BajaNomad

should i buy this boat???

Bob and Susan - 6-24-2008 at 06:07 PM

thinking about this guy...

15 foot
40 hp 2 stroke
9.9 hp kicker

comerical engine...no electric starter

big stick to steer and gas...no steering wheel

what do you think???

value???

we haven't set the price yet:light:

simular to the picture



[Edited on 6-26-2008 by Bob and Susan]

P1000885.jpg - 43kB

Skeet/Loreto - 6-24-2008 at 06:30 PM

Bob and Susan:
The Sea of Cortez is a 22 Foot Sea.
Why do you think there are so many Pangas?

The Mexican ovt. commmisioned Mac Schoyer of La Paz to build Pangas for the Fisherman of Baja and the Pacific to carry 2,000 Lbs of Fish through the Surf.

I owned and Operated a 22 Ft. Panga purchased from Mac in 1976 for 27 years.
It is by far the best Boat for the Cortez, for fishing!!
I decided to go to a larger more comfortable Boat so ended up with a 217 Wellcraft Diesel, It was a good combination Cruiser/Fisher.

Make your decesion and good Luck.

Skeet/Loreto

Gadget - 6-24-2008 at 06:51 PM

Our folks have run around at BoLA for years in a 15ft Gregor. The instant they see white caps on the horizon they gotta run for the beach.

He finally, after all those years bought a 21 ft Wellcraft hull from a neighbor, repowered it with a 90hs Honda, fitted it all out with new electronics, dropped a mooring in front of the house and it flipped on the mooring on the 4th day he launched it in a freek overnight wind.

Boat = hole in water to throw $ in

I'd have to sell the pre-runner if I want to buy one.

beachbum1A - 6-24-2008 at 07:04 PM

Definately not.

Diver - 6-24-2008 at 07:05 PM

The 15 footer would be great for many flat days or for boating within the Bahia de Concepcion. It would be "iffy" for fishing farther out unless it is a flat day or you (and your passengers) are hearty souls.

I run a 14' similar to yours with a 15hp Merc for the same purpose; your boat looks a bit more seaworthy. What make is it ??

I got mine with trailer for $2,200.
Yours looks to be more like a $3,500-$4,000 boat if it's in decent shape.

It's not the best boat for fishing all over the area but it will be easy to launch and make for some fun in the water. Also a good rescue boat for the Hobie or Kayaks.

[Edited on 6-25-2008 by Diver]

Sharksbaja - 6-24-2008 at 07:12 PM

:no:

Pescador - 6-24-2008 at 07:34 PM

A two stroke 40 will burn more gas than a 90 hp four stroke. Tiller steer is ok if you do not mind doing things that way. I do not know why it has a 40 on it, at San Lucas Cove there is a large number of people who fish yellowtail all the time and they use 14 or 15 ft. Gregors with 25 maximum horsepower. Everyone assumes the larger boats handle the water better, but that is not always the case. We had an old Alaskan guide who used to go out every day in a 14 ft with a 15 hp honda and he would go out on days when the bigger boats stayed home. He knew the water and he knew how to handle the boat.
The biggest challenge you would have is that there is no electric generation with this motor so you will have a challenge running depth finder, GPS, Marine radio, and live bait tank pump. The second challenge is that most of these boats hairline crack over time and need welding to repair which is difficult if not impossible to get done in your area.

Bob H - 6-24-2008 at 07:58 PM

Bob... you are a smart man... go with what you think you want it for and if it fits... and the price is right... get it.
Bob H

Bob and Susan - 6-24-2008 at 08:01 PM

well...the seller changed his mind...no sale
:saint::saint:

maybe next year
maybe for the best

Bob and Susan - 6-24-2008 at 08:02 PM

and we still have the 23 ft wellcraft

vandenberg - 6-24-2008 at 08:14 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
well...the seller changed his mind...no sale
:saint::saint:

maybe next year
maybe for the best


Lucky you.:biggrin::biggrin:

rpleger - 6-24-2008 at 08:18 PM

Bob...
I've got a 15 ft Gregor, with a 25 Johnson, electric start, no top... paid $2000 dollars...

Great for over the beach launchings...I go out to the mine and on a calm day, out about 4 miles pass the point for dorado.

