New Erie Boat??? Walkaround or Center Console

[LundNut]

Looking at getting a new boat here soon and trying to decide which style I want. I have owned a center console before but never have had a walk around. There are several pro's and con's to both...but I want to see if anyone here have opions that have owned both. Looking at 21' to 22' length and will be used 90% on Erie.

Any thoughts?

[ETT]

Just my thoughts: A 21 walk around doesn't give you enough bow to be very useful and the walk around just reduces space needed badly by ther cabin, so what's the point. Go with a 21 cuddy if you need a cabin or hard top, and go with the cc with a t top if you don't.

[Dodge1]

Having fished out of both styles, I’ll echo ETT’s comments.

[LundNut]

I was thinking of a walkaround more because you are protected from the weather more than a cc with a t-top. Most of my fishing is trolling so the lost space up front is not a big deal. Any other thoughts.

[ETT]

Why pay for a walk around, and haul all that fiberglass, if you really don't want it. For 1500 bucks you can buy Guide Wear, Gor-Tex & thinsulate snowmobile suit, and top shelf insulated long johns, and deal with the weather. I've fished out of cc boats from ice out to ice up, and there's nothing easier to fish out of.

You can snowmobil at 0 with the right cloths, no reason to worry.

[DuckCrusher]

I've owned three center consoles. ETT is right. You won't find a boat with more fishing space for the size of boat you are looking at.

> Why pay for a walk around, and haul all that fiberglass,
>if you really don't want it. For 1500 bucks you can buy Guide
>Wear, Gor-Tex & thinsulate snowmobile suit, and top shelf
>insulated long johns, and deal with the weather. I've fished
>out of cc boats from ice out to ice up, and there's nothing
>easier to fish out of.
>
> You can snowmobil at 0 with the right cloths, no reason to
>worry.

[Dodge1]

If want protection from the weather, take a look at this Parker http://www.royalpalmmarina.com/par_2120sc.html

[Miami Vice]

I owned a walk around for 14 years, and last year I traded it in for a dual console boat. If you want a walk around I would look for the widest and deepest side decks. Some side decks on a walk around are so narrow that if you are walking to the front of the boat and change your mind and you want to walk to the back of the boat, as you are turning around you get your feet stuck because the side deck is too narrow. Also look for high sides on the side deck. When the sides are low you can only walk around them safely at the dock. When you are moving fast in 2’ to 4’ waves if the side decks aren’t deep it can be dangerous to walk on them while the boat is moving.
I would also look for a nice seating area in the front of the boat that not only has a seat bottom, but a seat back.
In the 22’ length, wide side decks will cut into cabin space but you will mostly use the cabin just for dry storage, or for someone to take a quick nap. If you want wide side decks and a functional cabin you will need to step up to a 25’ boat.
Here in Miami Beach center consoles are popular only because the weather is so mild. In the Mid West a walk around will give you a lot more protection from the weather than a center console. My walk around boat had 12” wide side decks and I could walk to the front of the boat as quickly as someone with a center console boat. If you have difficulty walking to the front of a walk around boat then you defeat the purpose of getting it.
Miami Vice

[Manny]

Go to www.tritonboats.com and take a good look at their saltwater boats. They have a great selection of walk around, center console's and they also have an awesome light tackle series. Tritons orders for their saltwater boats has been crazy. They also have center consoles in their aluminum lineup that go to 20 feet. Check out these boats before you drop a dime on anything. I think you will be happy you did. Good Luck!!! Manny

[FreeByrd]

LN,
You already know my choice in the CC vs WA debate... Biggest thing I would tell you is whenever you are seriously looking at boats in that size range is figure out WHERE WILL YOU PUT YOUR STUFF, including and maybe most importantly ROD STORAGE. If you buy something that will force you to take rods / gear in and out of the boat each trip you will grow to hate that - at least I would...
Steve

[j9f]

Freeryrd makes a good point about storage. A lot of center consoles get smaller once you load them up with your fishing gear. Not many have lockable storage either. Some may appear to, but only if you fish 5' tuna sticks. Walkarounds can cost a lot more for the same size boat built by the same manufacturer. Center consoles are definately faster and more trailerable.

