*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: Never try to teach a pig to sing, it wastes your time, and annoys the pig.
First question I would ask is how big a sportfish - if you had the money, a 74' Viking with twin C-32's will cruise at 38 kts @ 170 gal/hr, which means you would give up very little in speed and gain a whole lot of comfort.
If $3 million plus $250k/yr in upkeep isn't in your budget, maybe a smaller 35-40' diesel express with some big for their size diesels would do - a Cabo 38 Express with 800 hp Man's will cruise at 34 kts @ 63gal/hr and give you lots of cockpit space, enough of a cabin to keep most happy and is small enough to maintain yourself.
I have a CC as well, but no longer like taking long trips simply due to the physical abuse of a center console boat. Theres no protection from wind, rain, sun,(I do have a t-top) and of course the banging on your spine at 45mph. Its like standing on the roof of a car on the highway all day. My next boat will be a walkaround express. THats the best of both worlds, just a little slower.
i fish solo alot and i couldnt do that with a SF....
Me, too... and sure you can- provided it's an express. I fish mine solo without issue.
Family wanted a bridge boat- and I really liked the "non-cave" open feel and all the extra room; not to mention not having the roaring CATS under my feet. But, if you wanna fish, and not play captain, it takes an express.
Well I guess the question is, is it worth the extra expense I mean are we talking 10k a year or only the actual cost of the boat being more
I have fished on a 50' boat for years. Multiply that 10K number by 5 unless you plan on it being a dock queen. You will spend 10K on dock fees. If you were fishing in the keys it would be cheaper, but running to the stream in a SF, plan on burning ALOT of fuel. I would stay with the CC.
A high quality Express will always be more comfortable even on day trips than any center console period. Everyone has a seat (not a bean bag), you can all stay dry, you have a real head not a vertical coffin. Now add in overnight capability and the benefits are even bigger. Anyone that can't handle an express by themslves just needs some training.
I dont mean to interject, but prob 3/4 of the people here fish on center consoles. Whatever you have you will think of excuses to tell yourself that it is the best option (myself included). So I may be biased, but I will fish a couple days less a year to budget in the added cost of slip and fuel for comfort (considering the center console is dry stacked every year in the same hurricane area as many are).
Im 26 and my friends fish on 31' Contenders, 23' Yellowfins, 36' Yellowfins, and 28' Southports (which I went to college with one of the founders sons), and 26' Contenders; they tell me Im dumb for going slower on a sf. When it comes down to it though, if I say Im going fishing they can attest Im going (maybe not on the Luhrs but on other boats I fish). Also how many people have fished sport fishers and come to work on Monday with bruises?
I agree that I am biased, but there is a reason that the Merritts, Ryboviches, Healys, Slains, Bertrams, and Tillets started with sportfishers; and it isnt because they didnt have fourstroke outboards to decide their designs. It is becasue comfort and fishability rules.
I fish quite a bit and am totally sold on an express sportfisherman.
The ride, cockpit size, and protection from the elements is way better then a CC.
I am able to single hand my 38 Luhrs and when I want to travel or spend the night she is quite comfortable.
I fish with friends on a lot of premium CC and bar none when the elements kick up I wish I was on my boat.
I hate working around outboards when trolling, inboards are the only way to go.
I looked at just about every CC when I bough my new 38 and all of the premium express boats. In the end the Luhrs was the best value and boat for me. My 2nd 38 by the way.
Well, I don't have a sportfish, being a downeast guy, but it's close enough. I love it. The advantages to me (as I see them):
I will frequently sleep on the boat, either before a trip or just to get things done. Some days, I will just work from the boat if I don't have to be in the office. I sign out as being at our point judith office.
There is nothing like being warm and dry while you are running into a head sea for hours at a time. On my last boat, I didn't have enough covered helm space and some crew had to sit out in the cockpit. It could get very wet and cold out there.
Hot coffee, hot food, and a full bunk can be invaluable, even on a day trip.
Having a single diesel engine is actually very economical. My operating cost is better than a lot of outboard owners see, and absolutely better than a sportfish of equal size. Plus the added range of diesels makes more opportunities for chasing fish.
Is it slower? Absolutely, and you have to be into the downeast shuffle. But that isn't such a bad lifestyle.
And being able to take the family and friends over to block island, or out for a cruise, makes it more of an acceptable family expense.
A high quality Express will always be more comfortable even on day trips than any center console period. Everyone has a seat (not a bean bag), you can all stay dry, you have a real head not a vertical coffin. Now add in overnight capability and the benefits are even bigger. Anyone that can't handle an express by themslves just needs some training.
I don't think its as clear cut as that and a lot depends upon the owner.
For me, my new 39' Sea Vee is far superior for Canyon trips (Day or Night) than my previous 32' Cabo. Both boats are great boats, but the Sea Vee is leaps and bounds above my Cabo in ride, speed and fishability. Granted, much is due to going form 32' to 40'. For me, an extremely comfortable 1.5 - 2 hour trip to the edge is far better than my old 3.5 - 4 hour trip that would shatter your teeth with even a 2'-3' chop in your face.
In 2 years, I slept on my Cabo once and it was on a weekend cruise to Nantucket. Typically if I am in the canyons, I am fishing and if I need to sleep, a small bunk down below is not drastically different than a bean bag.
The only thing I miss about the Cabo is being able to hop on the boat and just throw things down below... jackets, bags, gear, etc. On a CC it takes a little more planning and storage management, but not a huge deal for me and by no means a deal breaker.
I will agree, a express Sporty that will ride as comfortably and close to speed as my Sea Vee would be the best of both worlds, especially tossing in a kids/family adventures but I have yet to find that boat and I'm a little ways out with kids. Not to mention, that express sporty with those specs will be at least 2-3 times as much money.
If you buy a sportfisher you will be driving up on the bridge not fishing, unless you hire a captain. Don't get me wrong, I love them but I would rather drive with my foot on the wheel while pulling in a hoo.
I fish quite a bit and am totally sold on an express sportfisherman.
The ride, cockpit size, and protection from the elements is way better then a CC.
I am able to single hand my 38 Luhrs and when I want to travel or spend the night she is quite comfortable.
I fish with friends on a lot of premium CC and bar none when the elements kick up I wish I was on my boat.
I hate working around outboards when trolling, inboards are the only way to go.
I looked at just about every CC when I bough my new 38 and all of the premium express boats. In the end the Luhrs was the best value and boat for me. My 2nd 38 by the way.
Step up, you won't regret it.
John
I totally agree with this post. But it will cost a lot more.
Money is somewhat an issue. I mean i dont have millions to spend but I can afford a extra 10k a year to operate. Im only 25 though so maybe I should enjoy the speed while my body can still take it
