Best boat

[AlexF]

I'm in the market for a boat, but there are just so many options it is difficult just to narrow down a few boats to look at.

I'm looking at something in between 28 and 31 foot, center console.

Range is very important, so is cruising speed, but smooth navigation in pacific waves is the most important issue.

Any of the boats will be equiped with twin 250Hp 4 stroke Yamaha engines. I know some boat builders only work with certain engines, but Yamaha is the one with the best service so those will be the engines on my boat.

So far I have the following boats to see and test:

Donzi 29: 7,400Lbs 180 gals fuel 60+ miles/hr: Great looking boat but has the least amount of fuel.
Fountain 31: 6,900Lbs 245 gal fuel, 60+ miles/hr.
Hydrasport 29: 8,000Lbs, 300 gal, 55 miles/hr
Bluewater 286: 5,200Lbs, 245gal
GradyWhite 28: 7,000Lbs, 205 gal
Boston Whaler 27: 6,360Lbs, 200 gal not the smoothest ride in big seas.
Jupiter 29.6: 9,200Lbs, 240 gal

Price is not the deciding factor.

Any coments on these or other boats would be really appreciated

[Spearchucker]

Fountain, Bluewater, Jupiter or Hydrasport. The others on your list are TOTAL junk.

[Jaizzen]

Fountain and Hydrasport

[BLACKFIN]

Fountain. You said the best.

[Bill McIntyre]

Maybe I haven't seen the right Fountains, but my impression is that they may be great boats for taking girls to the islands very fast while making a lot of noise and then persuading them to take their bathing suits off, they are not really dive boats.

They are "boating" boats.

[Steve Bennett]

Bill, I think he's talking about one of these:
http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/boats/fish/31te_over.asp

Not these:
http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/boats/sport/42pr_over.asp

Myself, I wouldn't mind diving off of either :cool:

[Jaizzen]

Maybe I haven't seen the right Fountains, but my impression is that they may be great boats for taking girls to the islands very fast while making a lot of noise and then persuading them to take their bathing suits off, they are not really dive boats.

They are "boating" boats.

Bill,
I guess we could put a 1500# forward leaning pilot house on it, slow it down from 50kts to 18kts and it would become a Cali favorite. :D

You should do a little reading on these boats. They make a variety of highspeed boats, but their center console open fish boats have a strong following here for good reason.

Best of luck.

Jason

[Gamble]

I would also consider Yellowfin, Regulator, Everglades and if you really want something sick look at Don Smith powerboats but get ready to seriously get off the wallet. :thumps:

http://www.smithboats.com/newpics/SCN12md.jpg

[float 'n stalk]

that house in the background above is awfully cozy....

[Big Pig]

You might also want to consider Yellowfin, SeaVee, and Venture

A number of these boats are manufactured in South FL, and you may be able to check them out when you are in Miami

[Mattedhead]

Jupiter, Everglades, Yellowfin....Contender 31 is a great boat in rough seas. But if money is not an issue...Glacier Bay. I'm partial to the smooth ride of a Cat, but then again Hatteras is a bit more rough/unpredictable than a lot of places.

[GUNSANDHOSES]

Bill,
I guess we could put a 1500# forward leaning pilot house on it, slow it down from 50kts to 18kts and it would become a Cali favorite. :D

You should do a little reading on these boats. They make a variety of highspeed boats, but their center console open fish boats have a strong following here for good reason.

Best of luck.

Jason
Dose the girl come with that boat

[Southern Cross]

I have a 1998 31' Contender for sale.....
http://www.spearboard.com/showthread.php?t=35090&highlight=Contender+sale

2003 225hp Yamaha Fourstrokes

Asking $80,000 with tri-axle, Aluminum I-beam trailer. Trailer was completely overhauled and has not been in the water since.

This is not a cheap throw-away boat. Built right and can handle anything.
All brass through-hull fittings, no plastic stuff below the waterline.

