On Dec 16, 5:16*pm, Harry wrote:
On 12/16/09 5:07 PM, Vic Smith wrote:





I read quite a bit about boats, and get the BoatTest newsletter, which
comes out every week or so. *Most of what's in there is not what I
want. *Mostly big gas-guzzlers.
They had an article in the most recent about Whalers 13-footer.
Boston Whaler 130 Super Sport
Comes with a 40 Merc for $9995. *Boat's too small for me.
There's a vid review of the American Angler 1866 Bass& *Bay CC.
And the Tracker Pro Team 170 TX.
Both aluminum.
And a vid review for the JC Pontoon Neptoon 21 TT, and the
Ranger Boats 208VX.
Lots of smaller boats today. *Many times they're reviewing power
yachts that run big bucks and use big fuel.
Anyway, it's been a couple years since I wanted any boat but what I
first decided on. *Three I'd like are the Carolina Skiff 24 DLX, Mac
26X or M, and the Corsair F-24 or F-27 tri.
All are good on fuel, and the Mac and Corsair can sail besides.
They're within my budget, but until I move to the water and try them I
won't know which one I want. *Maybe I'll change my mind then and go
with something else.
Thing is, it seems that once you like a certain type boat, you tend to
stick with it.
Some here might have the money to own many different boats, but those
are more rare birds.
They say a boat is always a compromise, and that's true.
Seems there's always something that steers an individual toward a
particular boat.
Wouldn't mind hearing what steered you to yours.
For me, I give the most weight to meager fuel consumption, then
shallow draft and fishability and overnighting.
Close in there is trailerabilty, though I might be able to work around
that with a dock or lift. *Depends. *Have to be able to ride 4-6
people safely minimum, and sleep at least 4.
Don't care about speed much at all.
Because I just don't want an expensive boat, I don't worry about cost
hindering me.
That's about it.

--Vic

Well, unless you like sleeping in a tent, the Carolina Skiff isn't the
boat for overnighting! But it sure is a terrific in-shore fishing boat.
If I were moving back to Florida, I'd buy one for sure, probably that
model, for ICW, creek, lake, and near-shore fishing. You probably could
have a nice dodger made for the CS, though...there's lots of room
forward for a tent-like dodger and a couple of cots.

I know a guy who runs the 24-footer CS as a fishing charter captain out
of Jax, if you ever get there, or at least he had the 24-footer the last
time I checked.

Trailerboats magazine has some good reviews from time to time.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Harry, how come when you are talking boats you never mention your 36'
Zimmerman like lobster boat?