The quest is on for a good fishing boat for the Cortez. Half the fun is the looking and research. I would like to hear some discussion on these
boats. Pros/cons & observations. Your opinion is valued.
Here is a 26' panga center console with a diesel engine. You can get them with gas outboards or inboards, too. Very stable and dry in rough water,
great economy, long range, open and easy to maintain. Plain Janes but half the price of some a lot shorter.
What do you think? Anybody had any experience on these boats?
No experience with that particular boat------
Barry A. - 9-29-2005 at 04:02 PM
but it sure looks like a winner to me. My only problem with it is that it won't fit on top of my Callen Camper. Great lines, tho, and it looks tough.Diver - 9-29-2005 at 04:28 PM
I had a 22' Angler very similar to this boat in 1988-1991, bought in Key Largo. I beat the ----out of it off shore from southeast Florida and the
keys.
I did quite a bit of fishing and tons of diving with up to 12 tanks and 6 divers. At the time, I had compared it to the 21' and 22' Macos, Aquasports,
Wellcrafts. I found the boat to be a lot dryer than the Macos and Wellcrafts, lighter to trailer than the Aquasports and cheaper than all others I
found. I ran it with a 200 outboard and was very pleased.
The T-Top was the only weak link. Either get a strong one or put your electronics etc in the console as the extra weight and vibration of the alum.
T-top doesn't work well together.
For Baja, I would think the deisel might be a good choice due to fuel availability. Also, you will never blow-up a deisel or start a fire like gas.
However, if you like to beach the boat a lot, the outboard will come up farther, out of the way.
Have fun shopping !
Who says women are the only ones that like to shop ??
.
as far as looks go...
eetdrt88 - 9-29-2005 at 04:31 PM
that boat is sweet,looks like you could get a couple buddies aboard comfortably and would handle some rough water...whats the price$$$$
when it comes...
eetdrt88 - 9-29-2005 at 04:35 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Diver
.
Have fun shopping !
Who says women are the only ones that like to shop ??
.
to baja toys i think its usually the guy pushing around the shopping cartDiver - 9-29-2005 at 04:48 PM
BTW, I was a bit younger and crazier then so the Angler definitely took some big air off some big waves many times. It never went anywhere slowly
except trolling. The only time it felt small was crossing the gulf stream to Bimini where the swells were over 20' tall !! I only sold it because I
moved to Colorado for a few years.
.
Panga...
Pompano - 9-29-2005 at 04:51 PM
Yes, Diver, I had heard too about the standard T-top on some of these models. I will be looking at them closely. I rode in one and was impressed
with the dryness and ease of moving around at speed through the chop. Not that I love going out in the stuff, but it happens often enough..especially
coming back later in the day. With the rising price of gas and diesel, the economy of this small diesel engine is a real nice attraction. With an 81
gallon tank this baby will have a range of 400 miles and can cruise WOT at 34mph...burning 5-6 gals an hour. I figure a normal day's fishing around
the areas I haunt will rack up maybe 60-70 miles. The boat is big enough to carry 4 large guys comfy, so the fuel bill gets small. Split up $30-$35
diesel 3-4 ways and it's an okay day. And lots of room for coolers, too. Plus check out the photo...that outdrive comes up above the keel. It's
long enough to get the bow right up on the sand..only I will have to take some steps along to scramble in and out!
eetdrt88...there's a few used out there from 10K and up. The brand new models are in high 30's. I understand the diesel models hold their value
pretty well. Wish I knew more about them, but that's what this post is all about...getting info on Baja boats. One thing, I know...they will handle
our Cortez Chop. Take a look at one alongside a reg. 20' boat.
[Edited on 9-29-2005 by Pompano]
[Edited on 9-30-2005 by Pompano]comitan - 9-29-2005 at 05:01 PM
[Edited on 9-30-2005 by comitan]Don Jorge - 9-29-2005 at 06:02 PM
Pompano,
Guessing that has the 1.7 Cummins /Mercruiser? 120 HP. Underpowered a bit if so. Got to fish around a box in the back and all that too. And
outdrives, just another maintenance issue. If you like that boat get a 4 stroke Honda!
Plus, there aint no such thing as a dry 26 ft boat, especially a panga style.
