Different Taste in Boats.. What's your take?

[RiverDave]

Boats are a funny thing, becuase you can see something that really doesn't fit your personal program at all, but still see the beauty in it. The other thing is it seems sometimes people are "into" certain types of boats that you'll just never own. Myself for example, I'm a V-Drive nut! I love flat bottoms, circle boats, ski race rigs, odd ball V-drive installations (big cruisers like 24 Spectra's).. I don't think there's anything out there that looks better then a serious flat built by the best of the best. I'd never own one though, quite possibly the world most useless boat for the river nowdayz. Hell even in their hayday their weren't that usefull as a family boat, and lots of riverkids got the infamous "Bassett" tatoo on their legs to back that statement up. I love to look at them though, take a pass in a buddy's once every couple of years just to keep my youth, but again the odds of me ever building one are slim to none. Especially when you add up the hellacious amount of money & time that goes into a true custom like that.

So that brings me to the cruiser V-Drives... Again I'm a nut, I look at the circle boats, and the Ski Race rigs n awe, and the trick variations between each one to accomplish the same end result. The "voodoo" science that goes into the props, rudder geometry's, and the respect for people that have cracked the code on their own boats, becuase you know that didn't happen on the 1st round. I'd love to own a Ski Race Schiada, 2 seats, turbo motor and more grin producing Horsepower than should be legal. I digress though, I look at my life and where I'm at, and where I'm going, and it becomes painfully obvious that, that's a pipe dream.. It just doesn't make sense for me. I might be able to pull some comprimise with a "halfie" race boat with a full interior kinda deal, but even then you try do make something dual purpose and you end up with something that's not excellent for either. Down the road I envision either one of Danny's DCM's with a big motor and a V-drive setup, or a Spectra 24 with a ridiculous motor to push that pig down the river at a decent clip.. For right now though no matter what I own it's gonna have to be an I/O. I understand them, their cheaper, easier to make go fast, and their's no voodoo science that's an endless money pit. We have Stacy's boat which has a touch of the old school, the look of a cruiser that can race on sunday, play on monday... Some people are into big cats (skaters, MTI's, Nortechs) and if they don't own one right now, their current boat is just a stepping stone on their way to get one.. Others own oldschool cruisers, some own low freeboard jets.. and I know guys with more money then god that'll never own anything other then a flatbottom. Just what their into..

So what are your tastes? And are they different then what you own? If you had the dough, would you buy the big skater? Or have a fast Schiada? Or perhaps step it up like Magic34 and buy a huge cabin cruiser for the family?

RD

[BTR]

Huge cruiser. I want to cruise Lake Pacific with the option of sleeping comfortably on board overnight, full galley, potty, AC, yeah roughing it :

[djunkie]

We have similar tastes Dave. I am a v-drive nut also. But unless I come into some money (which I'm not planning on) I won't ever own one probably. Luckily I have a friend with 6 v-drives between him, his dad, and brother. So if I ever feel the need for a v-drive fix then I just go to the river with them. Same goes for the big cats. Their awesome rides but not my cup of tea. With that said I'm sure I will always be a 1 boat guy. And that being the case I will forever live under the case that if I can't ski behind it, I don't want it. So with that being said I see myself in the future stepping up to something in the 25-28 foot range. I/O of course. I really love those bullets. For now I'll just have to bumm around in this. :D
________
Toyota a transmission specifications (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Toyota_A_transmission)

[TPC]

Love Nordics, unique, easy on the eyes style that seems to be imitated but never duplicated.

The Magic Sorcerer is another pick.

Always a good ride & fun on peoples Tri Toons.

Amazing the difference in choices in boats.
Ahh hell, we love them all.

[Mondorally]

I think this sums it up pretty well:D

http://www.hotboat.com/image_center/data/520/2001Schiada_Driveway_004.jpg

-Justin

[Waterjunky]

I can relate to this question. There is no such thing as the perfect boat. I like to dive, any boat reasonable to dive out of is not much of a pleasure boat. Any boat that is big enough to spend time in the ocean in is too big to reasonably trailer. None of the for-mentioned boat are designed to go fast.
Decisions, decisions.

As I am planning on buying another boat this spring, I need to decide where the comprimises I am going to make are. I am leaning towards day cruser I/O just because I am near many lakes and 2 hours at best from saltwater.

[jordy]

Boats are stupid!!! :point :D :D :D

[RiverDave]

Boats are stupid!!! :point :D :D :D

That boats for sale again right now.. LOL

RD

[jordy]

That boats for sale again right now.. LOL

RD

It has been for a while. Not too sure about the OT headers on it, but the price is smokin' for what it is. Solid boat, just needs some TLC.

In the whole scheme of things, that boat scared me in Havasu running up to Speed Alley. Not being able to trim up the running gear in shallow water always made me nervous. Not to mention, trying to pull up to the beach at the Turtle was a no go either. Had to anchor off shore and then spike it to keep everything off the bottom.

[JBB]

I love these......Fast Acceleration....King of the small lakes....:D


149

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But these are alot of fun too...

153

154

155

156

157

158


Hell ....I guess I like em all!

[Flyinbowtie]

What I'd like to play with on the water would be my friend's old Beiser 24' V-drive daycrusier. It has a mild big Chevy and a T-400 trans. It rode well on our local lakes, you could ski and do the water sports behind it, and it had the essential V-8 sound that I love.That boat is in North Carolina now, in need of full restoration sitting in his shop.
I think alot of this is tied to the type of water you run on. Our smaller lakes would soon take the fun out of a big go-fast boat. I still love the jets and O/T pipes, the V-drive stuff, etc. For us tho, up here the practical boat is a open bow tourney boat, which is what we have. The boys can do their thing behind it, it goes fast enough to suit me on our lake, and there is enough room in it to haul the EZ up and ice chest etc. out to a cove for the day.
If I lived down in river country; for instance Havasu or Parker, I'd be shedding lots of stuff to find a way in to one of BadBlowns' new boats. I don't know a damn thing about them other than they look stunning, are built with obvious pride, and have roots that make them super legitimate rides for that neck of the woods.

