rate your top boats

[suzukidave]

Cole started this topic on "Nothing to do with boats" for some reason and I liked it so much I'm moving it here where it belongs. It's a good winter topic, especially with another thread recently pointing out that boating magazine top tens aren't necessarily rating quality. Most of us know a couple of brands we'd heartily recommend (and some brands we would beg you not to buy!). So go ahead folks, for the benefit of those in the market, or just to start a friendly debate, state your preferences or experiences...<br /><br />I'm going to start this off with some local boats from the Pacific Northwest. I read an awful lot on this site about the major brands and very little about local makes. The locals I like have been around for years for good reason and are as good or better and cost far less than the big names worth having. Now, if you want a racing steering wheel and cup holders, these guys can't touch a bayliner... but if you want a boat to run down Johnstone Strait or your local equivalent in an afternoon westerly... Any one of these will run you half the price of an equivalent Grady or Whaler and IMHO be as good or better a boat...<br /><br />Hourston Glascraft<br />Monaro<br />Double Eagle<br />Zeta<br /><br />I bet there are many buyers out there who would buy local if they knew...

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: rate your top boats

You re-incarinated an old issue, as I stated prior no one is going to bad mouth the boat they own. There are too many factors involved in choosing the boat of you'r choice. I.E. Use?, Trailer, slip, mooring sleep-on, bay, lake, river, off-shore, 2' chop. 5'chop, on&on. Then it gets into the $$$$$ + which engine?

 

[cole1340]

Re: rate your top boats

Hey Persuit 2150,<br />Just leave your particular boat out of your picks. Its no big deal, its just peoples opinions on what they think is a favorite of theirs.<br /><br />1. Century 1901 BB<br />2. Boston Whaler Dauntless 18<br />3. WellCraft 18 Fisherman<br /><br />I have a 21 foot Cuddy Cabin by GW but I like a smaller Center Console for fishing in the sound and waterways.

 

[JB]

Re: rate your top boats

Hi, guys.<br /><br />Let me be more specific.<br /><br />Most versatile fisherman. Take it anywhere, easy to tow and launch, easy to maneuver, economical to operate. Safest 17. Not the best boat for anything but a good boat for almost anything. Depreciates like a Rolls Royce.<br /><br />Boston Whaler Montauk 17<br /><br />Best boat for budding fisher . . .um.. .persons to learn, explore, play, fish. Be SAFE.<br /><br />Boston Whaler Classic Sport 13<br /><br />Best entry-level offshore fisherman. For all of the above reasons.<br /><br />Boston Whaler Classic Outrage. . .18, 22, 24.<br /><br />See, I'm not hung up on only the boat(s) I have. I don't (currently) have a 13. <br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[DJ]

Re: rate your top boats

Montauk.<br />Mako 17<br />Cobalt<br />Cabo<br />Rybovich

 

[DP]

Re: rate your top boats

JBC<br /><br />I gotta go with you on this one. The only one I don't own is an Outrage. Would love to have an 18 though. I use the Montauk mostly for bass fishing and the wife likes it and I sure don't have any complaints.<br /><br />The Montauk can pound you and soak you but it's going to get you home. Also there is a lot of pride of ownership when standing behind that consol.

 

[MikeSlater]

Re: rate your top boats

73 17 Ft Boston Whaler Bass Boat<br /><br />My current boat is by far the most rugged & dependable boat I have ever owned or fished in. Oh did I mention its UNSINKABLE! <br /><br />Thanks for the help !<br /><br />God Bless I-Boats!

 

[fatboy]

Re: rate your top boats

I has to be the Jupiter 31. I have never been on one but they sure do look good!! Another nice choice is the Smith 42 with it's very cool drive system..

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: rate your top boats

My choices: <br /> CABO, Hatteras, Egg Harbor,not necessarily in that order, But I Can Dream!<br /> I have been on all of them.

 

[wilsonjg]

Re: rate your top boats

Proud owner of a Montauk. Great boat. It may beat you to death and get you soaked, but your always going to get home. Like the Angler centerconsoles and a few of the Sea Pros...don't know how well either hold up over time thought...

 

[singerjr]

Re: rate your top boats

Typical boat owner posts about his or her boat, this deinately includes me! (SATIRE)<br /><br />(Topic) "How Much I Love My Boat" <br /><br />(Post) "I woke up this morning and went to the kitchen, as I was pouring my coffee I looked outside at my 1995 Never Sank 18' bass boat that I purchased new from the Never Sank boat company. Boy you know they were right that boat never sinks and I could swear as I was washing her the other day she told me how much she loved me too. I've only had to fill the gas tank one time in seven years and I boat every day. She has not cost me one red cent since the day I bought her."<br /><br />The vast majority of people who don't have problems you won't hear from. It's when you have a problem you log on to post about it. When you do hear bragging it's usually for two reasons #1 I own it therefore it's the best because I don't make mistakes, of course it is stated a little different. #2 When someone has a problem we will try to help them first and than say "I don't have that problem with my Never Sank boat, you should look at them for your next purchase"<br /><br />Just a little satire folks, I love to look at them all, I enjoy very much going out on your boat (I will be the best first mate you ever had) but I love to Captain my own boat and she loves me too!<br /><br />