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Random Quote: I dont know nothin about fishin but I can lie as good as any fisherman.
I am starting my hunt for a new 17' CC. The 2 boats that I have been reading a lot about on this board that seem to meet my criteria, budget priced 17, easily trailerable boats that will handle a 2-3' chop, are the Cape Horn 17 and Dusky 17. I am hoping that someone within a reasonable distance of Boston, has one that they would be willing to show or demo for me. I realize it is a little late in the year for a water test, but I need to start my shopping by kicking tires somewhere to help me decide if this is the direction I should be pursuing. The other boat that intrigues me, if I can't afford the first 2 is the American Skiff 165. I have been looking at Lund Alaskan 18's around here, and they are priced at least as high for a comperable boat. I realize that the American Skiff is not an offshore boat like the previous 2, but I have seen a 2002 offered for sale at to $10.5K. Up here that will buy you a used Lund and little else. I do mostly lite tackle and fly fishing, and the American skiff has a nice inshore layout. It certainly looks more comfortable than a Lund Alaskan.
However, my hope is to be able to find and afford a boat that will bring me further offshore. My favorite fishing spots are the shoals that run from Monomoy half way to Nantucket. There's nothing like watching a 20# striper clear water trying to kill your 6" squid fly or 9" white Sluggo in the first or second wave of a rip. You need decent weather and a good boat if you plan to do that with a 17' boat. I have also been known to visit Nomans Land, Wasque, Cuttyhunk and Tuckernuck form launching points on the mainland.
I have found a dealer in the Mid Atlantic with a Cape Horn 17 with Johnson 90 for $15K without trailer. I haven't been able to find any Dusky dealers, and think the cost of trucking a Dusky to New Englang could easily add $2K+ to their advertised price of $13.5K. anyone have any experience shipping boats North form Florida?
I am looking for a deal, so I will probably be looking at a nice clean, newer used boat. Megabyte has me drooling over his Dusky 17, but, if he were to sell it, his would probably cost more than a new boat. Looking at pictures of his Dusky and reading his description has fueled my interest in Dusky 17s.
You won't find any Dusky dealers anywhere. They are sold strictly factory direct.
I think the going rate to ship a 23 to NJ is somewhere around $1500. I would think a 17 to MA would be slightly less, but who knows.
We drove down and picked up our 23 at the factory. I think the trip cost me 700 or so with hotels, meals, gas etc...
I'm not sure how the small Duskys do in the used market. The big ones do really good and I know of a couple of people that decided new was the way to go since the price difference is usually not that much on late model boats.
If you do get serious about the boat, I would recommend visiting the factory to see how they are built first hand and sit down with the people there to discuss options.
Assinippi,
What is your budget for this boat? I recently made a similar evaluation based on roughly the same usage requirements - although I won't be going as far off shore. I'm guessing from your location you'll also be doing some south shore boating.
I decided to go used as well and budgeted up to about $22K, which opened up the options quite a bit. I looked at Cape Horn and while I was very impressed, I didn't care for the layout and the fuel capacity of the 17. The 19 was really the one I liked, but there are not many around our area for a used market and the only dealer is in the NW Boston area. Also out of my price range.
Nothing against your targeted brands, but I would encourage you to include some of the "non-budget" models in your search that may be more plentiful in our market and therefore potential deals. I chose a 99 18' Grady w/130HP Yam and was under budget including trailer.
Good luck and enjoy the process! BTW the rips of monomoy/nantucket are a long haul for a 17' isn't it? It can kick up in a hurry and there's nowhere to go.
My target is to find the right boat for $15K outside. I think it can be done for under that with some shopping and haggling. I can get an new 2004 18' C-Hawk with a 90 Johnson on a trailer for that money and I know a dealer with a new 2002 C-Hawk 2002 (never been drilled for a motor)with a new 70 Suzuki, new roller trailer asking $16K. I think some dealing is available with that boat. I can get a new 2004 Triumph 17 CC on a trailer with a 60 Suzuki for $13,000. However, I want to see if I can find a deeper V than either the Triumph or C-Hawk offer.
