Need opinion on center console boats??

[Ranger R]

I currently own a Ranger Bass boat and looking to trade it in on a center console boat. Currently live in Central Texas and fish the local lakes for Bass, Crappie, whites and stripers...the other 20% I fish down around Aransas Pass, for trout and redfish. Never running a boat in less than a foot of water. <br /><br />I am looking for a boat based on quality first. My Ranger bass boat is very well built and sturdy. I can stand on the front edge, without tipping the boat. However, it only seats a couple of adults. I am looking for a multipurpose boat, that I can use a bow-foot controlled trolling motor, rear deck with fishing seat and solid built boat. I would also like to mount some additional fishing chairs on the floor, when taken kids crappie fishing. I know that three adults is best for casting, but what about taken 2 adults/3kids crappie fishing? I need the room and seating for that...<br /><br />The boats I have been looking at are, but NOT limited to,<br />A. Rolled Edge type boats (Less bells & Whistles)<br />-Bluewave 220 Striper series<br />-Haynie 23' Bigfoot (limited seating)<br />-Baystealth<br />-Kenner<br />-Nitro (Made by Kenner)<br /><br />B. Liner Boats (Heavier and require more HP)<br />-Scout 220BayScout <br />-Ranger 2180 (Not much seating)<br />-SeaPro SV1900CC and SV2100CC www.seaproboats.com<br />-Bluewave V-Pro Liner boats www.bluewave.com<br />-Compass Custom boats www.compassboats.com<br />-K2 Marine BlackJack boat (Bill Kenners new boat)<br />-Fishmaster (made by Kenner for Travis Boating Center)<br />-Keywest 216 BayReef<br />-Skeeter ZX220BAY<br />-Blazer Bay (Seems like a bass boat hull?)<br />-Champion 22 BAYCHAMP <br />-NauticStar 2200<br />-Boston Whaler 18ft and 22ft Dauntless<br />-Triton 220LS<br />-Polar 2310<br />-Hydra-Sports<br />-Maverick (Pathfinder and others)<br />-SeaFox 215 BayFisher<br />-ProLine 22BAY<br /><br /><br />There are so many boats, so little time to test drive....<br /><br /><br />So, I figure I would ask owners their opinions...Even on boats that are not listed. I have searched this website and found some good info. It seems that custom boat manufactures are built better, than mass production ones. I have put together a list in Excel. I am updating it daily with boats I have researched. Now, I am spending too much time reading versus fishing...<br /><br />Thanks for all your opinions. Happy New Year!

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

I had a 20 ft. Lund Alaskan with the side console. That was one roomy boat! But I guess you're looking for glass?

 

[KCook]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

That IS a big list! The smallest builders are the most likely to accommodate any custom requests:<br /><br /> http://www.avengercustombayboats.com <br /><br /> http://www.dargel.com/fisherman.htm <br /><br /> http://www.elpescadorboats.com <br /><br /> http://www.gausebuiltboats.com/ <br /><br /> http://www.jonesbrothersmarine.com/ <br /><br /> http://www.majekboats.com <br /><br /> http://www.shallowsportboats.com/home.shtml <br /><br /> http://www.bellboats.com/classic21.htm <br /><br /> http://www.stottcraft.com/ <br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[PAkev]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

I purcahsed a Polar 2010 last spring and am happy with it for the first year I've owned and used it. <br /><br />Did you look t the Bay Ranger? Also a ice boat but also $$$$$ ...... You get what you pay for!

 

[Ranger R]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

My first boat I looked at was the 2180 by Ranger. It has a sticker price of $36K plus accessories. I even rode in one. Too pricy for my budget. My Ranger is a fish/ski model, that was half that price. <br /><br /> As for as the comment above, I prefer glass, but do not know how aluminum or welded boats hold up in saltwater. I know they are used in the Great lakes, which says a lot!<br /><br /> I have seen report on a custom boat, called Avenger, from Louisana, but do not know too much about it. I will be visiting BlueWave boats in a couple weeks. I like to visit the manufactures and take a test ride. This is a big investment for me! I will be not buying a boat for a while afterwards. So, I am researching as much as possible.<br /><br /> Thanks for the feedback and opinions.

