View Full Version : Boats whats do you look for in them?


keeperreaper
02-18-2009, 05:46 AM
For me it is all functionailty not frills. I like an open cockpit with plenty of space and plenty of options in terms of rod holders. I also like have a cabin to get out of the weather and sun. Those cold days in November or the rainy days the cabin keeps you warm and dry. I dont need all the frills and accessories which drive up the cost and repair expenses. What do you guys look for?

clcharette
02-18-2009, 07:34 AM
I look for the guys with the bigger boats than mine.

Having spent most of my life on center consoles, I like the 360 degree of fishability. I agree with you on the rod holders, I have a total of 20 on my boat which is a lot considering it is only 20 ft.

CaptMike
02-18-2009, 08:26 AM
I like CC's for their fly fishing function but I tend to go for WA's because it gives you a lot of storage and versatility. I love rod storage too. Ultimately I look for features that will get me the most days on the water.

beamie
02-18-2009, 09:28 AM
Deck/Floor space

I like inboards, so you can fish off the back and sides of the boats without dealing with going over outboards when fishing.

fishsmith
02-18-2009, 10:08 AM
Couldn't agree more with - "For me it is all functionailty not frills."

I like privateers / stiegercraft / eastern / pacific style boats for their no frills fishable designs.




* efficeint/reliable motor is key, I want to go as far as I can for as little $$ .

* A top, I was shocked at how much better you feel after a day on the water when shade from the sun is available.

* open deck for fishing, open space lets you decide where your stuff goes and makes a boat easy to clean, which is huge when your beat after a day on the water.

* walk around cabin, anchoring, trailering, fishing, there's always need to qet to the bow quickly

* cabin

I like used boats, they're cheaper and they makes an unsuccessful loading on the trailer :whackin: or any other mishap :eek: that results in a scratch or ding a lot easier deal with.

piemma
02-18-2009, 10:40 AM
Center Console with a double chined hull and a 4 stroke outboard. Dry in rough water good on fuel and a pleasure to fish out off. I have an 18' Sea Hunt CC with a Yami 90 4 stroke and it's been good to me. If I could change anything I'd go up to a 115 and give up a little fuel economy for a bit more speed. Best I have ever run is 35 knots on a flat sea and no wind at 5000 rpms.

RIJIMMY
02-18-2009, 10:40 AM
I needed something that was fishing and family friendly. A big sell for the wife was something we can all enjoy and they feel safe in. I love CCs and had one as a kid. I couldnt imagine fishing in another type of boat, I like the raised platform on the bow for casting. Mine has a T-top which can be a hassle casting, but I like the shade and cover from the rain. A Livewell is a key feature I need.

Raven
02-18-2009, 10:51 AM
i look for chicks in bikini's :drool:

BOSOX
02-18-2009, 10:53 AM
CC for it's fishibility. T top is a must have, as is 80+ gallons of fuel. Outboard hung off the transon, no bracket. It makes for an easy reach over, even with a boat rod. Semi deep V and a motor that will start every time. As far as size goes the bigger the better, as long as I can still trailer it and launch it by myself.

Roger
02-18-2009, 02:54 PM
If I could change anything I'd go up to a 115 and give up a little fuel economy for a bit more speed. Best I have ever run is 35 knots on a flat sea and no wind at 5000 rpms.

Or you might consider getting a lower pitched prop. Lightly loaded your prop should turn at about max rpm wot.

Also, if you are using aluminum, you will get 10-20% more out of a stainless prop.

Moses
02-18-2009, 05:59 PM
I truly love the CC. Although there are times (weather related) when a cabin or top would be nice, I love the flexibility and room a CC offers. No frills for me, just bare essentials for fishing and an enclosed head for wife, best of both worlds.

I currently own a 22' Sea Hunt CC. I'd prefer a newer 22', with more HP engine, short TTop and more rod holders.

Did you outfit the extra rod holders yourself?


clcharette
Having spent most of my life on center consoles, I like the 360 degree of fishability. I agree with you on the rod holders, I have a total of 20 on my boat which is a lot considering it is only 20 ft.

freebie
02-18-2009, 06:41 PM
Mike, you got a sweet ride, that is one of the cleanest nicest Sea Hunt's I've seen

clcharette
02-18-2009, 07:18 PM
Hey Mike,

When I bought the boat it only had 2. I had a guy fabricate 4 for the t-top, had the dealer install 4 in the leanpost. I installed the rest along with the gunnel mounted heavy duty Taco outriggers. The rod holders really make the boat fishy.

buckman
02-19-2009, 07:22 AM
CC, big enough to get you home when things turn sour. good on fuel, trailerable
to chase the fish

MarshCappa
02-19-2009, 11:50 AM
i look for chicks in bikini's :drool:

Here ya go!

