I am in the market for my next boat , my current boat is a Grady White 20'Walkaround.It's a great boat but I'm looking for a bigger and pilot style boat. I have looked into a 25'XL Parker,but the cabin is a little to bare for me.The 26'Ofsprey was a nice experience,nice cabin,nice ride.But now I've seen 28'+ 32' custom Downeast boats in the same price range.Does anybody know about Ofspreys reputation and or the advantage of a Downeaster.I would Highly appreciate any information. Thanks
Choosing my next Boat
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Next Boat
We just bought the 24'OSPREY EXPEDTION and was the best thing that we did. I don't know that much about the downeasters but can tell you that the OSPREY is one **** of a boat. Solid in the water and a great ride. We have the VOLVO PENTA DUO PROP 5.0GXI. More than enough power for the boat, plenty of room inside the cabin, we opted not to have any galley as it's just a waste of good space and requires no dock side power. We are getting approx. 2 miles per gallon. Still in the early stages of gettin an accurate reading. We got the boat up to 42 mph and that was with full gear myself and my husband. The only complaint we have about the boat, is that the pitch of the ****pit area should be a little more on an angle as the water gathers along the sides of the boat and has to be swept out. Also there is no pulpit on that boat making the anchor swing and hit the boat. Even with a winch this will happen and you'll still need someone up there to guide up the anchor.These are just minor issues that can be dealt with. The 24' is more than enough for us and plenty of room for 4 people to fish very comfortably. Maintenance on the boat is easy and you can get to everything in the engine compartment, well built and good layout. We have spoken to a few other OSPREY owners and they ,like us have all agreed that it is one **** of a boat. Good Luck in whatever it is you decide to get.
We just bought the 24'OSPREY EXPEDTION and was the best thing that we did. I don't know that much about the downeasters but can tell you that the OSPREY is one **** of a boat. Solid in the water and a great ride. We have the VOLVO PENTA DUO PROP 5.0GXI. More than enough power for the boat, plenty of room inside the cabin, we opted not to have any galley as it's just a waste of good space and requires no dock side power. We are getting approx. 2 miles per gallon. Still in the early stages of gettin an accurate reading. We got the boat up to 42 mph and that was with full gear myself and my husband. The only complaint we have about the boat, is that the pitch of the ****pit area should be a little more on an angle as the water gathers along the sides of the boat and has to be swept out. Also there is no pulpit on that boat making the anchor swing and hit the boat. Even with a winch this will happen and you'll still need someone up there to guide up the anchor.These are just minor issues that can be dealt with. The 24' is more than enough for us and plenty of room for 4 people to fish very comfortably. Maintenance on the boat is easy and you can get to everything in the engine compartment, well built and good layout. We have spoken to a few other OSPREY owners and they ,like us have all agreed that it is one **** of a boat. Good Luck in whatever it is you decide to get.
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27,335 Posts
For a pilot type boat - I'm in love with the Shamrocks. No particular reason other then the layout.
Was looking at the Ospreys at the Javits Boat show last year & really liked them. Then saw the Shamrock - gorgeous.
Don't know much about boats - being a surf caster. I've never been on either an Osprey or a Shamrock (other then the boat show). But just comparing the 2 at Javitts had me dreaming about owning the Shamrock.
Suggest if you're in no hurry to buy - that you catch the show this year & look at the 2 side by side.
Just my meger 2 cents.
Was looking at the Ospreys at the Javits Boat show last year & really liked them. Then saw the Shamrock - gorgeous.
Don't know much about boats - being a surf caster. I've never been on either an Osprey or a Shamrock (other then the boat show). But just comparing the 2 at Javitts had me dreaming about owning the Shamrock.
Suggest if you're in no hurry to buy - that you catch the show this year & look at the 2 side by side.
Just my meger 2 cents.
Well, if you'd ask me, i'd choose Parker. I like the layout and as far as the cabin, i don't spend much time in there so simplicity is what i need. I just need a dry place to store my gear and to get out of the elements.
The Parker has a nice big clean deck for fishing and plenty of room to add a bait-station where it's not in the way. When i hit the lottery, my next boat will be a 25' Parker
The Parker has a nice big clean deck for fishing and plenty of room to add a bait-station where it's not in the way. When i hit the lottery, my next boat will be a 25' Parker
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874 Posts
What exactly are you going to use the boat for?? Is it primarily an inshore boat, or will you be running offshore??
Capt. H
Capt. H
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874 Posts
If I were looking to head off shore, I would look at the New England boats with a diesel. All the builders will build to any stage of completion, so you can get a boat with the things you want. They make nice offshore boats and their large keels make for stable platforms. You can find them used, but the ones that are in good shape, and priced well don't last. The National Fisherman magazine lists most of the key builders.
