BajaNomad

Good Pick??

bajabass - 12-8-2010 at 08:03 AM

Ok Sea Of Cortez vets, what do you think of this boat for use in La Paz? http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/boa/2099329582.html Pretty good deal if the motor is good!

longlegsinlapaz - 12-8-2010 at 08:14 AM

No pics????:O:O Talk about buying a "Pig in a poke"! :rolleyes:

bajabass - 12-8-2010 at 08:29 AM

http://www.bloodydecks.com/forums/members-boats-sale/294044-... Try this link.

BillP - 12-8-2010 at 08:39 AM

Here's the specs, with only a 6'5" beam, seems pretty narrow and not a lot of freeboard.

http://www.triumphboats.com/index.cfm?page=ModelSpecificatio...

Compare to a Parker 18(just using the Parker as an example)

http://www.parkerboats.net/pages/boat_lineup/boat_detail.jsp...

You can see 1' make a big difference in room and freeboard. Just depends what you want to do, how many will be fishing with you, and what kind of fish you're gonna chase.

Just some food for thought

bajabass - 12-8-2010 at 08:57 AM

Like the feedback! The Parker is a bigger boat for sure. This looks like a good boat for two, three max. Looks like it will cut chop pretty well. Looks much easier to launch than the Parker. I am looking at mainly in/near shore, offshore on good days. Should use a fraction of the gas of a larger 18-19 center console with a 90-115hp motor. I'm waiting for a reply from a couple e-mails now. At least have to go look at it. Oh, that Parker on BD for 7,500 is now 21k per the new listing on BD! Way out of my budget.

Skeet/Loreto - 12-8-2010 at 08:58 AM

This boat is not good for fishing the Sea of Cortez! It would be alright for the Bay at La paz.

Keep in mind the Sea of Cortez is a 22 Foot Sea. Make sure you know how and Why it was determined as a 22 Foot Sea then decide the Boat you need to be the safest!!

Skeet/Loreto

sanquintinsince73 - 12-8-2010 at 09:25 AM

What a beauty....I'll take two.

bajabass - 12-8-2010 at 09:43 AM

Hey Skeet! I am here to learn. Educate me please! Are you saying swell and wind patterns dictate optimum vessel length? I do see most pangas are 19-20ft and up.

Skeet/Loreto - 12-8-2010 at 10:14 AM

Bass:
In 1967 when I fish started Fishing most of the Fishemand had the old heavy Wooden "Dugout" type boats for Fishong. Across on the Eastern side of the Sea they were making a long and narrow Panga Type as the water and tides hit the shallow Shores different.

I talked with mac Shroyer at leanth and he related that the mexican Govt. contacted him to start building Pangas for the fisherman of Baja, They wanted a boat which fit the Waters of the Sea of Cortez which they had determined was a 22 Foot Sea meaning that a study of the Average Wind, Waves, and Tides showed that a 22 Ft Panga Was Ideal. It had to safely carry 2,000 Lbs of Meat through the pacific Surf as Well.

There were some 20 Foot Pacinos built but mostly 22 Footer.

There were times on the Sea that I wondered if I was going to make it. Thanks to the Panga I made it!
Go down to the Maina at Loreto and check out the Number o f Pangas to see which is used more.. Those Mexicano Fisherman have been on that water a long time. I happen to trust their Judgement, not some Book-Learned Kook in the States that is just trying to make money off a "Pretty Boat".

Enough Said.

Skeet

Pescador - 12-8-2010 at 03:03 PM

Well, I have fished pangas and have fished a 16.5 boat all over the sea of cortez and according to Derek, who has a lot of experience with that boat, it is a good performer. Of course it does not handle the same stuff that a 22 foot panga handles, but that is not the issue here. It has a good motor that was actually built by Yamaha and with good oil changes it should last you a long time. For where you are going to be using it, it should be a great boat for Cerralvo and Muertos. You do not want to be out in 5 foot swells, but most pangas do not do that either. It is a good boat for two, but anymore than that and you will be seriously overloaded. It is easy to launch and retrieve on the trailer, and while most pangas are easy enough to launch and retrieve, this should be a good boat for the money.
I just took out my new 21.5 today and I have to tell you that this is an amazing hull. It has a certain amount of flex which really makes a difference and the high degree of deadrise really flattens out the chop.
So, all in all, I think it would make a great boat and you can learn all the waters and stuff while you are in La Paz and then upgrade when you want as most people get bigger boats instead of smaller.

