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?

On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:57:23 -0800 (PST), Tim
wrote:

I don't think I've ever seen a boat with engine driven air
conditioning but I guess it could be done. * An automotive type
compressor takes a lot of power however and would certainly impact on
performance and fuel economy.

You're right, Wayne, it would suck up more fuel, but with a windowed
cabin and depending on where you're location is, that air conditioning
could make a difference on if going boating that day or not. I'd still
like the idea, though.

It is nice on a hot day, especially on a boat with an enclosed helm
station. Most people find they need the A/C more at night when they
are docked however. All of the marine A/Cs that I've seen run from
110 volt power, either from a generator or a shore power circuit.

On Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:23:32 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote:

But if I don't have a dock, the barn marinas are cheaper than docks,
and collect less growth too. Need a trailer anyway.
Know anything about those barn marinas?
When I checked one out in Punta Gorda a couple years I recall storage
running about $10 a foot per month, 2 launchings a day included.
Cheaper if you store outside.

You don't want to store outside if you have a choice. The boat gets
much less weather exposure inside, and that's important in SWFL during
the summer.

Theer are lots of choices for rack storage around here but I'm not
familiar with the pricing.

In article f851e2e7-70d4-45a9-834c-
,
says...

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?

Man, that lie is coming back to haunt me! Why don't you lighten up,
dumfoch little schitt?

--
And now...back to flajim and others who are so obsessed with me, they
use my handle here.

In article ,
says...

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

Here's what steered me to mine. My southern belle young bride and I
really like comfort, sophistication, and luxury first and foremost.
Also, I entertain a lot of high level politicians that I work for and
know socially, even ex-presidents. So we wanted something around 35
feet. Money of course is no object with us, so we opted to have it
custom made, and really liked the graceful lines of the Zimmerman boats.
So this is what we went with. I would post a picture of this beauty, but
gosh darn it, I just don't have one.

--
And now...back to flajim and others who are so obsessed with me, they
use my handle here.

"Vic Smith" wrote in message
...
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

Vic,
I'd just suggest that you try the boats on your list and a few other types
before handing over the big boat bucks.
For instance, try a flats boat after a ride in a CS. Go fast in both boats
and get into some choppy water. A flat bottom boat is a flat bottom boat no
matter what material and they will beat the crap out of a person.
Sail a keel boat and the go fast trimarans and consider your use and the
cost. A wise man said with powerboating you have a destination and with
sailing you're already there.
I enjoy puttering along at 3-4 knots and "hauling ass" at 6. I've got this
42 year old solid 24' boat that I paid a boat buck ($1K) for and I wouldn't
cry myself to sleep if I ran her into a dock. She is the right boat for me.
Look at trawlers and keel boats and if she is to be your crew take the Mrs
along. If she does like the new investment, she'll let you know and better
before than after. Funny how they don't rag us about things they like.

On Dec 18, 10:50*am, "mmc" wrote:
"Vic Smith" wrote in message

...



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

Vic,
I'd just suggest that you try the boats on your list and a few other types
before handing over the big boat bucks.
For instance, try a flats boat after a ride in a CS. Go fast in both boats
and get into some choppy water. *A flat bottom boat is a flat bottom boat no
matter what material and they will beat the crap out of a person.
Sail a keel boat and the go fast trimarans and consider your use and the
cost. A wise man said with powerboating you have a destination and with
sailing you're already there.
I enjoy puttering along at 3-4 knots and "hauling ass" at 6. I've got this
42 year old solid 24' boat that I paid a boat buck ($1K) for and I wouldn't
cry myself to sleep if I ran her into a dock. She is the right boat for me.
Look at trawlers and keel boats and if she is to be your crew take the Mrs
along. If she does like the new investment, she'll let you know and better
before than after. Funny how they don't rag us about things they like.

Being both a sailor and a powerboater, I can appreciate both views.
Although I kinda like the Corsair tris, I do not think I would want
one for livability.
I was just at the St.Pete boat show and was very surprised there mer
no Mac sailboats there. Conditions were ideal to test sail one
(blustery 20 kt wind) to see how well it does in higher wind ranges
and how it would handle some chop.
The Mac 26 has the advantages of sail withe the ability to power at
higher speeds too. However, I'd really have to evaluate the build
quality before buying. I have heard of people upgrading the Mac but
do not know what they did .
I did test sail a Presto 30, a trailerable sailboat with free standing
masts with wishboom booms. It was a nice boat and sailed very well.
However, the builder told me it took 2 hours to set up once he had it
in the water, not the sort of thing you'd want to do every weekend.
I looked at a trailerable Catalina 25 with water ballast and it was
"ok" but already showed lesser construction problems with some gelcoat
cracking (it was a brand new boat).
I'd consider looking at used Mac 26 because that would tell you how
one would fare over a few years.

On Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:23:05 -0800 (PST), Frogwatch
wrote:


Vic,
I'd just suggest that you try the boats on your list and a few other types
before handing over the big boat bucks.
For instance, try a flats boat after a ride in a CS. Go fast in both boats
and get into some choppy water. Â*A flat bottom boat is a flat bottom boat no
matter what material and they will beat the crap out of a person.
Sail a keel boat and the go fast trimarans and consider your use and the
cost. A wise man said with powerboating you have a destination and with
sailing you're already there.
I enjoy puttering along at 3-4 knots and "hauling ass" at 6. I've got this
42 year old solid 24' boat that I paid a boat buck ($1K) for and I wouldn't
cry myself to sleep if I ran her into a dock. She is the right boat for me.
Look at trawlers and keel boats and if she is to be your crew take the Mrs
along. If she does like the new investment, she'll let you know and better
before than after. Funny how they don't rag us about things they like.

