In a quandary

Destroyer

Destroyer

God
I have a bit of a problem. I'm in love with 2 different boats, and I can only afford one of them. Given the preceeding statement I'm asking for opinions... Which one of the 2 would you choose, and why? I've spoken to both owners already, and both are available, and both are for sale at the same price, so price isn't part of the equation. One is a Steiger Craft 21' and the other is the "pricey" V21' that I made a previous post about. Although I have my own opinions and I'm probably going to buy one of them I'd really like to know what others are thinking.


http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/2662455184.html

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2631185376.html
 
Tough call my friend. Both are fine boats.
The steigercraft is definetly a better built boat all around. More of a commercial style construction.
The V21 will have more room cockpit wise and I believe a slight edge in freeboard(gunnel height) but not by much.
The pilot house for me would be the game changer, a lot more practical, quiet and comfortable than the V21 canvas, especially one that high, and I like looking through glass much more than vinyl windows.
The only glitch to me is whether i want the harder maintenance of a I/O. For me personally I like it because of the enclosed transom and would deal with it.
The V21 would be the one if you want to stay outboard of course and it looks to be a sweet one.
I think it will have more comfortable seating(slightly) and a live well which I did not see on the Steiger.
Now for what I know about the steiger hulls, look for a similar ride to what you have in a V. A little more solid in a chop as far as feel and noise thru the hull but I have been told they tend to get a little squirmy in a strong following sea. They are tough hulls though, I dont think overall there will be a big difference in ride quality, neither will be cutting thru a true three foot chop. The V will be faster, probably by a good ten miles per hour. If skiing and wakeboarding is your thing it would be a better hull.
Your call buddy, both are nice boats, define your wishes and go for it.
and take me out with you!
 
I love both options but personally I would choose the Steiger. Personally I prefer the closed cabin.
 
The Steiger is cool but I don't know about the Volvo power. Parts are expensive and dealers are not as readily available. I guess I'm partial to the V21. Good power, good boat, nice enclosure.
 
the Steiger is pretty cool, but figure to be ready and throw at least $2000 at that motor to get it up to shape, I'd check it over real good, I can't remember which Volvo engine is used in the 190, 4.3 maybe? Either way, a stern drive boat can have a lot of hidden issues that aren't readily seen. Make sure you get a good mechanic to check out either one regardless of which one you chose. Used to be the outboards were the cheap way to go if re-powering, I just priced a new 225 Yamaha(the old series) from my supplier, I'd have to sell it for $15,500, plus another $1000 in harness, controls, key switch panel, etc. If the current V you have fits your needs size wise, the V21 is the way to go. But if you like the idea of a closed pilot house, I'd go after the Steiger
 
i think if you tell us guys what u are going to use the boat mainly for would make it easier to give advice and what tow rig you have and were it will be stored all this makes choosing a boat easier
 
I hate to say it, but I think I am liking the Steigercraft over the V21. I think Aussie and others are right though that you might get better feedback if we know your style of boating. I am picking the Steiger based on assumption that you will use the boat primarily for ocean fishing and just cruising around, and not on skiing, tubing, etc. I am also assuming that the Steiger cabin is a walkaround.
 
I am not a fan of inboards but I like the Steiger. No offense to you inboard V owners!
 
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hey destroyer, my buddy has the same boat as the steiger but he has the outboard. i've fished it more than a handful of times and i have to say it is the smallest 21 footer i've ever been on. it's a nice little boat but i guarantee the V has more room.
and try to get up on the bow of that thing. maybe i'm bias but i'd go with the V. even my V had more room and it was an I/O. if you're gonna fish more than two on the steiger it's tighter than sh!t.
go with the V
 
The pilot house of the Steiger has me drooling. After the initial drool, I'm saying the V21. As much as I like that Steiger's pilot house and easy cabin access, I don't like red hulls. I don't like the fact that the motor hasn't run in three years. I don't like the low freeboard of the Steiger's. I have always heard they are a rough ride, but it does have trim tabs. Not that the Wellcrafts are the best riding boat, but I think it would be better than the Steiger and also have more room.
As much as I like the style of the Steiger, for me there are too many unknowns. Especially how it will handle sloppy seas and the condition of the motor. V21
Good luck with your decision Destroyer.
 