Skeet/Loreto - 12-8-2010 at 04:29 PM

I agree Pescador. But keep in mind what he has said and stay out of the center of the Sea of Cortez and watch your weather.
Coming back aroud the Point North of La paz can get a little hairy sometimes, "Don"t stay out too Late"!!!

Good Luck

bajabass - 12-8-2010 at 09:24 PM

Skeet and Pescador, thanks, both of you. If I can be safe from Muertos to the south end of Cerralvo, and hit Espiritu Santo from the bay, on nice days, fish Concepcion, Mag Bay, San Bruno, when I want a change of pace, I'll be pleased. I've been fishing the Ensenada area from a 16ft whaler clone, sans floatation, for over 10 years, and am still above water. I have a deep respect for big water, grew up canoeing and sailing small boats on the Great Lakes. I'll see the boat tomorrow night, and post the results.

mcfez - 12-9-2010 at 08:35 PM

http://motorcycles.voobay.com/usedmotorcycles/2001-15ft-triu...

bajabass - 12-9-2010 at 10:16 PM

Well, I went down to Vista to go look at the boat. Very clean, kept under cover. The 60hp Mercury 4-stroke looks and runs like new! Pumps water well in a big tub, not on the earmuffs. In and out of both gears smooth. The snap-in cushions were stored in the garage, still clean and not brittle. So, I gave the nice man his money and towed it home. Oh, tows great and the Tundra hardly feels it at all!!:biggrin: Anybody know a good Mercury mechanic in La Paz?? The hours should start adding up pretty soon!:lol:

vandenberg - 12-10-2010 at 09:15 AM

Congrats with your purchase Bass, and wish you many great fishing and exploring days.
Tight lines and a good camera.:biggrin:

bill erhardt - 12-10-2010 at 09:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
So, all in all, I think it would make a great boat and you can learn al
I just took out my new 21.5 today and I have to tell you that this is an amazing hull. It has a certain amount of flex which really makes a difference and the high degree of deadrise really flattens out the chop.


Jim.... What is your new 21 footer?

longlegsinlapaz - 12-10-2010 at 09:26 AM

Clear blue cloudless skies here today, with nary a hint of a breeze....so why are you & that boat still NOB?? Can't catch anything but a cold up there!:rolleyes: :lol::lol:

Diver - 12-10-2010 at 09:27 AM

This is a nice little boat, depending on what you expect.
Will it ride nicer than a 18' tin boat - you betcha.
BUT, when it gets rough, this boat will be wet and not so comfortable.
Just watch the wind forecast and you should be just fine.
Congratulations !!

Remember the 2 best days in the life of a boat owner;
the day you buy it and the day you sell it !! :lol:

bajabass - 12-10-2010 at 12:29 PM

Thanks guys! Just dropped it a Maurer Marine in Costa Mesa. 200 hour service before I go. Lower and upper oil, new impellar, plugs, fuel filter, water separator filter, check hours and codes. Tires looked new, but 8 years old by the date code, so 2 new Goodyear Marathon trailer tires. Tracking down a spare wheel right now. Never noticed there was not a spare. Diver, been there, done that a few times! Patch, soory I have not contacted you yet, I've been just a little busy! See you in La Paz, we can fish!! OK, headed to West Marine to check out GPS/chartplotter combos now, good day all! :bounce:

comitan - 12-10-2010 at 01:34 PM

Bass

Your boat will be fine down here, but a good rule here is to go north in the morning south in the afternoon its is just not good to head south in the morning and come back in the rough stuff in the afternoon no matter what boat.

Cypress - 12-10-2010 at 01:56 PM

A 17' boat isn't designed for open water, it's a bay boat. Keep that in mind.

Alan - 12-10-2010 at 02:36 PM

Congratulations! That was a smoking deal. I could never get a hold of the seller. I am happy that you did.

bajabass - 12-10-2010 at 02:54 PM

Yeah Alan, I'm pretty pleased about the whole thing! A guy showed up 5 minutes after I did. I was waiting in the owners driveway when he got home last night!! If anyone with the money on hand had gotten there first, I'd have lost out, BIG TIME! So far, knock on wood, no calls about any issues other than the normal PM and service. Wiley, Skeet, Cypress, I heartily appreciate the warnings, and shall always keep an eye on the horizon. Mother Cortez does not care if I am enjoying myself and her bounty, or crab and lobster food on the bottom!

comitan - 12-10-2010 at 02:56 PM

OK I have been fishing out of La Paz for a Loooong time in a 14ft Mckee Craft flats boat.