Good luck
Capt. H
Good luck
Capt. H
What CaptHook said, plus here is a link to a review of a very nice downeaster, the Seaworthy 28 made by General Marine. Many of the comments made apply to downeasters in general. General Marine also makes a 26' that will be my next boat (when I buy that winning ticket). The strengths of the downeaster boats are seaworthiness and economy. Most have full keels that add stability and protect the running gear. They generally will cruise between 12 and 22 mph. The Shamrocks are also nice boats. I owned a 20' center console. Much cheaper to repower than an outboard, a clean full transom makes them good for fishing and also seaworthy. Go to www.fishtheclassic.net for more information than you'll ever want to know on Shamrocks. The resources available on that board are another reason to buy a Shamrock.
http://www2.yachtworld.com/neyachts/neyachts_6.html
http://www2.yachtworld.com/neyachts/neyachts_6.html
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1,192 Posts
Hey Direct Current,
Like yourself, I would love to purchase
a new pilot house boat. I currently have
a 20' shamrock which i bought new
in 85. You must check out the new
shamrock 27' mackinaw. It would be my
choice for a number of reasons.
I would opt for the yanmar diesel.
It is a really neat boat, everything
is minted out. However it does carry
a heavy price tag. If you wait for a
left over you are looking at 110K or there abouts. It is a "wife" friendly
boat with alot of really nice amenities.
Best of luck with the boat hunting.
fishinsurfer
Like yourself, I would love to purchase
a new pilot house boat. I currently have
a 20' shamrock which i bought new
in 85. You must check out the new
shamrock 27' mackinaw. It would be my
choice for a number of reasons.
I would opt for the yanmar diesel.
It is a really neat boat, everything
is minted out. However it does carry
a heavy price tag. If you wait for a
left over you are looking at 110K or there abouts. It is a "wife" friendly
boat with alot of really nice amenities.
Best of luck with the boat hunting.
fishinsurfer
Joined
·
1,192 Posts
Hey Direct Current,
Like yourself, I would love to purchase
a new pilot house boat. I currently have
a 20' shamrock which i bought new
in 85. You must check out the new
shamrock 27' mackinaw. It would be my
choice for a number of reasons.
I would opt for the yanmar diesel.
It is a really neat boat, everything
is minted out. However it does carry
a heavy price tag. If you wait for a
left over you are looking at 110K or there abouts. It is a "wife" friendly
boat with alot of really nice amenities.
Best of luck with the boat hunting.
fishinsurfer
Like yourself, I would love to purchase
a new pilot house boat. I currently have
a 20' shamrock which i bought new
in 85. You must check out the new
shamrock 27' mackinaw. It would be my
choice for a number of reasons.
I would opt for the yanmar diesel.
It is a really neat boat, everything
is minted out. However it does carry
a heavy price tag. If you wait for a
left over you are looking at 110K or there abouts. It is a "wife" friendly
boat with alot of really nice amenities.
Best of luck with the boat hunting.
fishinsurfer
I bought a 24' Osprey Fisherman 3 years ago and its a solid boat. We opted for the Volvo 188 diesel and cruise at about 25 knots under calm conditions. The boat handles snotty conditions well and is a stable fishing platform under most conditions. I have the same complaint as WingsIV about the lack of a bow pulpit but can live with it. Also onboard rod storage is a bit of an issue. You think the builders of a fish boat would have put some thought into where gear would be stored. I can barely squeeze a 6.5 ft rod into the v berth. But again this is minor. We deceided that a galley was not necessary since I do not overnight on the boat but like having the dinette and elecetric head. Any way thats my 2 cents. I would be glad to answer any other questions you have about the boat.
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13,099 Posts
directcurrent, I have heard some stories concerning keel problems with the Shamrocks, basicly not have enough glass in them, cracking type things. Ask around.
If you are going to spend a fair amount of time offshore, I would opt for a New England type boat. They are very stable platforms and handle most sea conditions very well.
In the size boats you are talking about, I would look at the 26' Fortier or a 28' BHM, either one with a Yannmar. Both of these are good solid boats that also hold their value for years and years. 10 years from now your Shamrock or Osprey would probably be worth a small fraction of what you paid for it, while on the other 2, you may still get what you originaly paid, or maybe more.
One thing on these 2 boats, you need to plan well in advance. You can't walk into a showroom and buy one. Each hull is custom made to order and I think the lead time right now on either one is over 1 year. That alone should tell you something.
Tight lines
If you are going to spend a fair amount of time offshore, I would opt for a New England type boat. They are very stable platforms and handle most sea conditions very well.
In the size boats you are talking about, I would look at the 26' Fortier or a 28' BHM, either one with a Yannmar. Both of these are good solid boats that also hold their value for years and years. 10 years from now your Shamrock or Osprey would probably be worth a small fraction of what you paid for it, while on the other 2, you may still get what you originaly paid, or maybe more.
One thing on these 2 boats, you need to plan well in advance. You can't walk into a showroom and buy one. Each hull is custom made to order and I think the lead time right now on either one is over 1 year. That alone should tell you something.
Tight lines
Well so far Parker great ride, nice boat but not enough interior wise, I'm looking for a little more comfort.The Shamrock 27' mackinaw, beautiful boat everything you could want in a pilot house, but the ride, very wet ride and in a small chop very rough ride unlike a deep vee, plus the diesel fumes were pretty bad.Finally the Osprey 26',nice interior, great ride it's just that it's an i/o.I plan on using this boat all year will that be problem? And what about the "either get an inboard or an outboard " remark you sometimes hear.Finally what about maintinence? Any input would highly be appreciated, thanks.