MakoMike
02-19-2009, 01:09 PM
i look for chicks in bikini's :drool:

I look for the chicks without the bikinis! :cool:

Hooper
02-19-2009, 04:47 PM
For me it is all functionailty not frills. I like an open cockpit with plenty of space and plenty of options in terms of rod holders. I also like have a cabin to get out of the weather and sun. Those cold days in November or the rainy days the cabin keeps you warm and dry. I dont need all the frills and accessories which drive up the cost and repair expenses. What do you guys look for?



A boat needs to have "nice lines" to start with. For me, the way a boat looks is important just as how is rides and how it fishes.

As they say, "Life is too short to own an ugly boat" A boat has to have everything you need and nothing that you don't. Less is often more on a well laid out boat. This Regulator below is a good example of what I mean:

thefishingfreak
02-19-2009, 07:29 PM
I look for a nice comfy chair to sit in. preferably in front of the heater,
A cupholder big enough to fit a jumbo coffee and an owner who doesn't talk too much :hee:

BigBo
02-19-2009, 08:02 PM
Cappa; I'm not so sure the one on the right is a chick. :err:

Raider Ronnie
02-19-2009, 08:28 PM
I look for a nice comfy chair to sit in. preferably in front of the heater,
A cupholder big enough to fit a jumbo coffee and an owner who doesn't talk too much :hee:



Ya, you like siting in front of the heater !

gf2020
02-19-2009, 11:56 PM
More like this...

MarshCappa
02-23-2009, 10:18 AM
More like this...

I was thinking of getting some new rod holders. These would do.

piemma
02-23-2009, 11:30 AM
My perfect boat

RIROCKHOUND
02-23-2009, 01:33 PM
I look for a free ride :D

nightfighter
02-23-2009, 02:33 PM
If you are buying used, you want to find an anal owner who has found his next boat. I lucked out after looking at more than thirty hulls. Guy already had a 24'Regulator on the way. Got his '93 GradyWhite 20' center console with '93 Yami 200hp. (only 240hrs on it) It was a creampuff. Again, he was anal about everything to do with the boat. Surveyor said if I didn't buy it, he would...... Only things I have done is take the striping off, strip bottom paint, put on barrier coat and ablative paint, and change delron thru hulls to SS. I still am considering adding a T-top, but it is the right one for my striper fishing and a couple runs a year to Stellwagen for tuna.

stiff tip
02-23-2009, 04:49 PM
my perfict boat is the one i own ...look left ....!!!! orrrr any boat that i can mouch a trip on ...............

Moses
02-23-2009, 07:46 PM
Stiffy - do you have a bigger picture of your ride?

wjm
02-25-2009, 07:08 PM
Keeper, It pretty much depends on how you want to use it and how deep your pockets are. If you want to run around close and cheap I'd go with a Maritime skiff. If you want offshore overnight and the pockets are deep Albemerle, Carolina clasic, Bertram, etc

It depends on your needs.

piemma
02-26-2009, 04:12 AM
Or you might consider getting a lower pitched prop. Lightly loaded your prop should turn at about max rpm wot.

Also, if you are using aluminum, you will get 10-20% more out of a stainless prop.

Thanks for the advice. I am running stainless. I'll have to look into the lower pitched prop. Any advice you can give me on pitch is appreciated.

keeperreaper
02-26-2009, 06:42 AM
Go to propgods.com

RIROCKHOUND
02-26-2009, 07:34 AM
Thanks for the advice. I am running stainless. I'll have to look into the lower pitched prop. Any advice you can give me on pitch is appreciated.

the knot or two you're going to gain isn't a big deal Paul. You ain't fishing a Kingfish tourney with a 60mile run...

Your boat is plenty fast enough already...

Roger
02-26-2009, 09:13 AM
Thanks for the advice. I am running stainless. I'll have to look into the lower pitched prop. Any advice you can give me on pitch is appreciated.

Like Bryan wrote, a knot or two may not matter too much, but you'll see a big improvement in overall throttle responsiveness; especially when loaded. It also puts less strain on your motor.

FWIW, on my 20' SeaCraft with a 130 Honda I gained about 800 rpms by going from a 17 to 15" prop. YMMV

It might be a good idea to get on a big boating site like the hull truth and asking that questions. It would be nice to have someone with your rig giving you the straight scoop.

RIROCKHOUND
02-26-2009, 09:20 AM
True. You may get out of the hole faster, but you rarely run full. Do the research but wait till you lose a blade to a rock before you replace your prop!