Would you buy an Arima or a Trophy?

[Jeb]

Folks,

Just curious to see what you all think about the 21' Arima Sea Ranger verses the Trophy. I currently have a 19' Fisher (welded aluminum) that I've had for years and its been a great boat. I'm looking at something with a cuddy and a bit more sea worthy, since the Fisher has an open bow...which concerns me on those rougher ocean days.

The Arimas look like a well built boat; but the Trophy seems to be a good bargin for the money.

Just thought I'd ping you Salty dogs to see what your experience has been with each of these.

Thanks,
-Jeremy

[The Overfishin Condition]

I'd buy ODIN, which is for sale in the classifieds. Arima for a slower, more fuel effecient ride, and smooth ride. Trophy for more power, a faster ride with a deeper V, but a sacrifice in effeciency. Read the long thread about the best boat in the 23-24 foot range for some good info on all boats, including much on Arima's and C-Dory's (similar design concept.) If I had the money, I'd be looking at Trophy's if it were down to just these two. Both great boats. Tight lines, TOC.

[Sea Lilly]

Arima makes a great boat,
I had a sea explorer for years it was an inexpensive boat to operate and maintain. all in all a nice boat.
BUT.......I sold it and went Trophy for the power, speed and the safety needed to get out on the salt.
While you are looking at the bigger Arima than I had, I just don't see them as much as the Trophy out on the salt.
Both good boats I like Trophy........More bang for the BUCK $$$$$$

[earlybird007]

Jeb....pm'ed ya

[uboatcdr]

I just sold my Hewes and got the Trophy 2509. I have had it
out of New port one time hali fishing. What a difference
I love the way it handles, more fuel range and 8'1/2' wide
makes a big difference . The arimas are nice, but big bucks
for a smaller boat.Like said earlyer you get more for your
money with the trophy. Look at the stripper in the classifieds. Lots of stuff and the price seem resonable.
Good luck
Pete

[TROPHY1]

I have a Trophy 2352 and love it. Have been 55-60 miles out for tuna and love the ride. I have the 5.7 Merc and it does eat fuel yet I feel safe and have a great ride every time I am out.W.O.T. on flat water runs at 40mph

Corrirod is a Salty Dog and a TROPHY Dealer, be sure to look him up.

[Herring Problem]

I run the 2052WA with 4.3 v-6. go out tuna hunting 56 miles out. Ride good, easy to plan at 14 mph, trolls great, averaged 2.45 mpg at 3500 rpms at 25 mph.

Typical fish day for halis at the ranch and salmon fishing at the pile will use 28 gallons for a 12 hour day. Love the cuddy, sleep in it all the time. The 85 gallon tank give you a 200 mile range with gas to spare.

If you have the bucks, look at the 2506 or 2902, these are the fishing platforms to have if your going to play a lot on the ocean and can afford it.

The 2052WA comes with a deisel and has a range of 600 miles. Rode one, would have bought if they would had one at the time I bought mine. Speed was impressive with three adult and full tank of gas, cruising speed wes around 23 mph.

Go down to Staff Jennings. Take a look.

[flapbreaker]

It depends on how far out you plan on running. If your thinking Tuna you might consider the trophy just due to being able to maintain a higher cruising speed in the chop. If your going to do nearshore fishing the Arima would be a great boat. Just something to consider. Also I don't know which boat weighs more so if towing capacity is a concern you might look into that as well.

[My Limit]

It's funny you should ask. I'm selling my Arima 21 for a longer and deeper V boat.

I've owned about 10 Arimas so I'll let you know I speak from experience. The Arima hull is designed for safety, stability and economy. The boat is extremely stable. I can honestly say I've never been concerned that my 21 would get capsized based on excessive rocking. I can run out to the Chicken Ranch 70 miles round trip and only burn about 19 gallons of gas on my Honda 130. If it's flat I can do that at 35 mph. If it's choppy that's when the Arima is not that great. You have to slow down to 10 mph in 2-3 chop
or you will be pounding your hull and you will wish you had suspension seats. (I've got them)

As far as resale the Arima holds it's value much better than the Trophy. Look at the prices for 1980's Arimas and you will agree. Arimas are like Boston Whalers as far as resale. Nobody could logically argue that Trophy's can compete with Arimas for resale. No comparison.

As far as construction they both have all fiberglass stringers and are foam filled. Both appear to be sea worthy boats. Trophys are mass produced and the Arima factory builds less than 100 boats per year. Arimas have a 7 year full warranty on the boat. Trophys have a 10 year, I'm not sure if that's hull only?

Arima customer service is the best I've seen. I don't know about Trophy, I've never owned one. I've only ridden on them. I liked the ones I went on.

If I was primarily going to fish salmon and make very few trips out for halibut and Tuna I would stay with my Arima. Due to all the above mentioned things.

But I'm really enjoy the Halibut fishery and I plan on going for tuna also. Long trips are better in a deep v boat if you want to get there quickly. The trade off there is increased gas costs, heavier boat for towing etc.

