In Search Of The Perfect Boat.....

[SQUIGGY]

Hi all.

I'm sick and tired of all these cattle charters,six packs,and just basically everything else that comes from not owning a boat. So I decided since you only live once you might as well live it with your very own boat. This will be my first boat & I am curious to see what all you guys think is a good starter boat. I would like her to be anywhere from 23ft to 25ft. It's main purpose would be diving/fishing. I just purchased the boat trader to try and get somewhat of an idea of what I think I'm looking for. Man I'm stoked!!!!
Whoever helps will have an open spot when I take her out. Well let me know your opinion please. Thanks

Alex

[bgbill]

There is a Cwitch 25' boat posted in the Dive Boats for sale section, it looks like a very nice boat, with a lot of cockpit space.

[Doc]

That would be a C-Hawk, like Cwitch owns, in the section. CWitch is a man, Bret... not a boat.

By the way, that boat Bret is referring to is a perfect gulf diving boat.

Many people use center consoles for diving, but there really best laid out for fishing from, as you have a lot of gunnel space, and can run fish all the way around. If diving is the main purpose, consider a cabin or pilot house type boat; its nice to get out of the weather, and really extends the dive season. Not fun to be diving in 60 degree water and 60 degree air without a cabin.

Also the huge back deck you get cant be beat.

[bgbill]

Doc,

Thanks for the clarification, here is the post, If I didn't already have a boat, I would look hard at this one.

http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=37529

[Bill McIntyre]

I would think a Parker 23 or 25 would be a good one to look for. They are made in NC, but are really getting popular out here in California, so there must be even more of them on the east coast.

[bgbill]

Parkers are nice, but they will not have as much deck space as the C Hawk.

[SQUIGGY]

that's a very nice looking boat.. but I was looking more at the center console
style boats. also looking for something fairly easy to trailer. still lookoing in the trader. :confused: :confused:

this wouldn't be so difficult if I had a cool mil to spend. :D

[Bill McIntyre]

Parkers are nice, but they will not have as much deck space as the C Hawk.

OK, I looked at that link and see what you mean.

You guys probably don't want to spend the night in it, but I want more cabin space out here for staying at the islands.

And of course freedivers don't need as much deck space as scuba divers suiting up.

Does that C Hawk have any storage space under the deck? I was on a friend's Parker 25, and while the deck space was huge, I was amazed that there were no hatches to get under that big deck and store things.

I think I may have read that more recent models may have changed that though.

[bgbill]

Squiggy is on the East Coast so i doubt he will be spending the night on the boat, you don't have to go very far offshore over there.

I have only been on a couple of Parkers, but this C-Hawk has a ton of deck room, I think more than the Parkers, but the cabin is smaller.

For diving that would be a great boat.

[SQUIGGY]

Squiggy is on the East Coast so i doubt he will be spending the night on the boat, you don't have to go very far offshore over there.
For diving that would be a great boat.

That is correct. No overnighters...
What's your 02. on Century??

[bgbill]

That is correct. No overnighters...
What's your 02. on Century??

I have seen them, they look nice, but I don't know much about them.

New boats are kind of like women, they sure are pretty when they are new.

[Ed Walker]

.

[stickitfishy]

What's your price range and how many people/ tanks do you plan on diving out of it?

[SQUIGGY]

.
doesn't the stern of the boat look kinda low in the water?? or is that how they normally run? How much lower will it get w/the weight of let's say 8-10 steel 120's coolers w/fish,ice,beer,etc. etc.??

[SQUIGGY]

What's your price range and how many people/ tanks do you plan on diving out of it?

50k. I would probably say 4 divers 8-12 tanks + capt.

thanks for all your input guys I appreciate it. been thinking on buying a boat for awhlie now but was always hesitant due to lack of knowledge. well guess it's time to learn. :thumps: :thumps:

Alex

[Bill McIntyre]

Its still not to late to come to your senses. :)

[SQUIGGY]

Its still not to late to come to your senses. :)

:lol: Come dive on one of these so called spearfishing charters then we'll talk senses..

[stickitfishy]

I'd check out that C Hawk or the Power Cat on here for sale. That Power Cat is sweet if you could pull it.

[Kahuna]

I went over to look at that powercat with my nieghbor. If it rides as well as it looks I would definitely buy it without hesitation. You can stand 15-20 tanks under the floor. It does have an 11 ft beam. My next boat WILL be a pilot house. No more plastic crap.

Before you buy a center console get caught in the rain about 20 miles offshore when its 60 degrees. If your gonna fish there OK. But for diving there are better options.