[squirtnmyload]

funny you should bring this up because we had a conversation like this last weekend. i own a 18' low freeboard jetboat and i love it. i think i will always have a jet like this. when the water is nice, there is no better feeling than ripping across the lake/river blowing a big ass roost out the back. i love being low to the water and i love the lines of them, but, i go to sleep every night and dream of the day that i get to buy my dream boat.
i will use this one as an example........

http://www.hotboat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=39898&stc=1&d=1190763702

i am so obsessed with the looks of the classic cruiser that i think about owning one everyday. in the end my ultimate goal is to have a jet, a nice v-drive cruiser and a toon. i am not interested in big tunnel boats at all because i do not like the "feeling" they give at high speeds. i, like you dave, can appreciate the workmanship and the pride the owners of flat bottoms have. i enjoy looking at them and watching them drive along the water, but for me one would be worthless. i also have no interest in owning any large cruiser (unless it was a houseboat) or any 30+ foot V bottom. i can say that i bust my ass everyday to try to make my dream come true............brian <--------- has several "bassett tattoos" :D

[Noisy Nova]

What you'd like to have and what you can use are not always the same unfortunately. Years ago, when I was close to a river, I had this;
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e251/noisynova/Other%20Boats/a9782b1d.jpg

Of course this limited me to the river, but it was a lot of fun. Then I got this;
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e251/noisynova/Other%20Boats/f4d7f337.jpg

Now I could venture out on the lake as well as the river. On the lake, the ride was ok, but with any kind of wave action you got very wet. The next boat was this 24' Trojan. It was my weekend get-a-way for a few years.
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e251/noisynova/Other%20Boats/1f482000.jpg

The trouble with this beast was that it was very narrow (6'2") at the transom, under powered (Merc 188), and tall (like having a sail attached).
And then my brother gave me the use of his 30' Searay 'till it was sold. Damn, that ruined me for single engined boats. But at least I now knew what I wanted; trailer boat (no dockage fees), deep V (for the big waves on the lake), and twin engines. You should know that I grew up with inboards and view anything else as an aberration, so my dream boat had to be inboard power. Not hard to find, eh?

[whiteworks]

STOKER SST 201
by far the funnest boat I have ever driven. fairly economical to run and maintain, pulls a skier, kinda fast, all around solid boats for the river.

for the ocean LUCKYSTRIKE would be Ideal 36' concept CC with twin wakkers

http://www.hotboat.com/image_center/data/500/2879IMG_0007.JPG

[Eazykiller]

wow that's a lot to read, soooo
with out reading all the B/S
can I just SAY
I will pick a cat over a V bottem
and I will pick Advantage
because we have one?

[DeltaSigBoater]

I, we, my family, have a 1983 27’ Day Cruiser, built by some screwball in Oregon, and to my knowledge there were only 5 ever built. My grandpa purchased the boat via repo auction in ’87. The boat has been a good boat over the past 20 years, but it’s no Schiada, Campbell, Hallett, Spectra, or any other high quality custom builder of the same era, which draw more money now than it did when it was. I’ve had this conversation several times with my dad in recent years, “in the near future we are going to have to cut our losses and buy a new boat.” The question what to buy?

[wolfie]

The boat I'd really like to have is a 23' Campbell. I've loved those since my first trip to Havasu back when I was 14. I've always like the 'cruisers.

[H4Poohbah]

Love the old school jets 18' to 21'; Kona, Tahiti, and Rogers; that's what we started with and given the right conditions it would still be a blast for a short ride every now and then. 20 years later I'm a helluva lot bigger, and go with more people; hence more this and more that. My practical choice, and yes because I like their look and ride very much Conquest Top Cat; II preferred but a 1 will do. I have always admired and thought the look of Ultra's Shadows was badass. Just an old fat guy's humble opinion. Sorry not as much specific data, but I am not as technically sound as many of u here.

[Lewiville]

boats are like woman, the older they are the more stories they can tell. I like em all.

[yopengo]

My brother and I have owned:

Two Southwind jets, a Nordic tunnel jet, a Carrera jet, a Sea Doo jet boat and I now have a Playcraft Tri Toon.

If I had to pick one it would be my old Southwind 21. I love the feel of cruising the river in a jet. They are not the fastest (well we ran very good in Parker in the Nordic) but they sure are fun to drive. When we bought a house in Havasu we realized that a small jet would not work. Having the tri toon has been a blast, we don’t have to worry about scratching the gel, no three-hour cleanings (hell I just shop vac the damn thing), I can bring most of my friends and have no problem in the late afternoon chop.

In the future I would love to find an old jet hull and to a resto mod on the thing. Maybe ill just have Danny build me one…. who knows. I do miss my jets.

[rlemn8r]

I have had a carrera jet, and now my eliminator jet. If i had my choice i would have a schiada v-drive 21ft. with 750 hp...

[boatnam2]

I have been lucky enough to own quite a few boats in my boating life,8 or so 6 bought brand new.Iv'e had the 1965 elvis boat, aluminum outboard boat,old wood ocean boat,the outboat ski boat, the family 18ft bowrider,the 21ft inboard,100mph 26ft cat ,bigger vee and now a deck boat.I loved all of them and they were pretty much were i was or what i was about at that time in my life.I guess if i had the dough im would love a big cat but dont see it happening so i guess i have came full circle because as of late i have been thinking of down sizing to a smaller river runner with some power.

