What is your ideal saltwater fly boat?

[RMI]

I think it would make for an interesting thread if, rather than comparing specific boats, people joined in with their thoughts on the optimal boat. Have fun. Start with a blank slate and describe your boat's features- hull design and construction, propulsion, amenities, price range.... To add context it would be useful to include a description of the area fished, such as open water, rocky shorelines, 3' chop, etc....

I have designed and built several 24-26' boats for fly and spin cast fishing. I am wondering if there might be broad appeal for these boats, or perhaps for smaller versions. These boats are of heavy welded aluminum construction and powered by single inboard gas or diesel engines, driving a jet drive. The owners love these boats for their durability, shallow draft and maneuverability, but do they have unusual taste in boats?

[Tom Dunlap]

I just got the Jones Bros light tackle edition. and can't think of a better boat for that. it is 20 ft. long, has a castnig platfrom front and rear, handles the chop well, 2050lbs dry weight. 150 yamaha, has a mod V so draft is 11-12 inches. pop up lights and cleats make it ideal for flyfishing. they said they are building a new factory to increase production 300 percent, so there must be demand. the big drawback to the Jones" is the price. I don't know on the jet drive... more turbulance than I'd want around skittish fish, don't you think? Tom D

[Chap]

Sweet vessel.

http://www.steigercraft.com/main/superfly/sf21.html

For now I have to stick with my Whaler.
Thanks
Chap

[Tuna]

I had to make a choice last year, and it is interesting to see some of my favorites listed in responses.

My problem was that I wanted so much - a boat I could easily fish the flats on (to 1 1/2 feet of water) in the spring and that would take the pounding of the wilder fall days at Montauk (as in up to 30 knot winds).

I talked to some folks with Jones Bros who thought it the perfect balance between the two, but it was late in my search and I did not try one.

I looked at the Pathfinder too, but then I don't think they had the 24 foot model, which I probably would have liked more.

I was inches from getting the Superfly 21 from Steiger - built like a tank, considerate of fly fishermen (such as in receding cleats), the lenco trolling engine (I generally fish the flats alone and it is probably quite humorous to watch me pole myself - that is, until you hear me swearing when the largest striper of the day shows up) and generally good to go in pretty high winds. Steiger will custom build the boat for you, so the lack of a casting platform was no problem (as I would have had one added).

I did fish on a few steigers, and a few Parkers, which were also nice.

However, I was a previous whaler owner and right before I went ahead with Steiger I test drove a Dauntless 22 foot. Decided on the spot. I guess I wanted to make sure I could handle the fall madness, which I think this boat does better than the Steiger. Its not quite as good for the flats, but it does OK there and is more comfortable in big chop than the Steiger (although I imagine that's partially taste as to how a boat responds and some would not agree).

I think there are enough new salt water fly fishermen showing up, and guides looking for that elusive flats/fall madness combo, that there would be a market for 22 to 24 foot boats that could go on the flats and handle a big sea. A number of the guides I know on the east end of LI seem to keep switching their boats from flats to fall oriented boats.

[bass3six]

Price on the Steiger craft??

[Tuna]

Depends on options etc and I did not get to point of final cost, but not cheap (40+, coulda been 45K)

[bass3six]

Thanks, Tuna....ouch....outta my $$ range...

[RoyB]

Although I've only owned it for a few months, my 18' Nautico power cat with a 70 HP Suzuki has been a fantastic fly fishing boat......

[fishbuster1]

If you can find one a Mako model 224 is the best all around salt water fly boat for the NorthEast. These boats were made in the 80's. They feature a floor that is completely flat from the rear of the console forward to the bow. The boat has a ton of storage as well as lockable rod storage under the floor. The boat does not have the V-seats in the bow typical of most of the boats that were built on the 23 Mako hull. Cockpit depth is thigh high all around. As with all of the 23 Mako hulls the ride is incredible. Draft is 14 inches. Fuel capacity is 122 gallons which stinks when it is time to fuel up, but it is great when the bluefins are 40 miles off. The boat can be rigged with single or twin power up to 260hp.