I am going to switch from a center console to a walkaround. Some of my decision has to do with storage. Not rods, but tackle while you are fishing. It looks like I have a ton of storage, but once you fill it with life preservers, fenders, cleaning supplies, rain gear, tools, etc. it fills up fast. I would also like to stay drier. I have good rain gear, but not everyone you fish with will or thinks it is much fun to wear rain gear in June. I fish walleye out of my backyard, so the center consule is fine there. When I head to another port to chase Salmon and Trout, I end up having to get a motel. The walkaround will solve that problem also.

It all comes down to the design of the boat. Take a good look at the fishable area and storage. A small center console may not have a head. I have also seen some very expensive center consules that barely have enough room to fit behind the leaning post, but enough room to put a picnic table in the bow. There are good and bad designs for each type of boat.

You should take a look at the Contender to get an idea of what Steve is talking about. Stack that boat up against most others and you will see where most others are lacking.

[Miami Vice]

Manny mentioned Triton boats. I agree. They are excellent.
j9f mentions Contender boats. I also agree. They are excellent too.
The best point that j9f made was that some center consoles are tight for room at the helm, but have enough room to put a picnic table in the bow.
I was looking to get a center console from a very high quality custom boat maker in Florida. The only problem was there was all this wasted space in the front of the boat that I wanted to use for seating. The owner of the boat factory refused to build me custom seats in the front even though I was willing to pay extra, because he said it would ruin the look of his boat. He made himself like Michelangelo, and he would only create a boat if it was a “work of art.”
I had to end up getting a dual console boat from a different factory of a much lower quality, but I ended up with the layout I needed for my family.
Miami Vice

[LundNut]

Thanks for all the thoughts guys!!! Right now we are seriously considering a Seaswirl Striper 2101 with a hardtop. I have tossed the cc vs. walk back and forth so much it is crazy. I can have my mind made up and then 5 minutes convince myself that the other is better. Here are a few reason for the walkaround. Not in order of importance

1) Storage - I had a center console before it sucked for storage. And everytime we stayed at a hotel you had to unload everything. Hated that.

2) Wife and kids - they will like the protection from the weather, I believe I will also...especially spring and fall. Not only the rain but sun. When the kids get bored and hot they can go down to play or relief. And if it does get bad I can send them down there and I would feel better. All in all...will keep them happy which will keep me happier.

3) Room in the back - looked at several cc's and most don't have the extra room for 3-4 people setting lines and netting fish.

4) Sleeping area - will be nice when only a couple of us are out of town on a short weekend trip...won't have to get a room for one night.

In the end...I think the walkaround with a hardtop should make a great boat for trolling. I may be wrong...but not ever owning one makes it worth the chance.

Thanks!!!

[Shawn 3]

Just checked this model at the Seaswirl site - about $40k! I remember when I purchased my Lund for $25k how tough a decision it was. You might want to make arrangements with the dealer to take this model out for a ride before you sign the contract. That should convince you either way.

>Thanks for all the thoughts guys!!! Right now we are
>seriously considering a Seaswirl Striper 2101 with a hardtop.
>I have tossed the cc vs. walk back and forth so much it is
>crazy. I can have my mind made up and then 5 minutes convince
>myself that the other is better. Here are a few reason for the
>walkaround. Not in order of importance
>
>1) Storage - I had a center console before it sucked for
>storage. And everytime we stayed at a hotel you had to unload
>everything. Hated that.
>
>2) Wife and kids - they will like the protection from the
>weather, I believe I will also...especially spring and fall.
>Not only the rain but sun. When the kids get bored and hot
>they can go down to play or relief. And if it does get bad I
>can send them down there and I would feel better. All in
>all...will keep them happy which will keep me happier.
>
>3) Room in the back - looked at several cc's and most don't
>have the extra room for 3-4 people setting lines and netting
>fish.
>
>4) Sleeping area - will be nice when only a couple of us are
>out of town on a short weekend trip...won't have to get a room
>for one night.
>
>In the end...I think the walkaround with a hardtop should make
>a great boat for trolling. I may be wrong...but not ever
>owning one makes it worth the chance.
>
>Thanks!!!

