Key Hopper Boat Club

rbodine · 03-23-2009, 05:32 AM

Anyone interested in starting a Key Hopper owners group, email me.
Robert

rbodine@cfl.rr.com

ljk · 03-23-2009, 02:05 PM

What's a Key Hopper?

rbodine · 03-23-2009, 03:10 PM

Key Hoppers are one of the finest flats boats made, they were made in Marathon in the late 80's and early 90's.

crazituna · 04-01-2009, 08:12 AM

i got one..and love it

brandonson325s · 05-06-2009, 09:45 AM

i just hjave a question about the key hopper because i just bought one a few weeks ago. The hull is a 1990 with a 200 hp mercury swinging a 24 pitch chopper. What kind of speed should i being getting out of my boat?

rbodine · 05-09-2009, 06:41 PM

Brandon, from what I have seen and heard, id bet you are probably getting 60-65 out of it...send me some pics if youve got them..rbodine@cfl.rr.com...Great boat, you are gonna love it... they handle well in all types of water and look awesome.

brandonson325s · 05-21-2009, 08:25 AM

What is the hp rating on this boat

rbodine · 06-10-2009, 09:35 AM

Brandon, I'm not sure but I have seen them with 250's on them...I wouldnt recommend, but I have seen it.

brandonson325s · 06-22-2009, 06:22 PM

i want to put a 250 optimax on my boat how fast are they running with 250's

CMP · 06-22-2009, 06:41 PM

I have the guy who owns the Key Hopper molds on my cell phone. He's sticking fish in Maine right now, but it you need a hull, i can make a call...

CMP

rbodine · 06-24-2009, 12:53 PM

Where are the molds, what state? I heard that a guy in the keys had it again. What is he making the hulls out of? I would love to see one of his new boats..who is he? Thanks, Robert

CMP · 06-24-2009, 06:33 PM

Last I heard Robert, they were in storage in New Hampshire. I saw them several years ago and I'm pretty sure they're still up here. He has plans to move them back to FL as he bought a place in near Marathon, but then the bluefin decided to show up, so he's fishing. I'll try to call him this weekend...

CMP

rbodine · 07-01-2009, 03:17 PM

Thanks CMP, I know a couple of people who would love to get a new hull. The people who bought these boats love 'em. I have a couple of friends who would like a new one. Email me the info when you get it.
Robert

rbodine · 10-19-2009, 03:17 PM

Anyone interested, I found the original builder of the Key Hopper boat, he is building them again to take on the Lake and Bay. Email me or call me for infor

lemaymiami · 10-19-2009, 09:39 PM

I've fished and worked next to a Key Hopper years ago. They're fast and capable. The Lake and Bay might be faster but the Key Hopper will run in water that the Lake and Bay would have to slow down in. You can actually pole the Hopper but you'd want to do it downwind...

rbodine · 11-10-2009, 11:00 AM

Actually they have started to make Key Hoppers again in South Fla. He has made some subtle changes and is looking to compete with the Lake and Bay.

CMP · 11-10-2009, 12:59 PM

The guy selling Key Hoppers does NOT own the Key Hopper nameplate and is playing a dangerous game. I know the guy who does (spoke to him last week) and legal action is in the works...

CMP

First Light · 11-16-2009, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbodine

Anyone interested, I found the original builder of the Key Hopper boat, he is building them again to take on the Lake and Bay. Email me or call me for infor

Is that the guy who went to prison?

rbodine · 11-17-2009, 02:30 PM

No not Mario, but was instrumental in the origional key hoppers being built with Mario

rbodine · 11-17-2009, 02:35 PM

CMP, wow, I did not know that. You talked to your friend, is he going to start making them again? If he does, have him let me know, next year I am going to go forward with a Key Hopper club, there seems to be more people contacting me all the time to do it.