[SPEARIT]

On both the Parker and C-Hawk, the fuel tank is located under the cockpit deck centerline, which precludes underdeck storage area. My first C-Hawk was the same model that's for sale on here. I ran charters with it and never had problems with storage area. My 29 definitely has no lack of storage area.
The Parker will have more cosmetic amenities than the C-Hawk which means higher selling price. Both builders started out building for the commercial market here in NC and both boats are rock-solid take you out there and bring you home boats.
Anyone interested in the 25 for sale on here, feel free to contact me and I can give you some hints on tweaking the boat for better performance.

[phlipper]

Might also want to have a look at used whaler or twin vee.

[fishhunta]

Sqiggy, I just bought a six pack charter, and I promise to not be whatever the other guys are!!!!!!

[FGCdiver]

23 or 25 dusky FAC. We have a 23 and it has tons of room, a small cabin for storage and you can walk all the way around the console. They are inexpensive boats and are built like tanks. It isnt my old 25 grady white but its just as dry a ride.

[primalpete]

Sqiggy, I just bought a six pack charter, and I promise to not be whatever the other guys are!!!!!!

So your gonna run charters now huh Paul. Interesting....

[fishhunta]

You know the boat I bought...........Dwight's

[Man-O-War]

Spill the beans! Pics!!! I hope it doesn't have an outboard :)

[primalpete]

really....I knew there was no way that you were gonna use the Busted Nut for the six pack.

[fishhunta]

Spill the beans! Pics!!! I hope it doesn't have an outboard :)
I'll start a new thread when I'm ready to go, got alot of work to do first. :D

[fishhunta]

really....I knew there was no way that you were gonna use the Busted Nut for the six pack.
The nut will soon be for sale. I'm gonna cry when she goes, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do............ :cool:

[SPEARIT]

I won't say she's perfect, but she gets the job done.

[SQUIGGY]

Sqiggy, I just bought a six pack charter, and I promise to not be whatever the other guys are!!!!!!

are you doing any trips yet??

[fishhunta]

No, I'll probably start in two months or so. Gotta tie up all loose ends first.

[SQUIGGY]

be sure & let me know when you do. we are in the same neck of the woods. I am looking at a 23 Donzi w/twin 150 Merc Salt W Series...asking $37,900 were at $32,000 Whatdo you guys think?? I know it's difficult giving me an answer w/out seeing the boat but lets asume it's clean & runs great.

[bgbill]

be sure & let me know when you do. we are in the same neck of the woods. I am looking at a 23 Donzi w/twin 150 Merc Salt W Series...asking $37,900 were at $32,000 Whatdo you guys think?? I know it's difficult giving me an answer w/out seeing the boat but lets asume it's clean & runs great.

Save some money and buy the C Hawk and a Rolls trailer for it.

[Capt.Gene]

be sure & let me know when you do. we are in the same neck of the woods. I am looking at a 23 Donzi w/twin 150 Merc Salt W Series...asking $37,900 were at $32,000 Whatdo you guys think?? I know it's difficult giving me an answer w/out seeing the boat but lets asume it's clean & runs great.

I've been on a 23 Donzi a friend owns. Pretty cramped for room, and his boat want to porpoise under some sea conditions. Probably needs bigger tabs.
He didn't keep it long, two years, then bought a 30 Dorado.

[Wobbet60]

The Donzi's also have a relatively narrow beam since they are primarily go-fast boats. Probably will not be a very stable platform at anchor or to gear up for SCUBA, freediving might be easier with less equipment.

[SQUIGGY]

Save some money and buy the C Hawk and a Rolls trailer for it.

That is a sweet boat on the link you posted but I told ya I had my mind set on a center console. Didn't work out with the Donzi the engines were in bad shape not to say I'm disappointed. IMHO I also thought the boat was to narrow. Looking at a 25 Dusky w/twins.

THANKS FOR THE INPUT GUYS .... :thumps:

Alex

[ChuckD]

Look at the CC cats, worldcat or prokat, 25 or 27 footers.

[joel mcqueen]

squiggy listen to the guys no center console and go take the c hawk for a test drive there is no such thing as perfect boat speed fuel and ride something will always suffer for 18 grand c hawk looks good

[Kahuna]

What year is the Dusky? Is it the 25 1/2 model?

[Md Spear]

Capt Tom Collins is right .He had us in some big water 30 miles offshore of the NC coast in his Spearit 29 C-Hawk .Note that wall of water behind us.