i started looking for a pilot house boat about 15 years ago t replace the v. i came to the same conclusion as charlie. you have to go to a 23/25 foot range to get the same usuable deck space. if a cabin is your primary reason for boating, get the steiger, if its fishing, tubing, etc, get the v. down here, the io would also be a deal killer, but you guys up north seem to have better luck with them, so thats just what you prefer. to me a pilot vs v20 both ob would be a tougher call.
 
I'm thinkin' about all those beautiful fair weather days you don't want a top and yer stuck w/not only a top, but a fully enclosed cabin...I don't know about you, but one of the things I REELY like about boating is standing up, stickin' my head up in the wind every now and then...not an option w/a cabin and i really don't believe it's gonna stretch the season anymore than a bimini w/full enclosure...then you take into account Spare's observations re the Volvo expenses and then...for me...givin' up all that deck space for an inboard engine...to me, the 21's lookin' pretty good about now...
 
V21 is a better deal. How many Yamaha dealers do you see versus Volvo Penta. Volvo is good stuff when everything is working properly and being properly maintained. Doesn't sound like the case with this one though. Fishermen in third world countries run Yamahas for a reason. I also think the pilot house looks a little too large for the hull.


I like the look of this one better, plus it's an outboard.
www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=16614
 
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Two different boats. I've owned two V-20's and the hull weight is approx. 1920 lbs. The 21' Steiger is 4700 lbs. They're built like a brick. I'd rather be in the Steiger in the snot anyday. It's just personal preference. I'm very partial, but you might want to consider a Parker. I own a 23SE and I'm fishing the Gulf of Mexico 3-5 days a week. They also build a real nice 21 in a pilothouse and a center console. For family fun etc. I'd say go with the V. If you're going to run offshore often, I'd consider the Steiger. Again, personal preference. Good luck.
 
Did I miss or forget about your current boat?

use the money to fix it up?

Otherwise I have nothing else to add than what's been said already. Two different styles of boats. The enclosure on the Steiger would be really nice on some days...some days, not all.

rkc
 
Really good feedback herein. Question - how big is the fuel tank on the Stieger? I just looked at a similar one online and it had a factory 40 USG tank. I know the V21 has 60 USG. Will the economy be comparable given they heavier hull w/ I/O vs the lighter hull with OB? Does it even out?

For me and the occasional long runs I do, assuming econonmy is comparable, the 40 gallon tank in the Stieger would be the deal breaker.
 
I'm greatful. I thank each and everyone of you for your feedback. Your responses have been detailed and well thought out. In the end though, the final decision has to be made on what is the best use for me. Now, before I go on, a bit of insight.. I do love the V20 hulls... they are a great boat, and a person would be hard pressed to find a better all around hull in it's size and weight range. On the opposite side of the coin, the Steiger Craft are well known for good, sturdy hulls, and I do love the pilot house design. As Willy pointed out, looking out through glass is much preferred over looking out through Eisinglass. So it comes down to this:
What is the best hull for my uses.. I love to fish, and I enjoy other peoples company. The Steiger limits that ability due to it's design. It's great protection from the elements, but it's also small, due to the house being so large and the engine compartment intruding into the stern area so much. There are other reasons, such as the Steigers engine sitting for 3 years, plus a few other things I won't bore you with right now, but the final decision is that I think I'm going to buy the "Pricey" 21. :head: I still have a few ducks to get into order before I can take possession of her, but the biggest question now is what to name her. Anyone have any suggestions? Again, thanks to everyone for their help. :clap: :beer: :clap: :beer: :clap:


RKC, You are almost correct. But the problem is that I just never seem to have enough time to do the fix-ups you mention. And besides, I'd ather spend my time on the water instead of on dry land on the boat. :love:
 
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