Judge yachts

[boatguy711]

Looking for any insight and opinions on Judge Yachts? I know they are popular in Md area, where else? Nice fit and finish, how does it compare to an Eastern?

[commok]

Boat Guy, I have a 36 Chesapeake that I had built last fall, and have been extremely pleased with the fit, finish, performance and overall design. Bill doesn't cut corners, and provides many features you don't expect, or are not listed as "standard" but are there when you get underway. I live in Virginia, on a river off the Chesapeake, and it truly is a pleasure. I looked long and hard for this boat, and contemplated many options, including GW, Pursuit, Boston Whaler, Contender, other custom-built boats, etc but in the end the all composite, well-designed, efficient package did it for me. Do a search and you can see where Bill took the Eastern hulls and modernized them - bottomline, I have been on this site for a long time and have read nothing negative about Judge boats. Highly recommended.

[Bruce W]

"B-Faithful" on here has been looking at them seriously for some time - he'll probably see this thread and give you some input.

I've NEVER heard anything but good stuff about them!

Regards,

[boatguy711]

Thats what I keep hearing, well built boat, great fit and finish, they dont skimp or cut corners. How well known are they outside Mid-Atlantic though?

[REEL-SYKED]

BoatGuy-

You cannot go wrong buying a Judge! I have owned a Judge 27' Chesapeake for 8 years and I love it! These bots are built like tanks and will last forever. Judge Yacht boats have terrific resale value. He sells his boats all across the country.

BoatGuy, which Judge are you looking to buy?

[B-Faithful]

My father owns a 2001 27 Judge Downeast and loves it. His has twin 130 Hondas on it. He uses it for running offshore off of southern NJ (outside of the Maryland region). I loosely have my boat for salein order to have them build me a 27 Chesapeake. It is the only boat that I would sell my boat for. Bill Judge builds all of his boats out of top shelf composite materials like Nida Core and Divinycell. They are built to last a life time. I am not sure how well known they are out side of the region due to the fact until recently Judge had been factory direct. I understand they are starting to establish a dealer network and grow. Being that most of the boats have a "warped hull design" (sharp entry-shallow transom deadrise) I think the boats will increase in popularity as they are very efficient yet ride well. Being how well made they are, I think they will rise to the top and grow in popularity. Locally they have a great reputation and are really known for their resale. At their open house this spring they sold a 2001 27 Chesapeake for more than I am asking for my current 2005 model year boat. If I could have any boat on the market right now, I would order a 27 Chesapeake in heart beat. Bill Judge is a member here and a great guy to work with. He has treated me and my father like good friends (and I dont even have one yet)

[B-Faithful]

Sorry for the short choppy sentences last night. I posted from my blackberry. I do have beyond a 5th grade education... It is just tought to type and review on a small keyboard and screen while watching my son's soccer game.

[ShaneS]

There is quite a difference between the Judge and the Eastern. Judge does own his own molds, and they have all been updated. The biggest difference between the boats is that Judge uses all of the latest composite materials available today. He uses nidacore on all of his boats which make them stronger, and lighter. All of the structural components are composite. You really need to take a trip to see one in production to see the difference. I know several people who own a Judge boat, and they are completely satisfied. I have run a 27 Chesapeake in some really rough conditions, and could not believe how well she handled it. I have also ran a 34 Express in a noreaster, with Mr Talbot(i think he still posts on here,and he bought the boat). He was pretty impressed with the boat! You will not go wrong with a Judge.