If I switch to the deep v I will be paying a ton more money for a fishing trip when you consider towing a heavier boat to the ramp, pushing a heavier boat through the water etc. I've got the finances to do that and will most likely buy a deep v because I'm the ADHD type who wants to get there now.

If I was the patient type and if I was smart about finances I would probably just slow down and turn on my autopilot and stay with my Arima.

If I make the change I will be going to the Trophy 2359 Hard top. Loaded up that boat weighs about 7k. My Arima 21 loaded weighs about 4-5k. I would most likely be stuck with an inefficient V-8 inboard instead of my Honda 130. That motor box is going to suck.

What I will gain is a better ride with regards to less bumps when going through the chop. I will also gain a much larger cabin.

As I'm writing this I'm wondering if I'm going crazy.

Good Luck! I'm struggling with the same choice. If I knew your desired application and your finances I might be able to better direct you.

ML

[Spindrifter]

I have a Trophy 2002 WA with a 175 Optimax. I'm really happy with this boat and the way it handles rough water.
I like outboards because you don't have to deal with the motor box. But on Trophys, The box isn't very tall.
I also considered Arima when I was looking at a purchase, and liked the Trophy better myself. The Arima was nice also though. Just like anything, there are tradeoffs to every design.

[pijon]

I am most likely going with the Arima 22. Looks like I will be catching a ride with Rees in his 22hardtop on saturday. Always good to ride one before putting up the money.
The biggest selling points are feul economy and towability with my present rig. Have looked carefully at trophy's, stripers, seasports etc. Maybe on my next step up. Every boat is a trade off. I had a close call last weekend and the overabundance of foam in the Arima construction is another selling point. The ride has to be a step up from my present 18ft tinboat. The safety factor is probly several steps up. Picking a boat isn't easy. I have been putting this off a couple years.

[Herring Problem]

You will be happy with your choice. Always nice to have anew boat so you can set it up the way you want. See you out there!

[Miss B Haven]

"Would you buy an Arima or a Trophy?"

After much contemplation, meditation, mediation, consultation, exorcism, palm reading, psychic counseling, and dice tossing...........the answer is.......NO!

[Flush Release]

"Would you buy an Arima or a Trophy?"

After much contemplation, meditation, mediation, consultation, exorcism, palm reading, psychic counseling, and dice tossing...........the answer is.......NO!

Another question for you Mel.

Would you buy another Tolly

[corrirod]

Both are great boats! Both have advantages and disadvantages.

I work for Staff Jennings so if you decide you're interested in a Trophy just give me a shout.

[Ducks4jimm]

My Limit, your answer was the best, most analytical response I have seen when comparing toe to toe. Nicely done.
Having said that, I'll keep my Arima, but it's only a 19 and I only use it for salmon, and only when we don't have to play "Victory on the High Seas".
There are so many better boats than both the Arima and the Trophy, but it depends on what you want to do and how much $ you have. Some of the latest generation heavy-hulled aluminum boats look like awesome tuna-killers.

[Jeb]

Thank you folks for the responses. My struggle here is trying to find a boat that is going to be versatile...both ocean and river/anchor fishing. I've looked at various 24-25 foot boats, but getting to the bow looked painful to drop anchor in the river. I'm trying to stay away from having a bigger boat & keeping my 19' boat,thus having to maintain two boats.

Any insight on how you guys have handled that in your boat design?

As far as weight, I'm towing with a 1 ton truck...I think any of the boats recommended shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks,

-Jeremy

[Mr. Fisherman]

I do it all in my 22' C-Dory. Fish Hoglines and go out for Tuna. I have spent 3 days and 2 nights aboard and enjoyed my time. I was able to tow it with my Xterra with it's 5000# tow rating and I did not have to pay $50K for it.
PM me if you have questions.

[Nalu]

Jeb-

Though my boat is much larger, I routinely anchor my boat in the river all winter for sturgeon and spring for salmon fishing. That's another nice thing about a walk around style boat. Pulling anchor from the front in current is also a big deal to me. How do you accomplish this in an Arima?

I suggest buying a Grady White. :smile:

[Nalu]

I do it all in my 22' C-Dory. Fish Hoglines and go out for Tuna. I have spent 3 days and 2 nights aboard and enjoyed my time. I was able to tow it with my Xterra with it's 5000# tow rating and I did not have to pay $50K for it.
PM me if you have questions.

Ray DOES have a nice boat, and I've seen him anchored up during the winter just fine.

Still, I plan on throwing Fishtraps from the bow of my boat... :grin:

[SalmonJeff]

get a grady! look on ebay some time and you can find gradys cheap!! I have a friend that goes all over the U.S buying gradys and man does he make some money on re sale!!

but for me I would get a grady!

but if I had to chose I would get the trophy between the two of your options it is nice to be able to lean on it a little and make the long run back a little faster.