The Monomoy rips can be handled with the right 17' boat. I fished them out of a 17' Seaway (actually 16'7" with a 6'7" beam) for the past dozen years with no issues other than the occasional hammering, wet ride home. I believe that either the Cape Horn or the Dusky 17s would be even more seaworthy than the Seaway. Both have more deadrise, the Dusky has 10" more beam, weighs 300 lb more and has 6 degrees more deadrise, the Cape Horn is almost an 18' boat with an 8' beam, 17'8" long, weighing 600 lbs more. Pick your day and you can go most anywhere.
Budget is important. Rather than revise my "budget" up, I may have to downsize and give up the offshore ability I had in the past. I have a fishing partner who has a 20' Sea Hunt kept in Bass River so I would still have some access to the Monomoy Rips, but he isn't as adventurous as I am. I would hate to think I have seen the Elizabeths and Cuttyhunk for the last time.
I just looked at a 1998 17' Cape Horn this morning with a 125hp merc with low hours, according to seller. The motor did look new. Included a trailer, bimini and cg equipment for $8,000. Boat appeared to be in good shape with no obvious problems. I decided the boat is not right for me, but will email you his phone number in Sebastian Florida if your interested.
You won't get a new 17 Cape Horn for less than $16,000. You need at least a 115 on that boat. A dealer may try to sell you one with a 90 but that isn't enough hp. Those Lookouts look nice, don't know about cost. You may want to look at the MayCraft or the Cuttyhunk Series by Bluefin or Pelican Bay.
I have been looking at the CH 17 as well. It is a large 17. In fact, it is almost identical to the Hydra-Sports 180CC. Anyway, I would not consider either of these two boats with a 90 on them. Given its weight, deadrise for me a 115 would be minimum.
I would up the size, it can get real rough around Monomoy and the other areas you mentioned, I fished Monomoy last season in a 18.5 boat and when the weather turned I just about made it in. I would think you should be looking at 19-21' boats. A 17' boat is not a good choice for that area regardless of who the manufacturer is. Just a suggestion...
202 Scout Sportfisher (for sale)fish out of Point Judith, RI
Do a search for Megabyte here. I met and took him fishing for the first time this week and he was telling us he is waiting for a survey on a Parker 25 that he has a deal on. He has a Dusky 17 that he probably is selling. The boat looks new and very well cared for. I am not sure of the year or his asking price but should be worth looking into. Good luck!
Go have a look at the pricing on a new 17' Dusky. It's $13.5K w/ a 90 Johnson and trailer. But keep in mind that is completely unrigged! No electronics, gear or upgrades as Megabyte's has. I'm willing to bet his was pushing $18K when new.
I have see his boat and it is cherry!!! Besides, he'll probably take you fishing on the sea trial.
Hey guys... She's not for sale (yet). It's true that I am looking at another boat, but nothing has been finalized. If that changes, I'll let you know. Thanks for the interest though!
if you want a 2000 seafox 21ft cc with a 150hp johnson ocean pro 95 hours on boat and motor. i just traded it in on new boat check it out at marineusainc.com there out of worcester ma or call ask for mark israelian asking price is 16500
Hmm... There used to be a pretty good restaurant/bar right there off Route 3 in Assinippi. I think it's something else now.
I would take a pass on the American Skiff, there are plenty of better boats out there.
A new Lund Alaskan 18 with a 60 HP 4 stroke and trailer is around $14,000. Definitely a good possibility for you. The Alaskan 18 was redesigned for 2003 and has a wider beam than previous models.
South Bridge Boat House in Concord is the only Cape Horn dealer in New England. They usually package the 17 with a Mercury 115 4 stroke. With a trailer the price will be well over $15K, however.
You should look at the Key West 1720, with a bullet-proof Yamaha 90 2 stroke and trailer it's about $14,500.
gf,
You must be thinking of the Barnside. Re-opened a few years back as a Joe's American and Paprazzi combined. Still have the same bar setup upstairs and have bands.
Cape Horn 17 or Dusky 17 in New England 
