What's the right boat for me?

Petieboy · 12-21-2007, 04:01 PM

Hello and Merry XMAS.
I'm considering buying a bigger boat. I have been boating this past summer for the first time in 25 years and I'm sucked into it 100%. I have a 1984 Whaler Montauk which I now have in good shape after a lot of work. I will not part with this boat and have learned a lot. I do however want to go a bit further off shore. I took a few quick runs to the BA and Monster ledge but did not stay long enough to fish because of fuel capacity. I have a 1984 Johnson 90 VRO and burn 6 galons per hour @ 25 knots. There is no room on the boat for fuel, tackle, gear and crew. It is an inshore boat.
I'm looking for a project boat preferably without power. I would like a 19 to 21 foot center console and I would re power with twin e-tecs maybe 70 to 90 hp each at the completion of the boat refurb project. I'm not in a hurry and cant afford to make a mistake.
I'll probably trailer the boat and keep it in the yard at home.
There are so many different boats out there. I like the Whalers but dont want to be narrow in my search.
What are some of your favorites in this class and why?
What do you think of the twin e-tecs for power?

Thanks Much !
Pete

Bryan A. · 12-22-2007, 08:12 AM

Checkout older Seacrafts (20 SF) or Makos in that size.

Two good websites to check out for older project boats.

Classicseacraft.com

or

ClassicMako.com

I have a 1973 20SF that I'll never part with. Not a true offshore boat but very capable. The 23 seacraft would be an excellent choice for offshore if you have a capable tow vehicle.

Good luck!!

Petieboy · 12-22-2007, 08:49 AM

Thanks for the reply!
I do realize a 21' is not an offshore boat. I should have been more clear. It was scary being out there 20+ miles (40 miles from Great Kills) in the Montauk which is why I did not fish and ran in. I would take the chance in a boat with enough fuel to get back if conditions started to go bad. I took the ride and I'm sure it is not a good idea. Its too tempting reading all the reports not to try it.
The Montauk kicks my but anywhere inshore or bay fishing I go. I run from Great Kills to the Hook - but kicked every time. Run to J Bay - but kicked. Launch in Jersey city to fish the river - but kicked by boat wakes. I run 30 mph and always need a spine adjustment when I get home.
I always like the Mako and heard SeaCraft was a good boat. I dont know of their costruction but will find out. I want 19' - 21' this way I can launch and trailer easily on my own. Everyone I know is a fair weather fisherman. It's always too early, too cold, too warm, too far or too long a day for them. I most often fish alone.
Thanks Again!

Bryan A. · 12-22-2007, 11:06 AM

Sounds like you need a boat with a little deeper v. The cathedral hull of the whaler tends to pound a bit.

I have had whalers from 11 to 17 feet and all great boats for the right use. Currently looking for a 13 whaler for my girls. Try looking for a 20 Seacraft, find the right one and you'll love it. the ride is unbeatable.

Classic Seacraft has a great forsale section.

Bryan A. · 01-05-2008, 08:04 AM

Ever find one??

12-21-2007, 04:01 PM	#1
Petieboy NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New York Posts: 3	What's the right boat for me? Hello and Merry XMAS. I'm considering buying a bigger boat. I have been boating this past summer for the first time in 25 years and I'm sucked into it 100%. I have a 1984 Whaler Montauk which I now have in good shape after a lot of work. I will not part with this boat and have learned a lot. I do however want to go a bit further off shore. I took a few quick runs to the BA and Monster ledge but did not stay long enough to fish because of fuel capacity. I have a 1984 Johnson 90 VRO and burn 6 galons per hour @ 25 knots. There is no room on the boat for fuel, tackle, gear and crew. It is an inshore boat. I'm looking for a project boat preferably without power. I would like a 19 to 21 foot center console and I would re power with twin e-tecs maybe 70 to 90 hp each at the completion of the boat refurb project. I'm not in a hurry and cant afford to make a mistake. I'll probably trailer the boat and keep it in the yard at home. There are so many different boats out there. I like the Whalers but dont want to be narrow in my search. What are some of your favorites in this class and why? What do you think of the twin e-tecs for power? Thanks Much ! Pete

12-22-2007, 08:12 AM	#2
Bryan A. NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Westbrook CT Posts: 1,269	Checkout older Seacrafts (20 SF) or Makos in that size. Two good websites to check out for older project boats. Classicseacraft.com or ClassicMako.com I have a 1973 20SF that I'll never part with. Not a true offshore boat but very capable. The 23 seacraft would be an excellent choice for offshore if you have a capable tow vehicle. Good luck!! __________________ And the sea will grant each man new hope..............Christopher Columbus 2003 Parker 2530 "DORYMATE".......click the pic 1973 Seacraft 20SF 1970 Glastron V153 70hp EvinrudeFOR SALE

12-22-2007, 08:49 AM	#3
Petieboy NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New York Posts: 3	What's the right boat for me? Thanks for the reply! I do realize a 21' is not an offshore boat. I should have been more clear. It was scary being out there 20+ miles (40 miles from Great Kills) in the Montauk which is why I did not fish and ran in. I would take the chance in a boat with enough fuel to get back if conditions started to go bad. I took the ride and I'm sure it is not a good idea. Its too tempting reading all the reports not to try it. The Montauk kicks my but anywhere inshore or bay fishing I go. I run from Great Kills to the Hook - but kicked every time. Run to J Bay - but kicked. Launch in Jersey city to fish the river - but kicked by boat wakes. I run 30 mph and always need a spine adjustment when I get home. I always like the Mako and heard SeaCraft was a good boat. I dont know of their costruction but will find out. I want 19' - 21' this way I can launch and trailer easily on my own. Everyone I know is a fair weather fisherman. It's always too early, too cold, too warm, too far or too long a day for them. I most often fish alone. Thanks Again!

12-22-2007, 11:06 AM	#4
Bryan A. NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Westbrook CT Posts: 1,269	Sounds like you need a boat with a little deeper v. The cathedral hull of the whaler tends to pound a bit. I have had whalers from 11 to 17 feet and all great boats for the right use. Currently looking for a 13 whaler for my girls. Try looking for a 20 Seacraft, find the right one and you'll love it. the ride is unbeatable. Classic Seacraft has a great forsale section. __________________ And the sea will grant each man new hope..............Christopher Columbus 2003 Parker 2530 "DORYMATE".......click the pic 1973 Seacraft 20SF 1970 Glastron V153 70hp EvinrudeFOR SALE

01-05-2008, 08:04 AM	#5
Bryan A. NBS Member User Gallery Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Westbrook CT Posts: 1,269	Ever find one?? __________________ And the sea will grant each man new hope..............Christopher Columbus 2003 Parker 2530 "DORYMATE".......click the pic 1973 Seacraft 20SF 1970 Glastron V153 70hp EvinrudeFOR SALE

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