Downeast center consoles? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Jim in CT · 07-04-2018, 06:17 AM

Saw a really cool boat moored off p-town last week, it was a 20-21 foot downeast hull with nice high gunnels and an outboard, and a small doghouse which enclosed the center console.

I loved it. Always on the lookout for my dream retirement boat ( a 22 - 26 foot center console workboat, single outboard, lots of fishable deck space). There’s Something about that downeast hull design that I like. I don’t know too many downeast center console manufacturers. Any suggestions as to where to look?

Not looking for a boat you’d expect to be driven by a guy with a cashmere sweater tied around his neck. I want a boat I can get bloody, maybe something I can use to manage 10 lobster pots someday, if I have a few good years between retirement and the grave.

I’d love somehing around 24-25 feet that has that Maine, downeast, Calvin Beal kind of a look to it. Something like a Weber’s cove, general marine, somehing like that.

Judge yachts down on the Chesapeake look like nice boats, semi custom. Not sure you’d call them downeast?

Fun to look. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Nebe · 07-04-2018, 09:13 AM

How about an eastern ?
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JohnR · 07-04-2018, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nebe

How about an eastern ?
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This was what I was thinking.

That said a Northcoast might be a good consideration as it is a bit downeast and a bit more R&R spec'd

Jim in CT · 07-04-2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnR

This was what I was thinking.

That said a Northcoast might be a good consideration as it is a bit downeast and a bit more R&R spec'd

Those are great suggestions, thanks nebe and John.

I want something that can take a beating too. And low maintenance if possible, with more of a commercial, spartan finish. Not downeast, but I often wander back to pacific boats, Welded aluminum tanks that are indestructible, require no waxing or polishing, just blast it with a pressure washer now and then.
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spence · 07-04-2018, 10:49 AM

Get a Hinckley Picnic Boat. Just make sure you scotch guard the cushions so the blood doesn’t stain them. I’ve got lots of nice Italian cashmere, you’re covered there.
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Jim in CT · 07-04-2018, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spence

Get a Hinckley Picnic Boat. Just make sure you scotch guard the cushions so the blood doesn’t stain them. I’ve got lots of nice Italian cashmere, you’re covered there.
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No picnic boats!! I’d love an older Calvin Beal lobster boat, converted to a center console, and set up for an outboard.

Have a great holiday.
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Jim in CT · 07-04-2018, 11:15 AM

something like this 22' northern bay...but 2-3 feet bigger,,,

Jim in CT · 07-04-2018, 11:24 AM

OK, northern bay makes a 26 footer available as a center console, and can be set up for outboards per the website.

Anybody know anything about them? This is the 26 foot center console, this is pretty close to what I am envisioning...except I want a puny little console...

Raider Ronnie · 07-04-2018, 01:50 PM

Not to stear anyone from this site but you should check out thedowneastdorum.com.
Nothing but Downeast boat !
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numbskull · 07-04-2018, 02:54 PM

Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry. Fuel efficient and stable but wet and prone to pound at speed when in an outboard configuration. It is a hull design that benefits from inboard power and plenty of shelter in my opinion. There are good reasons most open water outboard powered boats are either deep V or Modified V. Before you buy a boat on looks it helps to understand what you expect from it and what each design offers to achieve it.

JohnR · 07-04-2018, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

Not to stear anyone from this site but you should check out thedowneastdorum.com.
Nothing but Downeast boat !
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https://downeastboatforum.com/

FIFY ; )

Jim in CT · 07-04-2018, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by numbskull

Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry. Fuel efficient and stable but wet and prone to pound at speed when in an outboard configuration. It is a hull design that benefits from inboard power and plenty of shelter in my opinion. There are good reasons most open water outboard powered boats are either deep V or Modified V. Before you buy a boat on looks it helps to understand what you expect from it and what each design offers to achieve it.

They can be wet. I knew a guy who had one, liked the efficiency and ride. Thanks for the comments though, appreciate that!
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Raider Ronnie · 07-04-2018, 04:09 PM

[QUOTE=numbskull;1145978]Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry.

1/2 correct
Downeast hulls are Displacement hulls with Steep Narrow entries and flatten out towards the stern.
Some builders will modify by adding lifting rails to give them some lift (planing hull) but they generally plow through the water (displace)
The steep narrow entries make them superior in a head Sea but the flat aft stern makes them a challenge in a following Sea.
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ed morini · 07-04-2018, 05:38 PM

While the looks of the downeast type craft certainly has eye appeal, you have to really investigate the type of graft of your interested. The term work craft is just that and many are designed for certain types of work. The Downeast typically Beals Isle, Royal Lowell, Holland, and Macintosh are a product of years of development for existing conditions. The typical "lobster boat" if that exists usually is defined by a fine entry a somewhat full bilge and a straight run aft. The two forward sections are an effort to compensate for the straight run aft that is needed for heavy loads of pots and deck space to store them. Unloaded the aft will pound even with eased bilges, in some case a steady sail is used to help with handling. Loaded, these boats are very safe and can take a beating, light, requires care and an able skipper.
You really need to research style you are considering.
On the retail market of days gone by the Mackensie "Cuttyhunk" and the Brownell (an Elridge design) later "Fortier" were craft well known for craft for fishing and eye catching details. And even here there are those that would argue both for and against these designs.
Good luck with your search!!!!
Ed

Slipknot · 07-04-2018, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed morini

On the retail market of days gone by the Mackensie "Cuttyhunk" and the Brownell (an Elridge design) later "Fortier" were craft well known for craft for fishing and eye catching details

Ed

The Cuttyhunk bass boat was the first thing I thought of when I read Jim's post.
Just the history of those is amazing but the work involved in the wood can be overbearing. A labor of love for sure.