[Onokai]

Salonberry Jeff is on to something. Gradys -Whalers ect have great resale value. If you must choose between those two ( arima -tropy)get the heavy one. My friends arima is to lite and gets beat up in mixed sea state. . Maybe the larger Arimas wiegh more -but the smaller ones they seem made for the sound and lakes and rivers. They do not have the wieght to make long offshore runs in chop.. Others may disagree but the 17 and 19 beat you up unless its glassy. Mark

[My Limit]

Nalu,

What do you mean when you say you can't walk around an Arima and set anchor ect? I've got a 21 Arima Hardtop and it has a full walk around. I had my railing raised and can fish off the front if the water is calm.

Now if you get an Arima without a hardtop it might be more difficult to walk around because you won't have anything to grab on to. I just wanted to correct your generalization.

Now that you are comparing Arimas and Grady's it becomes interesting because those boats are very different. One is affordable and economical and the other is spendy and drinks tons of gas. One has a smooth ride and the other can pound in the chop. One makes a good size cabin in a trailerable sized boat and the other does not. One costs about 30k more for the same size of boat. One has a Deep V hull and the other does not.

If I was going to fish river half the time and ocean the other half I would go with the Arima or C-Dory. They are a better overall value if that's your application. If you plan on making long runs in the ocean with chop and won't do much river stuff I'd say get the deep v boat. I personally am not impressed with Gradys, Whalers and Stripers in 22-24' range due to their small cabin. That's why I started looking at Sea Sports. They are a better northwest boat with a large cabin and you still get the deep v hull for the long rides.

Nalu,

I can see from a charters perspective why you like Gradys. You don't need the big cabin, you need the big deck for your customers to fish. However, I only fish three guys and we like room inside for the family etc. That's why I like enclosed spacious cabins. Also, when achored up for sturgeon it's nice to be warm inside a closed cabin with heat and other comforts. That's where the Arima, C-Dory and Trophy have the Grady beat.

I personally think Grady and Whaler should consider us folks in the Northwest and start making some larger cabins on their boats. Until then Sea Sport, C-Dory, Arima, Skagit Orca and Trophy will dominate the Northwest for trailerable ocean fishing boats. I'm sure there are others I forgot to mention, those just come to mind as popular NW boats.

Gradys are huge in Florida and California. You don't see to many Gradys running around in Alaska.

Grady and Whaler need to start thinking about competing with the northwest boats for this small corner of the market.

If Grady made a cabin cruiser in the 22-24 range I would be very interested. Grady really "missed the boat" in my opinion.

Thanks,

ML

[My Limit]

Whaler Man,

You are right about lighter boats pounding. The Arima and C-Dory will pound if you go to fast in the chop. You must just go slow and you will be fine. There will be almost no side to side instability though. That's the trade off with the deep v. I'm sure that if you plug along off plane with the deep v your boat will rock more than a flat bottom boat.

That's why I'm saying Arima and C-Dory are great as long as you arent making long runs into the ocean where you want any speed on choppy days.

Short runs are fine because their stability is excellent.

Trophy would be better for long runs in chop.

If you are just fishing salmon off shore I would say go with the Arima or C-Dory. That's not a long ride if it's choppy. Halibut and Tuna would be an unfcomfortable trip unless it was flat or you went slow.

I should say I've only experienced Arima and Trophy. I have not experienced a C-Dory. That information is 2nd and 3rd hand like most the info from most of the folks posting. I just like to let you know when I'm not speaking from experience with a particular boat or model. I would hate to give advise based on inexperience.

I also know Arimas and C-Dorys are easy to pull behind a trailer and get on and off a trailer. I can't speak for Grady's or Trophys with the deeper v. I've never loaded or unloaded one. The ones I've ridden on were moored.

Peace,

ML

[Jeb]

Folks,

One thing I'm a bit shocked on, is that I just looked at the engine spec's on the Arima...and the it only supports a MAX of 100HP. What's up with that? That really concerns me if a guy wants to go with like a 100 and then a kicker. You're probably going to be over the weight limit on the transom.

Any thoughts on this?

-J

[My Limit]

There are people that have 100 HP motors on their 17' Arimas. That is larger than I would reccommend. A 75-90 HP 4-stroke is perfect on that boat.

I'm not sure what size Arima you are looking at. Arimas are extremely wide boats for thier length. With an 8 foot beam and a boat that is fully packed with foam everywhere A 100 HP is no big deal. I've got a 130 Honda on my 21 with a 9.9 Honda kicker.

The reccommended horsepower is so low because Arima boats are much lighter than Trophies. Because of having less of a V hull they don't need a large motor and are very fuel efficient. I can go out to the Ranch and back (70 miles) on about 18 gallons of fuel with my 21.

Look at the motors required for the C-Dory. They have even less of a deep v hull. They are flat on the bottom and need almost no power to go. A fully loaded C-Dory 22 will run at 30 mph with twin Honda 40's or a 75-90 single motor. They are getting about 4 miles to the gallon on that.