[BLACKFIN]

Actually, had this one in mind. http://www.fountainpowerboats.com/boats/fish/34cc_over.asp

Bill: On a nice day, Catalina in less than 30 mins. (He said money not a factor). I think it is the ultimate all-around boat. It has a range of 425 miles at 50 mph!

[Dr. SpearGood]

All of those boats will run faster, but none will run smoother in rough water than the new Glacier Bay 3065. Here are the performance #'s with Yamaha F250's:

http://www.glacierbaycats.com/PDFs/3065-250HP-Yamaha.pdf

I have owned both v-hulls and cats (currently have a cat). A quality center console cat will run smoother in rough water than a center console v-hull of the same length.

[BLACKFIN]

Nice boat - but I'd take the v-hull fountain hands down; especially in the Pacific. To each his own - that's why there are so many different boats out there.

[AlexF]

Thanks all for the repplies, I have included some other boats on my "to see" list.

I have heard great things about the cats, in fact, an uncle of mine brought a 60ft one all the way from Australia, and I have not found the big advantages over the regular hull boats. I personaly don't like the look of the cats, and they are not fast at all.

On the size I am restricted to 31ft because this boat will be used part time as a tender and will be towed, so 31Ft is what I consider the maximum.

The smith boats are pretty, might be a little too luxurious to spill with blood all over. The real problem is that they only make them in 42 and 45 feet.

I will be attending the PFD course in Miami, so the day before the course I will go and test all these nice boats in Key Largo.

[ROBERTO REYES]

Alex, I know a Cat is not what you are looking for, but speed is relative to
weather, and a cat is got more space and more speed in bad weather.
I was once in the Lump, weather was bad, and it got worse all of a sudden,
everybody started talking on the vhf, and everyboat there lifted anchor and left.
I was in a Glacier bay, with horrible weather, it handled in a way that is imposible to
describe to anyone who had not experience it, we were full throtle all the way back,
none of the deep V boats were on sight for an hour when we arrived.
Then again, same place, diferent gorgeous weather, I was in a Donzi, and we went by the Galcier bay going at 40knots like if he was parked in a garage.

[Thwack]

spearchucker, how can you make such a stupid comment? have you ever owned a boat before? you sound like a shorediver speaking like that because you sir, know NOTHING, about boats "total junk" my ass... and no, my boat isnt on that list, i dont own any of the boats you trashed so im not being defensive of my own, but my friends have them. grady whites are indestructible and well respected among boaters, boston whalers are overpriced, but well built boats, and there is nothing wrong with Donzi. All of the boats on his list are good boats, some better than others, but none of them are "total junk" dont give anyone advice like that...

[hawgdawg]

Whalers are overpriced junk. I have never seen one that does not pound you to death in rough seas. even the bigger 30 footers will pound you. If thats your idea of a good boat, then be it. the only thing they got going is that they are built to last, otherwise they would desintegrate with all the pounding.

[AlexF]

I must agree with hawgdawg about the whalers, I have a 24' and it will loosen your kidneys from your back if the seas are just a little rough.

[chasintail]

Contender or Yellowfin.Best CCs on the market.

[Scubaru]

Yeah Spearchunker, have you ever even owned a boat before? :D :rofl:

[Stealthdiver]

I have a Key West , being paid for makes it very tough to beat ! I'd hate to be making big boat payments every month !

[bgbill]

spearchucker, how can you make such a stupid comment? have you ever owned a boat before? you sound like a shorediver speaking like that because you sir, know NOTHING, about boats "total junk" my ass... and no, my boat isnt on that list, i dont own any of the boats you trashed so im not being defensive of my own, but my friends have them. grady whites are indestructible and well respected among boaters, boston whalers are overpriced, but well built boats, and there is nothing wrong with Donzi. All of the boats on his list are good boats, some better than others, but none of them are "total junk" dont give anyone advice like that...