[spectras only]

Tough question ! I've always loved big boats and a Buddy Davies would be a dream to own. If I lived in California like most of you ,I would only want a boat that I'd use on lakes and rivers only . I'd have to ask my friend to build one for me and I'd do the power , dropping a ZZ 572 720 HP in her . Boat is a 24' deep V ,with high freeboard that's very suitable for very rough water .
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/still%20iso.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/2001%20kaz%20yacth%20tender%20layout.jpg
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/cockpit%20new%20disc%206.4.jpg

[H4Poohbah]

:drool Nice!!!

[Hustler]

I love my old cruiser but there will be a flattie in my future.

[Racey]

I think a lot of us here share the same love of boats, and can appreciate the craftsmanship and purpose that each and every boat brings to the table. I'm a V-Drive guy, to me nothing gives the thrill of speed and agility like a v-drive (not even a 46' skater with 1300hp sterlings that does 150mph+) and while i can appreciate the incredible amount of work that goes into building a big cat, there is no other boat in the world that gives the builder an opportunity to show true ingenuity and skill of craftsmanship like a V-Drive boat can, be it a badass flat bottom, or a cruiser type schiada/spectra v-bottom.


A 22' to 24' v-drive cruiser with race style installation/hardware, cav plates, etc and a Nice 540cu in N/A or Turbo motor, white with yellow and blue stripes, no graphics, classic lines. That's my dream boat. Small enough to be wiped down after a day of boating in 15mins, and a whole detail job only takes ya a few hours. Easy to tow and store, and still big enough to hold enough gear to go camping for the weekend, or take you home safely in the rough.


Any boat that is kept meticulously clean will always catch my eye, no matter what kind of boat it is, you can tell which owners really love and care for their rigs. That's what is really important to me.

[spectras only]

Racey , my friend built these smaller 19 footers with V-drives as well .
He used Walters instead of the better Casale , so he dropped the V-
drives from his line . This one with a 383 coupled to Casale would be a
screamer >http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/kavalk19.8.jpg

He used too much wood for my liking in these . I think he used a BMW 6 cyl/drive on this one >
http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/kavalk%20mistral%20L%201.jpg

Love the Schiadas on your webpage . I'd love to go for a ride in one one
day .

[Noisy Nova]

Like this? 24'10", 8'2" beam, 24.5 deg deadrise. Twin V-drives.:D

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e251/noisynova/DSCF0394.jpg

[Havasu Dreamin]

Our deckboat as it suits our boating style much better than the previous boat...

[River]

Been in a ton of boats. Big twin Vees in the ocean - great. Express cruisers, better yet. I've had two V drives, a Fountain and now an outboard 21... Twins are 6, but when they are 14 or so it'll be a turbo'd vee drive... :D Quiet, quick and everything under a hatch cover. What mommy doesn't know won't hurt her...:)

http://http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=303&stc=1&d=1191416940

[shippingguy]

I am a fan of all boats, but to me the Ultra 27 Shadow is my choice. I guess I am partial though since I am on my second one.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/hgrimme/Boat.jpg

[RiverDave]

I am a fan of all boats, but to me the Ultra 27 Shadow is my choice. I guess I am partial though since I am on my second one.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/hgrimme/Boat.jpg

Where was that picture taken?

RD

[shippingguy]

RD that pic was taken at Jack Smith in Needles. That is where we launch each weekend.

Mike

[RiverDave]

RD that pic was taken at Jack Smith in Needles. That is where we launch each weekend.

Mike

Beautiful Place!! I'd like to make a run up there from Havi to check it out sometime! :)

RD

[shippingguy]

Beautiful Place!! I'd like to make a run up there from Havi to check it out sometime! :)

RD


We find ourselves hanging up there more and at Moabi then coming down to Havasu.

Mike

[Coolstkr]

My wife and I just purchased a new E-Ticket and are more than happy with it.. :) We went from a V-Hull to the cat and I'll say there is no comparison when it comes to the ride when the lake gets chewed up in the afternoon. Now if I can only get my wife out of the driver's seat!!!:swear

[SFV2RVR]

Im happy with what I got, but its a never ending money pit, and it will probably never be finished!:D

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e320/SFV2RVR06/SchiadaRC21.jpg

[mbrown2]

My favorite boat....one that can fit a lot of friends, lots of storage, huge stereo, can tow, turns on a dime and easy to navigate the river current with...

My next boat may be a little bigger...24-27...need a little more length to really enjoy yourself on the lake but not be too big for the river..

[Sharp Shooter]

The diverse range of boat taste is expected. Everyone has a different need, want and taste. Some people prefer comfort and some people will sacrifice everything for speed.

For small lakes and rivers I think this is a pretty good compromise for all around speed, comfort and fun.

20.5 Rayson GN with back seat and blown hemi!
http://www.v-drivevideo.com/jerrysgallery/albums/userpics/DSC01948.JPG

Cool site Dave. I thought you already had the riverratlife site?

[DeltaSigBoater]

The diverse range of boat taste is expected. Everyone has a different need, want and taste. Some people prefer comfort and some people will sacrifice everything for speed.

For small lakes and rivers I think this is a pretty good compromise for all around speed, comfort and fun.

20.5 Rayson GN with back seat and blown hemi!
http://www.v-drivevideo.com/jerrysgallery/albums/userpics/DSC01948.JPG

Cool site Dave. I thought you already had the riverratlife site?

