Would You Fish Out This? Could You?

[Smalls]

I'm not super experienced with boats with motors. I did work with a guy who used to take me out on St Clair with his Whaler. Can't remember the length offhand,but it wasn't big, 18' tops. 

 

Thing handled some of them infamous St Clair nasty weather days better than my dad's cabin cruiser. When weather came in and most guys would duck for shelter cause the ramp was too far away, he'd yell to "buckle up" and gun  it across the lake. 

 

Not wise, and not a cushy ride, but it says something about those boats

[ryanerb]

10 minutes ago, J Francho said:

 A Mako is like a Kia.  I'm looking at Mercedes at this point.

 

Some of you guys are missing the point.  While I'm opposed to looking at different brands, I'm gonna need a compelling argument to for them.  I'm mostly talking about THIS boat.  What could you or couldn't you do with it?  Am I missing something?  I don't think I am.  Think of it as a Pros/Cons list.  

 

Well, if you got the 'cash' for a mercedes, then keep moving forward. There are always more budget options, but why not get the nice stuff if you can afford it.

 

Only consideration I might have is a heavy boat, requires a big 112lb thrust 36v trolling motor, etc.  You mentioned this in the first post. 

 

Center consoles are super universal. You may consider a larger dual console.... Unless there was something I missed making you want the center console. The dual console will feel more like a ski boat, the center feels like an ocean fishing boat. 

 

Haha funny side note, I have NEVER EVER seens a manufacturer advertise standing on the center console driving through a convertible T-TOP. Pretty wild. Can't believe the stuff they come up with these days. 

 

I'm sure you can't go wrong, but you also wanna make sure you are semi right when spending that kind of coin. Everyone has a different taste and set of requirements of what makes the 'right' boat for them and their family.

[Vilas15]

 

5 hours ago, J Francho said:

 

 

Do I?  No.  Do we?  Yes.  Multi species boats typically do not have the center console layout or seating I'm looking for.  I mentioned Lund being on my list already.  Ranger is not on my list.  I have researched the Skeeter SX240 Bay Boat, but there aren't any dealers close by, and it lacks some of the safety features and luxuries offered in the BW.  Warriors all look like they are 30"+ transom height, which I infer means they will not draft that shallow, and might not work for what I want.

 

Some of you guys are missing the point.  While I'm opposed to looking at different brands, I'm gonna need a compelling argument to for them.  I'm mostly talking about THIS boat.  What could you or couldn't you do with it?  Am I missing something?  I don't think I am.  Think of it as a Pros/Cons list.  

 

Not surprised there isn't too much familiarity with center console boats here let alone a specific model, which is why everyone's throwing out some suggestions. There are likely other forums out there that can give you better feedback about a boat like that.

 

You're looking for a boat to troll the great lakes that drafts shallow, bit of an oxymoron if you ask me. Good luck on your search.

[J Francho]

I would be less than 10 miles off shore in Great Lakes. More like one or two. I don’t need an off shore rig. Thanks for your input. 

[VolFan]

I think it's a very impressive boat - the only drawbacks I would see are gas consumption on it and your tow vehicle, and nimbleness in close to rocks/shore/shallow water. But you should darn near be able to cross the Atlantic in that thing.

[J Francho]

Good feedback!  My tow vehicle is plenty - GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with 6.2L and full tow package.  Boat and trailer come in around 6K lbs.  I'd prefer a 3/4 ton, but that's for later.  Lakes around here are less than an hour drive.  Gas mileage, I'm coming from a boat that burned over 35 gph at WOT.  This boat was rated much less, and cruising, gets 11 mpg @ 3500 rpm, with the 350 Verado.  I'm cool with that.  I generally fish deep, but I hear what your saying about navigating.  When I went from an 18' Xpress to the 22' Bullet, it was a big change.  idling around marinas was a big adjustment.  I don't think I'm crossing the Atlantic, lol.  This hull is closer to a bass boat than an off shore boat.  But I won't have any reservations going out in Ontario or Erie, weather permitting.  Thanks!