I think the Chucker may have had a boat or two in his life. ;)

[Polystigma]

Be smart and go DIESEL!

[bgbill]

Be smart and go DIESEL!

Why? :scratch:

[deepdestroyer]

If money is'nt a factor go with yellowfin or venture, Both of those companies make bad-A$$ boats and they seem to be the kind of boat you are looking for.

[eward4]

Regulator 26 or 32'. They're pricey but they're great boats and ride awesome. They're built in Edenton, NC and are built for NC waters. If I was going to buy a FL boat I would go with a Yellowfin or Contender.

[inletsurf]

spearchucker, how can you make such a stupid comment? have you ever owned a boat before? you sound like a shorediver speaking like that because you sir, know NOTHING, about boats "total junk" my ass... and no, my boat isnt on that list, i dont own any of the boats you trashed so im not being defensive of my own, but my friends have them. grady whites are indestructible and well respected among boaters, boston whalers are overpriced, but well built boats, and there is nothing wrong with Donzi. All of the boats on his list are good boats, some better than others, but none of them are "total junk" dont give anyone advice like that...

How does a shorediver sound like? Do they have an accent, like a new yorker or something? Funny, I have never noticed a shorediver accent, but I have seen quite a few cone idiots piloting a Donzi before.

FYI Spearchucker is a 31' Intrepid owning spearfisherman who has had quite a few top placings in spearfishing tournaments. Just a FYI and an opportunity for you to recant and edit before he reads this and bashes the living poo out of you in front of everyone. ;)

[inletsurf]

Whalers are overpriced junk. I have never seen one that does not pound you to death in rough seas. even the bigger 30 footers will pound you. If thats your idea of a good boat, then be it. the only thing they got going is that they are built to last, otherwise they would desintegrate with all the pounding.


I agree, next to a panga or any flat bottomed light boat, a whaler will beat your grey matter through your asshole in 2' chop.

[kmoose]

All of those boats will run faster, but none will run smoother in rough water than the new Glacier Bay 3065. Here are the performance #'s with Yamaha F250's:

http://www.glacierbaycats.com/PDFs/3065-250HP-Yamaha.pdf

I have owned both v-hulls and cats (currently have a cat). A quality center console cat will run smoother in rough water than a center console v-hull of the same length.

500 hp and it cruises 16 knots at less than 2 nautical!!!!! I guess it does ride better :rolleyes: There are some decent cats out there but that Glacier Bay is a PIG.

[SFK]

Don't over look Sea Vee. Contender's were designed off this theses boats.

[Spearchucker]

spearchucker, how can you make such a stupid comment? have you ever owned a boat before? you sound like a shorediver speaking like that because you sir, know NOTHING, about boats "total junk" my ass... and no, my boat isnt on that list, i dont own any of the boats you trashed so im not being defensive of my own, but my friends have them. grady whites are indestructible and well respected among boaters, boston whalers are overpriced, but well built boats, and there is nothing wrong with Donzi. All of the boats on his list are good boats, some better than others, but none of them are "total junk" dont give anyone advice like that...

Since the early 90's, I have owned, in order:

1981 Mako 21
1992 Grady 25' Sailfish
1978 Mako 17
1997 Mako 232
1984 Mako 17
1986 Pursuit 26
1995 Sea Cat 25
1990 Mako 26

and currently I own an Intrepid 32.

I personally gutted, re-rigged, and re-wired every one of those boats. Complete restoration on 2 of them. Made money on all but one. I have also completely rigged my Dad's Hydrasports 24. So if you are asking if I feel like I have a qualified opinion, why yes I do. Now go fuuck yourself. :mad: :rant:

BTW - You have a Four Winns???? :rofl: :rofl:

[hawgdawg]

One boat I would look at is the sea cat. Not the older ones, but the new one, which used to be called leader cats. They are very similar to the world cat, but much cheaper I believe. i don't think they make anything bigger than 25ft? but a 25 footer will ride like a 28, it is an awesome boat. Glacier bay are great boats, but they are a full displacement hull, meaning they don't really get on a plane. Instead, they just cut through the water. excellent ride, but not the fastest. Now you got about 20 different boats to choose from, which one is it gonna be?