Great for the Mulegé area.

I love it

howat - 6-24-2008 at 08:36 PM

About 25 years ago i owned a 14' Westcoaster aluminum boat similar to the one shown. I cartopped and beach launched it. One time while fishing in BOLA about 5 miles east of town the winds at 11am went from 0 to 50 mph in a matter of minutes. The 3 of us tucked into a sheltered cove to wait the winds out. As it was getting dark the winds and steep whitecaps had not subsided. My brother, my son and i took a vote, spend the nite here or try to make it ashore. We all decided to give it a try. We put on the life preservers, made a few plans if we capsized and were seperated, said a prayer and headed for the city lights of BOLA. My son was in the bow for balast, my brother bailed the boat by hand and I ran the tiller on the 25hp motor. We were terrified but we made it. We pulled into town haggared, wet, cold (december) but alive.

Not a good sized boat to be caught in the unexpected winds of the Sea of Cortez. I now own a 22' boat designed for the seas there, a Cabo 216.

HH

fishbuck - 6-24-2008 at 09:32 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by howat
About 25 years ago i owned a 14' Westcoaster aluminum boat similar to the one shown. I cartopped and beach launched it. One time while fishing in BOLA about 5 miles east of town the winds at 11am went from 0 to 50 mph in a matter of minutes. The 3 of us tucked into a sheltered cove to wait the winds out. As it was getting dark the winds and steep whitecaps had not subsided. My brother, my son and i took a vote, spend the nite here or try to make it ashore. We all decided to give it a try. We put on the life preservers, made a few plans if we capsized and were seperated, said a prayer and headed for the city lights of BOLA. My son was in the bow for balast, my brother bailed the boat by hand and I ran the tiller on the 25hp motor. We were terrified but we made it. We pulled into town haggared, wet, cold (december) but alive.

Not a good sized boat to be caught in the unexpected winds of the Sea of Cortez. I now own a 22' boat designed for the seas there, a Cabo 216.

HH


This sounds like a story I had at Mag bay. I borrowed a 16 foot gregor baja and proceeded out in to Mag bay with the idea that I could get outside the entrada for some yellowtail.
I made a couple of friends who went along.
I made it as far as the channel markers before I decided that we couldn't make it. I had actually already gone too far.
We made it back but I wasn't sure the thing wouldn't get swamped.
We certainly cheated death but after a warm shower and a couple of beers I decided to try again just earlier the next morning.
The locals heard my little scheme and could be heard saying muertos, muertos. So I was talked out of trying again.
We did go out in an oceanized panga. That thing got us outside no problem. But even that wasn't enough to get out to the Thetis bank where the tuna fish are.
So the tin boats have some utility but they can be swamped very easy.

BajaWarrior - 6-25-2008 at 03:17 PM

That's a good boat for smooth days, but here is what happen's when you let your brother use your boat and it gets rough out...

15' Western side console w/Suzuki 40hp.

Had it for about 8 years until shortly after this day!

r.stuntboat.jpg - 27kB

BajaWarrior - 6-25-2008 at 03:22 PM

Next best Baja boat.

18' Westcoaster with a 50hp Yamaha w/power trim, sold to Minnow one year ago. Good boat, but still small for very rough water. Owned for 8 years also.

Next one (soon, now that the new house is complete) will be a larger aluminum, maybe a 22 footer with a 150hp 4 stroke.

[Edited on 6-25-2008 by BajaWarrior]

[Edited on 6-25-2008 by BajaWarrior]

Chuck and his old boat.jpg - 49kB

DENNIS - 6-25-2008 at 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
The Mexican ovt. commmisioned Mac Schoyer of La Paz to build Pangas for the Fisherman of Baja and the Pacific to carry 2,000 Lbs of Fish through the Surf.

I owned and Operated a 22 Ft. Panga purchased from Mac in 1976 for 27 years.


Skeet....Weren't they hard to almost impossible to get in '76 when they were built exclusivly for the co-ops? Around that time I was in Loreto and an old buddy bought one through some co-op members and it was as hush-hush as a major drug deal.

Skeet/Loreto - 6-26-2008 at 05:11 AM

Dennis: Yes it was some what of a Problem. I had met Mac and his Wife at the La Pearla Cafe. and also had a connection through a Masonic Brother.