Very Cool Boat :D

[tbone1904]

I am a drag racer so I like to be quick, but also want the looks. I had a nice looking jet boat for Martinez a while back, but it was to slow. I want a dual engine I/O that will handle the ocean. My next boat will take me from San Diego to Catalina, and fast! I saw a boat not to long ago in hot boat that I think would be perfect. It is the Adrenaline V30. I would love my engine builder to build two motors for a boat like that to accomplish my goals.

[Magic34]

When someone figures it out, let me know. It is very clear I am unable to figure out what the hell to do.

[RiverDave]

The diverse range of boat taste is expected. Everyone has a different need, want and taste. Some people prefer comfort and some people will sacrifice everything for speed.

For small lakes and rivers I think this is a pretty good compromise for all around speed, comfort and fun.

20.5 Rayson GN with back seat and blown hemi!
http://www.v-drivevideo.com/jerrysgallery/albums/userpics/DSC01948.JPG

That's a siiiiiccckkk boat!! :)



Cool site Dave. I thought you already had the riverratlife site?

It's a weird quest to take over the internet one site at a time.. LOL Seriously though, RRL was something Jim, Keith and I started, but we ended up having different visions of the way things should be done so I cut back my participation on that about a little over a year ago. I still stop in from time to time to say hello though. :)

RD

[RiverDave]

Im happy with what I got, but its a never ending money pit, and it will probably never be finished!:D

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e320/SFV2RVR06/SchiadaRC21.jpg

GREAT PICTURE!!

RD

[lebel409]

Good question...

Some background, my dad raced outboard marathon in the early 60s, my new father-in-law drag raced boats in the late 70's-early 80s.

My father in law gave my his spare 17 lebel. My dad was pretty against it, you need a bigger boat on the lake these days, too low free board, inboard use too much gas, insurance...and it'll be a buttload of work and money to get the flattie in the water again. Would've been cheaper to buy a running jet (turnkey:D).

My response. Low is cool, v-8s are cool, the 409 will be even cooler. The lake is nasty because the boats are too big...so I should get a big boat? I'd rather be on the water with a Montgomery Wards glasstron/johnrude than have no boat...but a flat bottom skimming the ripples on a nice morning will be worth the wait.

I like going for a ride. I'd really prefer to take a skier or tow someone on a tube...not happening on Havazoo. I''l get drunk when I get back to shore, so no sandbar for me either...plus I'll stay away from the reeds and those that spin out near there...

If the weather/water is too bad to take the flat out...then the skiing was no good anyway.

As for my dream boat...I think the Campbell whaler, but a lighter layup. I like the open layout and lower profile compared to many of the daycruisers...

[DeltaSigBoater]

As for my dream boat...I think the Campbell whaler, but a lighter layup. I like the open layout and lower profile compared to many of the daycruisers...

I am partial to 28' Campbell Whaler, from what I understand they only built few of them. So finding one for sale is damn near impossible.

[Her454]

If it floats I enjoy it. It all depends on the mood as far as anything else. I've always like the speed so thats just in the blood. FBT say's I'm a gone'r and that never goes away. :D

I reallllly enjoyed Jim's (Party Cat) boat when he made his trip up north. The larger boat you can relax in, have a few cocktails and yet its no slug either.

My parents started out with an old 45hp Outboard Merc and I remember it well. Could barely get on plane sometimes if we had one too many icechests. Lots of fun times in that old heap tho. Then we advanced to the jets and v-drives and I love both. Dad had the jet and my brothers had the v-drives. I prefer a boat that runs at an acceptable speed but can still pull a skier etc.

But my ultimate love is the old wooden v-drives. The true woodies. Nothing but class and a sign of older, and a more memorable time. Miller's build threads over on HB just amaze me. Hopefully I'll have mine done before I'm too damn old to drive it. :D

The larger flashy, "get the hell out my way boats" are nice..but not worth the money to me. Guess I'm oldschool.

[Miss Perfect]

When I first started going to the river, my ex and I had a 16' tahiti. Then we bought an 18' SWDT and I remember thinking...wow, we have all this room now! Ummm yeah, we could fit an 18pk cooler instead of a 12! Then I got totally spoiled and started going with Dan in his 35' Cig. I had no idea boats even got that big. LOL..... I had a lot to learn. These days you can find me in a 28' nordic. In my opinion, that is the perfect size boat for the river and havasu. I have no opinion on brands because I have not been in enough of them to tell. It really does not matter what you are in as long as you are having a good time.... I even use to have a boat just like RD's bubbles that I would take to martinez. i think that was the best of them all! :D

[spectras only]

Did I fail to mention that my taste in boats [ yachts ]would change very quickly if I become a billionaire overnight :D
You guys would be invited for a great boatwarming party
on this yacht for sure:beer. Friend of mine worked on the interior after they stretched it an extra 20 feet .The extension cost a cool 20 M .

You have to click on the link twice !

http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/Attessa.eml

[Racey]

Did I fail to mention that my taste in boats [ yachts ]would change very quickly if I become a billionaire overnight :D
You guys would be invited for a great boatwarming party
on this yacht for sure:beer. Friend of mine worked on the interior after they stretched it an extra 20 feet .The extension cost a cool 20 M .

You have to click on the link twice !

http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/Attessa.eml

I'd only come into port for booze, food, and fuel, and maybe the occasional changing of the guard (my crew of hot blond stewardesses:D). It would be a constant party onboard!!

[spectras only]

I'd only come into port for booze, food, and fuel, and maybe the occasional changing of the guard (my crew of hot blond stewardesses:D). It would be a constant party onboard!!

Well yeah . Who would want to step on land :hmm.
The son of the owner should take lessons from him owning such a mediocre boat like this :nono:D

http://www3.telus.net/spectrasonly/Kyle%20W%2047%20Fountain

[RiverDave]

DTB, for some reason your picture isn't showing up?

