First Boat dilemma

[Sportfury]

So I have been looking and noticed the Duckworths even the older ones are more expensive. They seem to be the top of the line so are they worth thextra money? So how do the alumawelds, north rivers, weldcrafts,etc compare? Right now there are a ton of used boats out there that are all set up. I am excited.

How many hours is to many on a boat and what should I watch out for buying from a dealer?

[huntnphool]

A lot of manufacturers have .187 bottoms, I would be looking for a manufacturer that uses .250, I know North River, HCM and the larger Northwest Jet boats do. Also, a single piece bottom is nice if running rivers, I have seen buddy's welded bottom boats develope cracks along welds.

If you are on the wet side and want to go for a run sometime just send me a PM, we might even be able to talk wacenturion into joing in with his boat.

[Sportfury]

That sounds like a plan. That might give me a chance to learn some more. I am on the wetside down in Graham.

[tmike]

I picked up this older Duckworth for under 10K. Had in on the Satsop Sunday, been to the Cowlitz, on Lake Sawyer, Shrimping in PS, on Mid Channel Bank, and to Sekiu several times. It's not a high end boat but solid and pretty comfy.

[lokidog]

I've put 10,000+ miles on my Alumaweld in the past 3 1/2 years, and yes, there are four zeros there!  I beach it regularly, pound through the 2 - 3 foot chop in the sound, and have even been stuck crossing Rosario Straight in 7-9 foot chop, not swells.  I do not go balls to the wall but travel at a reasonable speed.  The only wear I've had on this boat has been the snaps have rivets that corrode out, I've replaced one wiper motor, a throttle cable, front and rear running lights corroded out, and replaced the steering cable with hydraulic steering.  I have a few dents and dings and ripped the canopy but those have been due to operator error/miscalculation.

I think any of the boats you have listed will hold up well as long as they are not abused.

[huntnphool]

Hey Loki, pick up some small plastic washers, about the diameter of your snaps. Put one behind each new snap when you rivet them back on. Then fill the inside of the male snap with clear silicon, they will last a lot longer.

[lokidog]

Hey Loki, pick up some small plastic washers, about the diameter of your snaps. Put one behind each new snap when you rivet them back on. Then fill the inside of the male snap with clear silicon, they will last a lot longer.

I actually put marine grease behind each that I replace as well as replacing the aluminum rivet with stainless ones.  I also put a little between the snaps so they will pop loose easier if I need them to.  thanks for the hint though.

[Mossy]

I picked up this older Duckworth for under 10K. Had in on the Satsop Sunday, been to the Cowlitz, on Lake Sawyer, Shrimping in PS, on Mid Channel Bank, and to Sekiu several times. It's not a high end boat but solid and pretty comfy.

That is one clean looking boat

[DeerHarvester]

Renasissance Marine Group, owns both Weldcraft and Duckworth.  They are both built in the same shop in Clarkston, WA.  Essential they are the same boat with a different name.  For me I felt the extra money was worth it.  I was originally dead set on buying a Hewescract.  We sat in couple and they felt a bit crapped, due to the narrow beam.  The Weldcraft had a 7’ beam, which just made to boat feel larger and stable.  The Weldcraft had a larger bow area for bass fishing.  This was important to me, as I wanted an all around fishing boat and family boat.  Yes pushing the cab forward gives you more room in the rear for salmon/steelhead fishing.   Generally speaking I only fish two people out of my boat, so I have more then enough room for that.  The fit and finish on Weldcraft/Duckworth is second to none.  The Maverick comes standard with Carpeted sidewall, painted interior, full gauges, canvas tow-able top, diamond plate hatches, full size salmon box, dual battery tray in the bow, and Yamaha outboards.  The interior is what really sold my wife.  She likes the boat as much or more than I do.  And we all know that is important.  The boat needed to fit her needs as well as mine. 

Northriver builds a very quality boat, but they seem to be even more expensive then Weldcraft/Duckworth.   Shop around and find a good deal with the options your family needs.  I never intended on buying a brand new boat, but I found a boat that had sat on the stealer-ship showroom for 2 years and the dealer really needed to move it.  Also whatever boats you decide make sure to upgrade to the suspension seats and a wash down pump, well worth the money.  All the locally built boats are good, just find one the works for you guys.   
 

[Sportfury]

Thanks deerharvester. I appreciate the information. What stealership, as you put it, did you use?

Also for those of you who own a jet drive why are Hamilton 212's the jet that everyone wants???

[Encore 280]

Have ya checked into a Wooldridge yet? I don't know anything about them but have seen them around. Don't know how big or how small they go or the cost.

[Sportfury]

Encore I haven't seen any used Woolridges up for sale.

[DeerHarvester]

Siglers Marine in troutdale, OR. The customer service wasn't the best, but their prices were.

[huntnphool]

Also for those of you who own a jet drive why are Hamilton 212's the jet that everyone wants???

 Reliability for me, fewer moving parts than others and Seattle based.

[Sportfury]

Huntphool is your boat a commander or a trapper?