[Md Spear]

Squiggy , you can't go wrong w/ big CC, as they go fast w/ a smoothe ride. Rocky @ anchor, but what do you care , you are diving underwater anyway.To help w/ the winter wet problem , we put plexiglass around the console for winter. Look at the console on the the 30 Scarab.This is last winter in KW w/ Gradyman and Underwatertaker.

[Md Spear]

Whatever boat you choose ,make sure you have the space to mount your tank racks. This will keep you from a hateful life of flying tanks.Try to get a 27-30 footer. In a center console , bigger is better.

[riplipper]

Squig....if you have a family you will not regret getting the boat with a cabin......you will get a lot more time on the water since you can bring the family on some trips......kids can hang in the cabin with a movie and you and the wife are nice and relaxed on deck :cocktail: :cocktail: ..............trust me on this one :thumps:

[ArmorDave]

http://spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=32613&highlight=hydrasport

If you're looking for a CC check out mine for sale at the link above. Make me an offer around $40.

[Bottom Dweller]

http://spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=32613&highlight=hydrasport

If you're looking for a CC check out mine for sale at the link above. Make me an offer around $40.

Dave's boat is very nice. You need to take a look at that link!!!

[Southern Cross]

Go ride in some catamarans before you buy anything. Twin Vee will be the easiest on the budget, and easiest to trailer.

[Capt.Gene]

Go ride in some catamarans before you buy anything. Twin Vee will be the easiest on the budget, and easiest to trailer.

I tow my Twin Vee 26' Hawaiin Fisherman model with a 1/2 ton chevy truck. The low profile and light weight make it an easy tow. I get 11 mpg while towing the dive-loaded rig down the interstate,according to the truck's computer.
This is a great riding boat for our gulf chop. Now I want the 29' model.

[SFK]

There is also a 1998 28 Seavee for sale that is in your price range. It would be a perfect boat for that area. I dive with 4-5 divers all time and have plenty of room. Check it out on boatrader online or in the dive boats for sale. Located in Venice

[Killer&Griller]

Consider a cat, pilot or walk around. Also keep in mind that the steeper the degree of deadrise on the bow, the more it cuts thru the wave instead of going over it. The main drawback is fuel eco goes down slightly. Definitely not enough to offset cost of a good ride. When you are looking around, get something that has at least a 18 degree deadrise or higher. The higher it is, the better in rough water. Going with a larger beam will make a difference at anchor and slow speeds in decent waves. (circling the spot, looking for the drop) If you are going to run guests, you will need them to be as comfortable as possible (balance) and not wind up beating on your boat. A CC will cut down the trips you make if you run any kind of distance in "off" days if weather is a factor. A pilot or walk around will help on weather and comfort. Don't sweat what it looks like, enjoy the ride. Whatever you do, don't jump into just any boat. There are tons of deals out there right now. It doesn't matter which way you go, shop hard and save a ton. One other thing, if you are going to spend 30 - 50 K, get a survey on the boat or at least have someone in the boat industry take a look before you buy. It doesn't cost that much but will help you from getting one that was damaged like Katrina or run onto a sandbar. My point is, if you aren't really familiar with boats, you probably won't notice a patch on the hull of the fiberglass or an engine problem. Call your insurance company that you are going to use, ask them who does their insurance claims, get the guys name that does the evaluations/estimates, call him directly and ask to hire him for an hour or two. It could save you a big headache down the road and is easy enough to make the sale of the boat contingent on an inspection. There is my $.03.

[SQUIGGY]

Consider a cat, pilot or walk around. Also keep in mind that the steeper the degree of deadrise on the bow, the more it cuts thru the wave instead of going over it. The main drawback is fuel eco goes down slightly. Definitely not enough to offset cost of a good ride. When you are looking around, get something that has at least a 18 degree deadrise or higher. The higher it is, the better in rough water. Going with a larger beam will make a difference at anchor and slow speeds in decent waves. (circling the spot, looking for the drop) If you are going to run guests, you will need them to be as comfortable as possible (balance) and not wind up beating on your boat. A CC will cut down the trips you make if you run any kind of distance in "off" days if weather is a factor. A pilot or walk around will help on weather and comfort. Don't sweat what it looks like, enjoy the ride. Whatever you do, don't jump into just any boat. There are tons of deals out there right now. It doesn't matter which way you go, shop hard and save a ton. One other thing, if you are going to spend 30 - 50 K, get a survey on the boat or at least have someone in the boat industry take a look before you buy. It doesn't cost that much but will help you from getting one that was damaged like Katrina or run onto a sandbar. My point is, if you aren't really familiar with boats, you probably won't notice a patch on the hull of the fiberglass or an engine problem. Call your insurance company that you are going to use, ask them who does their insurance claims, get the guys name that does the evaluations/estimates, call him directly and ask to hire him for an hour or two. It could save you a big headache down the road and is easy enough to make the sale of the boat contingent on an inspection. There is my $.03.
thanks for the advice. those are exactly some of the reasons it's been so frustrating trying to purchase a used boat. being that i am a real estate appraiser i know how shady(slick) sellers can be or at least try. i have looked at a shit load of boats and found some that i thought were a great buy untill either a mechanic or boat appraiser told me otherwise. to many reasons to list. at first i had my heart set on a CC but after some research and alot of advice i'm open to other models. was looking at the 25 seasport but cohones 100k asking price. new of course but still out of my league for now. thanks for all the advice (opinions) i really am grateful being that i don't know too much about boats it's nice to hear from expierenced boaters. :thumps:

