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Random Quote: The short way is often the long way!
A buddy of mine has the 22 side console that he uses for comercerial trot line crabbing. For what it is, its a great boat that the whole family uses. I have another friend with a 27 eastern, which I beieve is the new 27 judge. That boat rode absolutely awful. Judge makes a great boat and I guess like anyone else the different models all ride different. If you call up there ask for Dennis Medlock, hes a friend and a great guy. He will not steer you wrong.
I spoke with them in the spring and early summer about their boats. Judge builds a great boat. The 27 Chesapeake was my boat of choice but I couldnt bring myself to spend the additional 15k with the options I wanted. The 24 did spike my interest when they first announced its release earlier this year. However, I dont believe they have done a 24 w/ a bracket at the time and I didnt want to be the test boat. Also the over 8.5' beam was a turn off to me for trailering. While I never saw one in person, the photos kind of indicated that the cockpit was on the smaller side compared to the 27 Judge and 25 May-craft as well. I also did not want to wait for a boat. I wanted to be able to drive it off of a lot. Obviously I ended up with the May-craft for the reasons perviously mentioned. With that said, the Judge is a much more nicely finished boat, has better hardware, local manufacturing plant, great customer support (from what I have heard), every owner of one that I have spoke with has sung their praises and I would all around consider it a nicer. Dont get me wrong, I am more than satisfied with my May-craft and think it is every bit as tough. It is just a little rougher around the edges. It was a little less expensive too.
Here is my review of my May-craft if you care (I discuss the Judge here too). The only thing I would add to the review is my disappointment in some of the hardware like the quality of stainless used on the bow rail. Gootees on the eastern shore is a dealer. Rudy marine in DE is as well. Worth a consideration if you want an open back with extended hardtop.
side note on fishcop's ride comments: They have a new hull this year as I believe the old molds were damaged in the fire they had. I never sea trialed one but it may offer a different ride than Fishcops experience. Probably at least worth a test ride. Like I said, I have no personal experience.
__________________ 2009 Judge Yachts 27 Chesapeake powered by Honda Marine
I took a few photos of the new 27 Judge Chesapeake at last years Annapolis Powerboat Show...
From what I understand, the 27 is an upgraded version of the older 27 Eastern, as a direct result of the fire at their facility about two years ago.
The 2005 Annapolis Powerboat Show is next weekend if you want to see a 27 in the water. Hopefully, they will have a 24 there as well.
Acactually looking at Kevin's pictures, I think Greg might be right about a new hull. I can tell you that the interior is definitely different. I hope it was a different hull. I can tell you that the old eastern pounded so hard that the entire boat would shake and unless it was flat calm out you had to ride way up underneath the cabin cause the water just came over the top. Like I said before call up there and talk to Dennis, he will set you straight on everything you need to know. Or call Gootees where Greg bought his boat, they are a great dealer. The only problem is they literally are in the middle of no where.
Actually I purchased my boat from Almars in DE. They no longer sell May-craft. Evidently (according to Almars) you will only be able to get a May-craft prerigged with Yammie or Rude in the future. Since Almars is a large Merc dealer, Rudy Marine picked them up in DE. Gootees didnt have any with opening front windows and I preferred the lower maitanence and higher output DFI 2 stroke (I just wish it were quieter as quiet as the four strokes.) Gootees riggs with Yammie F225's. Living just outside of Annapolis, Gootees and Almars were about equal distance from me. Gootees does have a very good reputation.
As far as the new Judge hulls go, I am pretty sure they are all new hulls as I believe the new ones are 8'10" beam and the old ones were 8'5" beams.
__________________ 2009 Judge Yachts 27 Chesapeake powered by Honda Marine
I had a 31 built by Bill and the boys in 2000. It was a very cool experience, being able to watch them build the boat and customize the layout to exactly what you want. My only comment was that because the boat didn't have a molded inner liner, but was basically "stick built" by the guys their, it seemed a little smaller than comparable size boats. We really loved the boat and I miss the pilot house this time of year. It was also great on diesel, which I also really miss. I am not sure how they have gotten since they had the fire and have gotten bigger, but back then it was a great bunch of guys who really cared about doing a good job and making you happy.
Rick
Bill builds a very fine boat. I test drove his 34 a few weeks ago and visited his factory. Everything is very well done and thought out. If he has the type of boat you're looking for , there's no reason not to buy it. Quality is not an issue. Personally I would never buy another boat from a broker. If I can't buy the boat factory direct, I wouldn't buy it. Dealing directly with a builder like Bill Judge is a pleasure.
fishcop - 10/7/2005 7:19 AM
Or call Gootees where Greg bought his boat, they are a great dealer. The only problem is they literally are in the middle of no where.
I bought my Hydrasport from Gootees, I think they are past the middle of nowhere
Judge 24 Chesapeake