RD

[DtB]

Are any of them up on my Wickens Thread I was editing there for a sec

[RiverDave]

Are any of them up on my Wickens Thread I was editing there for a sec

The pics are up in the wickens thread but they seem to be about 1/2 size for some reason? Maybe they are just small pictures?

RD

[phuggit]

If it was a good market right now, I would sell my boat and pick up a 21' Schiada. Hands down the best riding 21' hull I've ever ridden in. The big cats are nice to look at, but I can't justify the cost.

[Wheeler]

We have similar tastes Dave. I am a v-drive nut also. But unless I come into some money (which I'm not planning on) I won't ever own one probably. :D
________
Toyota a transmission specifications (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Toyota_A_transmission)

How times have changed. :thumbsup

[rivermobster]

How times have changed. :thumbsup

Ya think? I still have my "basset tattoo"!! :D

[Wheeler]

Ya think? I still have my "basset tattoo"!! :D

Some people do the strangest things to their bodies.

[Outdrive1]

Im happy with what I got, but its a never ending money pit, and it will probably never be finished!:D

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e320/SFV2RVR06/SchiadaRC21.jpg

A true prophet. :)

[spectra3279]

I'm a simple Guy. I like what I have (for now). I just would love to have it all tricked out.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[Just Ducky]

I have always liked the v-drive old school stuff.My first boat was a 66 schiada flat with a mild bbc.It was set up for skiing so it wasn't real fast but it was fun as hell to slide turns in.Well it wasn't real practical for a family boat so I found a rare 22 schiada whaler v-drive and have been real happy with it for the last six years.It isn't real fast but it rides like an old caddy,has plenty of room and gets alot of attention from guys who know what it is.It makes boating fun as it has been turnkey and it's paid for!

[SydneyRaysDad]

My girls love this one and that's good enough for me......

[hallett21]

Schiada 24 with an 800 hooked to an I/O because I want simplicity. Would love a 21 rc vdrive though. But I am so hooked on our vector!!

[Froggystyle]

My tastes have swung 'round a couple of times in the last several years as well. Mostly because my boating has...

When we owned Trident, a huge part of my boating (too much actually) was spent promoting the brand, and not going where I enjoy. Before Trident, I owned a series of smaller jet boats from 18-21' and loved all of them. My favorite boat I have ever owned that I didn't build is now owned by ROC, and I would buy it back in a second, and in fact have first right of refusal should he ever move it. I have a ton of work into it, and in my opinion, it was "just right" for the lower river, where I am most at home.

It wasn't a very good Havasu or Parker boat though. Too small, and the culture had shifted around to wanting to stay on the boat, or near it, all day either on the Sandbar or in the Channel. You just don't pull up camp somewhere like we did when I was a kid if you want to sling boats.

With the cratering of the company, my use of boats has changed as well. I am back to finding a nice spot to drop anchor, set up an easy-up and hang with the people I like the most. Maybe some dancing.. some drinking and Washoes etc... With a kid coming in a month, I see this as the primary focus of my boating in the future.

Kind of.

I also surf now... a lot. I didn't surf ten years ago... or hadn't in ten years. The best surf in SD and Mex is accessible primarily by boat. My next boat that I own is going to be a very seaworthy, efficient and habitable surf exploration vessel for nearshore stuff. Something to put a pile of boards on, hang wetsuits from the rails, big fresh water system with shower etc... Something Audrey can hang on with the baby in comfort all day (AC maybe?) and I can use as a base camp. In the best case scenario (business does VERY well...) I want this...

http://www.prowleryachts.com/images/prowlerclassicrunningeast.jpg

It is a 37.5' Marlow Prowler Classic. I met David Marlow when I was just getting started in the business, as he was the only guy doing any infusion work. His boats are epic. Lightweight, strong as all get out, higher performance than comparably equipped boats and not super hard on the budget. You would get this for significantly less than a really trick F32 DCB for example... Twin diesels, all the comforts... Seaworthy (live full time in saltwater) and just a fun boat to own. Oh... and its a jet. ;)

http://www.prowleryachts.com/the_prowlers.htm

The other boat I was looking at was this. A bit more in my price range now, but who know what the year brings...

http://coastguardnews.com/images/palin2.jpg

You can get this with twin outboards and all the goodies for under $350K brand new. Not as cool, but pretty cool still.

I want to build one of the last Tridents for everything else. Literally... everything else. It was great on big days, small days, river, lake, ocean, pulled a skier, was safe, smooth and fast as hell. I miss having one terribly, and it was truly the best boat I have ever owned. I was proud to have built it.

[sirbob]

If money were no object I would love to have a saltwater style open sport fishing boat striped down with no bridge or tower (but with hard top), no rails, black hull etc - really clean simple design set up for fresh water, it would have aircon for the times you want to cool off and be able to stay onboard for the weekend (picture being anchored in Copper canyon over night with the underwater lights on) ...

Now all I need is a cool million bucks or three ...

[Froggystyle]

If money were no object I would love to have a saltwater style open sport fishing boat striped down with no bridge or tower (but with hard top), no rails, black hull etc - really clean simple design set up for fresh water, it would have aircon for the times you want to cool off and be able to stay onboard for the weekend (picture being anchored in Copper canyon over night with the underwater lights on) ...

Now all I need is a cool million bucks or three ...

Funny... You just described the Marlow... :D

The thing about sportfishers, is that they are really good for fishing. Tons of storage for poles, lots of berthing for a bunch of drunk guys, fish lockers, bait wells, layout for fishing etc... Not very good at much else. They are terrible yachts IMO...