[Bulit7]

Just found this thread.

Stay away prom the pro cats, they pound like crazy. A friend owns a sailfish 26', around 60K, nice boat, twin 200 yamaha four strokes. Enclosed head, cc. Quality is what you would expect from a $60k 26' cc. A good compromise and rides well. A lot to be said for a new boat. Century's are about the same.

I deal with yacht management so pm me if you want to know anything in particular about almost any boat out there.

Lee

[SQUIGGY]

pm sent.

[HurricaneBK]

Yet another boat to consider, and i was in the same boat as you about 6 months ago.

I ended up going with a 26 foot mako cc, most of the center consoles i rode in seemed pretty similar in ride quality. Great boat, i've never trailered a boat before and learned how within a couple weeks. Definitely check one out if you see one in your price range.

[SQUIGGY]

Yet another boat to consider, and i was in the same boat as you about 6 months ago.

I ended up going with a 26 foot mako cc, most of the center consoles i rode in seemed pretty similar in ride quality. Great boat, i've never trailered a boat before and learned how within a couple weeks. Definitely check one out if you see one in your price range.

what year?? what's pushing her?? and if you don't mind what was the asking and purchase price?? does yours have a head?? thanks

Alex

[HurricaneBK]

what year?? what's pushing her?? and if you don't mind what was the asking and purchase price?? does yours have a head?? thanks

Alex

mine is an 07 with twin 175 verados and was about 100k, yeah it has a head in the center console. Just the basic setup for a 26 footer on makos website with a single 225 engine is like 56k new. I'm sure theres great deals on used ones, and one of their selling points seems to be the fact that their are still a lot of used, old, and really old makos out there that still work really well.

[SQUIGGY]

mine is an 07 with twin 175 verados and was about 100k, yeah it has a head in the center console. Just the basic setup for a 26 footer on makos website with a single 225 engine is like 56k new. I'm sure theres great deals on used ones, and one of their selling points seems to be the fact that their are still a lot of used, old, and really old makos out there that still work really well.

100k CONIO!!! translation HOLY SHIIIIIIT. thanks for the info but for now 100k out of my league. think i found a great boat at a great price. if all is good should have it by the weekend.:knees::knees::knees::knees:

[PropMan]

Try looking at a Cat Boat ,like a twin Vee 22ft or 25 , they ride like
wind.Plenty of room and very comfortable to be on in rough sea's.
Through a couple of suzuki 4 strokes and your laughing.Good Luck !!!
If you have any propquestion ,feel free to pick some brains.I have a
duel consol space craft 24 foot , great dive boat,open bow etc.
My next boat will definitly be a cat boat twin hull.

[apnea_beast]

checkout craigslist.com

[GhostWhite]

definatly check out the twin vee if your trying to combine fishing and diving. the walk around style will give you plenty of below deck storage and keep you dry in the cold while providing you with a huge cockpit to work w/ while gearing up of fishing! the ride... unreal!

[SQUIGGY]

tell me what you guys think of sea fox 257 CC. Thanks

Alex

[Capt.Gene]

checkout craigslist.com

Last week Craigslist(Brooksville, I think) had a 2003 Twin Vee 22' on a tandem trailer with a pair of 135 Honda's for $24000.
I personally would prefer that to a 26' mono hull as a dive boat.

[GhostWhite]

good luck w/ the sea fox! the boat will get you by but from maintenance ive done on them they fall apart quickly and have weak gunnels which could cause a prob in rough seas w/ tanks. they also dont ride as well as a cat and the suck fuel unless your gettin twins. jus my opinion and observations

[Bañados]

Here a few pics from a Twin Vee 22 Hawaiian Fisherman. Rides very smooth and excellent fuel mileage. Very light to tow around. This boat was for sale here in CA for over a year, owner took care of it and had only 200 hr on the motors, most fisherman are not familiar with Cats here in Southern California.