[inletsurf]

Hey Spearchucker, how did you like the Sea Cat 25? I'm curious how that boat would do on the east coast.

Thanks, shorediver in training, MagicMike.

I rode on his Seacat 25 plenty of times. It was a great riding boat, it would probably do well for rough east coast waters. Wasn't a fast boat.

[junior]

Just my .02 on the Whaler since I own one. It will certainly beat you if you let it. It is not a Fountain by any stretch of the imagination. As someone mentioned, they are literally bullet-proof boats and I think that is most of the reason they hold their value better than many of those on the list. They claim to have created the center console so that probably started them out with the fishing crowd way back when. Carry on...

[Kahuna]

I am NOT a fan of Glacier Bay. It was a good first try. It will go through pretty much anything but you get a constant fight of the hulls. Its a constant one hull hits the wave before the other and a twist motion plus the forward slowdown. Kinda wierd.

Boat will never do more than 25knts. There is a tradeoff in anything. It will go through anything you throw at it.

[Jaizzen]

http://www.onetruethingsportfishing.com/videos.html

[junior]

Is it just me or is that Fountain porpoising a bit much in the first video? Didn't really look rough enough to cause all that nonsense...

[bgbill]

Is it just me or is that Fountain porpoising a bit much in the first video? Didn't really look rough enough to cause all that nonsense...

That is the same thing I was thinking, for the length of that boat, it should have been a smooth ride.

[Polystigma]

You guys should check out Seaswirls boats. The Striper is a great boat, diesel and everything, great deck space.

[Screen Name]

Is it just me or is that Fountain porpoising a bit much in the first video? Didn't really look rough enough to cause all that nonsense...

The boat is porpoising only because it is not trimmed properly.

[zag]

a lot of center console boats have been mentioned, bashed, discussed, but i have not seen anyone mention ocean masters. do a little research online as they are beautiful and well outiftted boats. it is not your standard "boat show" boat and is designed to be a serious fishing crate. 31' is the most common size and the newer models (post 1996) are excellent boats. if you are looking for a serious center console go fast, then definetley check them out.
also, for the guy who is bashing boston whalers and saying they are hard pounding and overpriced, get over yourself. boston whalers are solid well built boats and if you use them in the right conditions (as all open, center consoles should be) then they are some of the best. i hate to see people come on this board and just bash. it is pathetic and it is absolute nonsense. best of luck with your boat selection as the world of open, center consoles is huge and finding the perfect boat for you will come in good time.

btw - the ocean masters were popular amonst giant tuna fisherman in new england when the big fish used to come close. they would outfit them with offset chairs, swivel holders, the works. just proof that they are tried and tested and respected amongst some great fisherman.

take it easy
zach

[junior]

The boat is porpoising only because it is not trimmed properly.

That's what I figured John. I've got no problem with Fountain boats ;)

[Jaizzen]

Come on now..... What kind of video would it make if it were glued to the water.

Everybody loves a little drama :D

Jason

[junior]

Come on now..... What kind of video would it make if it were glued to the water.

Everybody loves a little drama :D

Jason

I was actually hoping to see it bust some four footers wide open...

[cmfish]

no one mentioned conch

[Polystigma]

Why? :scratch:


Range and longevity. Only way to go IMO. Especially if you do longer range offshore stuff.