How's the specklebelly flight?Diver - 9-29-2005 at 06:52 PM
My Angler had a hull design somewhere between the two you show in your photo. Mine had a smoother hull rise and not as tall in the bow- this one will
be much dryer than mine as it looks to have a bit more dead-rise and the rise is steeper on top). As I remember, we used the angled drill-through rod
holders and added a screw from the inner fiberglass gunnel through the bottom of the holder tube. I also had a fold-in holder on each side of the
console. Looked like outriggers with a couple of 7' rods hung out to slow troll.Diver - 9-29-2005 at 07:53 PM
Here's a shot of my 26' Aquasport with 300 outboard.
Motor was TOO big but a great boat !
The hull shape was ver similiar to the Anglers they were making then. The Angler was glassed a little lighter.
Tons of them in south Florida.Diver - 9-29-2005 at 09:10 PM
You've probably already seen it but here's a used Panga for sale. Don't know much about them though.
Good to hear the birds are around. Please wait to send them this way until December. Thanks!Bob and Susan - 9-30-2005 at 06:18 AM
UUUGGGGLLLYYYY!!!!comitan - 9-30-2005 at 10:03 AM
Pompano
That Pacific w/ the Honda should be very economical to run. I don't think the boat would get hot, but the reflected sunlight would be terrible. I also
like the Angler w/the desiel engine, I think the engine cover would be very small because it is a very small engine.
[Edited on 9-30-2005 by comitan]
[Edited on 9-30-2005 by comitan]Bob and Susan - 9-30-2005 at 11:01 AM
UUUGGGGLLLYYYY!!!!Dave - 9-30-2005 at 11:08 AM
Does that aluminum boat come with tushy pads?
Upside is you wouldn't need a pan to fry the fish.
For Baja, I'd prefer a Honda
Hook - 9-30-2005 at 11:10 AM
As Don Jorge pointed out, much more to go wrong on an outdrive. Plus, it's a Merc outdrive. Inferior to the Volvos.
The other consideration I have on the Anglers is the inside gunwale height. Seems like it might hit you at the knees or lower. I like above the knee,
combing or no. This also means the flare of the bow has more surface to shed water further out from the boat.
That range is nice on the diesel, but wouldn't you be towing right past the Pemex every day after launching at the Serenidad? Not a huge issue. In
fact, I'd rather carry less fuel to minimize weight.
Wish I had your dilemma..........I actually may be in your situation in about 2 years, but I will be shopping for a smaller skiff, probably no longer
than 20 feet as we hope to live on the road for a year or so. Want to keep the towing weight under 3k, including trailer.
BTW, have to agree with Bob and Susan. That Pacific skiff is ONE UGLY BOAT!!! And I like aluminum boats!
Another one to critique...
Pompano - 9-30-2005 at 01:45 PM
I note all the pros and cons on the Panga 26 and the aluminum CC with a 4 stroke. Gunnel heights, materials, engines, draft, looks?, fish boxes.
All good ideas and comments. Thanks, they are duly recorded in the Baja Best Boat Box.
A couple of points before moving on to the next Baja boat. For our family's particular method of fishing in Baja we always top off the fuel tank
right after getting back from a day's fishing. Couple reasons. First the station in Mulege is not open before 7:00 A.M....and we are miles to sea by
then. Second...A normal Cortez fishing trip in our Mulege area can easily go to 70-90 nuatical miles round trip ..except for those many times when
you decide while out there fishing to run 50 miles more than what was planned for that day. Distress calls are made all too frequently these days and
the call may come from many miles away. Or who knows what.. there have been many bizarre events out there! Most leave the ramp with a full tank.
Naturally when going on an extended fishing/camping trip it is a necessity. Range and efficiency are off great importance to me in the next Baja
boat.
And now here is another boat type to consider:
A 23' fibeglass center console with outboard. This particular one is a Scout..good respectable builder of fishing and family boats. I welcome
matches of engines, equipment , whatever you think makes your day on the Sea of Cortez. So take it away...your comments are solicited.Dave - 9-30-2005 at 02:03 PM
I LOVE the look of the bow on the Scout. Looks like she'd make fair entry. What's the draft?
The Best of Both Worlds
Hook - 9-30-2005 at 02:19 PM
Cant decide between a cuddy and a center console?
