bertram31.com

My Dad lives on Mattituck inlet. He still fishes the inlet and occassionally the Sound, usually solo, a few times a week. His 1967 Formula 233, that he bought new when I was 8, won't make it another year. From what he can tell, the stringers are completely rotten. So, he's looking for another boat.

His tastes in boats run pretty old school (he's 86 and loved my 31 and loves my 20). He'd like to go for an 21-24' outboard, express-type boat with about 24" freeboard and no top--he's a light tackle cast fisherman. Think Formula/Albe with an outboard. He may go for the right boat if it was an I/O, but there's no telling. He hasn't boat shopped since 1966-67. The Steiger 23 Block Island appeals to him and I think he's going to Steiger today.

He's been going around to boatyards on the North Fork to see what's around. I know there are alot of LI, NJ, and NorthEast guys on here who know boats better than anybody, and frequent boatyards. If you know of a boat that you think might work for him, let me know. He's still getting used to today's boat prices, but from what he's said so for he's going used and will keep it around $30K.

Thanks. I'd hate to see him off the water. And yeah, if he hasn't found anything by the time my B20 is ready, I'm going to give her to him until he finds something

Parker makes a simliar line of boats. Also sold under the Maycraft brand. There are quite a few in North Carolina (made there). I have only been on one, and it was a 25. Solid feel, but not a great ride in headseas with twins on the bracket, but might work well in the Bay.

John, your father is 86 and still fishing! God bless him.

yea russ hope iam still fishing at that age
john ill keep my eyes open for you, so more or less in the cc range

John,

25 Carolina classic with a jack shaft is a really nice boat.

23 Steiger block island keep in mind the older boats only came with a mod vee, the newer model has the option of deep vee which as I understand is a better ride.

He can also head over to whitewater marine in sayville they have all the Parker models and have a big inventory of used boats.

I just got off the phone, and now he's considerig center consoles--makes alot more sense to me for the way he fishes. Thanks.

Pete- I just called him back and he may go to Whitewater after Steiger. I think a 21 Parker CC would be perfect for him.

The Parker CCs are nice utility type boats. Makes sense no climbing up to the bow. The SE models are mod vee, they offer deep vee too.

The freeboard on the SE is too low for him. The regular 21 CC has the right amount of freeboard.

I like a 20 foot Seacraft----not the quality of a Potter built one---but good hull design and clean lines.

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2008/Se ... ted-States

My uncle has bucks and used to go thru boats every year or two as he always disliked something, that was till he found the Sea-Vee. That boat he kept for years till he decided he wanted a small cabin. Then he went for a Parker or Stiegercraft. He still prefered the Sea-Vee...just wanted out of the weather.
Just another choice to throw into the mix.

At 86, a deeper vee may not be a good idea. His legs would probably prefer the ride, but his balance may not be what it once was.
Al

Considered an older Whaler?

I own an older whaler -- my back doesn't care too much for it -- especially over 18kts!

I am sure we have at least a dozen . Have him pm. me and I will give him info.

hey john ,i have a 87 hydra sports that i bought new 22 cc with a bracketed outboard.its a 225 yahama xl 2 stroke. the engine is tired but the boat is excellent.t top and leaning post.i can e mail some pics for you.im approx 5 miles from mattituck and the boat is covered nearby. 5165236344 cell feel free to call,.tom hart

John,

Best of luck to you Dad in his search. It's a good time to be a buyer hope he finds something that fits for him. A nice reliable rig would allow him more time enjoying the water.

Let us know how things work out. Now if he's ready for some luxury, I'll make him a hell of a deal on a B35 ;)

br,
JohnD

He could get a nice 31 Bertram for 30 Gs.

John, if he goes with the Parker, strongly recommend that he go with the 23 over the 21. I had a 23 and it is a very solid boat with a good ride; the extra 2 feet are worth the extra bucks.

Thanks again. He came back from boat shopping. He loved the Steiger, met Al Steiger and my Dad said he couldn't have been nicer. Dad said he's not sure if he wants to buy new---said he wasn't sure he'd get the full benefit of the lifetime hull warranty (this from the guy who got a new lawn tractor a couple of years ago that had to be a diesel because they last longer). Anyway, now it either a Parker, Jones Bros., or Steiger 21-23 center console.

Tommy-I'll pass that along. Steiger and Jones are hard to find used, so we're looking for a good Parker

Some really nice 22 Chris Craft Dory boats for sale. Center Console and straight inboard and trailerable.

Check out the Northrip NR21 http://northripboats.com/. Great quality boat with a super soft entry. No hard tops, 360 degree fishability and all came with 4 stroke Yamahas or Etecs. You can pick one up 3 or 4 yrs old in the 30's. They are made in RI.

BOBMX-

I'll pass the Northrip along. Severna Park? I live on Kent Island.

John

I've got my NR21 on the Severn River. If he likes the lines I'd be more than happy to let him sea trial mine.

John,
Have a look at the 24Skipjack if he's OK with an IO,
I know they are built on west coast but they are really a great robust boat.
Plenty of freeboard and a reverse chine.

24'skipjack is a excellent well built boat . A large safety factor for a senior citizen over " flat bottom crap" like Parker . I will get my day in court some day on a class action suit. Permanent spinal cord damage from slamming on that son of a bitch in the ocean.!

I understand the limitations on the ride of the SE Parkers and tbe JBs. Dad isn't an offshore guy, and pretty much fishes around Mattituck. The Steiger and Parker 21 DV have 21 degree Vs. I think my B20 and his Formula 233 have 23 or 24 degree Vs.

I really appreciate all the suggestions, and have been passing every one of them along.

I can tell you the Steiger fly fishing boat is built like a tank and has all the stability a Montauk/East End fly caster would ever want. Lots of subtle well thought out amenities. It IS not cheap, but made very well.

Just wanted to say thanks for the ideas, pms, and suggestions. My Dad just bought an 2004 Edgewater 22 with a 225 Yamaha 4-stroke from a neighbor of mine. She's a really nice boat. She's in my back yard, and will be making the trip to Mattituck soon. Again, thanks. You guys are the best.

John your father made a excellent choice .edgewater has a great reputation and is terrific boat if the water gets a litte choppy.glad we got together on a pm. I was not kidding! Givin a choice I rather be caught in a storm in a bay liner then a Parker.!!!!!!!

John - Our Bertram 20's have a deadrise of 26 (count them) degrees.

Ian.