[Capt.Gene]

a lot of center console boats have been mentioned, bashed, discussed, but i have not seen anyone mention ocean masters. do a little research online as they are beautiful and well outiftted boats. it is not your standard "boat show" boat and is designed to be a serious fishing crate. 31' is the most common size and the newer models (post 1996) are excellent boats. if you are looking for a serious center console go fast, then definetley check them out.
also, for the guy who is bashing boston whalers and saying they are hard pounding and overpriced, get over yourself. boston whalers are solid well built boats and if you use them in the right conditions (as all open, center consoles should be) then they are some of the best. i hate to see people come on this board and just bash. it is pathetic and it is absolute nonsense. best of luck with your boat selection as the world of open, center consoles is huge and finding the perfect boat for you will come in good time.

btw - the ocean masters were popular amonst giant tuna fisherman in new england when the big fish used to come close. they would outfit them with offset chairs, swivel holders, the works. just proof that they are tried and tested and respected amongst some great fisherman.

take it easy


zach

What's different between the older and newer 31' OMashers?

[hawgdawg]

Zag, any piece of crap will ride good in the right conditions. What makes one boat better than another? Among many things, the ability to handle rough seas. And that my friend, no whaler can do. So if you want to cruise around the bay, a whaler is probably the way to go, although a 500$ jon boat will probably do the same. But if you are serious about heading offshore in most conditions, then I will repeat myself, whalers are junk. By the way, I own a piece of junk myself, just not a whaler. This is not bashing, just simply stating the facts in a "clear and direct" way. Peace

[hawgdawg]

By the way, I've never been on an ocean master, but damn they look sweet!

[BLACKFIN]

Is it just me or is that Fountain porpoising a bit much in the first video? Didn't really look rough enough to cause all that nonsense...


That's, I think, the 31 Fountain. It shouldn't be porpoising at all in those conditions. Definitely out of trim.

[maddog]

I've only been in two Fountains both 31ft and both had twin 250hp two stroke motors.
Both boats were fast in smooth water both had a very "hard ride" even in 4ft seas @ 6sec intervals. One boat cavitated badly but this was probably due to poor rigging.
I suppose your trying to limit the boat to be trailerable. Do test ride whatever hull you decide to buy -- feel the ride given at max conditions you would start out your day with.

[Spearchuckerz]

I was a Fountain dealer some time ago. The boats are built to be very narrow and fast. All boats buit by Fountain are designed around the go fast hulls. They do ride nice but SUCK for diving because they have no cockpit whatsoever. Huge rear seats, huge console, huge leaning post, and tiny bow= no cockpit. They are king boats, not diving boats.

We had 2 cats flip and sink in one king tourney 4 years ago. One was a Sea Cat the other was a World Cat.

K

[Southern Cross]

We had Whalers in 15' 17' 18' 21' and 24' befor we picked up the 31' Contender.
The Whalers ride dry and rough. None of them had a very good layout. Lots of wasted space.

Our 24' was holding water inside the hull, and the fuel cell rotted and cracked. Almost killed my brother and I when the bilge pump started pumping out gas. Ther customer service is absolute shit. We were without a boat for almost a year waiting on them to repair the tank. We had to pay for the whole repair.

Since the company changed hands, they are not the same quality.
There are many other builders out there with better designs.

[zag]

the older ocean masters had some issues with the decks rotting out as well as some fuel tank problems. if you are serious about looking into them, contact the manufcturer which i believe is located in florida. he is very helpful and will send/give you all the information you could want. also check out the different outboard options. there are many different options available for them including full transoms, motor brackets, cut out transoms, etc. the smallest boat i own is a 2006 whaler 17' montauk. it is a superb boat for its size, granted it does get a little beat up in the chop. however, they are constructed phenominally and will stand up to all of the beating. i have taken the boat to the race on a light wind (10-15 kt), took it easy on the throttle (3500-3600) and the boat got impecable fuel economy with the 90hp merc. 4 stroke, and handled beautifully in the big swell rip line. maybe they are just better as a small water boat since i don't have any experience with the newer larger models, although i have dove out of a 25' whaler in the race in larger chop and it handled very well as long as you don't run it so quick and back off a little on the rpm.

once again, best of luck with your boat selection

[Southern Cross]

A fishing buddy of mine ordered a new 34' Oceanmaster a few years ago. As far as I know, they had never mounted outboards on a 34' before. After much customization, they had a new 34' with 3 Yamaha 250hpdis. The boat was beautiful, but the outboards couldn't really push the nose down. The boat wouldn't flatten out until it hit full throttle. They tried 3 sets of props, 3 sets of trim tabs, and even repowered with E-tecs. Never got the ride they wanted. It is now for sale. Would be a great boat for places that do not have to run far, but in Louisiana we run a LONG WAY to fish.