Like an inboard but dont want an outdrive?
Looking for plenty of room if the diet goes to hell?
THIS is your boat......a well-respected manufacturer.
If you're looking for an inboard, check out the Shamrock line.
However, I like my boat. No towing involved. and easy to launch/recover.
[Edited on 9-30-2005 by turtleandtoad]comitan - 9-30-2005 at 03:18 PM
Pompano
The Scout has a Deadrise of 20 =More stable a little rougher ride in rough water
The Angler has a Deadrise of 30= less stable most have Bennet trim tabs,otherwise when someone moves on the boat it tips. But then again a much
smoother ride in rough water.
This is just for comparison, and not from an expert but believed to be correct.
[Edited on 9-30-2005 by comitan]
Pacific Skiffs
Don Jorge - 10-1-2005 at 04:11 AM
Note fuel tank size, draft, fishing room and study the options. No boat is ugly, and when a fishing man looks at one of those Pacific skiffs and
studies the welds, plate thickness and genuine hand made in America workmanship using the best materials available, it is a beautiful boat.
Now what woman and sailors think I don't know.
You can powder coat, paint the interior to reduce glare, all Baja boats should have at least one Bimini in the summer season or you are going to fry
your brains, plus, I have seen Pompanos pics and with a little imagination and paint I see a P-51 front end with gaping jaws painted on or an orca
motiff, or a ??? It's all fun!
PS: Well, as to any body/buddy who sales Boston Whalers, well, their recomondations and opinions on other boats should be taken with a salt shaker or
two!
And oh yeah, buy a Honda four stroke!!!!Bob and Susan - 10-1-2005 at 05:43 AM
The Triton 23' has no walking room...it'looks more like a "fishingboat" than a "catchingboat"
I like the Scout better because of the swim steps that are built in and the splash guard looks like you could take it out...a real plus.
We had to add swimsteps for the ladder.
Go Honda...quiet!!!
ULGY color...yellow!!!
Turtle...you are taking a REAL chance with that porta-boat!!!
[Edited on 10-1-2005 by Bob and Susan]turtleandtoad - 10-1-2005 at 07:26 AM
Bob & Susan
Just kidding; In Baja, I've only use it in Bahia Concepcion around Playa Requeson and even then I stay within sight of the shoreline. If I really want
to get out there, I hire a panga (or worm my way onto the boat of a fellow fisherman, they hate to see a grown man cry). Oh, I also used it in the
main lagoon at San Ignacio.
It really came in handy on my 5 month trip across Canada, and I've used it on lots of rivers (some really wild one) and lakes in the US. It's a very
stable boat and unsinkable to boot.
Even though I'm a factory trained Merc and OMC mechanic, I agree with the Honda 4 stroke, I use a 2 HP-air cooled on my Porta-Bote and it has never
failed me. Plus it doesn't take as many specialized tools to work on.
OK, I've highjacked this thread long enough, I'll crawl back into the woodwork now and drool over the "big" boat photos.comitan - 10-1-2005 at 07:49 AM
Now here is a design that I always wanted to test-ride but never have...the power-catamarans. I have read a bunch about them and poured over their
specs many a happy hour. There is a fellow called 'Bullshipper' on THT forum who has a SeaCat 22' w/ twin 140 Suzies in the Cortez and swears by
them. Supposed to be an unbelievable ride in comparison to monohulls. Although you will get some spray in the chop. All larger models - 21' and up
- I have looked at have twin OB's.
[Edited on 10-2-2005 by Pompano]
Power cats....a cheap thrill
Pompano - 10-2-2005 at 04:35 AM
I have read some impressive facts and records about these cats..especially the Glacier Bay cats. These are some:
1,328 Miles to Midway Island
Hawaii to Midway Island? 1,378 miles in seven days
The Bermuda Challenge
Catamaran posts a record of 728 miles in 36.5 hours on 2 four-stroke outboards
The Alaska Challenge
Across the Bering Sea? Nome to Siberia in a 26-footer
Most say the ride, stability, and wave-handling characteristics of cat-hulls are unbeatable in crossing rough water. I suppose that is why there are
so many successful catamaran ferry boats operating around the world. Fast, comfy, and cheap to operate.