An Arima 21 footer weighs about 3800 pounds fully loaded and a comparable Trophy weighs closer to 6500 loaded.

The deeper the v the more water you are pushing and therefore you need a bigger motor. That's why all the Gradys etc have huge motors and burn tons of gas.

It's all a trade off. If you want ecomony and don't might more bumps on your long ride out the Ranch get a C-Dory or Arima. If you want speed and a smoother ride you want a Trophy. Just be prepared for the fuel bill to be 2-3 times higher depending on motor sizes.

A 19' Arima only needs a 90 HP to run 34 mph. I've spoken with Arima builders many times and the reason they put the max HP number where they do is because the Arima hull is not designed for speed. It's designed for stability. You can put a bigger motor on an Arima, but it won't go much faster than about 40 mph. My top speed is 35 mph.

I hope this helps, I've owned about 10 Arimas.

ML

[Nalu]

Nalu,

What do you mean when you say you can't walk around an Arima and set anchor ect? I've got a 21 Arima Hardtop and it has a full walk around. I had my railing raised and can fish off the front if the water is calm.

I wasn't actually comparing Arimas and Grady's, I was comparing a true walk around and an Arima.

You may have had your railing raised, but that doesn't mean an Arima is a walk around. It is not, and never will be. It does not have a flat deck designed specifically for standing, and the front deck will always be higher than the rub rail. Can you make modification such as raising the rail to make it safer? Of course. How about the designed anchor locker, or a place to sit?

Space is definitely different. On a 22-24 foot boat, certainly the Trophy W/A is smaller, and different. But again, the difference is in design.

Also, when achored up for sturgeon it's nice to be warm inside a closed cabin with heat and other comforts. That's where the Arima, C-Dory and Trophy have the Grady beat.

Now--let's get somthing straight that you are just plain wrong about. Cabin size on a Grady that is my size (25-27). I can comfortably have 3 People sit below deck, and comfortably sleep 3. 2 in the V berth and one in the mid berth. If I choose to use the drop enclosure off my hardtop,(which I don't since I'm not a pansy). 4 people can comfortably sit out of the weather above deck in front of the cockpit. So, with ease and comfort, I have no problem accomodating 6 people out of the weather. Remember that Ice storm last winter that shut the city down for the day? Guess who was out fishing for sturgeon? That's right me...We did have the heater on, and we also cooked bratwurst on the BBQ. I didn't see another single boat on the river that day.

Fuel consumption is certainly greater. But again, you've blown it way out of proportion. Old standard carbed engines sucked the gas, but the new ones don't. I used 25 gallons of fuel last Sunday going halibut fishing, and half the run was made close to wide open throttle. And at WOT I'm doing 37 knots (that 42.6 mph for landlubbers)

Another thing. Even with your self perpetuated myths debunked, I'll still say the same thing. Get a rain jacket. My Grady has 60 square feet of open cockpit for fishing, plus a REAL walk around for people to fish up front if they want. Some people spend more time on deck catching fish than inside warming their hands up with a cup of cocoa.

How about getting it from here to there? Funny, I don't have a bit of problem towing my boat. I bought the darn thing in San Diego and towed it all the way up here, over the Grapevine, and through the Siskious. I'm pulling it out of water next week and trailering it up to Garibaldi next weekend for the tourney, then back down to DB. Boy, tough trailering. My only downfall is that my trailer is a piece of crap. Actually towing the boat is no problem, you just have to have a big boy truck. My fuel economy towing is about 13 mpg, and without it I get 20-21 mpg on the freeway, which is about the only place I drive my truck anymore.

Grady White missed the boat huh? If you do your research, you will find that they actually produced a version called the Atlantic that has an enclosed cabin, apparently is wasn't popular enough to sustain.

I won't disagree that a new Grady is VERY expensive, but why don't we see more Gradys here in the NW? First off, there is only one dealer in all of Oregon and Washington, and that's in Seattle. You do see a LOT more older Gradys filtering in though. 5 years ago, there was only a couple in Garibaldi, and now there is at least 4-5 that I know of. Same thing goes for up and down the coast.

I understand your ambitions and what you want in a boat, and I say good for you! A Grady or a Whaler, or a Striper isn't it! There's nothing wrong with that. I applaud what you use a boat for, after all, not everyone wants a serious fishing boat. Arimas are a decent little close to shore boat. C Dory's such as Rays are proven to do well off shore, and do Sea Sports.

The difference is, people mainly come aboard my boat to seriously fish. You'll have a hard time convincing any of them that it's not as comfortable a boat when they use the enclosed head, or take a nap down below.

A boat like Odin is great, just not for me.

[My Limit]

Nalu,

First of all I'm not trying to knock your boat. I thought the title of this post was "Arima or Trophy". The Grady is a great boat but it's out of most peoples price and size range.