I know another fella with a 31' Oceanmaster with twin outboards and he loves it.
I think the 34' was just designed for diesels. Needs the weight in the center, not hanging off the back.

[RabiSpear]

Spearchuckerz,
You couldn't be more wrong about the next generation fountains. We have the new 32' foot fountain and I would say that it has twice the cockpit space of a 31' yellowfin. It has the 9.5 beam, but the real reason it is big is that the console is farther forward on the fountain than a contender or yellowfin. They chopped two feet off the front of the 34' and left the cockpit exactly the same.

Fountain's can ride rough if they aren't trimmed right. Trimming a boat like that is really a science. Coupled with the steppd hull, the K-planes (massive tabs) are so powerful that if you drop them and trim the motors, you can run that boat with almost no surface area in the water. Fast and efficient...but rough. There is always a trade off between a smoother ride and a efficiency. I usually choose efficiency by keeping the bow as high as I can stand. You can watch the MPG drop like crazy the further you drop the bow...but your ride gets better.

As to the Ocean Master, we had a 27' before our World Cat. We called it the "Ocean Smasher." It drove us to the World Cat, if only to save our spleens.

[Spearchuckerz]

Rabi,

I hear you on that. I am very impressed with the 38 also, I know two guys that run them. He was looking up to 31 and I think he wants to trailer. My 32' CC has a 10'6" beam and has more cockpit than the 38 Fountain, but I do not think he wants a boat this large.

K

[Screen Name]

As to the Ocean Master, we had a 27' before our World Cat. We called it the "Ocean Smasher." It drove us to the World Cat, if only to save our spleens.

:D :D

[AlexF]

Here’s what happened and the decision I took about the boat.

I had made meetings with every distributor to test each boat on the ocean, and the first appointment was in Plantation Boats, where I was going to test Hydrasport, Jupiter, Grady White and WoldCat.

The first boat I saw was a Jupiter 29cc and I just fell in love with it. Gorgeous line, great setup, good storage space, just a great package.

This was the first boat I tested.

The wind was blowing hard, 15 knots, so the sea was rough in Key Largo; great for boat testing.

Getting out the boat got up to 45 knots marked on my GPS, then when the big waves came around, we could only go 30 knots or the boat would just take off and slam back into the sea. Meanwhile we were getting wet from the water that was displaced by the boat and the strong wind.

I got back to the dock almost sure that was the boat for me, but then was the turn to take the Hydrasport, same motor configuration (twin Yamaha 250 four stroke). The HS had a little better console, but the line was not as pretty and the storage and setup were not as nice as the Jupiter, but out we went.

On the way out the boat reached 46 knots and the BIG difference came when we reached the big seas. We were doing 36 knots and the boat would take off but would come back down softly, and totally dry. We never got even a little wet.

The difference in how the HS took the high seas was so much better than the Jupiter than no matter how good the other looked or how good the setup was, Hydrasport would make a much better boat to ride, and that outbalanced anything against it.

The Gradywhite design looked outdated to me, I didn’t like the setup and didn’t even go out to try it with the big seas. There are two grady’s within the family and I have been on those boats, so I know how they ride in big waves, and they are not close to the HS. The trip to the open water was 40 minutes, so I spare myself on that one.

I also took a look at the WoldCat. I didn’t make arrangements to sea try this boat but got into it and I was amazed on how spacious the boat is, impressive storage, I mean, you can store a whale inside this boat!! But it won’t go very fast.

