Post by: blackpowderhunter on February 23, 2018, 01:11:08 PM
I just wanted to bounce a few questions off of those who are smarter than me in this category.
From what i've found...I want something in the 14-16 degree hull range. yay or nay?
Intended uses include lakes, and sound for crab, shrimp, salmon, etc. not chasing tuna :chuckle:
anyways.. a few boats that seem to fit the bill of size 18-20 ft, price, and availability are the alumaweld strykers and intruders.
I've come across a few hewescraft sportsmans in my search, but those have a 10 degree hull, and it seems that would be MUCH rougher in chop.
Am I over exaggerating that assumption or is that fairly in line?
Anyways, any other advice is always appreciated.
Post by: Crunchy on February 23, 2018, 01:14:33 PM
Post by: Henrydog on February 23, 2018, 01:16:47 PM
Post by: WSU on February 23, 2018, 01:28:15 PM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on February 23, 2018, 01:34:55 PM
I grew up on the water, worked at a marina for 8 years and have been a marine insurance adjuster for 20 years. IMHO with boats in the size range if it is more than a moderate chop you should not be out on salt water anyways. Hewes is a local hometown favorite but their workmanship has become a little sloppy from what I have seen the last couple of years. Look closely at the fit and finish.weather will be taken into consideration for when it's out on the salt, that is for sure.
weathers bad? stay home. no fish is worth my, or my friends safety..
i guess that's where my question of over looking something like the sportsman comes up.
i wont be going out purposefully in rough water..so would that be a good choice.. or would the better choice be to opt for something like a 20 ft intruder.
Post by: Stein on February 23, 2018, 02:13:29 PM
Check out RH Sea Hawk, I have an 18' with a 90 Mercury CT and it is a sweet setup. They make an 18, 19 and 20, but if I had room to store a 20, it would be an offshore bracket.
The boats are built in Oregon, have a great design and are very competitively priced compared to better known names. Cabelas handles them on and off if you want to see one first hand.
The amount of chop they can handle is incredible, self bailing bow handles the water you do get. The boat can handle much more chop than I can. I end up bailing because it is impossible to fish long before I worry about getting home. I can put the bow down a bit, throttle back and have a decent, dry ride at about 2/3 top end speed.
Post by: Alchase on February 23, 2018, 02:28:11 PM
Awesome boat!
Post by: Huntin Hounds on February 23, 2018, 03:31:07 PM
Post by: Alchase on February 23, 2018, 03:33:31 PM
Lots of companies make a nice boat. The hull degree along with the beam and bottom width will make all the difference. Some boats with a deep v have a narrow bottom which will make them pitch from side to side. Definitely look for a boat with a reverse chine. They make a world of difference. I have a 22' edge marine os. It has a 60 degree bow entry tapered to 20 degree hull. It also has a 96" bottom with a 102" beam and reverse chine. It has about as good a ride in rough water as you will find in an aluminum boat but isn't the best for bass fishing. I don't bass fish so it works great for me. Gotta look at what will work best for your type of fishing.
Sweet boat!
Post by: Stein on February 23, 2018, 03:52:40 PM
Post by: blackpowderhunter on February 23, 2018, 04:07:46 PM
Post by: Fishmaker57 on February 23, 2018, 04:55:29 PM
Boulton Power Boats out of Oregon, makes some of the most comfortable 20 ft ocean going boats I have ever been in. My Brother in law has a loaded out 20ft skiff with a 250 4-stroke Honda mounted on a offshore bracket, Honda kicker and all the electronics/radar.
Awesome boat!
Agreed! After spending days going through boats at the Seattle Boat Show and the Puyallup Show, we bought a 20' Boulton and couldn't be happier. Best price, best fit and finish of any make, factory direct, and a 1/2" bottom.....these things are solid! Their market has been mostly Law Enforcement.....rarely see a used one. If you go new, you won't regret it......6 years later and it still books for the same price we paid for it!
Post by: Huntin Hounds on February 23, 2018, 07:24:39 PM
Post by: Antlershed on February 23, 2018, 07:55:38 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on February 26, 2018, 08:20:34 AM
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on February 27, 2018, 11:37:49 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 28, 2018, 05:14:58 AM
My friend works at Hewes and says they are built better than most boats.......That's what my friend says about Alumacraft also
Post by: NW SURVEYOR on February 28, 2018, 05:59:54 AM
I settled on a 20' STARCRAFT "Fishmaster".
It has a 135HP I/O with a 10 H/P Kicker and a 75# Bowmounted Minkota.
Most of my fishing is in the sound and Straits with quite a bit of time bass fishing lakes throughout the state.
I was concerned about the lighter aluminum hull. but this thing takes the rough water better than most.
Another nice thing is that they are a bit lighter to trailer and easier to launch with one person.
The 55 Gal. fuel tank is alos nice.
The hull design is fantastic, these boats were made for the Great Lakes fisheries which is as rough as anything we have. We can stay out in the Straits after most aluminum boats are blown off the water and be fine.
Check these out before you buy, they are a lot of boat for the money and Starcraft has been in business for over 60 years, so they must be doing something right.
I'm really happy after 14 years.
Goood luck on your search.
Rob.