Pescador - 12-10-2010 at 07:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Cypress
A 17' boat isn't designed for open water, it's a bay boat. Keep that in mind.


All depends on what you consider open water. I have fished Tortuga, run all the way to Punta Prieta, and put 2000 hours on a 16.5 Klamath and thought it was a marvelous ocean boat for the Sea of Cortez. But then we all know I am a little loose in the head.

Pescador - 12-10-2010 at 08:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bill erhardt

Jim.... What is your new 21 footer?


Bill, I just purchased a 21.5 Triumph which is a roto molded plastic boat made out of Roplene. I have been reading about this boat for a couple of years and when I found the right deal, it followed me home for my birthday this year. Have fished it three days so far, two were in really bad water, and the ride is unbelivable. I had heard that this was a great boat to have in slop and chop, but I did not believe a boat coould be that dry and smooth in the junk. Check out http://www.toughboats.com or
http://www.triumphboats.com/

[Edited on 12-11-2010 by Pescador]

bajabass - 12-10-2010 at 08:17 PM

Jim, I wish the 4 extra feet had been in the budget, but for the outlay, I cleaned up. When I beat a transom section with a sledgehammer at the Fred Hall Show a few years back, I was sold!! The Merc had clean oil top and bottom, had a 200 hour service done, and bought all the filters for the next 200 hours. It has 447 hours now. A few pieces of fuel line were disinegrating internally, so I had all of them replaced. Turns out the Mercury shop I used ships tons of parts to La Paz. I'll try to stop in San Bruno on the way down. If I'm not in La Paz by Christmas, the wife will kill me!!

Pescador - 12-11-2010 at 05:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabass
Jim, I wish the 4 extra feet had been in the budget, but for the outlay, I cleaned up. When I beat a transom section with a sledgehammer at the Fred Hall Show a few years back, I was sold!! The Merc had clean oil top and bottom, had a 200 hour service done, and bought all the filters for the next 200 hours. It has 447 hours now. A few pieces of fuel line were disinegrating internally, so I had all of them replaced. Turns out the Mercury shop I used ships tons of parts to La Paz. I'll try to stop in San Bruno on the way down. If I'm not in La Paz by Christmas, the wife will kill me!!


Well, stop by anyway, but if the fishing is good we can tell her you got kidnapped or something. I think you will love the boat. I sold my old one right away to a couple of guys who live on the island, so it will be close by.

bill erhardt - 12-11-2010 at 08:37 AM

Jim.....I'm familiar with the boat. Congratulations. There are a number of Triumph 21s in Loreto, and most who have them are crazy about them. I sold a Suzuki DF175 with a new power head to my next door neighbors to replace a 2 stroke motor that came on theirs. Attached is a photo of Loreto Captain Andres Cota and former Loretano "Vodka Jim" Luithly showing off a couple of hoos on Thetis Bank on Jim's 21. That boat has weathered many a trip through Boca de Soledad with Jim and Andres, and more recently with new owners Mike and Rosie Sheffer. I'm sure you will enjoy yours.....

tr700.jpg - 47kB

Pescador - 12-11-2010 at 12:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bill erhardt
Jim.....I'm familiar with the boat. Congratulations. There are a number of Triumph 21s in Loreto, and most who have them are crazy about them. I sold a Suzuki DF175 with a new power head to my next door neighbors to replace a 2 stroke motor that came on theirs. Attached is a photo of Loreto Captain Andres Cota and former Loretano "Vodka Jim" Luithly showing off a couple of hoos on Thetis Bank on Jim's 21. That boat has weathered many a trip through Boca de Soledad with Jim and Andres, and more recently with new owners Mike and Rosie Sheffer. I'm sure you will enjoy yours.....


Yeah, Mike and Rosie wanted to sell me their old Lupe Diaz Panga but we could not reach an acceptable price for both of us, course they sold it later for the same price, but I was glad I was not the owner.
I have now used this boat for quite a few days, and I must admit that I am really happy. Sure is a pain though getting used to a new boat, you can not put your hands on things like you could with the old boat. Once it comes together, it should be good.
I am really glad I have the Yamaha power, I just have not heard of anyone doing well long term with the Suzuki. I know you put a lot of hours on just like I do and I think it is better to have the knowledge that the motor is going to stand up to the task. The new 150 is sure a different animal than my old 115.

