 PM

Orca, I did a little surfing and came across this review of new outboards:

link to Saltwater Sportsman

So are ya gonna call Mr Ed Wing? I think you're onto a good "value" idea here.... Which 2 stroke outboard(s) have you looked at?

p.s. I noticed on the Evinrude website they **claim** that their 2 stroke Ficht Injection motor gets better fuel economy than the same HP 4 stroke Yamaha.

Anybody out there have one of these newer 2 strokes?

[ 01-12-2003, 04:25 PM: Message edited by: Mark Mc ]

skein · 01-12-2003, 05:29 PM

Mark,

I've also heard that some of the new 2-strokes are already meeting the upcoming emission requirements.

I'm going to go up to Ed Wing's before I make any boat decision. The guys who have been "Out There" seem to think they are a GOOD ride.

Skein

Silver One · 01-12-2003, 09:40 PM

As per usual Pilar is right about Ed-Wing boats. After having bought a competitors brand I visited the Ed-Wing shop last August. He had both the open windshield version of the 21' and the enclosed cabin version. While the open version was nice the enclosed model was truly awesome. In addition to everything Pilar said it had an RV type heater, a lockable bulkhead door, air ride seats, electric anchor puller and powered by a 115 Yamaha 4Xstroke, all for 30K. At 21' it was a little big for me but otherwise it was a beauty. It's deep-vee was much deeper than you see on other aluminum boats. Also, 1/4" aluminum bottom was standard. Anyone considering a rugged offshore type boat would be doing themselves a favor by at least looking at this manufacturer.

Mike

Orca · 01-13-2003, 07:03 AM

Mark MC,

First a questions - Do you get any of the Saltwater mags like Saltwater Sportsman, and which is the best?

I just cruised around the web looking at different prices for Mercs, Yamaha's, and Evinrudes. Of course I would actually have to find something a little closer to home at a decent price. If I end up having a shell built, I might have the outboard bought and mounted at the builder.

I'd also love to hear from some folks that are running these injected 2-strokes.

And Skein, it looks like we need to take a road trip to EdWing.

skein · 01-14-2003, 01:22 PM

Orca, you bet - let's go! I just talked to Ed Wing and got directions to their shop. They are officially open Mon-Fri, 7-4, but there's usually someone around on Saturday. Mike, the guy I talked to, said they had a good selection of boats right now and we could look over the different styles.

I would have to take a day off work to go up there during the week, but, hey, if it's for fishing, no sacrifice is too great. I have another friend in Lebanon who wants to look at them, so what say we find a day and do it. Can you get off during the week? I could pick you up on the way through.

Anybody else want to ride along? I've got a crew-cab pickup that will haul 6 of us pretty comfortably.

Skein

Pilar · 01-14-2003, 03:10 PM

In tribute to my friend and briny mentor, Jon ...

Here's a few shots of the mighty 'Puffin'. Dont expect you'll ever see many photos of this boat that don't include miles of open ocean or piles of dead fish.

That's what I've seen anyway. You can see it in person he lives in SE Portland.

Puffin1

Puffin2

Orca · 01-14-2003, 09:03 PM

Skein,

Sounds good, I sent you mail. Monday the 20th is a Holiday for some of us lucky souls.

Chaps · 01-15-2003, 09:41 PM

I'm selling an Edwing - pls check "boats for sale" - thanks, Bob

Drifty · 01-23-2003, 08:30 AM

I have been looking at these stabi crafts and doing some looking around on other message boards for opinions on these boats. I thought someone might be interested in the responses given. NZ Message board

Skien
Did you get any pics?

Drifty

Re:Play · 01-23-2003, 09:19 PM

Jason, I have a 19' Arima Sea Ranger with a 150 Yamaha. I had a 17' Sea Ranger before.
My wife and I have camped on the boat and it is ok. If I were buying today, I would not get the sleeping cabin as it takes up good fishing room and I often times fish 4 people.

The boat handles well, and we have gone out of the mouth of the Columbia quite a bit. I think glass is softer riding than aluminum, but you have more weight to move.

I pulled the 17' with a light 1/2 ton PU and it did ok. Good luck in your choices!