Anybody have any experience on the 19'-26' fishing cats?mrchuck - 10-2-2005 at 05:38 AM
There have been quite a few "Catmarans" here, anchored out in the Palmas Bay over the years.
Now there is only 2 left that fish regularly. Why? Well, the others have sunk on anchor during the normal crazy wind and sea conditions we get when a
storm squall comes thru.
The regular conventional hull boats go thru these storms a-ok, but the catamaran hulls get blown over, get rolled over, etc.
I know it seems crazy, but it happens every time.
The catmarans slice thru the waves when running just fine and are a pleasure to be on while operating at sea in windy conditions.
It is when on a mooring, no one on board, where they are at peril.
This reputation has been made here by all the sinkings, thats all.
Saludos,,,,,mcPompano - 10-2-2005 at 05:53 AM
Wow..thanks for the mooring report on those cats, mc. That's invaluable information on anchoring catamarans out in our local conditions. Nothing
beats first-hand practical experience. It would seem that cats in the 19 - 26 foot range would be better trailered after each use than anchored out.
I know I would after reading your account!
I have known many blue-water sailors over the years who have commented on the same thing with sailing monohulls v.s. multihulls like cats and
trimarans. When in a severe storm the monohulls at least have a chance to make a complete roll-over, but the multihulls go over..and stay over.
'Pitchpoling' is a different deal .... both go down quickly.Bob and Susan - 10-2-2005 at 06:20 AM
but on the plus side...
if they break in half...
you have TWO BOATS!!!!Bob and Susan - 10-2-2005 at 06:38 AM
also....they're Ugglly!!!Diver - 10-2-2005 at 07:05 AM
Cats don't like water !!
Ever been skipping along in a power cat at 30+knots with a strong, gusty cross wind and a little chop ? Very spooky feeling if your used to a V hull.
Also, cats are like tri-hull, in some respects; if you're cruising diagonally out through the wave and catch a crest between the hulls that is taller
than the boats hull-rise, you get a big surprise !!
Now I do love my 16' Hobbie but Hobbies are another thing; riding on one hull, balancing in the wind; or are they ??
On another issue;
Someone mentiioned that the Angler V hull will roll more with people moving about when trolling or at anchor. Although the Angler V hull is not as
deep as some, it is fairly deep and considered a "deep V". For off-shore fishing, this is the only hull style I would consider. Like you replied, the
added comfort, stability thus seaworthiness, is well worth a little bit or roll.
Also, although my old Angler was a center console not a panga, the gunnel height was well over my knees (I'm 6'1").
And lastly, what's the problem with a little pitch-poling ?? I have stuck the hulls of my Angler and Aquasport though the bottoms of some pretty big
waves but I'm still here. Mostly because someone taught my to remove the splash guard in heavy seas and both hulls had lots of flotation. Admittedly,
I did wipe the T-top right off a 23' Maco about 20 years ago and passengers have been hard to find when I go out, since then !!!!
In hind-site, I think it's more a matter of not driving like a kook-in-a-hurry when you're in large or steep swells or waves.
Shopping and deciding ... tough work .... turtleandtoad - 10-2-2005 at 07:08 AM
B & S,
Does a good looking boat catch more fish?
What do the fish consider a good looking boat?Diver - 10-2-2005 at 07:16 AM
When I lived in south Florida, a good-looking boat definitely caught more, um, fish. Some wearing teeeny weeeny bikinis !!
.Bob and Susan - 10-2-2005 at 07:19 AM
I don't know!!!!
I sure wish I did...we're boaters NOT Catchers
but....MOST boats are "talking subjects" with the "boys" as you clean and repair them...
You can ONLY take so much razzing if you have an UGLY boatBob and Susan - 10-2-2005 at 07:22 AM
Diver THAT is CORRECT!!!!
I've NEVER seen women strip down sooooFAST except when ON A BOAT
If "real men" only realizedDiver - 10-2-2005 at 07:24 AM
Hey T&T,
Saw Jim Havens, Dick McNab, Mike Sorenson, Joyce Hutchins, Gayle Castle, Jerry Bertchi, Betty Tutthill and Sally Sauter at the Lions Club pancake
breakfast yesterday.