Next with regards to the Arima having a walk around. It does have a designed walk around with grip and a step designed so you can step up and walk all around the front of the boat. It does not take a modification to do that. My railing is raised for safety in case someone wants to fish off the front. You were talking about how difficult it would be to set an achor from the Arima because it does not have a "walkaround". Well I'm not sure what difficulty you would have walking all around my boat. I climb all over it like a monkey. I can get from the rear of my boat to the bow within 2-3 seconds. I understand you are talking about a Grady style walkaround where the bow is level with the deck. It does not have that, but that's not the point. The point is you can walk all around my boat to set the achor without a problem.

And yes I have a designed achor locker at the bow of my boat and can sit down as well. I'm not sure why I'm arguing about how one can set an achor?

With regards to the Atlantic Cruiser you brought up. I'm sorry to hear they don't make them anymore. If they pushed them harder maybe they could have broken into the Northwest market. My guess is that 90% of Grady's business is from states south of Oregon and east. Maybe they were not making enough money to justify that model.

When I was talking about boats I was talking about 22-24 foot boats. The Gradys at that size don't have a cabin. They have two real seats and a cuddy. I'm sure someone could climb into that small cuddy and sleep, but I would not want to hang out down there during a fishing trip. Your boat is a different story. You have a big enough boat that the cuddy probably has a table or something and a raised cieling so people can hang out down there. I'm talking about smaller boats. The 30+ foot Grady's have a lot of space.

I'm looking for a real cabin cruiser style boat. One with a large area with windows, where everyone can sit at the same level, cook food, drink coffe at a table and can still see their rods and get to them in a timely manner. I also like a door that keeps the cold out and is nice for securing your rods and electronics when unattended. I guess I'm a "panzy" for liking some of those comforts. If I could buy a big Grady I would like many, but that's not something I could justify. We are talking about two very affordable boats for the average middle income person who is just fishing for fun.

I'm sure you can tow your boat and I'm sure people can be comfortable on your boat. I'm not talking about 26 foot boats. I'm just talking about Arimas and Trophys and it did not sound like he was wanting a big one.

With regard to your fuel consumption I'm curious how far you got on 25 gallons? My little Arima 21 can go about 90 miles on that going full throttle. Big boats, especially deep v boats use more gas you can't argue that. The little boats have the same motors your big boat has so the argument regarding better carbs and fuel efficiency makes no difference since we both benifit from that same technology.

Here is your quote, "Another thing. Even with your self perpetuated myths debunked, I'll still say the same thing. Get a rain jacket. My Grady has 60 square feet of open cockpit for fishing, plus a REAL walk around for people to fish up front if they want. Some people spend more time on deck catching fish than inside warming their hands up with a cup of cocoa."

I'm not sure which "myths" I've perpetuated and I don't think you "debunked" anything. I guess I don't have a REAL walk around but it works great for me and we must have the Arima makers confused when they built it for that purpose. :whazzup: As far as catching fish and drinking cocoa, I'll do both very comfortably and love every minute.

Another quote of yours "I applaud what you use a boat for, after all, not everyone wants a serious fishing boat. Arimas are a decent little close to shore boat. C Dory's such as Rays are proven to do well off shore, and do Sea Sports."

It's nice to know that you don't think an Arima is a "Serious fishing boat". That's what they are made for and that's what most Arima owners do. I also see a lot more Arimas off shore around here than I do Grady Whites. I wonder if they are just whale watching and drinking cocoa?

Your concluding quote, "A boat like Odin is great, just not for me."

Your 100% right on that one! Not for you. Sometimes you have to realize that just because you don't like a particular kind of boat that doesnt mean others can't. It also means that just because you love your boat, don't assume everyone else will. We are all individuals with brains of our own. We all have the right to like whatever kind of boat we want. I really love Arimas, but I'm switching to a Sea Sport because my finances have changed and my fishing focus has changed. I'm glad Sea Sports are on your acceptable list so I won't have to hear any complaints about my choice of boats. :smile: I might very well have changed to a Grady if it fit my needs. But it doesnt and apparently I'm not alone here in the northwest. :shocked:

Peace!

My Limit (Soon to be Serious Fishing Boat Owner)

[Nalu]

I was going to write a big response and decided it just isn't worth it. I don't need to defend my boat choice. Some people spend more time writing conjecture than they do actually on the water, much less the ocean.

As far as Grady goes, I was throwing that out as humor, he didn't ask, but I piped in with a one line attempt at humor.

The question was "Trophy or Arima" and counting the responses, just like every other thread, there is a definitive lean towards one boat, and it aint Arima.

[hawgsnhogs]

Nalu. You're bent man!!! You are just as single minded against Arimas, as ML is for them. How bout we just go fishin"?

[My Limit]

Hawg,

I don't think I'm single minded for them. If you read above you will see that I logically and factually expressed the true benifits of both boats. In fact someone commented on how good a comparison I wrote.

I'm buying a Sea Sport for the reasons listed above. I can love Arimas for the logical reasons I listed above, but I know their limitations. So please don't think of me as single minded. :smile: I'm trying to be very open minded. Thanks.