Same money gets you a lot more boat if you don't ever plan on over the horizon fishing with it.

[rivergames]

If money were no object I would love to have a saltwater style open sport fishing boat striped down with no bridge or tower (but with hard top), no rails, black hull etc - really clean simple design set up for fresh water, it would have aircon for the times you want to cool off and be able to stay onboard for the weekend (picture being anchored in Copper canyon over night with the underwater lights on) ...

Now all I need is a cool million bucks or three ...
I would love to have that boat exactly as it sits. I'd be at Catalina 1 weekend and Parker the next weekend. I really need to marry a girl that has a loaded family:rolleyes:

[sirbob]

Funny... You just described the Marlow... :D

The thing about sportfishers, is that they are really good for fishing. Tons of storage for poles, lots of berthing for a bunch of drunk guys, fish lockers, bait wells, layout for fishing etc... Not very good at much else. They are terrible yachts IMO...

Same money gets you a lot more boat if you don't ever plan on over the horizon fishing with it.

I agree with some of what you said - I can't think of a better party boat for a bunch of drunk guys (and girls) that you can hose down when a beer spills etc - I'm not a fan of the lines on the Marlow - I really like some of the open sport fish designs like Rybovich or Buddy Davis etc - I like the long flow from the bow to a low cockpit that you can have a big swim platform on and have great access to the water.

[HOOTER SLED-]

My girls love this one and that's good enough for me......

Damn, that's shit's nice. All that blue up front really breaks it up and gives it a different look from what everyone else is doing. :thumbsup

[2Driver]

I found after 11 boats that they are a lot like motorcycles.

Genereally they are so geared to a specific task that you'll never be 100% satisfied unless you own 2 or 3. Then it's just a matter of which 3? :D

[Fltplan]

My tastes have swung 'round a couple of times in the last several years as well. Mostly because my boating has...

When we owned Trident, a huge part of my boating (too much actually) was spent promoting the brand, and not going where I enjoy. Before Trident, I owned a series of smaller jet boats from 18-21' and loved all of them. My favorite boat I have ever owned that I didn't build is now owned by ROC, and I would buy it back in a second, and in fact have first right of refusal should he ever move it. I have a ton of work into it, and in my opinion, it was "just right" for the lower river, where I am most at home.

It wasn't a very good Havasu or Parker boat though. Too small, and the culture had shifted around to wanting to stay on the boat, or near it, all day either on the Sandbar or in the Channel. You just don't pull up camp somewhere like we did when I was a kid if you want to sling boats.

With the cratering of the company, my use of boats has changed as well. I am back to finding a nice spot to drop anchor, set up an easy-up and hang with the people I like the most. Maybe some dancing.. some drinking and Washoes etc... With a kid coming in a month, I see this as the primary focus of my boating in the future.

Kind of.

I also surf now... a lot. I didn't surf ten years ago... or hadn't in ten years. The best surf in SD and Mex is accessible primarily by boat. My next boat that I own is going to be a very seaworthy, efficient and habitable surf exploration vessel for nearshore stuff. Something to put a pile of boards on, hang wetsuits from the rails, big fresh water system with shower etc... Something Audrey can hang on with the baby in comfort all day (AC maybe?) and I can use as a base camp. In the best case scenario (business does VERY well...) I want this...

http://www.prowleryachts.com/images/prowlerclassicrunningeast.jpg

It is a 37.5' Marlow Prowler Classic. I met David Marlow when I was just getting started in the business, as he was the only guy doing any infusion work. His boats are epic. Lightweight, strong as all get out, higher performance than comparably equipped boats and not super hard on the budget. You would get this for significantly less than a really trick F32 DCB for example... Twin diesels, all the comforts... Seaworthy (live full time in saltwater) and just a fun boat to own. Oh... and its a jet. ;)

http://www.prowleryachts.com/the_prowlers.htm

The other boat I was looking at was this. A bit more in my price range now, but who know what the year brings...

http://coastguardnews.com/images/palin2.jpg

You can get this with twin outboards and all the goodies for under $350K brand new. Not as cool, but pretty cool still.

I want to build one of the last Tridents for everything else. Literally... everything else. It was great on big days, small days, river, lake, ocean, pulled a skier, was safe, smooth and fast as hell. I miss having one terribly, and it was truly the best boat I have ever owned. I was proud to have built it.

Wes, what boat are you talking about that ROC now owns? That was before my time on RDP.

As for my boat, it's for the lower river and it's perfect for my wife and I. Kid or couple friends when needed.

[pronstar]

I found after 11 boats that they are a lot like motorcycles.

Genereally they are so geared to a specific task that you'll never be 100% satisfied unless you own 2 or 3. Then it's just a matter of which 3? :D

...or like cars, for that matter.

Danny's red boat is one of my all-time favorites, and I was "this close" to convincing the wife that we needed it.

But I'd like something that can handle bad Havasu chop as well, so that 257 plug he has could create my ideal boat...an Ilmore with an Indy drive in it would be effing cool, but I'd settle for something in the 700-hp range and an XR drive :thumbsup

[JBB]

180885

[Froggystyle]

Wes, what boat are you talking about that ROC now owns? That was before my time on RDP.

21' closed bow jet with a big Merlin engine. Ran 80 flat, but pulled hard and had a huge stereo. Great boat.

Tough to find closed bow late model jets. And I absolutely hate open bows.

[NIGHTMARE]

If money was no issue. One of each. Hell why not. You have to appreciate everything for what it is and what its good at.... For now, my 19' Daytona will do. Don't think I'll ever get rid of this thing. It's too much fun:D

180899

[SuperJet]

I will always have my jet. Dont plan on ever selling the Sanger, but i would like to have a decently set up gull wing and ultimately like a 25-28 foot nordic.

