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Random Quote: I had a few words with my wife, she had a few paragraphs with me.
Aluminum boats are great but the small builders seem to come & go. I was disappointed when Norsco closed up as they were superb boats but the original crew is back at work as Ottercraft with different owners. So it goes . . .
I have to confess to being a certifiable boataholic. Have owned more than 20 boats, 4 of them have been Armstrongs.
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The Armstrong I have now is just about dialed in, so I'm looking around. I may buy something to play with, and have Armstrong or somebody build me another.
I took a ride on the Aerohead back when it was called Southpaw. They had a good concept, and design, but the welding and general workmanship at the time just didn't get it for me, and even though I had brought my checkbook with me, and was prepared to buy, I didn't feel comfortable giving them a large deposit.
The prices asked by them have zoomed, and unless some sort of kick butt deal shows up, Aerohead is probably out of the mix.
One of the brokers in Anacortes has a 36 Otter that has been to Mexico and Alaska on its own bottom. Is that the same as Ottercraft?
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27 Armstrong Pilothouse Single F350
plus 2.5 ft motor extensions
I don't know. If it's aluminum then its likely. I think ottercraft has built about a dozen boats since its re-org out of Norsco. Their website isn't fully functioning yet but they do have some pics up.
I know about the boat-a-holic thing. I have it too. I just picked up an old LaConner and I'm right in the middle of a repower. I didn't really need it but my little Edwing CC is just not a good winter boat and I'm out all year so what the heck. I'll likely keep the Edwing as its a good back-up!
wandering aluminum eye....yes, we have a problem! Fun buying them anyway. I also looked at Southpaw, then Arrow and while they have some innovative features, just could not see rolling dice on yet another small builder with questionable ability to deliver and also questionable resale? I will roll my 12 y/o Almar this spring for more than I paid for it - and the line to buy it ahead of time is long. I am not saying I have a better boat, but it is a factor to consider.
I will check out the ottercraft for grins. You might look at Coldwater, but at 6-8 boats a year, I could not make the "value" equation work - hard to beat 50 boat a year scale effects and the parent N-River's 1000+. Yes, I know there is a downside also, so far so good.
Almar has always had a good reputation. I owned one for a short time a couple of years ago, bought it right, and used it as trading material for a 26 Pursuit. The Pursuit was a fun boat for dragging grandkids around on tubes. The Pursuit is gone now also.
Our Sheriff's dept has been using Almars for years, and likes the boats and after sale service.
There's a 33 Coldwater over here for sale, but the price is high, and the interior of the boat was done by a not very handy owner, and looks it. No head, and an interior that needs to be ripped out and redone. Owner took it to Alaska to use for charter, and never got his business off the ground. Hull construction looks very good. Twin Hondas and Honda kicker probably haven't been started in over a year, so they are questionable. We considered buying it this past spring, and turning it into a cruiser/fisher, but couldn't negotiate with the owner, and the numbers didn't make sense.
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27 Armstrong Pilothouse Single F350
plus 2.5 ft motor extensions
Ruggit: My dad and I ran a 26' Pursuit w 350/Alpha One on Lk Erie for years, nice boat also and much mo betta for hauling kids with toys. There was a nice almar w/a pilothouse at Dagmars for sale recently...
If you really want one, I believe the Aerohead boats were actually designed by Conrad Yachts in BC. Conrad doesn't build boats though, but they can provide plans, CNC cutting files (can be translated by CNC cutting machines to extremely accurate precut aluminum panels), and for some of their boats (including the 25 Aero, I think), they can also provide a precut kit. Obviously you'd still need to find a competent local builder who is experienced with welding and fitting out boats, so that's not for everyone.
See: http://www.geocities.com/jarekkanios/Past_projects.html
__________________ When blithe to argument I come, Though armed with facts and merry; May Providence protect me from, The Fool as adversary. Whose mind to him a kingdom is, Where reason lacks dominion; Who calls conviction prejudice, and prejudice opinion.... ;-)
All -
Check out Kann Manufacturings aluminum boats at www.kannmfg.com They make aluminum workboats for the coast guard, DNR as well as for individual customers. They've been around since 1946...
Ghetts
31’ Length Overall - Aerohead Aluminum Boat
Twin 200hp Mercury Verado Outboards with less than 300 hours total time
Fully integrated electronic engine controls, flush mounted
Additional aft Steering helm in cockpit with engine controls
Simrad auto pilot coupled to Simrad Radar Chart Plotter with radar/chart overlay and multi frequency transducer
Flush mounted helm instruments, trim tabs, delayed windshield wipers,
Bow lights
Full thermal and acoustic insulation throughout entire boat
32 inch freeboard inside cockpit - from deck to gunwale
44 inch freeboard outboard
Self bailing deck with integrated scupper and deck lid channel design
Fresh water wash down pump in cockpit
Fish cleaning station on transom
Walk thru transom
Large swim step (engines come completely out of water when moored)
Below cockpit deck fish wells (40 gallons each)
Diamond Seaglaze tempered glass windows
Non-skid coating on deck surfaces
Cabin
Galley with deep sink with hot and cold water
Solid aluminum dinette with custom wood drawer faces and stainless steel drawer pulls
Two forward facing suspension seats made by company that makes the F22 fighter ejection seats
Vacuflush head with black water storage tank plus Y valve for dock service and macerator for off shore (12+miles) operations.
Cockpit flood light
Built in window defroster
Comes with a ShoreLand'r 13,000 capable trailer, dual axle, electric brakes, $15,000 retail value, less than 6,000 miles on trailer. This is an amazing asset with the boat.
$120,000.00 for package.
I’m selling for a friend, but I built the boat, call me with questions.
Aerohead boats gone?
There was a nice almar w/a pilothouse at Dagmars for sale recently...
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