[Miami Vice]

Lundnut

I have a 2101 Seaswirl Dual Console (year 2003). The quality of the Seaswirl is just average. When compared to a Lund Baron the quality of the Lund was much better. I needed an enclosed head which the Lund Baron didn’t offer.
Just as Shawn 3 said my package was 40k. I looked at a Grady White DC for 65k and didn’t feel that the Grady White was worth 25k more even though it is a much better quality than the Seaswirl.
In the 22’ range I feel the greatest layout and best utilization of space ever made was an Angler 22’ walk around up until 2002. They still offer a 22’ walk around for 2004 but they ruined their good design when they remodeled the boat and make it look more “Euro”. Their quality is even lower than a Seaswirl, but if you can ever see the layout of that boat it will give you an idea of what to look for in a perfectly designed 22’ walk around.
Another nice 20’-23’ walk around is a Dusky. It looks a bit ugly, frumpy, unfinished, and homely, but don’t let that fool you. It’s built like a battleship, and is very well made. It’s on the heavy side, but it’s made the “old fashioned way” with lots of fiberglass. Dusky has a cult following and people take them regularly from Miami Beach to the Bahamas on open ocean passages.
The Angler boat is made in Miami, Florida and the Dusky is made in Dania, Florida.
Miami Vice

[j9f]

I feel the same about the angler. I had a 19ft center consule for a while. I was far from impressed with the quality of that boat. The ride was even worse on erie. I think mine was a 1988 though if that is worth anything.

[FreeByrd]

Hey LN,
Sounds like you are pretty set on the WA style which may indeed make more sense for your situation but just to throw you another curveball, there is a brand new 21 Contender listed on The Hull Truth message board that someone won in a Southern Kingfish Association tournament. You may want to at least check it out...
Steve

[Logged Out LundNut]

Yeah Steve...I seen that one. Seen it on the boattraderonline.com as well. Looks nice and should make someone an awesome deal. My wife ruled out the Contenders long ago...not because it is a center console but she just didn't like the looks at all. BUT...she doesn't understand the quality and deadrise and so on!!!! Thanks Steve!!

[FreeByrd]

LN,
THere is another long thread on THT now with 20 or so posts rating Walk Around style boat in the 20-21 foot range that you might want to check out if you haven't. Covers several "UGLY" boats - LOL - that is the first I've heard of anyone ruling out a Contender because of the way it looked...Choice is a GOOD thing and it would be boring if we all liked the same things...

This is an question only since I don't know - are there any suitable pure cuddy cabins / express style boats in the 20-22 foot range rather than walkarounds? For what you say you will do with the boat I understand the desire for a cabin, but since you don't really plan to "walkaround" the boat all you do with a walkaround style boat is give up a foot or more on each side of the cockpit and front and make a smaller cabin.

Have fun shopping!
Steve

[Toolman]

LN,

For the last 18 years I've used the "It's usually better to beg for forgiveness than to ask permission" theory-generally with good results;) Even though you are looking for a little smaller version of what Steve is running, I can tell you from personal experience that his Contendor 25 (hope I got that right) is a BEAST in 3-4 foot waves. Worth checking out for an Erie boat IMO. Good luck!

Tim

[one for seed]

I had it down to a 24' lts triton as my retirement boat....
You guys have come thru again !! Now I need to re-think my "dream boat".
Steve,or any one do you have an address for contender boats?
I just get some wierd site .