[Fltplan]

21' closed bow jet with a big Merlin engine. Ran 80 flat, but pulled hard and had a huge stereo. Great boat.

Tough to find closed bow late model jets. And I absolutely hate open bows.

Before coming back to the river on a regular basis back in 03-04 we took our Miller Jet Boat up to Shasta on vacation. We met some people up there that had a closed deck 21 Carrera jet. Had a 502 in it I believe. I remember thinking how big that boat was next to our 19' miller. You never see closed bow 21-22' boats anymore. It was actually a cool looking boat. Yours sounds pretty nice as well.

Once we started back to the river on a regular basis, we got accustomed to the big boats. Seemed like a 21' used to be big. :thumbsup

[STV_Keith]

Beautiful Place!! I'd like to make a run up there from Havi to check it out sometime! :)

RD

Take a boat ride to the next Needles get together, which is usually held at Jack Smith. It's about a 35 mile ride from Havi by boat, and usually early enough in the year that you'll have the lake/river mostly to yourself. A great ride.

[STV_Keith]

I think there are a lot of factors that go into you personal decision on what boat fits you and fulfills your needs. From my own perspectives, your upbringing (if you were around boats) probably has a lot to do with your tastes.

I grew up in Miami, and the East Coast was and is predominantly outboard in the smaller vessel sizes (what fits my checkbook). I can remember back to 1975, standing between my dads legs driving his 17' PowerCraft with Evinrude 135hp V4 outboard. Since then, my dad has owned upwards of 50 boats, all were outboard powered.

It made natural sense to me to buy something that I knew, and that my support system (dads help, since I was working on whatever I bought myself) knew fairly well. I wanted something FAST, but safe, as my first boat. I had some driving experience, but not a lot. I bought my STV because my dad had had 3 of them, and in his words, they were the safest thing you could buy, in the price range (<$12k) that would run over 100mph. It's 18'6" long, and I drove the crap out of it every time it hit the water. It was always a work in progress, with my efforts to make it faster, eventually hitting 112mph. It's a great boat, is very stable, and just about everyone that climbs in, gets out saying they need to buy one. In the years I've owned it, I know 2 of my friends DID buy an STV, and several others have told me it's on their "to do" list. LOL

Alas, Mead, Mohave, Havasu and Parker were somewhat brutal in a 19' boat, so I started looking for something bigger to brave those waves. Again, due to price range and my familiarity, due to the fact that maintenance and repairs would be with my hands and checkbook limitations, I looked for an outboard boat. I ended up with an East Coast style open fisherman, my 30' Scarab.

Honestly, I wanted something that was a mix of the room of a Party Cat (thanks to Party Cat Jim as well for spoiling me on the space of a deck boat), but something with outboards that I could work on, and even a cabin for overnighting at Powell. The Scarab fit this bill perfectly.

In the end, I'm happy with what I have - it fits the budget, fits my performance goals and I ended up with two boats that cover my spectrum of boating fun...hanging out, partying and going fast.

I'm sure everyone is different, which is why so many brands/types of boats are built. Sure, the MTI's and Skaters are awesome machines, but WAY WAY beyond my checkbook limits. So are the v-drives and river cruisers...still beyond my budget, but can have absurd performance (Lynch) and a helluva lot of fun. They each have their place, and different owners will push them into service where they don't technically belong, because that is what they have to get to the spot.

In the end, if you're on the water and enjoying yourself, you've picked the right boat!

[hoofy]

Puts a smile on my face everytime i hit the start button

[wrighton]

21 foot v drive cruiser seems to fit my style at the moment, I also have an old school glenwood with sbc and v drive I would like to finish before it's all said and done. I have rode in a lot of fast jet's the last couple of years, but just doesnt seem to have the same effect.

[cave]

The current bote,
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/389886_2347110968464_1570754194_31781503_747117151 _n.jpg
This was my dream bote, The 1st time I saw it at the SAG I told Greg if he ever wanted to sell it Let Me Know. I called 396waytospit to see if he wanted to go on a road trip to Texas to pick up a 19' Cheyenne. When he called me back he said Greg was selling The Nameless. Lake tested for 5, maybe 6 seconds then handed over the cash. Its been a never ending money pit :D Hey you cant take it with you. Next upgrade probably a 572 and a bigger blower.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/264525_1800348459743_1570754194_31414127_2182801_n .jpg

Good times have been had. Its been to Yuma, Big River, Parker, Havasu in 4' chop :eek: The infamous Channel. Bartlett, Apache, Canyon and Home Base Saguaro. Its been a great boat.

The next one will be another Tunnel. 25 maybe 27. No bigger. The Jet will stay or be replaced with another Liberator outta Texas. Fuggen love this boats ride.

My buddy Doug got me hooked into this Bote stuff. Him and Nellie stay at either Foxs or at the Keys. This 25 Daytona is what Id like next. But with a 572 blown injected Efi dealio :D
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/33730_1408763710369_1570754194_30885842_1088492_n. jpg

[shueman]

Need a money tree, but I'd opt for a Hinkly jet bote...:thumbsup

http://www.hinckleyyachts.com/images/t38r_Gallery/t38r_02.jpg

[BIG JOHNSON]

Beautiful boats, and an interesting thread. I love the river, and am satisfied with my recent jet boat purchase.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

[OCMerrill]

Funny... You just described the Marlow... :D

The thing about sportfishers, is that they are really good for fishing. Tons of storage for poles, lots of berthing for a bunch of drunk guys, fish lockers, bait wells, layout for fishing etc... Not very good at much else. They are terrible yachts IMO...

