Bluewater 2550 owners

[Bent]

I am considering a Bluewater 2550. I visited the factory yesterday and was realtively impressed. I am also considering a used Contender, but am leaning toward the Bluewater.

Any opinions? Anything I am missing? Any problems to report? How does it ride?

[Standing Room Only]

Two recent threads on this: http://thehulltruth.net/forums/threa...d=464&posts=14 and http://thehulltruth.net/forums/threa...d=165&posts=22 . The boat is built right and really strong, and once all the old posts are restored here, you can run a search. The company is great, but you will find Paul a relatively intense person. I like folks that take a passion and uncompromising view of their work - just be specific with what you want when (in writing) when you sit down to talk about how you want 'your' boat rigged. Clear communication means a good experience for both of you - but Paul will not recommend option A over option B - he leaves the choice to you after providing info. Probably the only approach to survive being a 'semi-custom' boat builder.

I couldn't be happier in my decision - I was down to SeaVee 29, Renassance Prower 246 (cat) or the 2550. All are good boats, but I feel I got the best value. The ride is dry - drier than I would have expected - soft and fast as hell. Storage is awesome. The three things I was unsure of/didn't like I've come to appreciate:
**Armstrong Bracket - awesome for fishing, diving, etc. With the small pass-thru in transom - this becomes a huge platform you just can't get on a Euro transom. Also said to add stability to the deep-vee design
**Large Center Console - I really liked the SeaVee design, but after getting the option to have a finished console interior (more $$) and seeing how much storage, the idea grew on me. After the first run - in lousy weather - I appreciate the size as something nice to hide behind. I'd rather have the space now than not have it later...
**2 piece construction - this concerned me for strength and toe kick. Well, ask Paul about the boat that hit the rocks, or better yet look at the hull prior to cap. These boats are way stronger than most anything out there. The gunwales are high, and the toe-kick isn't a problem , way overstated (for me). Actually, the smooth side makes cleaning way easier

Good luck on the search and enjoy. Lots o' good boats out there.

[Bent]

Great feedback! Thank you! I just found this forum a couple days ago, so I missed the previous info. I will try to look it up.

[Tijereta]

You can do a search on this forum and the florida sportsman's forum,there have been many threads about the BW.They are well made boats with a smooth ride and very dry. There is a lot of space between the leaning post and the transom, a feature that I wanted and was missing in many similar boats .The wiring for the electronics is well laid out and organized.You can customize and have input in many aspects of the construction.Finally,there is good customer support,that will take care of any problems you encouter.The way they are when you visited the factory,is the same way they will treat you after you buy the boat.