Jim/Co

[FreeByrd]

Jim/CO

Here is the Contender website:
http://www.contender.com/new/fleet/

The website leaves a lot to be desired - not updated very frequently and the brochures are kind of the same. They make about 300 boats a year. Based in Homestead Florida (south of Miami). Very popular with the guys that run the Southern Kingfish Association tournament trail. About a dozen dealers. Only one in "freshwater" is South Shore Marine in Huron, Ohio on Lake Erie. Here is their website. www.firstclassboats.com

Their is a new model not on the contender website - the 23Tournament that is actually a 25 foot boat. Pics on the South Shore website.

If you have any specific questions about Contender boats you can contact me via email or start another post. I won't see the computer much over the next week as I will be fishing the Cleveland PWT as an amatuer.
Steve
steve199132@yahoo.com

[Wahoo]

Another boat manufacturer that makes well laid out and durable walk arounds and center consoles is Mako boats (imo)...
They are well worth a look.I own a 1997 Mako 191 center console with a merc.150XL and love it.Might be the best boat I have ever fished out of thats under 20` long.Fast and stable.Lots of useable storage and a very solid feel even on erie.Plus she has the bow flare to keep you pretty dry on those sloppy days.
It trailers like a dream and fish`s big for its size.I think you can get into a new 21 footer very well equipped in the low fourties.Tailer and all.I know their larger boats are an awesome value as well.Maybe not as well made as contenders but not quite that price either..Again worth a look...Wahoo

[ranger690]

Take a look at EdgeWater boats. They have a new closed bow cuddy, called the 205. Nice looking. Also Proline WA are nice.

Dayton

[DuckCrusher]

I owned three center consoles as stated earlier. If you want one with rod storage, gear storage get something like the heavier Bay Boats. Some will tell you they don't handle the water of Lake Erie. I owned an LTS HydraSport which had a 20 degree deadrise. It handled rough seas as well as any 22 foot boat I've ever been in, including the 22 foot offshore center console I had prior too it. For a center console it was also very dry. You put trim tabs on a bay boat like that (not all are created equally) and you can make tracks in the rough stuff. The closest boat right now on the market, which would fill the bill is the rangers. Their bay boats up to 24 foot ahve rod lockers, lots of storage, and in the rear have a seat scheme to carry extra passengers. The seat folds down to add to the rear deck. Don't let the raised rear deck fool you. I had one in another boat and now miss it. IT made netting with two guys in the back, mujch easier. If I had the requirements listed in this thread, I'd be going right to a ranger dealer. If the bayboat isn't deep enough, you can still go for the 200 c. It's a bit shorter than I like, but it still has the storage you'd want.



>Thanks for all the thoughts guys!!! Right now we are
>seriously considering a Seaswirl Striper 2101 with a hardtop.
>I have tossed the cc vs. walk back and forth so much it is
>crazy. I can have my mind made up and then 5 minutes convince
>myself that the other is better. Here are a few reason for the
>walkaround. Not in order of importance
>
>1) Storage - I had a center console before it sucked for
>storage. And everytime we stayed at a hotel you had to unload
>everything. Hated that.
>
>2) Wife and kids - they will like the protection from the
>weather, I believe I will also...especially spring and fall.
>Not only the rain but sun. When the kids get bored and hot
>they can go down to play or relief. And if it does get bad I
>can send them down there and I would feel better. All in
>all...will keep them happy which will keep me happier.
>
>3) Room in the back - looked at several cc's and most don't
>have the extra room for 3-4 people setting lines and netting
>fish.
>
>4) Sleeping area - will be nice when only a couple of us are
>out of town on a short weekend trip...won't have to get a room
>for one night.
>
>In the end...I think the walkaround with a hardtop should make
>a great boat for trolling. I may be wrong...but not ever
>owning one makes it worth the chance.
>
>Thanks!!!