ML

[Nalu]

I'm just realistic. I've yet to see an Arima out Tuna fishing from Depoe Bay or Newport. Why is that? It's for all the right reasons.

You see Ed Wings, Trophys, Stripers, Parkers, Sea Sports, Gradys, Whalers, and lots of others. No Arimas in the waters I ply.

ML- Sea Sports are obviously great boats, and I think highly of them. Of course I can't stand having a doghouse on the back deck.

[hawgsnhogs]

A boat that hasn't been mentioned is the Albin 28 flush deck. You should check it out. Lots of features and a great fishing cockpit.
Nalu, I think the reason you don't see too many Arimas it TUNA! country is because the biggest boat they manufacture is a 22'. The 22' would handle the TUNA! trips just fine. I don't hapen to agree with you, or anyone else that would insinuate an Arima is the bottom of the barrel.

[Nalu]

I don't hapen to agree with you, or anyone else that would insinuate an Arima is the bottom of the barrel.

Never said that, never insinuated that. Arima is a great boat for the cost, inexpensive to operate, and has great safety features. I believe it is a fantastic boat for a family, with nice high sides for the kids, and easy to tow. There are many, many nice things about Arimas.

The Arima market is not offshore fishing boats. Arima is a balance between a lot of things. Other boats are better dedicated fishing boats.

Albin Flush Deck- Nice boat.

[My Limit]

A fully agree with what Nalu said, "Arima is a balance between a lot of things". The Arima is like an economy SUV of the water. It does a little bit of everything and is not specialized at anything.

Get a Trophy or other similar deep v boat if you plan on making many long offshore trips 30+ miles out. If you plan on doing a little bit of everything and want to save money and have great resale go with the Arima. Check what old Arimas are selling for and you will see that you can use one for many years and still get your money back when you sell it. The Gradys and Whalers also have awesome resale values. Trophys do not have very good resale value since they are mass produced.

I'm going deep v now since I plan on doing a lot of long trips for halibut and tuna. I'm buying a Sea Sport. I don't think I'll fish the river much anymore except once or twice in the winter.

Have fun and try them all!

ML

Have fun and look at all the boats

[ArimaRees]

I realy like my 22ft hard top arima sea legend.I chose it last year over a trophy 2359.I belive I got more for my money. I think most out board moter packages are better than the merkcruser i/o package that comes in alot of trophy's .IF you chose a trophy I would get one with a out board if possible.MY boat has a honda 225and 9.9 w/ controlls for both at the helm and easy steer.Its also nice not havig a large moter box on the back deck just open flat space for fishing.Some of the trophys have great big walkarounds.One of the reasons I chose the arima was the narrow walkaround.IT leaves me about 7ft 6in interior space under the hard top so i can worm my hands with my family on coaco while fishing on the river.But the boat truly feels more at home on the ocean. I cruse at about 25 till the wind wave get to 3ft.then slow it down to12 to15. The hull design is definatly a compromise between a smoth ride at higher speeds vrs latreal stabilty at lower speeds and at anchor. MY buddy who got me into this stuff has a22ft cdory.I view the arima design as 1/2 way between a fairly flat2 degree slight curve with chimes of the cdory and the 18 t0 22 degree dead rise of the trophy.my arima is a 12degree dead rise curve with chimes for more latreal stability. I also like my lighter tow waight of about 5000#and the double hull foam filled construction and the fuel efficientsy and the 8ft 9 beam and the deep cockpit with lots of freeboardand yes I also use it asa family boat .Good luck with your choice ,boat shoping is alot of fun.one last question does this board have aspell check tool. Rees

[Phil Layer]

I think this is one of the better threads I've seen on ifish for salty boat comparisons. Thanks to all who have contributed.

And now, I would like to chime in with my contribution to this discussion: No, Rees, ifish does not have a spell checker.

Tight lines, all!

[Nalu]

OK, I'll come clean....I drink cocoa too.

[My Limit]

How nice to see that Nalu has a warm and fuzzy side!

Good call on the Arima being a good comprimise between the dory and the v. I had not thought about that before.

Peace,

ML

[Nalu]

And one last little tidbit-

I'll be fishing this weekend out of a 1987 16 foot Arima Sea Hunter that I have been working on for a friend the last 3 weeks. It sat under a tarp for 4 years, and I got everything back to working order. Last night we lake trialed it to ensure it was good to go. He's excited, and I'm excited for him.

Perfect for where we're going. Pine Hollow. (sorry, sorry, I couldn't help it.... )

[flapbreaker]

And one last little tidbit-

I'll be fishing this weekend out of a 1987 16 foot Arima Sea Hunter that I have been working on for a friend the last 3 weeks. It sat under a tarp for 4 years, and I got everything back to working order. Last night we lake trialed it to ensure it was good to go. He's excited, and I'm excited for him.