 

[PAkev]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

Ranger R...<br /><br />Don't get Polar (from Dynasty Boats) confused with their sibling Polar Craft (of Godfrey Marine) Confused. Polar affords a fiberglass hull while Polar Crafts have alluminum hulls.

 

[Gadgetman]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

Ranger R,<br /><br />I owned a 220 striper/200 ficht for 4 years,and have had the V linner series pulse213/225 hpdi for the last 2 years. I mostly fish inland lakes myself,and have never had an issue with either hull. I've also got buddies running both of these in the gulf.<br /><br />The V-bay also comes in the rolled edge up to 20'-22',and can be custom built like the 220 striper. The V-series has a narrower beam with more deadrise,but rides smoother and is fast. The 220 will be more stable,and will draft 1 1/2"-2" shallower.<br /><br />You will enjoy the tour. If you have any questions with these hulls,you can email me at<br />mcmillen@dtnspeed.net

 

[brushpilebill]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

You are looking at a wide range of boats, both capability and price. I'm not sure what you need for bass/crappie, but here's what I hear on the bayboats:<br /><br />Maverick - recent Pathfinders had gelcoat problems. Action craft is a good boat but a friend had one with transom problems. Both very expensive.<br /><br />Whaler Dauntless - My dream boat, but way expensive. Probably overkill for what you've described.<br /><br />Triton - Good reviews from a couple of guys I know that have them. <br /><br />You might also look at www.seaarrow.com if you want to add to your list/spreadsheet. I have an F2200 that's a good boat for bay and nearshore. Hull is the same as a Bay Quest, but thicker and stiffer. <br /><br />Kenner - most popular boat on the bay, so they are doing something right. Liner hull has capacity to go offshore a little. You can find good used models at reasonable prices. Nitro is cheaper version, but you get what you pay for.<br /><br />BlazerBay - Lots of talk on this one, all positive. I don't know them but they seem to be on the rise.

 

[JB]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

I recommend an 80's Boston Whaler Outrage. They can be found in like new condition for under 20 big ones. My favorite is the 18, but the 22 is also a great boat. I think they are better boats than the modern designs . . . .lighter, faster, better fit and finish. Only a Grady White or a Scout can come close in quality.<br /><br />It will take some creativity to bow mount a troller, but if I can do it so can you.<br /><br />Check out iboats classifieds and Continuouswave.com marketplace.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[richg99]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

I'm partial to Carolina Skiffs, a style of boat that is a whole different approach. <br /><br />However, I must point out that you should be aware of the major differences between a CenterConsole saltwater boat and any bass boat.<br /><br />I've found, when using my Carolina Skiff in a bass-fishing environment, that the center console often gets in the way of casting. Texas saltwater bay fishing (which is what I do most of the time) is not as affected. Usually, the SW casting is overhand and for longer distances. Bass fishing, around and under trees and stumps etc., often requires a side-cast/pitch which can be blocked by the position of the Center console. <br /><br />Florida saltwater bay/flats boats often have small side consoles. You lose the "stand up and see' advantage of a full CC, but you gain tight-in casting abilites, which are more necessary due to the mangrove canals that FL fishermen frequent. <br /><br /><br />Just a thought for your consideration. RichG TX

 

[hise]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

Shoot, RichG99 already mentioned my vote <br /><br />(http://www.carolinaskiff.com/Default.aspx?tabid=124)<br /><br />Consider starting with the 1980 hull (19 ft with 80" beam).... very wide, very stable.<br /><br />you can add front decks, rear decks, side benches.... you can customize to you're specific interests.<br /><br />--Hise

 

[Solittle]

Re: Need opinion on center console boats??

You wrote "Never running a boat in less than a foot of water."<br /><br />Most if not all of the above boats will draw considerably more than 12" even with the motor tilted all the way up. I run a 23' CC & probably draw about 36" with the motors down.