*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: plainly spoken is plainly understood
I am in the process of buying my first boat and would like some feedback / help on deciding. Right now I am thinking of getting the 233 Dusky Center Console.
Did you do a search for Dusky? I know I have posted a million things about them. I own an 02 233 FAC with 225 Ficht and I am very happy with it.
Since your in Miami, did you visit the factory?
I don't think you will find anything close to the construction and size of the Dusky with those options for 37K. I'd be real interested to see if anyone can come up with anything though.
If you have any questions or want any info on the boat, please feel free to email me or post here. landsdusky@earthlink.net
Scott D, saw some of your posts in a search I did, but was just looking for some feedback from someone who has a 233 Dusky CC. And also wanted to know if anybody has a better option other than Contender, Regulator, etc. which are great boats but too much for my budget.
What year is your Dusky, what options did you get, and, what tips can you give me when ordering the boat from them.
Yes I visted the factory about 2 weeks ago, they were very nice.
Some more affordable boats that are built well and in the same price range are Cape Horn and Bluewater. You could get a Cape Horn 21 or a Bluewater 21 for around 35K and 40K respectivly.
Both boats are smaller than the Dusky, but each has its advantages.
As far as the Dusky, heres a few tips:
Have them put the batteries in the console - they will stay dryer and open up the port box for storage.
If you opt for a livewell, get it in the leaning post. Turn the floor box into storage.
Buy the compass from them. Its a Ritchie SS1000?? For 150 they install it and do a good job at that with a terminal block for the wiring connection. The compass costs 139 if you try to buy it.
Buy the electronics box from them. Its really big and the glass is thicker than most other boat hulls you will look at.
Get the T-top from them. At 2K its a bargain.
Of course, get 2 extra rodholders in the gunnel. For 100 its a deal and they have the neat Dusky shark on them.
I opted for the 225 Ficht on my FAC (which is heavier than the CC) and heres my #'s:
- 26-30 MPH at 4000-4200 RPM 9.5-11 GPH
- 42 MPH WOT loaded
More than fast enough for me. We usually run at 26-28 MPH.
I ordered the Fiberglass hardtop for 200 more than the fabric. I installed all of my own electronics - they wanted 375 to install MY radio.
I had them put a tackle box with drawers in the leaning post as we really don't use a livewell.
I got trim tabs, name on the boat, split bow light(I added a pulpit).
I would get FW washdown instead of saltwater, but its a personal preference. There are days when I don't soak the boat with saltwater, so I would rather spray it off with freshwater. I added this to my boat.
I bought the trailer from Loadmaster direct. The Performance and Continental from Dusky costs more and, in my opinion, aren't built as well.
All in all, I can't say enough about the boat. For 37K its a real bargain compared to whats out there.
I have lots of pics of mine (new digital camera for Christmas) so if you want to see anything, let me know.
Heres afew pictures... Not sure what you want to see. Let me know and I'll se if I have the picture:
Its kind of a pain to post them to a website. If you want, I can email them to you directly.
Dusky Bow
Dusky Cockpit - Mine is a 23, the 25 is identical but 2 feet longer
Nat,
I didn't take one because it is filled with junk due to me storing lots of stuff for the winter inside it. I have a crappy picture I'll try to post for ya.
The cabin is actually really room considering you can walk around the entire boat with ease. The cabin extends under the "steps" outside the cabin the full width of the boat, which gives you lots of room for storage. Also, 3 people can sit in the cabin and the Vee berth can be empty, which is nice. A lot of people like to sit inside on a long run in.
Your killing me Scott. That is a nice looking rig.
No way I will be able to go new, but after talking to you the first time I searched several forums and came back with overwelming positive feedback.
Not a single used 23 for sale on BoatTrader, that should say something.
I am still waiting to see what I will have to work with money wise, in the mean time....still looking.
Ink,
There was a used 23 CC for sale not too long ago on Traderonline. I think it had a single Merc 225 or 250 Opti with like 600 hrs. but it had extended warranty. I want to say it was a 2001 year boat. Nice boat with lots of goodies for, if I remember right, 29K... Not bad, but I would still go new with less options and add em a little at a time.
But, I guess it sold....
Dusky gets used ones from time to time and they do pop up.
Thanks for the nice words about the boat.
Anflyer,
Your question was " Is there another boat out there that would have the same space / ride / etc. for the same price or better". The answer is no. I just bought a new Bluewater after shopping for a year and I looked at them all. The Dusky is hard to beat but in the end I preferred the Bluewater. You will have to pay about 10K more to get one though.
You will hear a lot about Cape Horns, Key Wests, Sea Pros and other good boats but none of these will have the space the Dusky or Bluewater has. If you decide to spend more look at the Bluewater, if not you've already found the best boat.
Thanks, Scott D & FastBob I've been looking for a while and the only other boat that is around the same price is the Angler 220b, but something tells me it won't hold up like a Dusky in the long run.
The Bluewater 2350 is an awesome boat, but the $$ is just not there right now.
I am also looking for a boat and had just about decided on the Key West 23 WAC until I went to see it in person. With the euro-style transom and the leaning post-bench seating arrangement, the cockpit space is extremely limited. My old 21 ft. Christ Craft Scorpion fishing boat had a lot more room to fish. The Key West will fish two or maybe three individuals at the most. I have yet to see the Dusky 233 FAC in person but from all the pictures Scott D has been kind enough to post and email me, it definitely is much larger that the Key West, is about $3,000.00 less, and has the fishability of a center console.
Nice looking boat Scott! You should send those pictures to Dusky. They are much nicer than the ones posted on their website. Their pictures don't do the boat much justice.
I own an aquasport 225 osprey and it is a great boat. As far I know their boats are not finished as well as other boats out there. Have you looked at the Aquasports?? I would check them out, they have been around for a long time. You probably get on for about the same $$.
good luck
Sweet boat. The 25cc with twin Suzi 140's is on my short-list for next boat. One major concern is the 8' beam. My 21' Parker has a 8' 6" beam, and is rock solid at drift. I do a lot of fly fishing and am concerned that the Dusky will be a rocker at drift.
To Dusky or not to Dusky?? Help on new Boat?? 