Perfect for where we're going. Pine Hollow. (sorry, sorry, I couldn't help it.... )

Don't forget the cocoa. The morning might be chilly. :grin:

[Boatdog]

Jeb, (original poster)

Would you buy an Arima or a Trophy?

As has been said to eternity, every boat has its function, price, and amenities.

I'll be looking hard at the Trophy (versus Arima) for my next boat. I would like to be able to run faster in the chop. Possibly the boat after that will have some more creature comforts, but for now, a Trophy style boat is on the list.

The wife HAS BEEN warned.

Good Luck Jeb!!!

[Fishplay]

Post deleted by Fishplay

[flatocean]

Have an Arima 19' Sea Ranger and now also an Ed wing. Agree with the post about Arimas, nice boat for inshore, but hard to run against a chop - it will just beat you up. No comparison to the Ed wing for comfort of running in the slop. If you are on this forum would think you'd want a boat that cuts the chop better than the Arima. Took mine out to Halibut hill off Garibaldi (26 miles) early this year and it just beat us up getting out there.

[tomictime]

not to stir the pot..but you could get a step chine Almar 24 or 26' Pilothouse - it has the "wimp" standup cabin - room for a small folding table - could have three sliding doors - talk about "no monket" access to the sides and bow, a walk around "below the rubrail" - oh what a serious rubrail - see the D collar option like the Navy gets - tons of room to fish from the Bow - charter out of neah bay runs one - killer performance w a single big O/B - so no "dog house" and you can get pretty much any option you can dream if they can weld it - Grady is not hi on building molds for your dream -

So what are the downsides? Smaller cabin than what you are looking at - I know I looked and mama vetoed the 28 Pilot Hse because it had smaller cabin than we have in the 24 Sounder - not a walkarnd. I can say tho that I have had to chase exactly one fish to the nose in 10 years of fishing the boat - I fish alot - maybe not as much as nalu but alot.

Frankly I had the same dream - sitting inside by the heater, fresh java made on the Wallas buds at the table playing cards..or? Well reality is I spend 99% of my time in the 50 ft sq self bailing rear cockpit - working gear, checking speed, resetting, FISHING.. The above dream MAY have been caused by my previous boat a 17' Whaler - the origional WA - I went everywhere w that boat - and wore out mucho raingear + my beak....maybe I overreacted - but I can tell you - people are VERY comfortable on my boat.

Some Nalu does not mention is maintaining and paying for and keeping clear the enclosure from Grady (or any wA to hardtop..plastic is hard to see well thru and does not defog well in our climate. I run past many WA's trying to get morning dew off plastic..The downside to glass is that it pits w salt and you need some heat to defog.

Somebody said it's all compromise, just know them and be aware your real needs while fishing are often in stark contrast to the dream....

[tomictime]

oh, #$%$#@! forgot to mention other boats that you can get Pilothouse....WA really any Alu builder w serious offshore rep - while the river guys do nice work - they do not normally know the ocean or Salt issues - this is sloowly changing...also your concerns about resale will merit outing some hyper low volume river guys trying to get into offshore...

Silver Streak

also a cool boat would be Shamrock - not sure if they make a BIG pilothouse..but they do a small

Great point about Albin TE - you are NOT going to be towing that unless you spend big $ on the truck - Killer wave crushing ride)) Bellingham Yachts is the WA dealer.

[backlash442]

No one thinks that the Trophy doesn't pound in chop? The one I rode in was a 25 WA in the straits near Sooke. Thing was terrible imo. Captain had to slow down going through a tide rip which wasn't very big maybe 2' max and I'm being generous. Bounced all over the place. Friend who has been on them several times said the same thing.

Definitely no fan of Trophy's. Not unless they've made huge strides in the last few years in construction. I think their reputation preceeds them. Arima's on the other hand have always had a good reputation. Never been in one though so can't comment on the ride.

[Onokai]

No I would not get either one of them. Mark

[Jeb]

Whaler Man,

Why not? What do you recommend?

[Reelentless]

A Whaler?

[Ducks4jimm]

Maybe just to cap this good thread, I was the guy who complemented My Limit on his accurate analysis of comparison between Arima and Trophy, as I run a 19' Arima, but the boat I drool over (and eventually will own) is a Grady in the 26' class. Sweet!

[djchaser]

I have a Arima 17' SeaChaser that I recently purchased and I will agree they Do ride Rougher in the chop then a deep V.But haveing taken my wife on a ride in a deep V across the columbia and then a Arima the same day, She just felt safer in the Arima then the Trophy,despite the rougher ride on plane in heavy chop.

[Jeb]

Well...I'm resurrecting this thread :blush:.

All of you that have an Arima 21 or 22' Sea Ranger (Hardtop); which one would you go with? Again looking at versatility. Have you tried launching up river like at Dodson? It looks as though the 22 & 21 are pretty close in hull depth; and as wide as it it, the draft should be minimal. What I would love to hear from those of you that own an Arima 21 or 22 on pros/cons.

