Need Advise, Opinions and Info

That call of a CC from the Bert is one I am struggling with now. Most (95%) of my time on the water is decent weather fishing, in Raritan Bay with some runs outside. All pretty much within a 20 mile radius.
I am also usually alone or with one or two friends or family. The problems I have with the Bert is that for solo fishing it is tricky. I did manage to get it out alone once but on my return docking was very tricky with the current and tight quarters we have at our marinas here.
But the ride, oh the ride was amazing.
That is why I am having such a hard time deciding.
I have found a very nice Bert for sale and a very nice CC. Actually two very nice CC's, that Regulator is one.

In regard to fixing Senor Bert that was out of the question. Had a large breach in the hull bottom, had a main bulkhead come untabbed from it and the extent of the running gear damage along with the tremendous road rash and gouging of the hull and cost to re-do it made it cost prohibitive.
According to the surveyor that looked at when he went beyond what the insured value was within five minutes of looking and knowing there would be much more in the end he determined that it was a total loss.
Apparently the Senor took out two over thirty five cruisers severely damaging their hulls, knocked another big boat off its steel cradle and then took out the steel cradle. That is what finally got to the Bert in the end putting a large IBeam into the hull bottom.
 
Well, if you're going to keep her in a marina, and you like being indoors during bad weather, why not go for a pilot house design? Something like a Parker or a C-Hawk. There's a lot to be said for that style, and since I fish the same waters as you I know that they could handle the rip in False Hook Channel without any problems. A 23-25 should do it nicely, and then call me so you won't have to be alone when you go out. lol :beer:
 
Blue_Runner said:
Willy have you looked at a Carolina Classic?
http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/3409055848.html
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:oh::drool::drool::drool: I LIKE IT! I agree that a 23 PARKER pilothouse would be a good boat for up in ya'lls area as you guys can get some cold weather up there to fish in. A 23 PARKER would be just about ideal with a single 225 YAMAHA 4 stroke for most anything you would encounter up there, and still be easy enough to handle by yourself. And when you want to take 3 or 4 with you, you still have the room.
 
Sorry to jump in late... I'm in Jacksonville. That marina in the picture is where we launch for offshore trips. Let me know what I can do. I have no knowldge of boat engines and don't have a regular mechanic, but I can certainly ask around. If you are ready to make a serious inquiry on the Pursuit, let me know and I'll start making phone calls.

My father-in-law may be willing to check it out, and if he doesn't have time he probably knows someone to recommend. He used to own the very same Bertram you had and I had showed him the pictures of it when you first brought it home.

Aaron
 
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Aarron thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it. Not sure yet.

Guys I love those boats but I don't know anything about those boats with I/O's in them and jack shafts. Aren't they supposed to be problematic?
And I have always heard those Volvo outdrives are extremely expensive for parts and repair, no?
 
willy said:
Aarron thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it. Not sure yet.

Guys I love those boats but I don't know anything about those boats with I/O's in them and jack shafts. Aren't they supposed to be problematic?
And I have always heard those Volvo outdrives are extremely expensive for parts and repair, no?
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VOLVOS do cost more to repair, but on the plus side they don't fail often if maintained with basic anode and fluid changes. Jackshafts aren't to bad, just watch for rust as most use a steel driveshaft, and keep the u-joints greased. A jackshaft gives you the benefit of a wide open cockpit for fishing, but an outdrive for economy and shallow running(not to mention a single duo prop setup will still manuvere decent at the dock).
 
Yea I'm not so worried about maintenance I am worried about the storied water ingestion problems those systems are known for, also the vibration issues with jack shafts.
Also I have not heard anyone say anything good about I'O's outdrives on this or any site.
I know they are often very efficient power wise but that is all awash to me as they are also the only system I know that will sink your vessel at sea if a rubber bellows splits. There is a fellow that had to run his 25 footer into the sand to keep it from going completely under, it was a new boat, literally on its first full fishing trip and the bellows had some type of fault in it. It split. the two bilge pumps could not keep up with the ingress of the water and she just made it, got beached by the coast guard barracks. That was something to hear on the radio.
 
I love I/O's they pay my bills thru the winter time. Seriously, years ago, an I/O was more dependable and user friendly than an outboard. Thats all changed in teh last few years. In fresh water, its up to your personal preference, but in salt, I wouldn't have an I/O. It would be inboard diesel or outboard only.
 
Willy I hadnt been on much so didnt see this thread will now. I also havent read through the whole thread so i dont know if you are still looking at the Pursuit or not. However, I have been on a few Pursuits a 20 Cuddy, 24 Cuddy with twins and a 21 or 22CC cant remember. They are VERY popular around here and are good solid boats. The people I know that have owned them are all the type to only own nice things and not fool around with junk.

Worst I was in was the 24 with a strong head wind in 4-6'rs and she handled it like a dream. They are heavy so much like my 18 handle water like they are a little bigger than they are.
 
Destroyer said:
Well, if you're going to keep her in a marina, and you like being indoors during bad weather, why not go for a pilot house design? Something like a Parker or a C-Hawk. There's a lot to be said for that style, and since I fish the same waters as you I know that they could handle the rip in False Hook Channel without any problems. A 23-25 should do it nicely, and then call me so you won't have to be alone when you go out. lol :beer:
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Now that there's a friend. :-)

Willy, I read what you said about docking solo, and it hit home. Being able to set off on a run and come home all on my own, day or night, with no assistance required is one of the things that keeps my in my V.

This is a great thread. I'm looking forward to the happy ending.
 
Reading SH's post gave me a light bulb moment...

Willy, I apologize for filling this thread full links to other boats...you were asking for opinions on the Pursuit.

Years back when I was shopping for a big boat, Pursuit was up there in quality with the best I looked at...if I recall correctly, even the bildge is gel coated.

I would have bought one but they cost so much more than even a Grady White back then that I just couldn't swing it.

You can't go wrong with that 24 CC Pursuit, clean and well kept, and when you wear out those Yammies, you can throw on a couple 150 4 strokes.
 
Seacrets said:
I love my 23 parker. If engines meet your approval, I don't think you can go wrong with the Pursuit.
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I know I/O's are problematic up north, and often forget how much more trouble they are for you guys up there. They tend to not do well in boats left in the water, and your colder winters tend to do a number on those rubber bellows. Nothing against the PURSUIT either. Wonder if you could get fishbones back from it's new owner?
 
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