I signed a contract with Mac for $960 Dollars-The Peso was still holding at 8 to One. When I went down for Delivery the Peso had gone to 12 to One.

My Panga was the first one made with the Forward Stringers as several of the Panga owners had complained that after hard use there were some Cracks starting in the Bottoms.
He also installed a side Consol and remote stearing, and made the Seat a Live Bait Tank.

I bought an old Homemade Trailer from a Mexicano in La Paz for $200, used it all the years I had the Panga.

Great boat with a 70 Hp on it.

Skeet/Loreto

capt. mike - 6-26-2008 at 05:55 AM

the best boat for sale here over the last several years was Capt. George's Dusky by far. Watched its price dwindle as he marketed and all of a sudden - it hit the right level and swoosh it was SOLD!!
ya snooze.....ya lose, but its fun to find the bottom when dealing.

Phil S - 6-26-2008 at 02:21 PM

Bob & Susan. If your interested in a small boat, I'd suggest you look into the 14' & 16' Livingston. It is an unsinkable hull. It has great freeboard. It is a twin hull, & it can scoot like crazy through the smaller waves that the aluminum boats would slow down for. It is a quiet boat, where the aluminums are noisy. I've owned the 16' and it's model is called Warrior.
I still have my 14' that I used one winter down there. I wasn't nervous at all when the wind would come up and it was time to head home. And when the water wass calm, my 25 HP Johnson would cruise right along about 35 knots. Hell of a boat. I know out of Port Orford, Oregon (southern Oregon coast) several 14' Livingstons are used regularly by the fishermen offshore. Good luck on your search.

[Edited on 7-1-2008 by Phil S]

Skeet/Loreto - 6-27-2008 at 04:26 AM

Capt. Mike! If I may be so brave as to disagree with with you concerning the Dusky. By the way I have fished out of that very Boat at Key West with Capt. George at the Controls.!!
It is an excellent Boat for the Keys or any other Water other than the Sea of cortez which takes a 22 Ft. Panga to handle the heavy Seas that you may encounter out 35 Miles during a sudden "Whip Storm"".

I am headed to Tashis_West Coast Vancouver Island in August 18th for a Try at some King Salmon in a Arima Legend.Hope to be back in Mulege shortly to catch a Dorado or two out of that "Ruined Sea of cortez".

Doctors tell me I cannot lift over 15 Lbs for at least 6 months, but I can still Hookem and Hand off and Eatem!!

Glad to hear George finally sold his Dusky.
Are you still going to Mulege?

Skeet/Loreto

capt. mike - 6-27-2008 at 06:01 AM

hola Skeet - not much today - these days that is, sold my place.
avgas too high now for weekend jaunts - double what it cost just 2 years ago.
i'll make some trips this fall. but am going to San Quintin area in a few short weeks if not sooner, El Socorrito with friends.
the pacific is nice about now.

Bob and Susan - 6-27-2008 at 06:32 AM

let's see...

22 ft panga....

22ftpanga.jpg - 50kB

Bob and Susan - 6-27-2008 at 06:33 AM

or....

dusky....

i think dusky WINS !!!

i want a lighter boat that i can launch alone...

22dus203fac_mod.jpg - 17kB

wsdunc - 6-27-2008 at 08:07 AM

Everything everyone said about 22-23 ft boats in the Sea of Cortez is right. This being said I have fished the Sea of Cortez for years with a 15 ft aluminum boat. I have caught tuna, dorado, sailfish, marlin, roosterfish etc. You just need to be aware of your limitations. You only fish when the conditions are good. As soon as the wind starts to come up you head for the beach. As soon as you see what seems like weather in the distance you head for the beach. As soon as anything feels at all spooky, you head for the beach.
Here are some of the good things about the small boat: I can troll all day on 6 gallons of gas. If the motor breaks I can row the boat, try that with a 23 footer! I can launch across the beach most anywhere. Remember that one of the magic things about the Sea of Cortz is that when things are right there is good fishing quite close to shore. Say the wind starts to pick up, and you run for the beach. Nothing says your day is over then. As soon as you are sure you are safe (a couple hundred yards from shore?) you can continue prospecting for roosters, jacks or the lost dorado.
So the small boat does have its place in Baja. There is no question you will not be running outside with the big boys, and they will certainly fish days when you can't. But catching a giant fish from a small boat involves a lot more adrenaline than on the bigger boat. And be glad you don't have to fill the gas tanks on the bigger boats!
One last comment, someone else mentioned and I agree that that boat looks overpowered, I have run a 15 hp motor, and will probably upgrade to a 20hp four stroke, but it would seem that 25 hp would be about the max recomended for that boat.