[12poundbass]

1 hour ago, J Francho said:

Good feedback!  My tow vehicle is plenty - GMC Sierra 1/2 ton with 6.2L and full tow package.  Boat and trailer come in around 6K lbs.  I'd prefer a 3/4 ton, but that's for later.  Lakes around here are less than an hour drive.  Gas mileage, I'm coming from a boat that burned over 35 gph at WOT.  This boat was rated much less, and cruising, gets 11 mpg @ 3500 rpm, with the 350 Verado.  I'm cool with that.  I generally fish deep, but I hear what your saying about navigating.  When I went from an 18' Xpress to the 22' Bullet, it was a big change.  idling around marinas was a big adjustment.  I don't think I'm crossing the Atlantic, lol.  This hull is closer to a bass boat than an off shore boat.  But I won't have any reservations going out in Ontario or Erie, weather permitting.  Thanks!

Just pull the trigger and order it, spring isn’t too far away. 

[J Francho]

10 minutes ago, 12poundbass said:

Just pull the trigger and order it, spring isn’t too far away. 

The rep at the show was ready to draw up the loan papers right there on the spot, lol.  

[VolFan]

Sign the check bud - sounds like you're in.

[Hammer 4]

When I fished the local waters (salt) almost every one I knew of had a Whaler, ranging from the 15 footer on up. Another thing, when it came time to sell any of those Whalers, they really held their resale value. When I was looking at buying a used boat locally, I could not believe how much 3 and 4 year old whalers were selling for, so they are a very good value.

[slonezp]

23 hours ago, Vilas15 said:

 

Not surprised there isn't too much familiarity with center console boats here let alone a specific model, which is why everyone's throwing out some suggestions. There are likely other forums out there that can give you better feedback about a boat like that.

 

You're looking for a boat to troll the great lakes that drafts shallow, bit of an oxymoron if you ask me. Good luck on your search.

I think you missed the point that he wants a fishing boat he can use as a family boat. A boat that would treat him well on multiple bodies of water. While there is no perfect boat for all situations, he should buy the boat that satisfies the majority of situations.

 

@J Francho I don't think I'd consider a bay boat for the Great Lakes, and if I did, it certainly wouldn't be a Skeeter. When I bought my Lund, I wanted a boat that could handle Lake Michigan a handful of times a year. Not a boat that would see Lake Michigan weekly. If you like the BW, go for it. The BW and the GW I mentioned are "crossover" boats for lack of a better term. A little bit of inshore and a little bit of offshore. 

And if a storm rolls up 2 miles out or 20 miles out, you need a boat that will get you home safe. I got caught in a storm on Lake Michigan in my dad's 26' Pro Line (BTW another brand to consider) that I thought would have been the end for both myself and my son(he was maybe 6 or 7 years old at the time). The waves were every bit of 8ft, maybe more for the last mile of the ride back to the marina. Were I in the Lund, my son and I would have been dead.  

[J Francho]

I have a several Finger Lakes and two Great Lakes within 90 mins drive or less. There are several sheltered bays on the south shore of Ontario, one is five minutes from my house. They all fish like their own smaller lakes separate from the big lake. If weather permits, we run out to the big lake. I doubt I’d even be more than 10 miles out from my launch bay, and that would be fairly close to shore, maybe a mile out. There aren’t reefs on Ontario, just lots of deep water. I’ve been caught in the big lake and had to weather out a storm on a neighboring bay. That’s a really worst case scenario. Really, I need the space And convenience this setup offers, but the same things I get in a dedicated bass fishing boat. That it could be outfitted for trolling for walleye or trout is a bonus. Tow water sports is a given as well. I’ve looked at CC styles seriously for 20 years. Much of my fishing. Is vertical, deep for smallies, and I can’t tell you how often I’ve had to wrestle the rod over a side console to get to the side the fish wanted to be landed on. 
 

Another thing, I’d like my queen to be able to pilot the boat, and I know for a fact driving a performance bass boat is daunting. This set up is much more like the pontoon she has piloted in the past, both with CC.  
 

I guess my questions are still, what am I missing?  Yeah, I know it’s big, I’m probably not going to work socks and marinas like I could with an 18’ bass boat, but I have kayaks for that. I bet I could figure some sort of mother ship rig in a boat this big. 
 

There’s also the cost, and don’t think for a second I’m not concerned. It’s a big purchase, and I’m not quite 50, so this may be my last boat - it’s gotta be a boat I really like. I like it more and more as I think about it. 

[A-Jay]

I don't think you're missing anything J.

