I was at the Clinton, CT boat show yesterday, and I had the opportunity to see Bluefin boats for the first time. The 22 center console looked like it would fit my needs -

1. great fishability

2. engine mounted on a full swim/dive platform (for putting on dive gear and giving the dog a place to get in/out of boat)

3. Huge, level casting deck in bow that , when cushioned, would give my wife & sister a place to sunbathe

4. optional 50 gallon livewell to keep a few bunker or hickory shad alive all day.

5. Price. "Boat show" special was $37,000, for boat & motor. It also included a $4,000 t-top which I wouldn't want, which would help lower the price.

The rep's were also nice - friendly and very low-pressure.

Since these are built in Rhode Island, I figured some of you would have opinions on these hulls? I did a search on thehulltruth.com, and the reviews were not good. Supposedly, the scuppers are below the waterline when at rest? I don't know much about boat building, but I would think that if it's true, that's a pretty stupid design flaw.

Any insights would be appreciated. In particular, I'd love to hear opinions on this hull vs the Seaswirl Striper 23-foot cc, which is the other hull that I like. They're in the same ballpark, price-wise.

Thanks,

Jamie

I don't know much about them but I would think you could see one in the water and check it out for yourself. Some of these big 4 strokes are pretty heavy they may indeed get the scupper holes closer to the water line....check it out for yourself in the water.

Jamie,
I looked into these boat also and they seem to be a nice high quality constructed boat, built for a fisherman. The fact that they are constructed here locally is a plus if you happen to have a problem later.

You might want to post this same question on www.thehulltruth.com, there are a few bluefin owners on that site.

179 -

Was there anything in particular that made you decide not to get the Bluefin?

I also like the idea of getting a boat that is built locally. That was a good point you made.

Jamie,
At the time I checked out there 22-23' cc. It was priced close to 41k with options and a trailer. That was more than I really wanted to spend.

Jamie:

I'm the guy that posted the link over at www.thehulltruth.com.

I have looked at the 22' BlueFins extensively over the past few years. I used to live in Lynn, MA where Harry Turner (owner of BlueFin) had a demolition and salvage business and a boat dealership. He has since moved the boat dealership to Falmouth. One of his sales guys took me out on a 22 several years ago and the ride is great, it seems like a very good design for children with deep gunwales and a full transom.

Like you, I think they are a nice looking boat, I like the idea of a New England built product and it is nice to have something a little different too.

All of that said, however, I have still shyed away from buying a BlueFin. The boats have limited resale outside of New England. There used to be a dealer or 2 in New Jersey but I'm not sure there still is. I exchanged a few emails with that guy cknick in NJ who has an older 22 and he had real problems with the boat design and the company's responsiveness. Apparently the scupper design on the newer boats has been changed and reportedly the company's performance has improved as well. I would make sure your dealer is committed to supporting the product.

There is a 1998 BlueFin 22 for sale in RI: http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/2/0/51289820.htm You might give the owner a call and get his feedback. The price is pretty attractive for a 22' boat.

I have also looked at a lightly used 24' that was for sale up here in my area: http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?&units=Feet&checked_boats=1029992 The listing says it is no longer for sale, maybe the owner took it off the market.

There are a lot of boats that fall in to the mid-$30K range. I would give the Key West 2300 and the Sea Hunt 232 a look as well.

there is no comparasion between the original Bluefin & the current model
the old was junk @@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Have you checked out northeast =made in Bristol, RI not fancy or cheap ,but it will last a lifetime
born from the original LIMA

I couldn,t afford it the way I wanted the boat

Clammer, that would be Northcoast Boats (old Lima) and you're right, they seem fairly well made. I was checking one out this past weekend.

B/B I was close ////////////////:D

Check out this site....

http://www.magnanimoussportfishing.com/

Mark is a good guy, loves his bluefin. Might be a resource for you. Hope that helps!

~Hooper

www.stripersandblues.com