Just joined, this Forum is great!
I am looking for a stout aluminum boat (NO PAINT) to use for Puget Sound commuting between Seattle and Bainbridge Island, for weekend trips to the San Juans, and for sport fishing and crabbing. Having worked for years on large charter vessels and yachts, I am over the idea of ever having to keep up with the constant aesthetic upkeep that comes with working on NON ALLOY and painted boats. That is why my next boat will be a very tough un-painted aluminum workhorse that can handle the year-round elements of the PNW.
First question: Based on my research and from what I have seen, it seems like there are aluminum boats that are built like tanks (e.g. Munson, Armstrong, Cozier Craft, Pacific Skiffs, Lee Shore), and then there are boats that seem a bit more lightweight or less-tough (e.g. Raider, Duckworth, Weldcraft). Not sure what leads me to put certain boats into one or the other category, aside from the aluminum gauge they use and the way they look generally. Either way, I am convinced that I want a heavy stout boat, so I am wondering if the above listed tough boats are built sturdier than others?
Second question: Considering what I have read recently, these boats are pretty pricey these days. Ideally I would find a used boat for a more affordable price, but I also am considering an eventual new build. It seems like it is rare for a nice one of these boats to come up for sale used, right? Also, aside from calling the boat builder and getting a quote, is there anywhere that I can see what a 26' new build (Lee Shore for example) would cost out the door? I know that the real answer is "it depends," but I am just looking for big ballpark estimates here. What will it cost me to have a new boat built?
Here are some must haves...
- Full cabin
- Outboard mount
- Forward leaning windshield
- NO PAINT
- V berth
- Cabin heat
Like to have...
- Radar
- Washdown pump
- Head (plumbed)
I realize that I would need to be WAY more specific in order for anyone to know what boat will be best for me, and for anyone to give accurate cost estimates, but for now I am just trying to figure out where I should be looking for used boats, and how much it might cost if I go new? Any input would be greatly appreciated, and I am excited to be a new member!
Thanks
P.S. Here are a few pics of boats that I like...
New here - looking for a 22'-26' tough aluminum PNW cruiser
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- Location: Seattle, WA
Re: New here - looking for a 22'-26' tough aluminum PNW cruiser
Welcome! Your research and assumption about boat brands is good though I think there are three tiers of builds, the custom plate boats of your first group then the production boats that break into either higher end or price point types. They are all good products and serve their customers well. Some companies have both a custom line as well as a dealer line of production boats. (Such as North River). Many production boats can be ordered paint delete BTW.
1987 24' LaConner pilothouse workboat, 225 Suzuki
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Re: New here - looking for a 22'-26' tough aluminum PNW cruiser
Thanks Chaps! I spoke to a few custom build outfits. I really need to start saving some dough!
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- Location: Seattle, WA
Re: New here - looking for a 22'-26' tough aluminum PNW cruiser
If you watch closely nice used boats pop up occasionally.
1987 24' LaConner pilothouse workboat, 225 Suzuki
please view and like: https://www.facebook.com/bottompainting/
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- Location: Kenai, Alaska
Re: New here - looking for a 22'-26' tough aluminum PNW cruiser
ChubbyChaser, I agree with Chaps that there may be great deals, just not everyday. These boats, especially the one off, or built-to-order boats can also be modified extensively. A used boat may come on the market that, bought for a relatively low price, could be modified to change the cabin, deck arrangement or some other feature that might help conserve the new cost?
Welcome to the AAB.com Forum,
Cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK
Welcome to the AAB.com Forum,
Cheers,
Kevin Morin
Kenai, AK
kmorin
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Re: New here - looking for a 22'-26' tough aluminum PNW cruiser
Thanks Kevin! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for a used boat that could be modified to my needs. It just seems like these types of heavy gauge aluminum work/recreation style boats are becoming so popular now that the used ones are scarce and retain their value. Either way, if the right used boat came along, I would try to jump on it. Thanks for the advice!
-Matt
Seattle, WA
-Matt
Seattle, WA