As the size of a rig increases, everything else about it does as well.

As mentioned, the cost both to run it & maintain it, of course the initial and however long term financial commitment of ownership, and then learning to run it.

You'll find everything happens slower and takes longer. 

Takes a bit longer to getting it going & then a bit to slow it down & eventually stop it. 

ANTICIPATION is the key. 

Knowing what & when you're going to do two steps ahead of needing to do it, will be an invaluable aspect of handing your new rig.

The wind is your friend during any & all maneuvering operations , use it that way and you may smile more & curse less. 

Best of Luck on your decision & impending purchase. 

A-Jay

 

[NHBull]

I have.....All Day Long

 

...Not that exact boat, but similar.

[VolFan]

The only thing you're missing is the boat...just wasting time now - let's start looking at colors and options.

[J Francho]

I know I said Ranger was out, but I took a look at the Ranger 2510, to see how they stack up.  It's not bad, comes in at a lot less $$$.  It seems more fishing oriented, and less family friendly features, but not a bad option.  The back deck is less water sports/swimming friendly, and more like a traditional OB transom.  Rod and tackle storage looks much more purpose built.  Their livewells are pretty legendary in the bass boat biz.  I don't think it would meet my queen's standards as far as layout, and convertibility, though.  For me, nothing jumped out as janky or a deal breaker, other than the name on the side, lol. 

 

When I originally was drawn this style boat, over ten years ago, it was a used 25' Ranger Bay that hooked me in on ebay, and was somewhat local.  Seemed like the ideal boat then, but I had heard about some fit and finish, durability issues first hand from Ranger Bay owners.  A new Robalo, Grady White, or Yellowfin were out of the question, price wise, so I turned to traditional bass boats.

 

I'm now open to other brands.  Anyone have experience they can share with other models?  Any that caught their eye?

[kjfishman]

Yes and if I win the lottery will have one along with a home on the great lakes to use it in the summer and take to Florida for the winter.

.

[Guitarfish]

I've been a Whaler guy for about 15 years.  First a small Outrage, then I bought an antique Whaler last year.  Feeling safe on the water is nice, knowing I'm going to at least have a hull to hang on to.

 

But being a bit frugal, I never would buy a new Whaler.  Let someone else eat the depreciation.

[Fishing Rhino]

I haven't seen this mentioned.  Could have missed it.

 

With the high freeboard and the large center console how much will the wind move it compared to a bass boat which is nearly sunk at rest?

 

If that won't become a problem for you, I see no reason not to "go for it".

[J Francho]

14 hours ago, Guitarfish said:

Let someone else eat the depreciation.

It'll be my last boat.  The worms can eat the depreciation.

 

6 hours ago, Fishing Rhino said:

With the high freeboard and the large center console how much will the wind move it compared to a bass boat which is nearly sunk at rest?

You make great points, and thanks for stopping by and commenting - you have some serious big water experience.  I've actually thought hard about this, and I don't think this is as big a sail as even a typical 20' walleye boat with a walk thru windshield.  "High freeboard" is relative.  This a 25' boat with a short transom, and shallow draft (14").  By all accounts, this is pretty low to the water, compared to something like a Conquest, or other typical inshore/offshore boat.  The hull weighs 3300 lbs., and I've found weight helps.  My 22' Bullet was as sleek and low as they come, but at 1280 lbs., it got blown around pretty well.  As far as the CC goes, There's not much more surface area poking up than a dual console bass boat.  The T-top, you say.  Yep, that's gonna grab the wind.  But these boats are all like this, inshore, offshore, and they all have T-tops.  The benefits must out weigh the sail aspect?  Not sure.  The dealer has on the water test drives, and they have this very boat available, as well as a 20 footer.  I'll know more, and be sure to test it in the afternoon when the wind whips up on the Finger Lakes.

[A-Jay]

 

 New Boat Monkey's just checking in - 

A-Jay

[J Francho]

This seems so long ago!

[slonezp]

Here you go, and half the price of what you're looking for.

https://teamtalk.mastercraft.com/showthread.php?t=103970

 

 

[slonezp]

https://youtu.be/ePCNNZcXGmY

[J Francho]

Really cool boat, doesn't do what I need.  Maybe if I only fished off shore.  It's also over a decade old.  I don't want to deal with that twin shaft drive system in winter either.