[Bañados]

Few More.

[Bulit7]

Only problem I have had with cats are that they are very limited in speed when chop is over 4 feet. Nice boat.

[Capt.Gene]

Few More.

That is the same model as my 26' Twin Vee, which has the 140DF Suzuki's.
If 30mph cruise at 2.5 mpg in a Gulf chop isn't a problem for you there isn't much to dislike about owning one of these.

[headfirst]

Cat or pilot house for sure. If you have your heart set on a center console the cats have the console further forward and provide more cockpit room. I have a 26' glacier bay. You can't find a roomier center console. And the storage is outragous!

[the STONER]

it is def worth looking at the angler panga 26 with the bracket you get a 31 foot boat for 43,000 that does 50 mph and gets great gas milage i have been looking at boats for a few months now and am taking a ride in a panga tomarrow i will let you know but i know you cant even touch any other 26 ft boat for under 50,000 for the price its the best deal i can find new with warrenty is imporant to me

[Seacidal]

Nice rigs! Thanks for the posts and the great comments. Seems like cats are making more and more of an impact in SoCal. I see that TwinVee has a couple new pilothouse models. Look like very nice rigs. Definitely worth a closer look.

[BigMako]

Take a look at the 32' Whitewater center console

[dive4bugz]

Squiggy, instead of looking at particular boats, 1st you need to determine exactly what you need the boat to do. If you wanna do near-shore local stuff, your selection will be much broader... but as you start adding needs to the list, the boat options will drop quickly. For example, you have young'uns in your avatar... assuming that at some they will join you on the water, do you need shade/cabin/dodger for protection from the sun/rain/squalls? I had a small bowrider back in the day, got caught in a squall, and my then-3-yr-old ended up with bronchitis. Never again will I have a boat with no cabin. Also, if theres a possibility you may someday go to, say, the Bahamas, or keys, with it, then you need enough room/power/stability for longer trips. I had a 25' w/a for about 10 yrs, with a big enough cabin to hold 6 people if the weather turned nasty. Dove 4-5 diver regularly, occasionally 6, but NOT recommended! A center console will giove you more deck space, but no protection just in case. I would highly recommend a closed transom (as opposed to open, in case of rough or following seas). Another factor is, will you trailer or keep it on/near the water. A boat with a bracket equals a much longer boat when pricing dockage, plus the stern will sit lower in the water if you're in an area where tide/depth is an issue. Just some info to keep in mind... IMHO you will not be happy with any boat in the long run, if you dont 1st figure out what you need it to provide you... hope this helps...

[Urchin_Diver]

24' Radon will blow doors on anything previously mentioned.
gone through gales in a 24 radon in the santa barbara channel no prob. No that you will be doin that all the time but it shows the capability.
Parker's arent as seaworthy IMO, they pound and dont ride downswell the way a radon does
24' radon aslo has plenty of overnight space. You can get an enclosed cabin or open.

find one that was a comemrcial dive boat and maybe it will still have the high press compressor to fill tanks on the spot

[TortugaJames]

Squiggy hasn't posted since last January....did he buy a boat?

[carolinaflare]

I have a 1985 24' Privateer open hull getting ready to refurbish it completely can be layed out for your needs if you like. ncstriper@yahoo.com
Specifications
Centerline - 24'5"
Beam - 9'1"
Cockpit depth
aft - 24"
Freeboard aft - 27"
Draft - 11"
Maximum h.p. - 305
Minimum h.p. to plane - 50
Hand laid construction
Foam flotation opt.
Transom height - 25" .
Fuel capacity - 95 gal. std.
External keel - 2"

[SQUIGGY]

Squiggy hasn't posted since last January....did he buy a boat?

Not only did I buy a boat (03 22ft Angler W/200merc) but sold it as well several months after. Found out the hard way owning a boat it's not all it's cracked up to be. Lots of pros and cons but damn what a PITA it could be. So for now I go out on buddies boats or do an occaisonal six pack.

Thanks for all the advice and opinions it's greatly appreciated.

Alex

[PropMan]

Skip Jack makes a great 24

[Ascendv6]

They say the two happiest days in a boat owners lifes, are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat. My dad has had several boats and the best one for our purposes was a 35'cc Scarab Super Sport with twin 250 Yamahas. His partners were spearos out of Orange Beach, AL. We just fished H&L. I liked that boat. Very stable, decent fuel eco, plenty of room. The only thing I questioned was if a cuddy cabin or walk-around(about) would have been nicer.

Darren