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I'm lookin to get into a 30-35 ft. Deadrise or Downeast boat by years end. I have been researching for about 3 months. I'm looking for a Va.Beach Local that can help me with a test ride or a little education on the local in's and outs of getting into one.
Are brokers a bad idea? How about surveyors? Local dealers, good /bad experiences? Kits a good idea? There is so much info on the ********, it's difficult to tell fact from fiction.
Brokers not a bad idea, but go with your gut. Talk to them, and get a feel for if they want to put you in a boat that suits you, or suits them. Do they know the in's & out's?
Used boat especially, definitely survey. If you're in the market for a new Custom, do a search on builders than can build both. Meet them, tour their shop, ask questions, and look closely at the work. The word "Custom" on the sign, and some shiny paint do not necessarily make it a good shop.
A kit can be a decent idea, depending on the situation in which it's being finished.
Price range is going to a big consideration.
Wow, that's a broad category. Are you going to fish or cruise? Price range, new or used? diesel or gas? I went the same route. I knew I wanted a downeast, Dyer, Wasque etc. love the lines and the ride of a displacement hull. I ended up having a deadrise built. There's something about a boat built for the region, by local craftsman. There's a bunch of great builders in the region as well as Maine. Pick up a copy of Maine Boats and Harbors. Nothing turns heads in a harbor like a downeaster.
Den, My suggestion would be go to where the boats that interest you are - should that be a deadrise - walk the marina's and speak with the owners/operators where these style boats populate the docks. Deale, Chesapeake Beach, and Tilghman Island are a few options for deadrises.
As I have a deadrise, I'm less knowledgable where Downeasters can be found on the Chesapeake Bay - my guess would be Oxford. You could always contact Bob Stine @ Black Dog Boatworks - he's the local guru on Downeaster's, located in Denton, MD. (http://www.blackdogboatworks.com/)
Should you decide to visit Black Dog Boat Works, Judge Yachts and Mathews Bros. are just down the highway from Denton. In fact, take a look at the Judge Yachts website (www.judgeyachts.com), Judge has a newer Deadrise for Sale for $89k
Lots to be learned from speaking with owners and looking at their boats. I've yet to meet a boat owner that wouldn't take some time to talk about his boat or even offer to show you the highlights of it.
__________________ "Never approach a dock faster than you can afford to hit it!"
I admit very broad. I am looking for a single diesel, used mainly for fishing. H&H, Bruno Stillman or Dyer. Leaning toward a stable platform that does around 20kts and fiberglass. Used and something less than $75,000.
I have contacted a few people and have rode the H&H which with a Detroit 671 ran very strong, however was a bit slower than I wanted. 12-15kts TOP.
Thanks for the replies. I learn a little more with each response.
I think the problem you may end up having is finding a boat w/ diesel, in good shape, for the price you're trying to stick to.
A basic 32' deadrise w/ diesel, from a quality builder, is going to run in the neighborhood of 125k. Generally, the downeast boats well be a hair higher. That's new construction. And a well constructed boat like these will hold their value remarkably well.
Hi Den,
get a copy of Commercial fishing news, published by Compass pub. in Stonington Maine...... Lots of for sale Downeast boats in there.....
Also visit a site called www.noreast.com and find a thread called "Downeast" loads of good info from Downeast owners.....
The only good advice I can give you is, "know exactly what your going to do with the boat, and what you would be willing to give up a little of, to gain a little of."
And Have fun looking at everything, It's part of it!
__________________ ________
It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog!
I'd ride on as many boats as you can, and I'd check out the deadrise boats in your local area. I'd walk the docks and talk to owners about what they like and don't like. The downeast hulls are varied and even the same hull will perform differently depending on how it's powered. I would also buy used. You'll get more boat for the $ and the kinks will have been worked out. $75K may be a bit low for a used downeast boat in the 35' range, but you can probably find a good 30' boat at that price, but don't expect a yacht type finish inside unless it's an older boat. Questions to consider: (1) do you need sleeping, galley, head, shower accomodations, or do you want a spartan fishing machine? (2) do you want a flush deck or an engine box? This was a key issue for me -- I refused to buy anything with an engine box; (3) do you want a flybridge? I initially thought not, but was glad I got a boat with a flybridge -- a lot cooler, quieter and better visibility from up top. I rarely steer from inside the wheelhouse except in bad weather.
If you ever get to Massachusetts, I can show you our 35' Terry Jason.
Deadrise or Downeast help 