Bob and Susan - 6-27-2008 at 08:59 AM

yea...$$$$ GAS:no::no:

my 23 foot wellcraft took $75usa in gas for JUST a couple hours of skiing:no::no:

Skeet/Loreto - 6-27-2008 at 09:32 AM

Wsdunc: Well Said:
The small metal boats are great close inshore. Some people even use them on the Columbia River!
The Panga is built for All types of Water with a Load.
During the Years I fished out of Loreto I spent many days out 35 Miles to Mercnieros Reef. On one Occasion I kept Fishing when I heard Thunder but saw no Clouds. Coronado Island disappered and the Whip Storm hit us with 11 Ft Waves in a few short seconds. Went 90 Degrees toward Land. Tough and Wet Ride put the Panga was Safe.

my Opinion only but for me a 19 Ft. boat is just not Long enough.

My 22 Ft. Wellcraft Diesel was good for getting out to the reefs down to Catalina and San Jose and getting back safely.
Skeet/Loret

Vince - 6-27-2008 at 10:18 AM

Bob and Susan- I will throw in my experience with a small boat in your area. I have had a 17 foot Boston Whaler Montauk at my place on Coyote Bay now for the past 35 years. I have used that boat about 3-5 times a year mostly for fishing, but also water skiing, exploring and diving. It has been very reliable and I always felt safe in it. We go no further than about 10 miles out to sea from Pt.Conception, but have caught many fish, even sailfish at that radius. It has been great for diving, especially when climbing back in the boat on a ladder it is very stable and tips very little. Easy to launch/retrieve solo. However, when it is rough you really have to slow down because of the cathedral hull and it being an older model ('65), it slams hard and uncomfortable in the chop. If the wind starts coming up, we beat it for home. There is no all around boat, but this one has been good for us. I have a 70 Johnson, '85. We have been by your place many times, will stop next time to see it.

KLAMATH 15

rob - 6-27-2008 at 10:38 AM

I have a Klamath 15 with a 40HP Yamaha and a Suzuki kicker - it works beautifully on the Cortez, and here on the Pacific we run it out to the Lusitania Banks (40 miles out) with no problems.

BUT

It has a hydraulic tilt - and that means the shaft is locked at whatever angle you set it at. This is not good when launching in heavy surf because there is no "give" on the prop shaft when hitting the bottom.

I would like to buy a standard 22ft panaga with a 75 Yamaha and a kicker, so if you're interested . .. come take a look one of these sweltering summer days - you'll love it out here!

rob

San-Evaristo---Lighthouse-a.jpg - 14kB

vacaenbaja - 7-1-2008 at 12:42 AM

If I recall correctly boats 19ft and smaller must by law be built to float if swamped. So a larger boat may allow you to
get out and stay out in rougher water, but may not be any
"safer" if swamped. In a region where there is no coast guard etc to help it is always good to have buddy boats and give someone your floatplan just in case things go bad.This will give searchers an idea where/ if to look. Smaller boats get the job done in the near by reefs in the Cortez. You just have to have an eye to the wind and sea conditions and do not for any reason hesitate to head in at the first sign of white caps in the distance. That means bad stuff is already brewing and WILL be your way in a matter of minutes. Also always wear your life jacket when under way. You may not reach it or be able to if things go bad quickly. If you feel that they are too cumbersome buy one of those inflatable PFD that are worn around the waist. If you are a poor swimmer this is a must.

capn.sharky - 7-1-2008 at 08:02 AM

I don't care for aluminum boats in salt water. If you don't wash them well enough, you get a build up of white crap in them. Want to go less that 20 feet, buy a Boston Whaler---you will probably get back okay in one of them.