Opinions on center console boats

[inSTANt bendo]

I'm looking to get some opinions and recommendations for center console boats. I have always liked the idea of cuddy cabins "just incase" somebody needs to lay down, but the reality of it is that nobody ever does. Cabins are only used to nap on boats 26' and up. Anything smaller than that and the cabins are either too cramped once everybodies 400# tackle bags are in there or you get knocked to hell being bounced around.

My partner and I are considering a 22-25' center console that is just a straight fishing machine. We want to buy new as we are tired of buying other peoples problems. Will consider up to $60k asking price for the right boat.

List of qualifiers:

Would prefer that it doesn't have a built in bait system as most of them suck! Leaning post/seat with large bait system option is cool.

No open transoms!!

Decent fish holds preferred

tackle storage station(s) preferred

Any ideas where to start?

[FULL TILT]

Originally Posted by scumbag

I have always liked the idea of cuddy cabins "just incase" somebody needs to lay down, but the reality of it is that nobody ever does.

dood- if yer a single hetero male (i need to ask this about MOST of the fuckers on this board)...you NEED a stabin' cabin!! i've learned that hardly anyone ever uses the cuddy when fishin inside (less than 50 miles), but for long rides, they are nice to have around. even BETTER to have around when you are entahtainin the bitches!

but if you really dont need a cuddy>>>check out the parker deep vee center consoles. wildcat has the model that i am SOLD on>> 21' CC special edition. i am looking on moving up to at least a 21'...hopefully a 24' within the next 18 months, and those hulls are sick! they have a bunch of em down at the boat shop right next to dana landing (forget the name?) to puruse. awesome riding, soooper beamy, and they ride MUCH bigger than you think...even for a 21 footah.

[KC Kevin]

Check out the old Waatoosee Parker Bendo. Its for sale again and in your budget. Loaded, 500 mile range, blah blah blah. I've fished CC and wouldn't trade my WAC for any of them. There's almost always somebody sleeping down below, esp. on longer trips unless its just too rough to be comfortable.

[Ali]

One other thing to think about with a WAC or Pilothouse for taht matter is getting out of the wind. This makes a HUGE difference in your comfort at the end of the day.

Also it gives protection from spray.

My .02

[inSTANt bendo]

You are questioning my sexuality by not wanting a cuddy but admit that you will be buying a center console? Who da fag?

Seriously, I haven't crawled around on a Parker yet, but ihave heard that they are over priced. I guess that they want a high premium for what alot of other boat builders are doing at a lesser cost to the consumer. I'm not talking about mass produced boats either......I'm talking apples to apples. Also was told that Parkers have little or no fish holds.

I'll look at them only because SoCal guys rave about them, but any other suggestions?

[inSTANt bendo]

Originally Posted by kcchiefsfan1

Check out the old Waatoosee Parker Bendo. Its for sale again and in your budget. Loaded, 500 mile range, blah blah blah. I've fished CC and wouldn't trade my WAC for any of them. There's almost always somebody sleeping down below, esp. on longer trips unless its just too rough to be comfortable.

No offense to Frank or the newer owner, but NOT A CAT IN HELL'S CHANCE!! I refuse to purchase anything not under warranty. I will not buy somebody elses problems again unless I have the $ to replace a motor when it craps out or completely rewire an boat when everything is shorting out or strip it down to a shell and start all over. I don't see myself ever wanting to take on projects like that again, not to mention the huge waste of time and $ involved in doing it again. I'm fuckin' done with that.

[Ali]

For that budget I would DEFINATELY take a ride on a Catamaran.

They are really tought to beat for ride and stability. They do cost more, but still within your budget for something nice.

[bertram31]

Spend the cash and get a 30 ft diesel inboard Boston Whaler.

Jack

[the hook]

http://www.sdboats.com/images/boones.htm

[inSTANt bendo]

Originally Posted by bertram31

Spend the cash and get a 30 ft diesel inboard Boston Whaler.

Jack

The whole idea behind going down in size from our 29' boat to a trailer boat is to cut our monthly costs in half. Doubling the fuel economy doesn't hurt the wallet either.

[inSTANt bendo]

Originally Posted by Gato Gordo

For that budget I would DEFINATELY take a ride on a Catamaran.

They are really tought to beat for ride and stability. They do cost more, but still within your budget for something nice.

I really like the cats, but was skeptical about having twin motors. 2x the liability and repair/maintenance costs. I seriously doubt that i can find a cat rigged with the goodies for $60K or less......can I?

[Mo Betta]

What about a Davis?