Fiberglass Islander type boat?

[rschnack]

Hello again.<br /><br /> I am looking forward to a possible next project boat. I really like the layout and lines of the Starcraft Islanders and Sylvan Offshores. The following link will take you to info. on the 191 Islander:<br /><br /> http://www.starcraftmarine.com/aluminum/isl19103.htm <br /> <br />Do any companies make boats similar to this out of fiberglass? Most of the fiberglass cuddies I've seen do not have windows in the front of the cabin like these do. The cabins usually have low ceilings with a hatch in the top. I like the way you can see out of the Islanders. We like the sixteen foot fiberglass runabout we now have but would like to some day move up to a boat where you can stand up under the bimini with the bimini hooked to the windshield and actually see where you are going. The 191 is a nice size. Bigger fiberglass boats have cabins like this but I have not seen smaller ones.<br /> Any suggestions?<br />Best regards,<br />RCS

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Fiberglass Islander type boat?

really like that design. if it were an outboard<br />version it would be perfect. fibreglass would<br />weigh a bit more I think. my '72 16' seasprite<br />open bow weighs 1500. of course a little thicker<br />glass than today. I don't dare to look at the cost<br />though...

 

[tgooch47]

Re: Fiberglass Islander type boat?

Try looking at the Bayliner web site. Their 25 ft Walkaround is available with a glass enclosure with aft drop curtain. A good friend owns one however there is a downside. Without a sliding window or tip out windshield it gets plenty warm, "HOT" inside sometimes. Certainly a good fan is needed. The upside is that on cool days it is the place to be!!. The boat fishes well and has held up to Great Lakes punishment just fine.<br />

 

[DJ]

Re: Fiberglass Islander type boat?

rschnack,<br /><br />Any particular reason you want "glass"?<br /><br />I've spent many an hour on Islanders and Cheiftains in the Great Lakes.

 

[rschnack]

Re: Fiberglass Islander type boat?

Thanks for the input. Mellowyellow - Starcraft made many of these with outboards. If you do a search on boattrader you can usually find one. Capt T - I like the walk arounds too but in the smaller ones the cabins are small. djohns19 - I do like the aluminum ones. My brother in law bought a 23' Sylvan Offshore a few years ago and I have gone on a few fishing trips with him. They tow easily, are roomy and stable, and are very fuel efficient. I like the Starcrafts more, mostly because the Offshore is a little bigger than I am looking for. The only reason I am wary of Aluminum is that I am much more competent with wood and fiberglass than I am with sheet metal. It seems whenever I play with sheet metal I end up bleeding . Since the boats in my price range all need work I have mostly been looking at what I am most familiar with. <br />Related question: Can you fair out an aluminum panel thats been damaged to look decent again? When my brother in law first bought his boat I watched many white knuckled launches. Both he and I feel like if we or someone else damaged a fiberglass boat we could make it look good again. If you damage an aluminum panel can you ever make it really right again? <br /><br />Best regards, <br />RCS

 

[steelhead1]

Re: Fiberglass Islander type boat?

hi,i own a 95 22ft islander with the outboard.it has a gil bracket for the motor which leaves the back open and room for movement.i do all my fishing chasing lake huron salmon and trout.would i like a bigger glass boat yes i would but the money it cost i will hold on to my islander for a few more years.in 3 to 4 footers out on the great lakes aall boats can beat you up.u just have to take a little more time coming in with a tin boat.