Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

[wishin i was fishin']

I'm looking for a 21-24ft Aluminum cuddy. Of course I'm looking at the Islander, Crestliner Sabre, and Lund Genmar. Are there any other boats out there I should be considering? I about 85% set on aluminum cause of the durability and economy. Not really set on and I/O or an outboard in particular although I like a 4.3 mercruiser for sure. Although I'd like a DI two stroke with a 4 stroke kicker. If you could post any info on boat/motor combos it'd be great. This will be a fishing boat at least 90% of the time for Lake Erie/Lake St. Clair. Any and all info or opinions will be greatly appriciated as always.

 

[mphy98]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Just my 2 cents, but I have seen plenty of Lund boats up in the great white north and they get beat up pretty bad. Still, most are in use for years and years. The lodge owners seem to have them as their choice.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Islander, though, you have to know that I am far from objective in my recommendation!

Have fun!

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

You didn't mention if you are looking at a brand-new boat or if you are willing to restore an older one. This makes a big difference and will help get good recommendations.

Since Starcraft invented the aluminum cuddy I lean towards that as the best choice. The other manufacturers have been copying the Islander and Chieftain hulls for years. Check out the restoration forum on iboats for a few great examples.

There are outboard Islanders in the 22-24' range that just need a new deck and transom and new outboards bolted on. The new Islanders have a nice outboard bracket that extends the boat's length by a few feet.

Islanders have been great hulls for Great Lakes fishing for a long time, very good design.

Good luck!

 

[wishin i was fishin']

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

I'm looking for a good servicable late 80's-90's boat. Not looking for a resto but im certainly not affraid to do some work.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Don't be afraid of even a total resto on an aluminum boat. It's nowhere near as labor intensive as working on a fiberglass boat. Check out the Starcraft section of this forum for some restoration projects and a CL thread where Chieftains/Islanders are regular posted when found for sale.

My buddy picked up this 21' Chieftain for only $1200 last fall. It's way underpowered with only a 90HP Johnson but even with that it planes fairly easily and goes 26MPH with 3 large adults onboard. The cabin is quite roomy.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w200/ezmobee/Chris Boat/DSCF2292.jpg

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Well, a couple of quick things I'd say is...

In that age range you'll likely find boats that need to be completely (everything) rebuilt right alongside real gems. I think you'll also find that the price will often be roughly the same. The gems are there, a little leg work and you'll find one!

What part of the country you are in play a pig part in $ too! Around my neck of the woods, it's a buyers market! Where abouts are you located?

Have fun!!

 

[bassman284]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Around here it seems boats (at least the Lunds) are going for 20-25% over NADA. I haven't checked much else.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Check out: Fishrite Boats, several cuddy models, heavy duty boats!

 

[DJ]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Brackets vs. straight transom. That becomes an issue for storage.

Brackets offer somewhat better performance but at what cost?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

How about a boat made out of aluminum instead of an aluminum boat?

http://www.blacklabmarine.com/index.html

 

[IllesheimVet]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Worst thing about Islanders is (from what I can tell on their website) they still make no provisions for anchoring. No pulpit, roller, or dedicated anchor storage. Bow access around the cabin is very narrow and downright dangerous, even with the rails. One reason I got rid of my '84 191V!!

 

[wishin i was fishin']

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Well, a couple of quick things I'd say is...

In that age range you'll likely find boats that need to be completely (everything) rebuilt right alongside real gems. I think you'll also find that the price will often be roughly the same. The gems are there, a little leg work and you'll find one!

What part of the country you are in play a pig part in $ too! Around my neck of the woods, it's a buyers market! Where abouts are you located?

Have fun!!

This is exactly what i'm finding. I havent found exactly what I'm after yet or a deal I cant refuse. I really want a hard top with a nice dual axel trailer. I ive in north central ohio, about an hour north of Columbus. I agree cause I see most of the boats im after in MI. (i was just there fishing St. Clair btw)

 

[wishin i was fishin']

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

How about a boat made out of aluminum instead of an aluminum boat?

http://www.blacklabmarine.com/index.html

not what im after but the fit/finish is awesome! I'd buy a boat that looked like that in a heartbeat.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

Well wishin, being in this general area is a good thing for your wallet! Either one of the coasts it seems like you'd have paid a premium for the same boat.

Finding a good hard top will be pretty rare. I think I saw one posted up not to long ago but it had an OMC Stringer as a driveline which most guys would consider ancient technology. Hard top glass boats are more common around these parts.

Cheers!

Edit: Actually, #1 and #2

 

[The Buub Job]

Re: Looking at Alum Cuddy boats!

How about a boat made out of aluminum instead of an aluminum boat?

http://www.blacklabmarine.com/index.html

Wow can you imagine this boat here in Florida in June when is 98 degrees, I would have to wear work boots to keep my feet from melting!!!!