Best pancakes north of the border !!
Maybe we'll cross paths in Baja this January or February ?
.Diver - 10-2-2005 at 07:29 AM
Anyone ever been to the Memorial Day Boat Raft in Biscayne Bay, Florida ?
It's been tradition for years. Hundreds of boats raft-up around the bigger yachts and party all day. Many stay the weekend.
Clothing always seems to be optional for very many !!
.
USCG report on cat 26 in rescue on east coast...
Pompano - 10-2-2005 at 07:58 AM
I read this report from a US coast guard pilot on a rescue mission...taken from a cat v.s. mono discussion.
"Three weeks ago I was involved in a search and rescue for a lost surfer off Folly Beach near Charleston SC. If you remember that was when "Ophillia"
was due east and holding... We went out the "Stono" river with 6- 8 ft cresters rolling across the bar.. wind was 30 knts stacking them up pretty
close...
No , it wasnt 25 ftrs rolling up the Columbia , but I was'nt in a 44 or 47 ft MLB either.. I was in a 22 ft
Glacier Bay ... No , I wasn't sitting down drinking coffee and when we started out I was a little slow and we got knocked around a little but when I
got my speed up and got that "air cushion" we got out without incident ,,no bow stuffing, no green water in at any time... I did get airborne once or
twice but landed soft.... now, once outside and we started our search pattern and I would catch the seas aft beam it would give me that "quirky" roll
but I have learned to not react to it and we did fine for our 3 hr search... Several larger v hulls were in the river but none would chance it out..
I have had several boats and over 35 yrs on the pond and would not have chanced that in "any" mono less than 30 ft.. those seas were just too closly
stacked..
BTW we never found the boy.. but his mother appreciated us looking."
Lots of pros and cons on these cat hulls. But they seem to be the boat of choice more and more harbor police and offshore rescues throughout the
world. But for fishing, I think the 19' is way too small...and the 22's to 26's lack the cargo space and moving around room needed for a comfortable
day's fishing. So be it for multis...but they are beautiful, nevertheless. I love my Hobie and Prindle 16's.turtleandtoad - 10-2-2005 at 09:10 AM
"So be it for multis...but they are beautiful"
See! some people think cats aren't ugly!!!
Diver, I hope you said hi for me, especially to my cousin Dick. He's the one that taught me to hunt and ride. Fond memories of Lyle. I haven't seen
any of that crowd since the late 50's but recognize the names.
And I'll be crossing the border at Tecate around Feb 8th. and will be kicking around down there until the end of April or May, mostly Mulege and
Concepcion but will be taking side trips so I'm sure we'll end up in the same place at the same time. See you then.comitan - 10-2-2005 at 09:14 AM
Pompano
I know your enjoying your shopping but I think you will allways come back to the 26 angler /desiel.
Diver
Up the Sacramento Delta we had the same thing on 4th of July, the Hiltons put on the fireworks display, now as I look back the kids running around the
Hilton house, one was probably Paris.
Grady-White
Pompano - 10-2-2005 at 09:26 AM
What about a Grady? This is the 22' Center Console model.comitan - 10-2-2005 at 09:43 AM
[Edited on 10-3-2005 by Pompano]comitan - 10-2-2005 at 11:05 AM
Pomano
I hope you didn't miss the smilies. If you were to buy a boat in Florida it might be cheaper to have it shipped.turtleandtoad - 10-2-2005 at 01:27 PM
GRADY'S
I've fished a few Grady's offshore of the WA coast (around blue dot and swiftsure, out of Neah Bay) and liked them. They handle the PNW weather and
seas very well. I've even gone waaay offshore with them chasing tuna during the El Nino years!
Friend of mine had one rigged for salmon trolling with the hydraulic gurneys, outriggers, 4 downriggers, and the whole commercial ball of wax. With
the exception of not having a 10 ton RSW fish hold, it was as well set up as my 50' commercial boat. We did have to re-prop it to get it to troll
right.
BUT... they were a little bigger than what you're looking for, I think. In the 28+ range with twin diesels.
I also had a few into my shop when I still had my marine repair business. None were there for hull or workmanship problems, just add-ons and engine
work (with the exception of the one that tangled with the rocks at Skagway, the rocks won).
