Boats whats do you look for in them? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

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

or any other mishap

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.

Roger · 02-18-2009, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemma

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

piemma · 02-26-2009, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roger

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemma

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemma

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.