Thanks for that advice, mmc. That $1k boat could be the way to go.
I'm real accustomed to driving used Chevys.

Being both a sailor and a powerboater, I can appreciate both views.
Although I kinda like the Corsair tris, I do not think I would want
one for livability.

Hey, I thought you liked camping. (-:

I was just at the St.Pete boat show and was very surprised there mer
no Mac sailboats there. Conditions were ideal to test sail one
(blustery 20 kt wind) to see how well it does in higher wind ranges
and how it would handle some chop.
The Mac 26 has the advantages of sail withe the ability to power at
higher speeds too. However, I'd really have to evaluate the build
quality before buying. I have heard of people upgrading the Mac but
do not know what they did .

From my reading of the Mac forum, some upgrade to beefier stays than
the factory equipped, and some have aftermarket rudders and sails.
At least one of the big retailers in the Midwest automatically rigs
heavier stuff, and some "improved" running gear.
Other sailing gear changes seem to be more personal preference, as
with any sailboat.
It'll never be a "good" sailboat per the conventional measurements of
pointing upwind and speed according to LWL. But it sails. Not the
only "less than average speed" sailboat.
That outboard on the transom pushing it 20 knots on plane is the
selling point for some. I like the fact that due to its light weight
it's real economical under power at hull speed.

I did test sail a Presto 30, a trailerable sailboat with free standing
masts with wishboom booms. It was a nice boat and sailed very well.
However, the builder told me it took 2 hours to set up once he had it
in the water, not the sort of thing you'd want to do every weekend.
I looked at a trailerable Catalina 25 with water ballast and it was
"ok" but already showed lesser construction problems with some gelcoat
cracking (it was a brand new boat).
I'd consider looking at used Mac 26 because that would tell you how
one would fare over a few years.

I think the typical set up time for the Mac is about half an hour.
Seen one cases of gel coat spidering, but the boat doesn't get many
quality complaints. Everybody seems to know what they're getting.
Light boat, but put together well. Consistent quality.
They probably don't do shows because they've been selling all they can
produce for years.

--Vic

"Vic Smith" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:23:05 -0800 (PST), Frogwatch
wrote:


Vic,
I'd just suggest that you try the boats on your list and a few other
types
before handing over the big boat bucks.
For instance, try a flats boat after a ride in a CS. Go fast in both
boats
and get into some choppy water. A flat bottom boat is a flat bottom boat
no
matter what material and they will beat the crap out of a person.
Sail a keel boat and the go fast trimarans and consider your use and the
cost. A wise man said with powerboating you have a destination and with
sailing you're already there.
I enjoy puttering along at 3-4 knots and "hauling ass" at 6. I've got
this
42 year old solid 24' boat that I paid a boat buck ($1K) for and I
wouldn't
cry myself to sleep if I ran her into a dock. She is the right boat for
me.
Look at trawlers and keel boats and if she is to be your crew take the
Mrs
along. If she does like the new investment, she'll let you know and
better
before than after. Funny how they don't rag us about things they like.

Thanks for that advice, mmc. That $1k boat could be the way to go.
I'm real accustomed to driving used Chevys.

Being both a sailor and a powerboater, I can appreciate both views.
Although I kinda like the Corsair tris, I do not think I would want
one for livability.

Hey, I thought you liked camping. (-:

I was just at the St.Pete boat show and was very surprised there mer
no Mac sailboats there. Conditions were ideal to test sail one
(blustery 20 kt wind) to see how well it does in higher wind ranges
and how it would handle some chop.
The Mac 26 has the advantages of sail withe the ability to power at
higher speeds too. However, I'd really have to evaluate the build
quality before buying. I have heard of people upgrading the Mac but
do not know what they did .

From my reading of the Mac forum, some upgrade to beefier stays than
the factory equipped, and some have aftermarket rudders and sails.
At least one of the big retailers in the Midwest automatically rigs
heavier stuff, and some "improved" running gear.
Other sailing gear changes seem to be more personal preference, as
with any sailboat.
It'll never be a "good" sailboat per the conventional measurements of
pointing upwind and speed according to LWL. But it sails. Not the
only "less than average speed" sailboat.
That outboard on the transom pushing it 20 knots on plane is the
selling point for some. I like the fact that due to its light weight
it's real economical under power at hull speed.

I did test sail a Presto 30, a trailerable sailboat with free standing
masts with wishboom booms. It was a nice boat and sailed very well.
However, the builder told me it took 2 hours to set up once he had it
in the water, not the sort of thing you'd want to do every weekend.
I looked at a trailerable Catalina 25 with water ballast and it was
"ok" but already showed lesser construction problems with some gelcoat
cracking (it was a brand new boat).
I'd consider looking at used Mac 26 because that would tell you how
one would fare over a few years.

I think the typical set up time for the Mac is about half an hour.
Seen one cases of gel coat spidering, but the boat doesn't get many
quality complaints. Everybody seems to know what they're getting.
Light boat, but put together well. Consistent quality.
They probably don't do shows because they've been selling all they can
produce for years.

--Vic
About the $1k, Frog hit the nail on the head for me with his discussion of
"The Perfect Boat" being one that's paid off!
Not having that particular albatross (payment) around my neck is nice.