Cypress - 12-11-2010 at 01:10 PM

Pescador, Open water? Thirty or forty miles from shore. Spent a lot of time out there in a 19' Seabird with a 235 Evinrude back in the 70's. Good times!;)

Doug/Vamonos - 12-12-2010 at 02:45 PM

Hi. The Triumphs are very interesting to me, especially the 21. I'll be interested to hear about your experiences, especially running into a chop and how comfortable it is when the Cortez gets nasty. The 21' with a nice tall bow rail and rails along the side would be pretty sweet.

[Edited on 12-12-2010 by Doug/Vamonos]

Pescador - 12-12-2010 at 07:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Doug/Vamonos
Hi. The Triumphs are very interesting to me, especially the 21. I'll be interested to hear about your experiences, especially running into a chop and how comfortable it is when the Cortez gets nasty. The 21' with a nice tall bow rail and rails along the side would be pretty sweet.

[Edited on 12-12-2010 by Doug/Vamonos]


Well, I spent a lot of time reading everything on the Triumph owners site and decided that this boat was worth looking into seriously. I have only had it out in 3 foot chop and nasty whitecapping, but it cuts into the waves better than any other boat I have driven. Part of that is obviously the deadrise and part of that comes from the material and the way it is made. Check out http://www.triumphowners.net/
You can go on with a trial subscription for like 24 hours or something like that and read a lot of information about what the owners have to say about this boat.

yellowklr - 12-12-2010 at 08:14 PM

Congrats on the boat Jon, you will be happy with her. I have the same motor and my Crestliner and I love it!!!!!

See ya down south
safe travels

bajabass - 12-13-2010 at 08:20 PM

I woke up in La Mision this morning to a very light Santa Ana condition. I was half a heartbeat away from grabbing a sixer and a couple rods, when I realized I have at least 2 more loads south before I am DONE! It would have been a perfect day to get it out, but that will have to wait awhile. Most likely Asuncion or San Bruno on the way south.

Pescador - 12-15-2010 at 05:42 PM

Jon, hope you have many happy hours with the boat. When I was cutting my teeth on yellowtail and the Sea of Cortez, I had an old used 1957 14 foot aluminum runabout that I based at my parents house in San Carlos by Guaymas. The guys with the 25-40 foot boats would usually call me on the CB radio around daybreak to see whether or not it was worth coming out or not. Most of them did not know what size boat I had, but did know that they could usually get a water report early in the morning because I had left hours before daylight. So it is less the size of the boat that learning what is happening with the water and adjusting accordingly.
I grew up in Colorado and the worst trouble I ever got into was when I bought my first 4 wheel drive truck. Before that I used my head and got into the back country with two wheel drive and always managed to do very well doing that, but as soon as I got the 4 wheel drive, I started going places that I would have avoided with two wheel drive.
So it is pretty much the same issue with the boat. I always watched the weather, read all the projections, and did not loiter around when the weather started to turn bad. Some of the biggest horror stories I have heard out on the water came from "bigger" boats who relied on the size of their boat instead of their intelligence. So with boats as well as other things, Size is not the most important thing.:lol::lol:

comitan - 12-15-2010 at 07:03 PM

One more from me, most boats will handle anything the weak point is the skipper.

bajabass - 12-15-2010 at 07:04 PM

Thanks Jim. I've raced the wind and fog back into the safety of La Salina on more than a few occasions! A couple times on Lake Michigan, I thought I was going to die. That is usually what it takes. Get the crap scared out of you a few times, and you watch the weather closely, no matter what size boat you are on. :o I'm getting to La Paz way later than I planned, so I only have better weather and fishing to look forward to, and learn from, as the next year unfolds. Oh, my 4wd rule, never use it until you get stuck, THEN, put it in 4wd, turn around and find another way! I grew up in Michigan snow, I hate shovels.:lol:

Doug/Vamonos - 1-2-2011 at 08:59 AM

Bajabass...how about some pics of the boat? Maybe some that show the amount of space front and back and around the console. I love the interior space and seating options of my 21' Bayrunner Baja, but I also love smaller outboards and greater mpg. My 115 is a gas hog. Hopefully I'll retire within four to five years and I want to spend an entire fishing season in Baja just to satisfy my need for pescado and I don't want the cost of gas to limit my fishing. When I'm down for four or five days and burning 100 gallons it's not that big of a deal, but if I'm fishing for weeks on end...well....that gets to be expensive. Thanks.