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Looking to buy a 23-25 ft. pilothouse boat. With so many different builders it is very confusing. If anybody has researched this type of boat I would be interested in hearing your opinions. I have looked at parker, steiger,shamrock, maycraft,osprey and judge. I guess what Im asking is who makes the best boat and why.
Depends on how you plan on using your boat... If you plan on using it in a more commercial type manner, then a Parker or a SeaHawk will do the trick. However, if you're looking for a more family friendly fishing boat; the Osprey is very nice. Also, check out the Trophy 2359HT. They're great fishing boats and are packed with ammentities that make it very comfortable for the family - and it be a hell of a lot less than an Osprey. A friend of mine on Cape bought one last year and loves it and he can afford any boat he wanted. This boat just fit his needs. Don't let anyone turn you off from the Trophy name. Trophy boats have come a tremendously long way over the last 25 years or so and now are truly second to none. To be honest... There's really no one out there these days building a crap boat - technology being as it is with materials and construction methods. My friend said that after everything was said and done, after GPS, FF, radar, stereo, etc... He ended up paying about 60K. That's with a fuel-injected, fresh water cooled V8 and a trailer. Not bad.
Again... It's just depends on what you looking to do with your new boat. Good luck.
The Maycrafts are probably the best boat for the money. Everyone who has one loves it. Also consider Maratime skiffs. That what I have and would buy another one if anything happened to mine.
I have the Trophy 2359 and love it. Very stable, handles rough water well and the cabin stays warm on cool and rainy days, yet is cool with the windows open when the sun just won't let up. Good all around cruising and fishing boat. Economical to run too, with a 5.7 V8.
1. trailerable without permits and with a 1/2 ton truck to follow the fish from NJ to the CBBT and beyond...
2. Adequately powered by a single for economy and cost and ease of maintenance (27-30mph burning 9-10gph at cruise in flat water)
3. Large open cockpit
4. large top for shade in the summer and encloseable for warmth in the winter
5. weather protection must be for the whole crew so no one suffers
6. stable at rest or on the slow troll yet a decent ride in the slop
7. Cabin for dry strorage, potty, nap after a long day fishing before the ride home.
8. level open deck so there are no obstructions to where someone could fall
9. Well made with 3 peice construction
10. full transom for safely drifting in the rips
11. No frills, low maintenance -- a true hose and go boat
12. classic sexy looks
I have been thinking of getting a pilot house myself , been doing some research . ... and looking at the boat shows, very impressed with the Steiger craft it has a lifetime hull warranty,..unsinkable... various police and fire rescue units use them . for the money i would go for it. but! keep on doing your research....good luck
Maryland Tow BoatUS uses C-Hawk
Maryland Sea Tow uses C-Hawk
Maryland APG Fire Dept uses MayCraft
Virginia Smith Point State Police use MayCraft
North Carolina DNR uses Parker
Let me say, if I were to buy a pilothouse again, (already own a custom 26ft pilothouse / deadrise with inboard diesel), I'd go the few extra dollars for the composite construction, and buy the Judge 27 Chesapeake with the Honda 225hp on an Armstrong Bracket. That is one sweet boat!
Small custom builders (Steiger Craft, Judge and others) offer excellent customer service, afterall its their name and reputation on the line. I have had nothing but positive experiences owning a custom boat. The builder works with me on any and all issues, no matter what they are, large or small. The custom builder eliminates the dealer hassles - deal direct and enjoy your boat all the more.
Who candispute the factthat Judge builds a great boat and offers excellent customer service...
__________________ "Never approach a dock faster than you can afford to hit it!"
U.S. Fish and Wildlife has a Judge 22
Md. DNR has a Judge 22
There are also all kinds of guides and commercial fisherman that use all the brands above....
As far as construction goes
Parker uses wood structure and all hand laid glass
MayCraft uses wood structure and hand laid glass and chopped glass
C-Hawk uses wood structure and hand laid glass and chopped glass
Judge uses Coosa core, divynacell and hand laid glass
I am not sure what Steiger and osprey uses..
All are tough made boats and will take more abuse than you..
pilothouse boats 
