*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: Before I speak, I have something important to say
Hi I am planning to buy my first boat and I am based in central NJ. I plan to fish mostly in Raritan Bay area and trailer down to the Barnegat Bay waters periodically. Budget will likely only allow something in the 17-20 ft. range and I've heard good things about both McKee Craft vs. Edgewater center consoles. I think both manufacturers came from Boston Whaler which is why the reputations are both solid. With small kids, the promise of an "unsinkable" boat is very appealing. I have also heard almost "too good to be true" marketing claims from Evinrude ETEC motors which I beleive are available on the McKee boats which is pushing me in that direction - easy maintenance, high torque, clean emissions etc. If anyone has any experience on these I would appreciate any info. Thanks.
I would tell you to consider going used as many many deals and a 20 footer used will do you much better than a 17 footer with little kids and their stuff. In fact, I would go older and bigger if at all possible. I speak from experience. The cc is a great way to go as it is the SUV of boats. PS either brand will serve you well.
A buddy of mine has a McKee and really likes it. I'm thinking about checking out their 28' ish model. Good boats I hear. I was on the Edgewater this weekend at a boat show and it looked great too. Expensive though...
Both are great offerings,, Dealer support may be important . and choice of outboards as well. Remember its the total package that will make Boating a pleasure..!
I have a Edgewater 247cc it's a 96 with a 2001 250 Yamaha. Bought it last year from this site. Very well built rides great. I second the thought of "used vs new" you can get a lot more boat for a lot less $$$$. Also the newer Edgewaters are not built by Dougherty he was the original Boston Whaler designer. Nothing wrong with the newer Edgewater line they are great boats also. It's just what your budget can afford. If you can spend the same money and get more boat, then do it.
Good luck,
Barry
Thanks for the advice. I am sort of limited to less than 3500 lbs. as that is the max my small SUV can tow. That is why I'm thinking under 20ft. Appreciate the help.
I have an EW 188cc that I bought mostly for my kids to use, it's easy for a 14 year old to run and tows toys very well. Carrying 7 adults is a snap and the large center console is great for storage. This is my first 4 stroke outboard, and it's excellent, I like it way better than my HPDi's and 90 two stroke, it's a different tone at speed that's much easier to talk over.
I don't know McKee Craft so I can't pass judgement on that one. The EW 188CC is huge for an 18' boat.
Thanks so much for your comment - I've been looking closely at the 18 footer. My plan is to hit the regional boat shows this fall and see if any great deals pop up. I guess its a good time to be a patient buyer...
I've heard good things about both boats. I don't think you'll be displeased with either one. I can tell you I'm extremely happy with my Mckee 24. Good luck with your choice
SeaNile Boater - 9/9/2008 9:05 PMBarry, Did that boat used to be named "Shaken Knot Stirred ?" Looks very familiar.And, a great ride too !
I don't think so. That is one of the original pictures from the seller. It did not have a name on it. I bought it. I bought it just about a year ago from a guy up in Boston. really love the boat the way it rides and handles.
Barry
I have an 185 CC Edge, vintage 1998 with 2005 140hp 4 stroke. Good boat, rides well, good wiring, etc. Look for a 20 footer if your going with the Edge, you can never have enough space. Both manufacturers make good boats, I have owned mine for 5 seasons. Good luck.
Brian
__________________ 215 CC Kencraft Challenger
225 Ficht (so far so good.)
trout, try to learn the difference between unsinkable and positive flotation. only 4 unsinkable, goverment tested, boat companies-mckee, whaler, edgewater, and everglades.
well, while you are here, instead of being a cool internet smartelic type, why dont you enlighten us? Not trying to fight with ya but maybe you could teach the OP and many others, myself included.
scout, key west, pioneer, grady white, etc...unsinkable according to the mfgrs.
"Level flotation means that if a boat was to take on water and become swamped it would stay in an upright position in calm seas. The US Coast Guard requires that all boats under 20 feet in length provide level flotation. The US Coast Guard tests and certifies boats under 20 feet to ensure level flotation requirements are met. "
all boats under 20 ft must have positive flotation, meaning it wont go to the bottom if the boat stays in one piece depending on where the foam is. the 4 unsinkable brands have 3-4 times the amount of foam it would take to fill the air voids in a boats below deck area. u can cut these hulls up in ten pieces and all ten pieces will float. think of an unsinkable boat like an igloo cooler, if u push it under water it wants to pop back to the surface. a boat that simply has foam wont sink to pass the test, but the only part above water might be 6 inches of the bow. an unsinkable boat will not go under or if it does it is going to come back up and self bail(the government testing i mentioned earlier).
McKee Craft vs. Edgewater? 