Thanks for all of you in the past that discussed the overall feel of the ride. I'm curious now about launching in not-so-great launches and trailering. It looks like the '22's beam is around 9'. Does that mean it comes under ODOT restrictions? (i.e. oversize load?) Any issues you've seen with this?

thanks for the feedback.

-Jeb

[TundraIII]

All I know is the Arima seems to have more room....the 20 foot Trophy's have almost no room to move around in....probably only fish 2 guys comfortably....and the Trophy's dont seem to hold value like and Arima....just my .02

[Billfisher]

My Trophy 24' hardtop has no width restrictions. I just read this thread from the top, and surmise this... If your main purpose is inshore species (i.e. Sturgeon, Salmon, Rockfish, Etc.), and you want drift stability and fuel economy, then go with the Arima. If you want a bit beefier boat that has more fuel capacity, power, and offshore wave crushing ability, go with the Trophy. My gas bill is high at times, but it is a nice ride for the most part.

Lastly, look at your towing vehicle in this process. I bought my Trophy without knowing that my 1500 chevy 4x4 wasn't going to tow it very happily. I fortunately was due for a new truck and upgraded to a Duramax Diesel. If the vehicle is an issue, you can probably tow an Arima with just about anything.

[Billfisher]

I forgot to add that neither boat seems to have much dry seating for more than 2 anglers. It is the first thing I'd fix were I to design a platform.

[Herring Problem]

Do yourself a good thing, go down to Staff Jennings and ride in a trophy in the size you are looking at to buy. I own a 2004 2052 and I fish 4 people just fine, ride is good, taken her out 56 miles from Newport,same as other boats I have owned , Grady, Glastron,Whaler, Rieken, Pro Line. Heavy water they all pound, just have to go slower.
Have not been on Arima, to light for me.

Don't belive that Tropys have lower resale. Price around on used ones that are only 4 years old or newer. Prices holding really good.

example: Boat Description:
23 feet, Trophy Walk Around, 2001, 60 hours, Exterior: White w/Green Stripes, 100 gallons fuel, $25,000
Comments: Original Owner, Mercruiser 225 HP, Single Outboard, Fish Finder, Depth Finder, Compass, Marine Radio, VHF, Batteries, Windlass, Bait Well, Live Well, Rod Holders, Bilge Pumps, Bimini Top, Mooring Cover, Coast Guard Pkg., EZ Load Tandem Trailer, Surge Brakes. Only Used 60 Hours.
Example nu 2.
21 feet, Trophy 2002, 2003, 65 gallons fuel, $29,900
Comments: 150 HP Merc Outboard Engine, Low Hours, Walkaround Cuddy Cabin, Fish Finder, Depth Finder, GPS, Compass, Chart Plotter, Marine Radio, Batteries, Dinette Table, Bait Well, Live Well, Rod Holders, Bilge Pumps, Full Bimini Enclosure, Port a Potty w/Outside Pump Out, Trim Tabs, Raw Water Washdown, Coast Guard Pkg., Original Owner, Bought New Feb 2003. Used Infrequently. Clear Title, Includes Tandem Axle Trailer w/Surge Brakes.Specs Found At TrophyFish.com. Price Is OBO.


Drive both boats, get what you want, not what we all tell you to get, I like Trophy,someone else Arima, or other. This is going to be your babt, make yourself happy, enjoy the water and enjoy the boat you decide on to buy. Good Luck, Happy Sailing.

[CATCH AND EAT]

For the money the trophy is a great deal. For pazzaz, the gradys are nice. I love my trophy but sure wish at times that it was an out board instead of and I/O. I've had mine out in some pretty big stuff and never really felt unsafe in the boat. Perhaps thinking I should have gone another day but the boat is great.

[id. painter]

I dont have a Trophy but my father does. 24 ft. hard top.
He has around 8000 miles on it. Loves it ,, the boat has done all he(ask) expected from it.
I went ahead and got the worst ocean boat I could find, 20' , metal, RECESSED BOW , soft top, Hewes craft no less and then put the worst motor I could find ,150 OPTIMAX. 2strk. Then put a nasty 2strk 10 hrs on it ..
You know ,,I absolutly love my boat .
I have a few special needs that are not possible with a glass boat . I have a private boat launch on Vanvouver Is BC that is rocky and glass is out .Ask Pilar .
I have less income than many who claim the ocean as a hobby , I run 50 miles out and back on 30 gal.
I often beach the craft on unknown shorelines .
I catch a bunch of fish each year ,river ,lakes,ocean ...in what many would consider the wrong boat . For me it is the best thing since sliced bread.
Pick your boat based on your needs. Then love it .
id. p.

[Seelicious]

Check out Sea Fox boats...an even better deal than the Trophys...unless you're buying one from Rod!

My buddy has a 2005 26' w/ twin Honda 150's 4-stroke...complete with electronics, trailer and delivered to Garibaldi...$60,000! You can't touch this deal out here on anything brand new...of this size and quality.

www.seafoxboats.com

SL