I was shocked when I heard the price!!!!

Next stop was to see Donzi. I arrived to the dealer but he wasn’t there and I guess he had forgotten about the appointment as the boat was sitting in the yard and there was no way to test it. Besides being pissed for being stood up I went p to take a look at the boat.

The boat looked nice, very aerodynamic but little thought went into the boat to make it a good fishing boat. The livewell is located at the back and under a seat, making it very difficult to reach and the opening to it is also too small. The boat has only small fish storage, and up front is totally open, so there is no place for people to sit. All promises made by the salesman that the boat cut through waves perfectly remained as promises as I could not test it.

Last was the boat I liked the best from the photographs; the Fountain, and things didn’t go as planed either. First, they hadn’t sold a single 31’ so there were none available to show, and they said that they didn’t sell well, so if I wanted to see one I would have to buy it for them to take it to their warehouse. They tried to get a 32’ that would be somewhat similar to the one I was looking, but they couldn’t get that one either, so all they could show was a 34’, and only on land.

They said they were very sorry they could not get a boat to test, even though I had asked for the appointment 2 weeks before and told me that if I made another trip to test the boat and bought it, they would reduce the price to pay for my trip.

It’s not a very good thing to see a 34’ boat when they want to sell you a 31’ but being there I took a look and the boat has a totally open front, so not much seating space. The fish boxes are very small and it has a whole lot of them, but all small.

The livewell is also located under the back seat, making it difficult to access, although not as bad as in Donzi. The seller also told me how good the boats cut through the waves and how fast they would ride, but without testing I was not about to buy one. The boat setup was much better on the first two boats.

The purchase decision was not difficult at all, there were almost no boats to choose from, then got a very good price on the HS and that did the trick.

I’m now going through the additional equipment installation before the boat is ready for the long trip down to Mexico.

The boat will have the Raymarine E120 display with sounder module, 1000 watt transducer, GPS, Radar, TR1 Autopilot, double tuna tubes, underwater lights and 5 tank rack below deck. Will post pix when I get delivery.

[Mobile Diver]

Great post, Alex. Very informative.

[AlexF]

Finally got the boat ready and should be shipping into Mexico within the next week.

Here are some photos of the new toy.

[dive4bugz]

Stay away from the Jupiter 31, I know a guy who has had nothing but trouble with it... specifically, the transom cracked!! Was repaired, and went again...this with twin Yamaha 250s, well within weight and power specs...

[Nathan Florian]

My boss had the same boat, but in a 26'. It was a sweet ride and ran like 53+MPH. Nice boat.

[ROBERTO REYES]

Oh boy!, I can already picture that HS with blood all over it.

[mjacobs]

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a tuna tube?
Mark

[westpalmspearo]

its for keeping pelagic fish alive such as bonitas by pumping water through their gills
usually for wahoo or marlin fishing

[robfiorenzi]

Grady White boats are ecxellent boats. I have owned a Sailfish for over 10 years. Great layout, large deck and perfect cabin for overnighting. There are no stress cracks and the stainless is perfect. Boat is very quick and great off shore. Whenever we consider a new boat, we realize how great our Grady is.
Rob

[Lefty]

Grady White boats are ecxellent boats. I have owned a Sailfish for over 10 years. Great layout, large deck and perfect cabin for overnighting. There are no stress cracks and the stainless is perfect. Boat is very quick and great off shore. Whenever we consider a new boat, we realize how great our Grady is.
Rob

Have to agree. I've owned several brands over the years - 26' Cobia, 26' Hydro Sports, 25' Proline. I won't mention the 19' piece of crap I had for my first boat. Current boat is a Grady 272 Sailfish with yamaha 225s and it's been the best of the lot. It's fast, rides well and gets around 1.5 mpg fully loaded. I can store 18 tanks along the gunwales and still have room for 4 divers confortably, 6 if they have a clue and keep it neat. It's not as pretty as some of the others, but it's much more functional imho. Until I can afford a 30' cat boat, this boat is the shiz.

