Black Lab Marine, Plate Aluminum Pacific Boats - The Hull Truth

highway74 · 04-02-2005, 10:07 AM

I went to the New England Saltwater Fishing Show yesterday in Providence, RI and had a look at the 20 and 23 foot Pacific plate aluminum boats by Black Lab Marine. They both had hardtops on them and boy were they nice. The 20 was powered by a 135 Honda Fourstroke. The fit and finish on these boats is excellent. They have a real mean look to them and are extremely rugged. Definately something different and worth taking a look at. Does anyone own one that could give some feedback? My only disappointment was that the Black Lab Marine hats which were to be a freebie to the first 15 THT members who asked for them ended up being on backorder. That was the only way I got my wife to the show with me, as I promised her a hat. We have a black lab and she thought the hat would be a cool idea, lol. They were nice enough to substitute a couple of t-shirts though. Anyway, nice boats!

cgrand · 04-02-2005, 10:09 AM

glad to help spread the gospel, my brother
great boats and jay is a great guy
i have a 19' and love it

Codfisher · 04-02-2005, 10:30 AM

I have dealt with many boat dealers in the past 4 years in my search for a boat. Nobody and I mean nobody comes close to the honest and straight forward approach you get from Black Lab's President, Jay Perrotta. There are alot of dealers, who lost my business with their bull slingling approach, that should take a few lessons in integrity from Jay. Besides all that, Jay sells one hell of a boat.

74Formula233 · 04-02-2005, 12:26 PM

Posted this in the NE Section earlier:

I went to the show yesterday after work. Met Jay (Black Lab), got a couple shirts. Nice boats he builds! Damn nice! Great guys to BS with and get info about their boats!

Also, really liked the 24 Topaz (Silverhawk) that was next to him! What a nice job on the "Seacraft hull"! Really puts the newer actual Seacrafts to shame . Man, you want a QUALITY 23 Seacraft CC, you gotta see the Topaz

Found some awesome deals on offshore gear at the Olde Salt Tackle booth! Bunch of guys from Brooklyn. If you want to get some nice gear on a budget, these guys have it! Is it "Top Notch"? No. Is it pretty damn good for the money? You bet your a$$! Look at what I got below for $140 bucks!

- 2 Spreaders (rigged w/10 each, w/tubes)
- 2 Daisy Chains (rigged)
- 3 Cedar Plugs (rigged)
- 1 Trolling Plug (rigged)
- 4 Mesh Gear Bags
- 3 Bags Stealth Wire (188#, 42' each bag)

And, at another booth, for $20 bucks!

- 1 Long Mesh Gear Bag
- 6 Bags Asst. Beads
- 4 Bags Rubbercores
- 7 Asst. Bucktails

There's a lot of stuff at the show, and also a LOT of HIGH prices, so watch out. It's the usual crap, you gotta look around. For instance, a Penn 704Z that you could get at the tackle shop for $80-85 bucks, they have priced at $105 at many of these booths Same idea with many of the rods.

But there ARE some good deals, just look around.

highway74 · 04-02-2005, 04:53 PM

I had never really thought much about an all aluminum hull in that size, but like I said, this is a boat you have to see in person. It's really impressive. I'm going to eventually upgrade my Hydra-Sports 180CC and when I do I'll seriously consider either their 20 or 23. I guess it's the type of boat that you either aren't interested in or fall head over heels for and believe me I fell head over heels. All I have to do is convince the wife and heck, she like's the name (Black Lab Marine) so that's half the battle.

Codfisher · 04-02-2005, 05:24 PM

Quote:

highway74 - 4/2/2005 4:53 PM

I had never really thought much about an all aluminum hull in that size, but like I said, this is a boat you have to see in person. It's really impressive. I fell head over heels. All I have to do is convince the wife and heck, she like's the name (Black Lab Marine) so that's half the battle.

You are right on.

This is not the boat for the mass market and is one you must see and ride on in person. Two years ago I saw them at a "fresh" water show and was not impresses as I was glassy eyed looking at all those shiny gel coats. Now after 2 years of searching and knowing that I am becoming a hard core fisherman who could care less about shiny hulls. gel coat repairs and the hours of maintainence they require. I have come to the realization that Pacifics are a boat designed for true fisherman.

If you are a primarily interested in catching fish, and want to build a custom boat with your choice of power at a price that will still allow you to fuel the boat, the decision is a no brainer.

PS Eventhough the admiral owns a chocolate lab she still like the boat

Protector · 04-02-2005, 06:31 PM

I purchased a Pacific 23 last August, but was only able to use it about 10 hours (just enough to break in the engine) before I had to tuck it away for the season.

So I have not had a chance to get much use of it or rig it with accesories or electronics yet, but you can see pictures of it in the Album section under Protector. Please let me know what type of feedback you are looking for because these boats are designed the way you want them so they can all be unique in their own way.

