Looking for Single Diesel

[Steel Shootin']

If anyone knows of a deal on a single diesel in the 32-35ft class, please let me know. I am looking for something ideally laid out for diving, with a platform or custom ladder, wide open deck space, berthing up front, and open cockpit or pilothouse. The boat can look like a piece of crap, as long as her engine is strong and she is seaworthy. Would like to make headway of at least 23 kts, preferably 28.

Head not necessary, as most of the people on my boat have a penchant for gunnel hunching. :D

I would also entertain the idea of buying an old hull with a worn out engine and doing a repower, but it would have to be a really great boat to justify the potential aggrevation.

This vessel will make frequent trips to the Middle Grounds, so economy is important.

Any suggestions on make/models? The boats I've identified as potentials are Sabalo, Newton, and Island Hopper. If you've ever been in any of these boats, please tell me what you thought about the ride and layout.

Antyhing else I should be looking at?

Thanks.

Scott

[fishkilla]

hey scott,

you should check out the boat ramp down at apollo beach. the marina there has dorado boats for sale. there is one in the water that is called a noreaster. wow that's a sweet rig... it's gotta be some serious cha..ching but it's got middle grounds written all over it. fully enclosed front end and a huge open stern that just becons for about 35 steel 103 lps' to be lined up along it. i'm sure it's way over priced but i can't get this rig out of my head it's so sweet.

[Steel Shootin']

Ben, that's a sweet boat. I saw it at the Tampa Boat Show. A little bit out of my budget, but that's the type of boat I am looking for.

[Nitroxshooter]

I drove a Dorado that was new from the factory in Ozona. It was a nice boat. cruise was around 26-27knts with a top near 35knts. I drove the one with the single cummings and the twin Volvo with jack shafts.. Speed was equal between the two, but the single had the better diving layout. It also had a bow thruster for docking. The floor under the helm area could hold approx. 3000 lbs. of fish without taking any deck space with coolers.. the one I drove had bunks for 2 but they said they could double stack them for 4 bunks. porti potty style head... Basic boat is $125,000.

I ended up getting a 30' Mirage built in Gainseville with twin diesels under the floor. I enjoy a flush deck!

[Steel Shootin']

The Mirage was another one I wanted to add to the list to look at. How do you like that boat? Do you have any photos you can post? How much fuel can it hold, and whats the economy like? Roger on the flush deck!

Thanks for the info.

[gulfdiver]

I'v been on Island Hooper and worked on Newton boats they both are Fine Rigs especially Newton .

:cool:

[Nitroxshooter]

Newtons rule if you won the lottery!! LOL

My boat holds 240 gallons of fuel & 60 gal. fresh water. Factory recommended cruise is 30knts. with a top of 36knts. I just run it easier (2-stroke thinking). Gets 4-4.5 mpg, I have a range of 700-800 miles per tank. Let me say it in a way we all measure things by. 60 gallons to the MG's and back! YEP 60!! 60 that is using a average of 225 which works out to 56.25 but you need a safety margin right;) The boat has stand up head room with head and shower and sleeps 4 friends. Here is a picture that I took awhile ago!http://www.scubadivecharters.com/_borders/DCP_0499.JPG http://www.scubadivecharters.com/_borders/DCP_0452.JPG

I have added many items and added to the t-top since these pictures.! Next question please..:D

[Nitroxshooter]

I need to cut my picture size down Sorry!

[Steel Shootin']

Man, that is sweeeet! Surface Interval, I like that. But, what I like the most is the thought of only burning 60 gallons on a friggin middle grounds run. Do you charter that as a dive boat, or do you just use if for recreational stuff? Beautiful rig, congratulations on that.

Just saw your profile. See you do charters. You may have me as a customer one of these days, especially if I start leaning towards that boat.

[Nitroxshooter]

Sorry about my slow return I was checking my eanx mix :) Yes, I have removable tank racks I also rod fish charter. The MG's is only a 2.5 -3 hour ride. I also forgot to mention that I gaurantee a completely dry ride up to a 4' sea after that all bets are off.. Last July I was cruising at 25knts. in 7-8' seas. Sold all my customers on a Mirage that day.

I want to go on a Jolly roger trip. I hear good things about those guys from R. Mueller (they should know him).

[Spear One]

1st choice.......36ft Newton low 20's in speed
2nd choice......40ft Dorado (best speed) high 20's
3rd choice......28ft Newton fast, not as stable as 36

Tough to get mid to high 20's in a single diesel 32 to 36ft boat!

[Divin' fool]

That's a great looking vessel...

[dabulltrouble]

hey nitrox.are you capt k on whopperstopper.thaught i recognized the boat.that is one sweet rig and welkome to our locker room.maybe one day i,ll get up there in your neck of the woods and do a charter with you guys.read some of your reports from your site...dave. o yea thanks for putting my fish on the front page.now if i was as goodlooking as the fish it would be a nice picture...dave

[Nitroxshooter]

Yep! you win the grand prize for figuring out who I am! Your gift will be the challange to shoot yet another huge Gag to beat your last.. I felt it needed to be on the front to help the dive section. Heck without me there wouldn't be a diving section.
I have also figured out that "Grooper Trooper" is "Stick n Fish" from Whopper. I was led here by your link and I loved the site so I signed on... Hope I don't over post for I like to post..... Newtons rule my next is the 36' Dive Special...

[MarkD]

Scott, I did ride on a Sabalo once. It was a single turbo diesel set up for fishing. Ran real nice in the 3-4 foot seas that day. I don't think there are too many of them around, but they are made in mid Pinellas county (Largo I think).

I did check Boat Trader Online and there is a 2000 32' with dual stations in there for $97k obo. 300 horse Yanmar.

Good luck, Mark