Guppy · 07-05-2018, 06:17 AM

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-)

nightfighter · 07-05-2018, 07:02 AM

My brother has been in a partnership owning a 1957 Beals Island 34 since the late 90s. I will try to get a pic up later. It was a working lobster boat in its previous life. 2 1/2 years out of water to take most of the hog out of the hull's starboard side. Slippery bottom that shallows out aft, made it a challenge to baffle when we changed out from dry stack to wet exhaust. Had to raise coach roof to accommodate partner when at helm. Cut a hole in floor and installed Nomex platform until we did the coach roof. Rebuilt transom, knees, etc so she now 34-ish feet long... Old wood boats.... Aptly named for what he should have done; Firewood

wdmso · 07-05-2018, 08:36 AM

its tough decision I had to choose between what i wanted and what i could afford

I enjoy my 234 Seahunt Ultra but I should have just bit the bullet and went 26 or 28 ft saw a New Calcutta 26 off Sakonnet point 2 days ago its on my wishlist

agsurfr · 07-05-2018, 09:15 AM

I am a complete newbie in terms of boats, but i have this retirement pipe dream about owning one i could use around Martha's Vineyard, poking and prodding the north shore. I was wondering if the Allied fits into this conversation at all??
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Jim in CT · 07-05-2018, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agsurfr

I am a complete newbie in terms of boats, but i have this retirement pipe dream about owning one i could use around Martha's Vineyard, poking and prodding the north shore. I was wondering if the Allied fits into this conversation at all??
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I don't know much about boats either, that's why I love picking their brains. The Allieds look pretty tough, I see they make a 24 footer. Hmmm.

Guppy · 07-05-2018, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guppy

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-)

Found her.... (one just like it ;-) )

https://boats-from-usa.com/chris-cra...ed-white-77466

Sea Dangles · 07-05-2018, 12:33 PM

My brother owns an Allied,not sure why.
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bassballer · 07-05-2018, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightfighter

My brother has been in a partnership owning a 1957 Beals Island 34 since the late 90s. I will try to get a pic up later. It was a working lobster boat in its previous life. 2 1/2 years out of water to take most of the hog out of the hull's starboard side. Slippery bottom that shallows out aft, made it a challenge to baffle when we changed out from dry stack to wet exhaust. Had to raise coach roof to accommodate partner when at helm. Cut a hole in floor and installed Nomex platform until we did the coach roof. Rebuilt transom, knees, etc so she now 34-ish feet long... Old wood boats.... Aptly named for what he should have done; Firewood

Beautiful vessel. Lots of labor there.

bassballer · 07-05-2018, 01:15 PM

Ive grown up and owned Deep V Center consoles and never wanted anything else. Now that I have a 28 Albin ive fell in love with a keeled single screw diesel. My next boat (after daycare is over), will be a H&H 32' Osmond beal with some creature comforts for the wife and son for overnights.

Raider Ronnie · 07-05-2018, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassballer

Ive grown up and owned Deep V Center consoles and never wanted anything else. Now that I have a 28 Albin ive fell in love with a keeled single screw diesel. My next boat (after daycare is over), will be a H&H 32' Osmond beal with some creature comforts for the wife and son for overnights.

32 H&H is a very good boat.
But if you want a great Sea boat with speed look into a 33 Flower’s.
Best Downeast boat in its size range in my opinion.
My son Leo & I are planning to move up to one in a year or 2 (after he graduates from Ma Maritime) from my 28 BHM.
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bassballer · 07-05-2018, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

32 H&H is a very good boat.
But if you want a great Sea boat with speed look into a 33 Flower’s.
Best Downeast boat in its size range in my opinion.
My son Leo & I are planning to move up to one in a year or 2 (after he graduates from Ma Maritime) from my 28 BHM.
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Ive fished a bunch on a 28' BHM and loved that boat as well

Raider Ronnie · 07-05-2018, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassballer

Ive fished a bunch on a 28' BHM and loved that boat as well

It’s probably the biggest 28 Downeast but has its limitations.
Steve Law built 1 I know of as a center console..
Search 28 Seaworthy center console on the DEboat forum
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Jim in CT · 07-06-2018, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raider Ronnie

It’s probably the biggest 28 Downeast but has its limitations.
Steve Law built 1 I know of as a center console..
Search 28 Seaworthy center console on the DEboat forum
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That is a bad azz center console, the 28 seaworthy...

OLD GOAT · 07-06-2018, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by numbskull

Downeast hulls are planing hulls with a narrow entry. Fuel efficient and stable but wet and prone to pound at speed when in an outboard configuration. It is a hull design that benefits from inboard power and plenty of shelter in my opinion. There are good reasons most open water outboard powered boats are either deep V or Modified V. Before you buy a boat on looks it helps to understand what you expect from it and what each design offers to achieve it.

I'll 2nd that.

Rmarsh · 07-07-2018, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guppy

Mackensie "Cuttyhunk"
Haven’t seen one in a while but I’ll guess several still in service.... kick ass boat..
I miss my 24’ double planked Chris Craft sea skiff, miss being in my early 20’s even more... ;-)

Similar to a mackenzie bass boat... I love wood boats

https://www.firstlightboatworks.com/design-build/