[Ricardo Cara]

I'm looking for a boat and keep going back to the Skipjack 26'. Does anybody know anything about this boat? Pricey and popular here in So. Calif.

Ricardo

[Pocoshower]

Hey Alex

Que buen cayuco... Very Nice boat.... When is it going to be at the Pacific??

Saludos

Carlos

[AlexF]

The boat arrived to Ixtapa a week ago, could not do any diving as the water was as green as it gets. Didn't even try, but took the equipment fishing.

Fishing wans't very good either although we did catch one medium sized dorado.

Out in the blue didn't get to see anything and didn't have a chance to dive.

I will test the boat on a trip from Manzanillo to Chamela and if time permits up to P Vallarta in a couple of weeks, hope the water turns clear by then.

On the performance, the boat was filled with fuel (1,100 liters) plus full 180 L in the livewell, plus 6 adults (about 3,000 Lbs in extra weight) and we couldn't get more than 36 knots, but we could do it in any type of swell. We tried doing it on the whaler and it was impossible. The nicest part was that you could actually sit anywhere on the boat while it was cruising, something you just can't do in the whaler.

Carlos, the boat will spend most of the summer in Baja, so I will keep you posted on my travel dates to do some dives together.

[FeAr_ThE_SpEaR]

Has anyone mentioned the New 34 Seevee? Its RIGHT up there with the Yellowfins and Contenders! I tke 70 mile trips out to the Dry Tortugas with My older bros friend whos in college on a 32 seevee and its a beautiful ride out there every time!

[kill shot]

ALex,

Very nice boat. Hope to make it down there someday to spear with you.


Eric

[23six]

Congrats on the new boat. I'm bummed to hear you didn't sea trial the World Cat. If all goes to plan, the World Cat 320EC will be my next boat. Yeah, it's pricey, you get what you pay for. I'm in the industry, I finance boats every day, and I'm 95% sure that World Cat is my next vessel.

[ROBERTO REYES]

23six, just for the sake of that 5%, you should sea trial the hydra sport, if I were you, I would take Alex coments very seriously when the time comes.

[Pocoshower]

Carlos, the boat will spend most of the summer in Baja, so I will keep you posted on my travel dates to do some dives together.
I'm ready, gear bag's packed, guns are ready :thumps:

BTW I been diving north of Las Animas on march 16 to 19. Water was so green. Viz les than 2 m.

Anyway, it will be very nice conditions in summer as ever.

Saludos

[AlexF]

232six I didn't test the cat because it didn't provide the speed I was looking for.

I did see the cat closely and it's a great boat, expensive though. I'm not sure if it's quality what you pay for or simply a different and more expensive construction process (might and might not be better).

One interesting point against worldcat is that both the owner and the sales manager for Plantation Boats, who distribute both WorldCat, Hydrasport and Jupiter, among others own Hydrasports.

The things I liked about the cat was the platform between the engines that let you dive behind the props and The HUGE storage on the sides. They are UGLY looking boats.

I didn't do any research to compare fuel efficiency between the boats so can't say much but I do know about the larger cats as one of my uncles owns a 65 cat and it's pretty much the same thing as a regular one hull yatch. I does ride weird on the waves though.

[Aimrite]

Aloha

There is only one way to truly get what you want, build it! Besides playing around with spearfishing equipment I would be what you call a boat freak! :D

This boats "Carolina Flair" is contributed to "Cold Molded Technology" and West Systems Epoxy. She is 24' long and over 9' wide. Powerplant is a 260 HP Yanmar coupled to a Bravo 3 leg.

Her name is Au'lani which is Hawaiian for Angelina (Platypus). She is my retirement present. :thumps:

[EIGHTWGT]

WOW Rick.....

Do you still have the 29 ?