Brian

highway74 · 04-03-2005, 11:54 AM

Protector,
I just checked out your pics, nice boat. I'll bet you can't wait to get it back in the water. I'm hoping to eventually get up to Yarmouth, ME to take one for a test ride. I'm interested in the 20 or the 23. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong.

boatowner1122 · 04-03-2005, 12:08 PM

I looked at their website the other day and they a good looking aluminum boats. I just wonder what kind of ride they have in rough water. Also what kind of price range are they in. More or less than fiberglass? Anyone who knows please let me know.

cgrand · 04-03-2005, 12:10 PM

great ride
about the same $$$, maybe a bit less
you can get pricing right off jay's website

my 19' was right about $30K boat/motor/trailer/goodies

boatowner1122 · 04-03-2005, 12:13 PM

thanks!

boatowner1122 · 04-03-2005, 12:14 PM

Did they throw in your famous shoes?

Cooper · 04-03-2005, 12:38 PM

At the show, Jay said to expect *about* $1500 per foot for boat, motor, and trailer. Throw in electronics and you're at the price of an equivalent semi-custom mono hull (bluewater, for instance). The boats looked INDESTRUCTIBLE!

fishracepoint · 04-03-2005, 08:59 PM

A friend has the 23 and loves it.
solid fishing boat, easy to clean
besides being indestructible they have flotation foam blown in below the deck which makes it un-sinkable too.

nat · 04-03-2005, 09:37 PM

I've looked into them also, they are foam filled below deck and unsinkable. This eliminates in deck storage areas and also eliminates
in deck maintanence issues on livewell pumps,fishbox drains.nightmares a couple years down the road...basically the simplicity of these boats is something I really like.

I don't think they have any thru hull fittings at all...?

How would you mount a tranducer?

How would you rig a livewell?

The only other boats I've seen on the market that can compare in simplicity and durability are Cape Horn.....

I'm looking for a tuff,long life,simple durable boat...........

very few builders are selling such a thing....

Black Lab as far as I can tell has the most durable recreational fishing boat design available....if you can live without in deck lockable storage,
without an in deck fishbox storage,without washdown pumps and complicated systems in your bilge..........

it's all in what you need ,want and are looking for............

Bullshipper · 04-03-2005, 09:49 PM

[quote]nat - 4/3/2005 8:37 PM

I've looked into them also, they are foam filled below deck and unsinkable. This eliminates in deck storage areas and also eliminates
in deck maintanence issues on livewell pumps,fishbox drains.nightmares a couple years down the road...basically the simplicity of these boats is something I really like.

I Black Lab as far as I can tell has the most durable recreational fishing boat design available....if you can live without in deck lockable storage,
without an in deck fishbox storage,without washdown pumps and complicated systems in your bilge..........

it's all in what you need ,want and are looking for............

This is a general statement that is directed to the posters on this thread, and not at Black Lab Marine.

"No underdeck area that has a gas tank that can possibly leak fuel should be completley sealed, as gas under compression with a spark will blow. Underdeck ventilation is a must on all designs IMO."

blu catz · 04-03-2005, 10:02 PM

I have been looking at Jays Pacific boats for about a year.I love them and one day (2 kids in college currently) hope to get one.I have only seem them in catalogs and his website, but I am sold. I have talked with Jay and he is nice and a straight shooter. I like the 20 footer with a tuna door.Just my 2 cents. I would love to see one at a boat show but there are not any shows with in a days drive of where I live, that Jay participates in. Maybe one day I will see one on the Chesapeake Bay or James River Va.

welder · 04-03-2005, 11:50 PM

you can go stright to pacific boats.com and see some of the opts. for these boats they have and they will do what ever you want in the boat. they will also send you a free video tape.

Jamie M · 04-04-2005, 01:22 PM

The boats are incredibly rugged, functional, and low-maintenance. As a testament, try finding a used one. And when you do, you'll see that the owners expect to pi$$ away very litle depreciation.

As has been posted, they are not for everyone. But for the niche market they serve, they are tough to beat.

To top it off, you won't come across a more straight shooter than Jay. I have been kicking his tires for 2 years now, and he is still glad to talk to me every time I have a question.

It's only a matter of time for me, it's the only boat on my list.

highway74 · 04-04-2005, 07:17 PM

I agree, I wish I had seen that 20 footer before I bought my 18 Hydra-Sports, granted it's about $15000 more, which includes a 3/4 hard top, 135 Honda and more boat, but had I seen it, I don't think I would have passed it up. The 23 is really nice, unfortunately a bit out of the range I want to spend right now. I can't say enough about these boats after seeing them in person. I was impressed just seeing the photos, doesn't come close to the real thing!!