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5,139 Posts
Parker 28
Did you check out the new Parker 28. I know W/W is not pushing them because they sell another boat line that is sort of the same. Goto
www,parkerboats.net and look at the layout. You will impressed.
I have a 23 Parker Sc and love it for it's ability to handle what is dished out.
I know that for a fact about not pushing the 28.Just out of curiosity did the mention the 28 at all?
Bill
Did you check out the new Parker 28. I know W/W is not pushing them because they sell another boat line that is sort of the same. Goto
www,parkerboats.net and look at the layout. You will impressed.
I have a 23 Parker Sc and love it for it's ability to handle what is dished out.
I know that for a fact about not pushing the 28.Just out of curiosity did the mention the 28 at all?
Bill
I did check out the parker 28, but the guys at White water really didn't back it up.But then again they did not back up the osprey line either and that has the best ride so far. I have yet to ride a Parker , the 28 looks like it has everything I'm looking for ,just have to ride one to see. I guess it's just a matter of actually getting the boat out on the water to see what you really like.
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5,139 Posts
They won't
The reason for that is conflict. the osprey is one line and Parker just came out with the 28 which will conflist with the osprey. they sold almost a 100 Parkers last year alone. They will have a problem selling the Osprey if they put a 28 Parker on that lot.
Bill
The reason for that is conflict. the osprey is one line and Parker just came out with the 28 which will conflist with the osprey. they sold almost a 100 Parkers last year alone. They will have a problem selling the Osprey if they put a 28 Parker on that lot.
Bill
Cult Classic?
This is one of the best boat discussions I've seen/heard. Leave it to you guys! Here's my experience: I'm a Groverbuilt lover. It's the only boat made in glass that has the true SeaBright skiff hull design with the box keel, bronze skeg and narrow transom. This design evolved along the Jersey and Long Island shores for running inlets and heavy surf. Its straight and true in a following sea and very economical (in fact, my dad had an original Verity skiff but thats another story).The downeasters generally have a wider stern for more speed (planing lift) but can require a littler more attention running before a sea. My last boat was a 26' and last year I "upgraded" to the 28'! I've done quite a few canyon trips (she's small so be careful!), countless bass trips and can even beach her with the flat keel when on a family day out.
Overnight canyon run, including trolling, costs about 60 gallons of diesel! The down side: she's slow, 12-14 knots cruise, and rolls a bit on the drift (I've caught tuna while "trolling" at cruise speed, though!). Anything sea over a steep 6' and you have to drop the head off about 15 degrees. Minimal accomodations and not much built in storage. Another downside is that they don't build them anymore, so you have to find and usually clean them up. (My lottery boat, though, would be a custom 30-32 foot version with enhanced interior). Power is a 120 hp 6 cyl. Lehman(Ford) diesel, with a straight inboard drive and Nibral wheel. This slow turning naturally aspirated engine will run forever.
This boat does it all - weakfish and stripers to family day to canyon overnighters - and I can afford it.
Good Luck! I love boat shopping almost as much as boat using!
This is one of the best boat discussions I've seen/heard. Leave it to you guys! Here's my experience: I'm a Groverbuilt lover. It's the only boat made in glass that has the true SeaBright skiff hull design with the box keel, bronze skeg and narrow transom. This design evolved along the Jersey and Long Island shores for running inlets and heavy surf. Its straight and true in a following sea and very economical (in fact, my dad had an original Verity skiff but thats another story).The downeasters generally have a wider stern for more speed (planing lift) but can require a littler more attention running before a sea. My last boat was a 26' and last year I "upgraded" to the 28'! I've done quite a few canyon trips (she's small so be careful!), countless bass trips and can even beach her with the flat keel when on a family day out.
Overnight canyon run, including trolling, costs about 60 gallons of diesel! The down side: she's slow, 12-14 knots cruise, and rolls a bit on the drift (I've caught tuna while "trolling" at cruise speed, though!). Anything sea over a steep 6' and you have to drop the head off about 15 degrees. Minimal accomodations and not much built in storage. Another downside is that they don't build them anymore, so you have to find and usually clean them up. (My lottery boat, though, would be a custom 30-32 foot version with enhanced interior). Power is a 120 hp 6 cyl. Lehman(Ford) diesel, with a straight inboard drive and Nibral wheel. This slow turning naturally aspirated engine will run forever.
This boat does it all - weakfish and stripers to family day to canyon overnighters - and I can afford it.
Good Luck! I love boat shopping almost as much as boat using!
I had a 26' down easter built for me 6 years ago. It's my ninth boat and I would never buy anything but a Maine built boat from this point onward. They are seaworhty,soft riding, maneuverable at the dock and salty looking to boot. The guy that built my boat was Alan Johnson (AJ Enterprises) in Winter Harbor, Maine. He did a very honest job and I would recommend him.
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