Same money gets you a lot more boat if you don't ever plan on over the horizon fishing with it.


Ocean boats suck but yea a sedan is a nice mix if you ask me. You also want something easy to handle in wind and rough seas or the fun goes away quickly.

I have come to find out the boat is only 1/2 the issue of boating the big blue. The other 1/2 is the marina and in our current slip in Huntington Harbor we are not liking the management at all. Quick to kill a good time thats for sure.

http://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=170755&stc=1&d=1320001756

[TRG]

RD..."I might be able to pull some comprimise with a "halfie" race boat with a full interior kinda deal, but even then you try do make something dual purpose and you end up with something that's not excellent for either."
This statement above holds more water than I car to empty!
I love my deal, but its been a bit of an odd road from handeling issues to now, the MPH wanting to get more involved with a race program....and use it on the river all spring/summer long!??? :blah:
I would love to own a 22' DCB or KMG with a 300 (Single) and tunes, so I could finally put the toy boat on a diet and honor her as a harder running jet! she's like putting a high dollar hooker in a nuns gown, (Kinda gets me hot thinkin about that though!) anyway, as the world turn, I save my pennies, and some day I will have the 22'.

[footer]

Our Hallett 210 open bow I/O is an good quality, good performance, family station wagon. We can go out with two or three families and have a great day.

http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo296/sbaumann_earl/P1010750.jpg

But from the driver's seat, our Eliminator tunnel with an outie was just pure fun. It skied great, too. I hope my golden years boat is a 25-27 foot tunnel twin outie.

http://i385.photobucket.com/albums/oo296/sbaumann_earl/eliminatoronthewolf.jpg

[TPC]

http://media.channelblade.com/boat_graphics/electronic_brochure/company26705/140290_p_t_640x480_image01.jpg

[Flyinbowtie]

I'd take that one too, Ross.
:D

[spectras only]

Shueman and Froggystyle, local guy has this Hinckley you both would appreciate;).

[spectras only]

As I've posted before,love the retro style wood deck boats but always liked the convertible sportfishers.
Here's my bud's Southerncross 53,lots of room inside and on the rear cockpit.All he ever fished for with it is women;)

[fmo24]

Beautiful boat. I too love the lines of the sport fishers

[Willie B]

...Hmmm???... ...I currently have a Hallett flat,...a Sanger Runner,...a Jet Day Cruiser,...and most recently the 24' Spectra Daycruiser in my avatar... ...I lived aboard an old classic wooden 34' sedan cruiser for 8 years... ...I also had a 20' Chris Craft Mahogany planked Custom Runabout...

...Given what I now know about boats ,...I would keep the flat,...keep the runner...and the Spectra... ...I would also add some sort of 40' flybridge sedan cruiser live aboard,...like an Egg Harbor or something... ...I would also add a 21' -25' Riva type plank runabout,...or whatever state of the art in that area is... ...Oh and since I'm edging off into dreamland,...I would become a formula one race car driver so I could moor my 160 footer in Monaco...:D

[whiteworks]

At this point I am not really digging on owning any substantial fiberglass, building a mini to play with with the kiddo. Gonna use it locally a few hours here and there to teach her about boats and enjoy some time together.

[460]

I'm almost over the small boat thing. Don't get me wrong, I love my boat but it's time to step up.




Sent from my iPhone.

[Flyinbowtie]

Dylan, you need to load the family up and make a Nor Cal tour one of these days.

[shueman]

Shueman and Froggystyle, local guy has this Hinckley you both would appreciate;).
:thumbsup Love me a Picnic Boat...:cool:

[whiteworks]

Dylan, you need to load the family up and make a Nor Cal tour one of these days.

We will be up this summer, have some family in Chico we are going to visit:thumbsup

[Havasteve]

Did you say different?

This has everything I want. Lake Havasu has a bunch of great boat in camp sites. This thing has all the options including a new chart plotter and autohelm. It's great to just throw the anchor out and get fucked up and spend a few nights out.

[Maw]

Our bigger boat, a 48' Pacemaker (Egg Harbor). Took the full tower off this summer and went to a bimini and radar arch (in process).

Makes our Magic 28 seem like a mini-boat by comparison.

Cheers, Mark

[Willie B]

Our bigger boat, a 48' Pacemaker (Egg Harbor). Took the full tower off this summer and went to a bimini and radar arch (in process).

Makes our Magic 28 seem like a mini-boat by comparison.

Cheers, Mark

...Nice... ...Is a Pacemaker related to an Egg Harbor in some way???...

[Maw]

...Nice... ...Is a Pacemaker related to an Egg Harbor in some way???...

Pretty much the same way as a Chevy and and an Olds. For a while the Leeks had both going out different doors of the same factory. The Pacemaker got the mahogony and the Eggs got the teak interiors. Same molds were used for both. The mold used on this one later on went on to be the Chris Craft 48, then the topside mold was tweaked to become the Ocean 48SS, then when that model was retired the molds went to China to become the Pace 48 for a few years more.

Pretty much like so many builders did with the 20/21 Spectra except through the passing and acquisition of companies.

[work2ski]

Our bigger boat, a 48' Pacemaker (Egg Harbor). Took the full tower off this summer and went to a bimini and radar arch (in process).

Makes our Magic 28 seem like a mini-boat by comparison.

Cheers, Mark

48' Pacemaker is a bitchen boat. Back in the 90's a friend had a 73'. 1 of three set up with turbines. It was built like a battleship! I wish I had it today...

[Brian B]

I love all boats. Considering that I like watersports, mine is a wakeboat.

I couldnt hate on any one type of boat from a river raft to a yacht.