Post by: gasman on January 24, 2014, 08:16:07 PM
Looking at 16 to 18 foot welded aluminum boat for fishing the sound, and hopefully the straights, and the lakes inland.
18-25K price range unless I can find great deal on a good used boat, I will probably be buying new.
The boat I have been looking closely at are, Hewes Sportsmens, Alumaweld Talon, Smoker Craft Phantom, Ospey, or Tracer :dunno:
What are your thoughts?
Pro and Con.... :tup:
Thanks for your :twocents:
Post by: PolarBear on January 24, 2014, 08:17:24 PM
Post by: rasbo on January 24, 2014, 08:19:57 PM
Post by: gasman on January 24, 2014, 08:26:35 PM
My issue with the Talon is the lack of storage. I kind of want some thing with some storage and maybe pole holders on the side that are covered or recessed, not exposed.
Post by: Rick on January 24, 2014, 08:27:23 PM
Take a look at Raiders as well. One of Hewes employees left and started his own company. Raiders are a carbon copy of the Hewes.
My brothers Raider Sport 182 is a nice little boat.
Post by: Rick on January 24, 2014, 08:31:43 PM
My issue with the Talon is the lack of storage. I kind of want some thing with some storage and maybe pole holders on the side that are covered or recessed, not exposed.
The beauty of welded aluminum boats is that the options are endless. Glass boats go into a mold and what you see is what you get.
Locking side lockers for fishing rods is an easy addition to an aluminum boat.
Post by: PolarBear on January 24, 2014, 09:02:31 PM
Post by: Skillet on January 24, 2014, 09:27:37 PM
Ive put a lot of hours on my 17' lund prosport in the sound. Even fished coho during a small craft advisory. Knowing how to run the boat is every bit as important as the size. A knucklehead in a 25 glass boat with twin OB's is more dangerous to his passengers than a skilled/experienced guy in a 14' tiller boat.
That said, for your criteria I would be looking at 18'+ boats with a 14+ degree bottom. Do not go cheap on the power. If the hull is rated for 150 hp, don't talk yourself into thinking the 70 hp will be fine. My $.02
If you want the feel of a 17' Lund in the salt, pm me and we'll go for a ride ( Everett area).
Post by: gasman on January 24, 2014, 09:36:23 PM
When Ribka and I went to POW Island for bear, we had a 18" Alaskan Lund and had it out in "small craft advisory" weather :yike: :yike: :yike: :yike: 4-6' rollers 3-5 sec apart :yike: :yike: :yike: :yike: boat handled well but it was scary as hell on the 3 mile trek back to the protected waters :violent1:
Post by: Buzz2401 on January 24, 2014, 09:37:23 PM
Post by: The scout on January 24, 2014, 09:43:39 PM
Post by: lokidog on January 24, 2014, 09:43:55 PM
Personally, I don't think the deadrise makes a difference here on the sound. Waves are going to slap the boat no matter what on an aluminum boat and you just drive for the conditions.
The factory recommended engine should be just fine, shops won't want to underpower a boat as it makes their boats look bad. The 90 on my 19' Alumaweld is more than enough power as I have had 3X the "max payload in it and still gotten up on plane. You can have too much power IMO as it adds a lot of weight to the stern, especially with these 4 strokes. :twocents:
You will have a hard time finding a used Hewes, Alumawelds are maybe easier to find but people seem to hold on on their aluminum boats.
Post by: Skillet on January 24, 2014, 10:05:10 PM
If you only planned on going out on windless days, you could fish halibut on Middle bank from an inflatable row boat... but if you were insistent on fishing on any day you wanted, no matter the weather, a pretty stout boat would be required to get out and back with confidence. Most people land somewhere in the middle. Good luck on your search - boat shopping is fun!
Post by: hollymaster on January 24, 2014, 10:32:55 PM
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/4300128494.html (http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/4300128494.html)
I'd definitely look for a 18' +. Also look @ Wooldridge, raider, Bolton or any of the other major aluminum manufacturers. Don't be afraid to look at older boats that have been repowered. :twocents:
Post by: lokidog on January 24, 2014, 11:03:18 PM
If you go with this, let me know and I will give you a couple of modifications.
Post by: Mfowl on January 24, 2014, 11:22:49 PM
Post by: Crunchy on January 24, 2014, 11:57:36 PM
Post by: rasbo on January 25, 2014, 04:29:10 AM
Post by: gasman on January 25, 2014, 05:09:20 AM
Mfowl, thanks but im no looking for an open boat. Want something with cab to get out of the weather. Mamma says its a must :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
hollymaster, I looked at that one, its been up for sale for a few weeks now,but Im not looking to buy right now. More towards April/May.
Pete
Post by: Encore 280 on January 25, 2014, 06:46:05 AM
Post by: fishngamereaper on January 25, 2014, 07:13:28 AM
That being said, Ive owned a 16.5 Hewes Searunner for several years. Its been a great boat, its even seen tuna waters 45 miles outa Westport. They are built tough and last forever.
In my opinion based on tons of research the top welded boats are Hewescraft, Duckworth, Raider, Thunderjet, Coldwater, Boulton, Raider and Northwest Boats.
Obviously options are going to be the biggest factor in final price, but as far as bang for your buck, Hewescraft is one of the better options.
Im also possibly looking to buy a new boat, upsizing. So if it comes to the point where you want a used boat I will keep you in mind.
Post by: Encore 280 on January 25, 2014, 07:24:32 AM
Post by: PolarBear on January 25, 2014, 07:26:18 AM
Post by: Rick on January 25, 2014, 07:53:39 AM
I wish I would have waited, I bought a nice, used Arima Sea Pacer last week and I was on CL last night and a lady has a Seaswirl Striper probably a 21 or 22' with a big E TEC on it for $8500!! :bash: :bash: I guess her husband passed and needs to get rid of the boat. Beautiful boat too!! Has to be gone by now.
You can't honestly believe that wasn't a scam.
Post by: Rick on January 25, 2014, 07:59:34 AM
Unless you know how to fiberglass, just sayin'. ;)
Sure you can mod a glass boat after you own it. But you aren't gonna call a glass boat builder and expect them to modify a mold for a single boat.
Post by: Encore 280 on January 25, 2014, 08:05:32 AM
I wish I would have waited, I bought a nice, used Arima Sea Pacer last week and I was on CL last night and a lady has a Seaswirl Striper probably a 21 or 22' with a big E TEC on it for $8500!! :bash: :bash: I guess her husband passed and needs to get rid of the boat. Beautiful boat too!! Has to be gone by now.
You can't honestly believe that wasn't a scam.
Not too sure. She had her name, phone number and address on there. Check it out.
Post by: Rick on January 25, 2014, 01:59:48 PM
I wish I would have waited, I bought a nice, used Arima Sea Pacer last week and I was on CL last night and a lady has a Seaswirl Striper probably a 21 or 22' with a big E TEC on it for $8500!! :bash: :bash: I guess her husband passed and needs to get rid of the boat. Beautiful boat too!! Has to be gone by now.
You can't honestly believe that wasn't a scam.
Not too sure. She had her name, phone number and address on there. Check it out.
I saw the add. It screamed scam to me.
Post by: gasman on January 25, 2014, 04:04:43 PM
A used boat is not off the table. For the right deal, I will go used :tup: