Ultimate flyfishing boat.

[Flyaway]

First time buyer looking for the ultimate flyfishing boat 18' to 20'.Purpose=flyfishing for bonito, false albacore,skipjack,nearshore bluefin,striped bass and bluefish. Where?=where the fish are(along the Atlantic coast from Main to North Carolina}. Any info or advice will be greatly apreciated.

[titleguy]

First time buyer looking for the ultimate flyfishing boat 18' to 20'.Purpose=flyfishing for bonito, false albacore,skipjack,nearshore bluefin,striped bass and bluefish. Where?=where the fish are(along the Atlantic coast from Main to North Carolina}. Any info or advice will be greatly apreciated.
Just flyfishing or any family aspect as well?

I have fished in 3 boats that I consider great in many different conditions:

1. SeaPro 21 CC- great all around boat, will fish pretty skinny, very seaworthy, even better ride with tabs and reasonably priced;

2. Parker 18 (but 20 or 21 should be even better) what a rig, but maybe not so great for skinnier conditions;

3. Cape Codder 19' Not currently manufactured but in good numbers around the Cape. This boat is pretty amazing for what it will take. I believe it was originally designed as an all around Pleasant Bay/Monomoy boat for commercial stripering, clamming, scalloping, etc. whatever you could dig, tong or catch to make a living on the Outer Cape. My friend's brother built the last models in Chatham and still has the molds. Nice boat and not too expensive :-%

[gf2020]

* Are you shopping new or used, or are you flexible?

* What is your budget?

[Flyaway]

Just flyfishing or any family aspect as well?

I have fished in 3 boats that I consider great in many different conditions:

1. SeaPro 21 CC- great all around boat, will fish pretty skinny, very seaworthy, even better ride with tabs and reasonably priced;

2. Parker 18 (but 20 or 21 should be even better) what a rig, but maybe not so great for skinnier conditions;

3. Cape Codder 19' Not currently manufactured but in good numbers around the Cape. This boat is pretty amazing for what it will take. I believe it was originally designed as an all around Pleasant Bay/Monomoy boat for commercial stripering, clamming, scalloping, etc. whatever you could dig, tong or catch to make a living on the Outer Cape. My friend's brother built the last models in Chatham and still has the molds. Nice boat and not too expensive :-% No family.just fishing. any sdditional info or pics. of the cape codder 19 would be greatly appreciated.

[Flyaway]

* Are you shopping new or used, or are you flexible?

* What is your budget?
Prefarably new and under 20k.

[maineguideman]

Under 20k & new is gonna be tough unless you skimp somewhere. You could build up a carolina skiff hull, But I rode in one once with a good chop on and it pounded like a door with an outboard. I just purchased the Sea pro SV1700 with a 75 4 stroke motor and that was 15 K all said & done and its a flats boat. Maybe you could find a Good used Hull & trailer then repower with new motor and upgrde the electronics.

[Flyaway]

Under 20k & new is gonna be tough unless you skimp somewhere. You could build up a carolina skiff hull, But I rode in one once with a good chop on and it pounded like a door with an outboard. I just purchased the Sea pro SV1700 with a 75 4 stroke motor and that was 15 K all said & done and its a flats boat. Maybe you could find a Good used Hull & trailer then repower with new motor and upgrde the electronics.

I got a quote on a sv21oocc for 22k. Looks like a nice boat in their cataloge but don't know how dry it would ride.

[flyslinger]

I have a century 21' "bay boat" decent for fly fishing, wet ride in anything other than a light chop, but otherwise a good boat. bought new last year but it's a 2000 (left over a couple years) paid well under 20k without a trailer. there isn't too much to get in the way flyfishing.



dan

[titleguy]

No family.just fishing. any sdditional info or pics. of the cape codder 19 would be greatly appreciated.

Not quite sure if pics are even available anymore as the boat has not been manufactured for a couple of years. Send me a PM with your e-mail and I can see what I can darg up. It is the rig. I am a fortunate guy; I have all thee friends who found religion in the form of swff and all bought boats. One friend has the SeaPro- great boat and I think he got the whole rig new for around 20k 3 or 4 years ago (Boat 125 mariner offshore, trailer) Father-inlaw has aquaport 20 w/ VRO 110, great boat, touchy motor, friend on south shore w/ Lund 20, friend and guide on North Shore Lund 20, new friend in Cotuit- Parker 18'- Brother at Harker's Parker 23' :-% :-%

[msiler]

Look at this board for some deals...the Jones Bros and Maritime 18 below are both pretty awesome boats for what you need...used though.

I can vouch for the great fishability of both boats.
They both come with trailer and and ready to fish with electronics etc.

Sounds like some good deals. I would certainly look at them if i were in the market again.

[maineguideman]

He said he wanted to spend less than 20k. What good is a boat without a trailer. even if you let sit the water all summer and farm algae you still got to pull it out and put it in and how do you store it for the winter.Then there is electronics, rigging, insurance, tax, exise tax, registration it goes on and on

[Lucky]

I fish out of a 19' Seastrike that I have rigged for Fly Fishing. This is a great boat, with a great ride in sloppy water, with a deep V and only a 10" draw with the engine up. The things I did to customize my boat they are now doing in a model they call their "bay special". Retratable cleats, clean gunwale, lights recessed in the bow, clutter free deck...You can see this boat at the following website with all the info you need.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/6/59505836.htm

I have owned this boat for five years and have never once been unhappy with it's ride or performance. I would recommend putting trim tabs on it when you have the money...but I recommend tabs for all boats under 23'. I have fished this boat in Newburyport, Monomoy flats, Elizabeth Islands, MV, the race, etc...and have always felt confident in what the boat can do. With this boat you can buy new as well and not lose too many features.

Take a look and if you like it, call up allen harbor and take a ride. I'm sure you'll agree it offers the most for the money.

[Flyaway]

I fish out of a 19' Seastrike that I have rigged for Fly Fishing. This is a great boat, with a great ride in sloppy water, with a deep V and only a 10" draw with the engine up. The things I did to customize my boat they are now doing in a model they call their "bay special". Retratable cleats, clean gunwale, lights recessed in the bow, clutter free deck...You can see this boat at the following website with all the info you need.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/6/59505836.htm

I have owned this boat for five years and have never once been unhappy with it's ride or performance. I would recommend putting trim tabs on it when you have the money...but I recommend tabs for all boats under 23'. I have fished this boat in Newburyport, Monomoy flats, Elizabeth Islands, MV, the race, etc...and have always felt confident in what the boat can do. With this boat you can buy new as well and not lose too many features.

Take a look and if you like it, call up allen harbor and take a ride. I'm sure you'll agree it offers the most for the money.
Thanks for the info lucky,real nice looking boat.Called dealership-priced right! Asked if 9' flyrods would fit in horizontal rod racks........they don't know! If you have any more info or comparisons on this boat I would be very interested.

[flyslinger]

He said he wanted to spend less than 20k. What good is a boat without a trailer. even if you let sit the water all summer and farm algae you still got to pull it out and put it in and how do you store it for the winter.Then there is electronics, rigging, insurance, tax, exise tax, registration it goes on and on



paid 15k for the boat, got a used trailer for next to nothing, minor work needed on the trailer & i was in business! that leaves around $4500 for electronics, reg. & all the other do dads.
if it came down to it, you could store a boat for the winter at a marina, i've seen it done. they will even take the boat out of the water for you.


dan

[maineguideman]

Sorry not trying to bend anyone out of shape The origional post was for a 20 ft fly boat rigged for under 20k. My gut reaction after having just gone thru the search, finance, purchase, program was that was a tall order. I assumed he was loking for the total package trailer, 4 stroke etc.
The Seastrike is a nice looking rig and if you found a dealer that will let that go NEW for 15K than that is a good deal. I should have had you help me find my new Boat. Tight lines Hope to see you on the water. If you ever want to fish a different area give a call maybe we can fish a day up here.
Thanks

[Flyaway]

Sorry not trying to bend anyone out of shape The origional post was for a 20 ft fly boat rigged for under 20k. My gut reaction after having just gone thru the search, finance, purchase, program was that was a tall order. I assumed he was loking for the total package trailer, 4 stroke etc.
The Seastrike is a nice looking rig and if you found a dealer that will let that go NEW for 15K than that is a good deal. I should have had you help me find my new Boat. Tight lines Hope to see you on the water. If you ever want to fish a different area give a call maybe we can fish a day up here.
Thanks

I ment bare boat,motor & trailer to start with. All the other bells and whistles would gradually come later as needed......Best price on 2004 Seastrike 190 Bayspecial so far ----19K with 115 Yamaha 4 stroke.

[Brad G.]

I agree that a new 20' boat motor and trailer for under 20k is a bit on the aggressive side of wishing. I bought a 21' Alcar a few years ago that was a demo from the maker, Bay Sails Marine in Welfleet, MA with a 150 Suzuki, and a new Venture trailer for $16,500. It was a couple seasons old, but had low hours. Not many of these boats around as not many made. They are bare bones, which I like, so they cost a whole lot less. They have a nice deep vee for a smooth ride, but can still get in pretty skinny water. Highly reccomend taking a look at them. Great fishing boats for a lot less $$. Go for the 21 or the 19.

http://www.baysailsmarine.com/bsm_recreational.html

[SageBoy]

Take a look at the Trophy line. I personally own the 1903 model and love it. It's definitely worth the money and when you start comparing apples to apples that boat is hard to beat for the price.

[maineguideman]

I found that when looking for the boat the Dealers are much more willing to bend or deal on the Hull especially if its a 03 or 02 that didnt sell. Where I ran into the Big money was the motor. I had done the 2 stroke thing for years and had skimped on Horsepower to save a few bucks so I was always unhappy. This time I said it was gonna be a four stroke with HP to spare and the dealers would not bend on the motor at all especially the Yamahas and the Hondas. I finally settled on a Yamaha 04 75 HP and it was $7600.00 with no prop.

But That seastrike is a nice looking boat for 19K ILL bet it has a good resale too.

[gf2020]

There is no way you can buy a new Seastrike 190 with a 4 stroke 115 on a trailer for $20,000!

The two dealers in Massachusetts: Wells Yachts and Allen Harbor, might let one go for $24,000, but that's probably their rock bottom price.

That said, the 190 is a nice boat and you can probably find a fairly new used one in the high teens. For example, here are a few at Wells Yachts in Marblehead:

http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?checked_boats=1150162

http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?checked_boats=1191433

For around $22,000 you can probably get a new 18' Maritime Skiff with a Honda 90 and a trailer.

http://images.traderonline.com/img/6/dealer/748077/45054188_1.jpg

That's a very popular fly fishing platform and you can outfit it gradually as your budget allows.

For the same price you can also get a new Polar 1900 with a Mercury or Suzuki 115 4 stroke and trailer.

http://images.traderonline.com/img/6/dealer/755260/32647916_6.jpg

The Polar is a pretty impressive entry level boat.

Here in the Newburyport area a few of us have gone through this same analysis over the past 2 years.

We ended up with a custom Eastern 22,

http://www.easternboats.com/images/22f.jpg

a Steiger Craft Montauk 21,

http://www.steigercraft.com/main/pictures/main4.jpg

a Jones Brothers 2000

http://www.jonesbrothersmarine.com/assets/capef13.jpg

and a McKee Craft 196 Marathon.

http://www.mckeecraft.com/196cc.jpg

All of these boats are pretty decent fly fishing platforms but they all cost a lot more than $20,000.

[Lucky]

Regarding your question on the rod holders...I have used them for my 9' fly rods but don't recommend it. I have installed four I-Fly rod holders on the Center console, two on each side, and think it's a better way to go. Easy access...easy to install and affordable.

There are a lot of boats out there...and a lot of opinions, which is a good thing. My advise is to narrow your search down to five boats, call up dealers, ride them all and make notice of things often overlooked...like storage, accessibility to electronics panel & pumps and size of gas tank.

Lastly, in my opinion, a clean used boat is the way to go over buying new.

Good luck and let us know what you ultimately decide.

[msiler]

I second the I-Fly rod holders!
I too have 4 of them mounted on the side of my console.
Solid, secure, well built, reasonably priced great customer service.

Love 'em!

[PeteV]

GF2020 are you happy with the Eastern ... I see them alot around Ipswich. I happen to like the style but another post reffered to the this style as a wet ride. I don't believe thats the case, I thought they were very practical and a good working boat not the speediest but decent in crappy weather and good working stability when fishing in wavy conditions. and very roomy. Just curious as to your oppinion since you own the boat.

[gf2020]

PeteV:

I own the McKee Craft, another gentleman I know owns the Eastern 22.

Is it a wet ride? Like any boat, I think you need to know the hull's limitations. It's not a true planing hull in any case.

His boat is powered with only a Honda 90 which gives a top speed in the low 30s. The beauty of the Eastern is that you can have it custom built to your own specifications. The factory in Milton, NH is not too far away for visits during construction too.

[Flyaway]

I fish out of a 19' Seastrike that I have rigged for Fly Fishing. This is a great boat, with a great ride in sloppy water, with a deep V and only a 10" draw with the engine up. The things I did to customize my boat they are now doing in a model they call their "bay special". Retratable cleats, clean gunwale, lights recessed in the bow, clutter free deck...You can see this boat at the following website with all the info you need.

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/6/59505836.htm

I have owned this boat for five years and have never once been unhappy with it's ride or performance. I would recommend putting trim tabs on it when you have the money...but I recommend tabs for all boats under 23'. I have fished this boat in Newburyport, Monomoy flats, Elizabeth Islands, MV, the race, etc...and have always felt confident in what the boat can do. With this boat you can buy new as well and not lose too many features.

Take a look and if you like it, call up allen harbor and take a ride. I'm sure you'll agree it offers the most for the money.



Hey lucky, Are you familiar with Sailfish boats? If you are, how would you compare them to Seastrike. I read in THT that the Sailfish 205cc is actually a Potter hull (Sea Craft). They also make a 1900 Bay Boat with 18 degree deadrise and 21" beep cockpit.

[Lucky]

Hey lucky, Are you familiar with Sailfish boats? If you are, how would you compare them to Seastrike. I read in THT that the Sailfish 205cc is actually a Potter hull (Sea Craft). They also make a 1900 Bay Boat with 18 degree deadrise and 21" beep cockpit.



I've seen them around but have neve been fished from one on the water. They look like good boats and dimensions of the hull on the particular model seem to be what most look for in a shallow/near shore boat. The intergrated ladder is something I'd have to see before I could say that was a good idea at all...just another thing to get your line caught while fighting the fish of a lifetime. Pop. Also, personally, I don't like fishing off a casting deck that is that shallow to the gunwhale. It's would be great if the wind wasn't blowing but how often are we out there on the weekend and the wind is flat calm? The Seastrike deck is about 12" below the gunwhale, protecting your line from being blown off the deck.

Seacraft has had influence on a lot of boats over the years. Being the ledgend, a lot of companies have looked to their initial hull designs as a starting point. I believe the Seastrike line was once owned by Seasquirt...which was also ower of Seacraft at a time.

Personally I think a boat buyer should pay particularly close attention to seveal factors when buying a boat. One thing I always do when looking at new boats, which is usually an exercise for fun, is to make a fist and give the side of the boat a good hard hit. I have a friend who owns a 21 contender and although it's a great boat while running from spot to spot, it's by far the loudest boat I have ever been on in my life. The hull slap by noon is enough to make me want to get off the thing. If the boat sounds "hollow" rather than solid, chances are the hull slap will reverberate throughout the hull while on the water...and to me, that's not good when fishing for species that tend to be boat shy...like albies.

I personally like the small manufactures over the big boys for a number of reasons, the main one being quality. These smaller boat companies, like the ones the guys have mentioned above, still are trying to make a name for themselves so they are not skimping on the quality of manufacture. When boat companies get big, quality is substituted for profit. Features and construction may not be as good as when they were trying to "make it" in the busienss. Seacraft, although it's a great hull, has had a lot of problems over the past several years. I know a guide personally who has told me his S.C. 23 is a Piece of S@#&! Maybe he got a bad one...but that's not anythign I ever want to hear when I'm in the market for a new boat.

So getting back to the Salifish, it looks like a nice boat and has similar dimensions to my boat, but unless I have had the time to really look it over and take it out for a ride, better yet fish off of it, I really can't comment. We used to have a dealer around here...maybe i'll go take a look.

[Rocktrout]

Ok, not so sure I shouldn’t start a totally different thread for this question, but everyone here seems so eager to help. I don’t have 20k to spend on a boat. I can probably afford to finance something in the 10k range, and definitely am looking for something used. I have not owned a boat before, and don’t want to blow money on the ultimate boat, before I really know what that will be for me. I know I will want a good casting area up front, and a center console. I will be using the boat mostly in and around Boston Harbor. I might make occasional trips to Barnegat Bay or to Long Island Sound, but don’t plan on taking it out into the bluewater just yet. Therefore, I am thinking something between 18-21’ will give me a good coverage of conditions. I hope to get into some shallow areas, so I hope the boat won’t have too much draft either. With all of that said, can any one recommend some boats I might search the classifieds/dealers for that have what I need and that hold up pretty well over time? Is it true that the Fall is the best time to get a ‘deal?’ Any other suggestions are much appreciated.

[Marshrunner]

I recently went through the purchase decision for a 20 foot fly fishing platform, and the boats mentioned by gf2020 above (Eastern 22, Steiger Craft Montauk, Jones Bros Cape Fisherman Lite Tackle, and the Mckee Craft 196 Marathon--& also the Mako 201 and Parker 21SE by the way) are all very good fly fishing platforms but are all much more expensive than the 20K budget you are looking at. If your circumstances allow a slightly smaller boat, the Eastern 18, the Maritime 18, and the Jones Bros 18 may be worth a look. ( I had a quote on the JB 18 a year ago for a bit over 20k with a Yamaha 115 four stroke).

I ended up purchasing the Jones Brothers 20 CF LT and am very pleased with the company (extremely responsive to a half dozen customization issues I had including rod storage and size of fore and aft casting areas). Also the MA based dealer I'm working with (Monahan's in Weymouth) is very good.

I also spent a good part of last summer in the Eastern 22 mentioned earlier, which is owned by a good friend, and it is an outstanding flyfishing platform for NE waters--clean, stable, seaworthy (easily handles the mouth of the Merrimack), excellent rod fly rod storage, and comfortable. And it is very dry for a center console.

[Lucky]

I know I could get some flack for this comment becasue the boats are so popular here in New England, but in my opinion you don't get much for the money Maritime skiff's line. It's a shell that they are charging $20,000 for...which is way too much. If you want to spend in that range, a boat should have two molds bonded together for a nice finished interior as well. Diamond cut decking, dry storage, salt water washdown, live wells, good size fish box, solid console with storage, anchor locker and a place to put all your fishing tackle (more storage).

I know this company will customize their boats for Fly Fishermen but how much extra does that cost? And aren't all they are doing is brining it to a competitive level with the boats that are finished well from the start?

Advantages to a shell hull are the weight (towing), engine (need less horepower to push, which translates into less $) and ideally, less draft...but I'm not sure their 18-20 is any shallower than boats mentioned.

ROCKTROUT - as far as an inexpensive boat goes for the Harbor and areas mentioned, I have always been partial to the 17 Mako and/or the 15-17 Montauk or Supersport hulls of Boston Whaler. There are plenty of those boats for sale within a few hours drive of you...check out www.boattraderonline.com and do a search by size and price you want to pay.

[Flyaway]

You're absolutely right Lucky! I just can't understand why some "utility type" bare bones boats out of New England and elsewhere are actually more costly than boats with liners,ample storage,diamond none skid decking etc. Some of the smaller crafts don't even come with standard builtin fuel tanks. I must admit that I admire the graceful sheer lines of the New England design but one would expect that their pricing would be more reasonable and based on labour and material costs rather than location and tradition.

[Albiemanmike]

http://reel-time.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36240

[SFisher]

Lucky, how long have you owned your seastrike? Do you have a trolling motor on yours. I have a 1979 18' SeaCraft I am considering selling and moving up to a older 20' SeaCraft or a 19 or 20 Seastrike. Is there much difference between 1he 19' and the 20' Seastrike?

[Bigcat]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v257/bigcat988/ygp2099.jpg
Here you go, this boat will handle everything you want to do and more.
2001 Hydra-Sport LTS 20 Vector bayboat $20.000,If intersted e-mail me for more info.

[dollarshort]

I may be interested in selling my 2002 Maritime 20D w/ 2002 Honda 90hp ( just turned 200hrs ) Karavan Trailer, Garmin 188 Finder / Plotter, Large 50' Console, Bow Rail, 2 Flush Mount Rod Holders Aft, Gunnel Mounted Rod Holders ( Port and Starboard ), Spring Cleats ( un-installed as of yet ), Console Door for the 50 inch Console ( un-installed yet ).

The boat is SPOTLESS!!!! Boat is Rack Stored and is washed weekly.

Looking for $19,500

Most likely will sell this winter

[Lucky]

sfisher,

I've owned my 19 for about 5 years...have done some work to it since purchased like removing the seats to put in a leaning post, removing the bow rail, upgrading the electronics, putting in a fuel filter etc...standard stuff we all do.

the 19 hull is amazing...and with tabs even more so. It's a sharp entry V and wide...about 8 ft on a 18'6" technically. with the engine up, I have been places where guys in flats boats look at me like "don't even try it buddy"...and when I drift past, I always have to smile.

Tabs down, I can plow through slop 2-3 ft...and stay dry.

The major difference between a 19 and a 20 is storage...better on the 20. IF you plan to trailer or fish skinny water (like chatham) go with the 19, otherwise, go wtih the 20.

I like seacraft but looking at them recently, I really wasn't impressed in the VALUE of the boats. Your old seacraft was built in a time when the company built them right...now a days, like a lot of mfgs, they build'em fast and save money on construction. Don't think the seacraft you get today is the same quality as years ago.

I am in a position to buy a new boat and have been looking around...but at the end of the day, I am way too happy with my boat to sell it...so I am putting the $ into cleaning her up and re-powering for 2005. For what I do, which is mostly inshore within 10 miles, and skinny water on flats and over bolder fields, there isn't another boat I would choose over my SS 19...and I've looked at and ridden in a lot of boats.

Take a ride in one and let me know what your opinion is afterwards.

[dollarshort]

Lucky,

I own a the Maritime 20d. Im currently thinking of selling it. Need another Maritime?

[SFisher]

sfisher,

I've owned my 19 for about 5 years...have done some work to it since purchased like removing the seats to put in a leaning post, removing the bow rail, upgrading the electronics, putting in a fuel filter etc...standard stuff we all do.

the 19 hull is amazing...and with tabs even more so. It's a sharp entry V and wide...about 8 ft on a 18'6" technically. with the engine up, I have been places where guys in flats boats look at me like "don't even try it buddy"...and when I drift past, I always have to smile.

Tabs down, I can plow through slop 2-3 ft...and stay dry.

The major difference between a 19 and a 20 is storage...better on the 20. IF you plan to trailer or fish skinny water (like chatham) go with the 19, otherwise, go wtih the 20.

I like seacraft but looking at them recently, I really wasn't impressed in the VALUE of the boats. Your old seacraft was built in a time when the company built them right...now a days, like a lot of mfgs, they build'em fast and save money on construction. Don't think the seacraft you get today is the same quality as years ago.

I am in a position to buy a new boat and have been looking around...but at the end of the day, I am way too happy with my boat to sell it...so I am putting the $ into cleaning her up and re-powering for 2005. For what I do, which is mostly inshore within 10 miles, and skinny water on flats and over bolder fields, there isn't another boat I would choose over my SS 19...and I've looked at and ridden in a lot of boats.

Take a ride in one and let me know what your opinion is afterwards.

Thanks Lucky for confirming my feeling on the 19. The freinds of mine that own the dealship that sells these boats push the 20 over the 19. They say the 20 rides a lot better, basically due to the fact it is 2' longer but for what I do here (Mobile, Al) is basically what you do, inshore mainly or within 10 miles if the coast, I think it would be perfect. Also would fit under the carport perfect. I really like the 19 Bay Special, but I will probably stick with a used 19 if I sell my SeaCraft and can find a used one. What power do you have on your 19 and how does if plan of, top end & Crusing?
Thanks Steve

[Lucky]

I have a 115 on my 19 but think it's a hair bit underpowered. I think a 130 or 140 would be about right. It's a bit sluggish coming up to plain but with my new trim tabs, it's actually fine now. Cruising is about 25 knots...top end around 35...with the 115. The great thing about the 115 is that it's more effecient than a 130 or 150 with gas but now adays, a four stroke engine is more effecient even in the larger models.

I am personally thinking about putting the suzuki 140 on my boat for next year. I don't know how often I will run wide open...conditions have to be perfect, but the 4-stroke for noise, fuel effeciency and covering water (when conditions permit) seem like the way to go for me personally and the places I fish.

I like the bayspecial just becasue it has the pop-up cleats. Do they offer the new 19s with that feature? Can you get one with them? Do me a favor and ask your friends what brand of pop up cleats seastrike uses in the bayspecial model. Thanks.

[Living Waters]

My boat is for sale, it's a 2002 Sea Hunt Navigator, I bought it brand new
locally. With three children, I just ordered a 22'. Included:
1. 150 Merc. Saltwater EFI, never a problem.
2. Shorelander swing tongue trailer.
3. Under gunnell fully rigged fly rod storage.
4. Lowrance LCx15-mt sonar/gps combo.
5. Bow mount Minnkota trolling motor with onboard charger.
6. Trim tabs

Much more!! No changes for 2005, all for $16,500. Sorry I don't have any pictures, but you can check it out at www.seahuntboats.com. I have
fished for all the species you listed, this boat does it all very well. I have
fished in many "high priced" flats and bay type boats with guides over the years, I have found the Sea Hunt to be a excellent boat!

Best of luck!!

[SFisher]

I have a 115 on my 19 but think it's a hair bit underpowered. I think a 130 or 140 would be about right. It's a bit sluggish coming up to plain but with my new trim tabs, it's actually fine now. Cruising is about 25 knots...top end around 35...with the 115. The great thing about the 115 is that it's more effecient than a 130 or 150 with gas but now adays, a four stroke engine is more effecient even in the larger models.

I am personally thinking about putting the suzuki 140 on my boat for next year. I don't know how often I will run wide open...conditions have to be perfect, but the 4-stroke for noise, fuel effeciency and covering water (when conditions permit) seem like the way to go for me personally and the places I fish.

I like the bayspecial just becasue it has the pop-up cleats. Do they offer the new 19s with that feature? Can you get one with them? Do me a favor and ask your friends what brand of pop up cleats seastrike uses in the bayspecial model. Thanks.
I will go by there today and find out what brand they are. They order all there 20's and 19's with the pop-up cleats and the shark/recessed lights in the bow also. Will let you know later. Email me if you would like and I will let you know what they say
Steve

[medburd]

just another add to the never ending list of boat builders...but this is a local manufacturer for you when your in the NC area.....looks like a pretty decent boat...www.penncraftboats.com/index.html....I saw the 196 suv for $19,500 brand new with the trailer and 135hp ficht motor. Looked like a good deal to me......I personally like the deck layout of the bay boats and they seam pretty well tailored to the flyfishing crowd ..with the recessed cleats and shallow draft....funny, the deck layout is alot like the hydrasport baybolt series... anywho...good luck!

[Lucky]

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/6/59505836.htm

Sfisher,

good deal on the bay special. you know these guys? Might be worth it or at least, it's a bargaining chip.

I haven't seen a bayspecial up close...what's the differece between that and the standard 190?

[SFisher]

Lucky, I checked with the dealer and the brand pop-up cleates are Accon. The differences in the Bay Special vs the 19 is
1) the seats are different, Springfield in the Bay model, 19 has Tracy seats
2)The front two hatches in the casting deck and the anchor locker are made of 3/4" starboard instead of fiberglass, like you have.
3)The console has a shorter windsheild and no rail over the wndsheild. It has two handles on each side of the console.
4)The livewell in the rear and the other storage compartment have different hatches. The livewell has a clear acrylic cover and the battery compartment has a starboard cover.
5)They dont have Yamaha gauges, they have farah (I think)
6)The big difference is the four stroke 115 Yamaha. Seastrike purchased a large amount of the 115's are are able to offer those cheaper than the two stroke, I think it is a promotional thing for the four strokes. They come factory rigged with the four stroke and to upgrade to a 2 stroke would cost a lot more.
Would love to have one but I dont want to the take on the big boat note!
I will be on the look out for a used one when I sell my SeaCraft. I really like the clean layout of the Bay Special. The only thing I would do different is put the two fiberglass hatches like you have in the front and I like those Tracy seats a little better. It is the closest to my boat I have found. just a little bigger. Have my boat posted on classicseacraft website under for sale 1979 18' c.c. May put it on boattrader later.

[Lucky]

I put a birdsall leaning post with storage under the seat in place of the seats that came with it...if I could do it again, I would just take out the seats and have an open cockpit for casting. I rarely sit on the boat and would like to have that entire area open and clear from snags.

thanks for the info on the cleats...apprecaite you makeing the effort.

Used is the way to go with all boats in my opinion. I took a course of outboard maintenance and most people don't realize that a boat with only a few hunderd hours on it is basically still a new boat. Outboards are built to last around 3,000 hours before their first major overhaul. I purchased my boat with a few hundred hours on it about five years ago now and have fished in the neighborhood of 200-300 hrs per season since...engine still runs like new. And as you know, hulls will last a long long time if you take care of them.

Going to check out your boat. good luck with everything.

[RogerStg]

SFisher,
FWIW, you might want to try the ride in a few other hulls before you get rid of your SeaCraft. You'll likely find that your 18 handles sloppy water better than most others in the 19-20 ft range. It's the variable deadrise hull. For me, after 10 years of considering options (I had an old 19 ft local brand during that time) and riding on a number of other boats, the answer was a late 70's SeaCraft Master Angler. I ended up with a 1979 with new 4 stroke power and new trailer. After paying for the new transom; new gelcoat hull, gunwale, and splashwell; popup cleats and lights, etc, I was still under $20K.

[SFisher]

SFisher,
FWIW, you might want to try the ride in a few other hulls before you get rid of your SeaCraft. You'll likely find that your 18 handles sloppy water better than most others in the 19-20 ft range. It's the variable deadrise hull. For me, after 10 years of considering options (I had an old 19 ft local brand during that time) and riding on a number of other boats, the answer was a late 70's SeaCraft Master Angler. I ended up with a 1979 with new 4 stroke power and new trailer. After paying for the new transom; new gelcoat hull, gunwale, and splashwell; popup cleats and lights, etc, I was still under $20K.
To me what you said is worth a lot. I have ponderd this idea for a couple of years and still own my 18. It does handle well like you said, very well! A good freind of mine has a 1976 20 he was going to sell and I was considering buying it but he was able to keep it. I really like the 20 because it feel so much like mine just a little bigger but not to big. I have been looking at a 20 here locally but after looking at it hard, I found the entire forward deck is rotten and with two kids the time to redo one is hard to find. My 18 is in great shape and all original. My biggest fear is regretting selling it :confused: . I have been in SeaCrafts for years, They are great boats! The Seastrike's are very similar to the SeaCrafts and my freinds that sell them also sold seacrafts untill 1980 when the company changed hands and they saw the quality go down. They have done well with the seastrikes and have sold them for a long time, as far back as the early Seasquirt days. You are so right though, the best thing to do and the true test is to take on out for a nasty sea trial. Thanks for you imput
Steve

p.s. sounds like you have a fine one yourself!