Just curios if any of you guys that own a Sport Fisher can handle it solo?
I’ve never been on one, but think i might be going that route in the next couple years.
Nothing huge… probably something in the 35’ range.
I have been reading of some guys not buying them because they like to take a cruise solo, but can’t drive it alone.
I assume it has to do with how well you can handle a boat.
2502 Trophy Trip 150 Force
“Rum Runner”
My boat is only 23’ and I don’t LIKE to do it alone. I can, I do…I feel fine about it, but it’s sooo much of a (**()ed hassle – especially if it’s trailered. (I keep it wet for the summer months for this reason alone.)
I have no advice here…never tried to pilot one alone. Having said that, I’m sure I’d warm up to it eventually. However, if you have a boat that large – you should have NO PROBLEM finding a willing crew to help you out!
‘05 Wellcraft 232 Coastal rockin’ a Yammie F225
‘00 Aqua Force Flats 15 w/ Yammie F25
"Kiss my ass, I bought a boat; I’m goin’ out to sea." (Jimmy Buffett covering Lovett)
Used to single-hand my 32’ express by myself. Never had a problem. Just make sure you have dock lines ready to throw around a cleat or to a willing helper when you get to the dock. Some marinas are easier to do this on than others…protected vs. exposed and proper timing of the tides helps.
I have a 35 convertible. You can do it solo, but you will pay more attention to current and wind depending on docking situations. I have not and do not advise trolling this way due to safety concerns. I always bring the boat to a halt when not at the helm. I have a fear of falling over and by-by boat.
Mostly when I operate solo its due to maintenance, relocating or just the rare casual personal cruise. Also remember you can call marinas for assistance when docking if needed.
“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”
-Thomas Jefferson
Sometimes i like just throwing the dogs on the boat and cruising around. Not trolling, but cruise the beach.
2502 Trophy Trip 150 Force
“Rum Runner”
some one once told me that when you end up drinking, or fishing too much by your self, you may want to take another look at your self. I told him I did both, it cancels itself out.
There is something to be said about an occasional trip out by yourself. I have found a quiet creek, anchored and just laid on the deck enjoying the peace and quiet. Of course I only have an 18’ so it isn’t a problem.
I am in awe of you guys. I just want to get to the point where I would feel comfortable taking our 22’ out by myself.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…Proverbs 1:7
I have done this in the past but never again gettin to old and adgile, hard to jump from fly bridge to deck to secure dock lines. I once tore down a dock and knocked a hole in my hull( above water line )
Would advise you to get a young girl friend or smaller boat
Would advise you to get a young girl friend or smaller boat
[/quote]
Unless you know how to handle one, a young girl friend has the potential to do more damage than a bigger boat.
“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”
-Thomas Jefferson
I take my 36 out by myself all the time. Just need to be prepared when docking. Otherwise its nice…
I don’t think the size of the boat matters. Rather where the helm is located and ability to tie off without jumping off the boat are the main issues. A center console makes this very very easy, regardless of size. I have taken my 30 footer out many times by myself and would take any size center console out and feel comfortable. A Sporty may or may not be different depending on where you operate the boat from. If the helm is in a tower this would not be wise to run by yourself. You wouldn’t want to hurry out of the tower and a lot can happen in the 5-6 seconds it takes to get down with a current and wind. Also, access to the dock will be a consideration. A center console is easy because you can just reach over. Some Sporties are so wide that it requires someone jumping off to tie off the front. A short spring line already tied to the dock always makes it easier.
Guess this was kind of a premature question anyway… i need to atleast ride on one before my wife talks me into one. It would be great to have a boat i cn throw some of my wifes family on when they come to visit. Probably be cheaper to throw a tent on my CC and call it the guest house.
2502 Trophy Trip 150 Force
“Rum Runner”
My boat is always “broken” when the wife’s family shows up.
“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”
-Thomas Jefferson
This thread is great! If you need help with your boat hit me up. Ill ride with you anytime
“My fish served a whole lunchon. Your fish look like a munchkin”
167 Ranger Cayman
Yamaha 115
“Hydrophilic”
2007 Toyota Tundra TRD 5.7L V8
GO PIRATES!
Once in the water it’s cake. As the other men have said, just need to be aware of current and wind so you can tie up properly. You can throw your fenders over and pull upsrtream in MILD current, letting the boat settle against the dock. Don’t do this in heavy current, cause you may not be able to pull her off alone. You can easily nose it in if the current is more challenging, throwing a loop over a cleat from the bow. If you get off the boat before you have a line tied, there is always a chance of your boat leaving without you, because some winds/current can pull the line right out of your hand before you can tie off. Don’t ask me how I know. I go solo about half the time, but my boat is only 20’. My biggest worry is being a pain in the ass to the other boaters at the ramp who have to wait for me to tie up my boat before I can clear the ramp. Can do it in a minute or two after all these years.
Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115
Pungo 120On the whole wifes family thing coming down… i kind of wanted to make them sleep on the boat to keep them out of my house… and you’re right, boat will not be mechanicaly sound to leave the slip.
After some research, i am a bit skeptical of the MX costs on these things. I was reading on other forums they are $15k-$20k a year to keep maintained… WTF! I b!ch about $100 for oil changes in two outboards.
So my quote on a under 40’ SF is around 4-5k for a slip a year
boat pulled and bottom painted $1k
fluids filters $500
$2k for random chit that breaks… What am i missing?
Since my budget will be around $50k, unless i finance, i will be looking at boats in the 70’s, so i guess $10k for chit that breaks would probably be more like it.
Think i might be leaning more of an Express… Have been on My uncles Luhrs, and loved it. Really dig this one
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1997-Luhrs-32-Open-97947266
Ones the wife likes
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1968-Hatteras-Convertible-98149871
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1967-Hatteras-41-Sf-W-2004-Cummins-98897354
2502 Trophy Trip 150 Force
“Rum Runner”
at that price range for a boat of that type, I’d figure in 50-75k for a re-power. Not many boats that size, at that price, that don’t need one. If you find a deal on a diesel boat, make sure you have it checked out by a dealer that knows the engine. You can get in some extremely high cost on a diesel just in scheduled maintenance, especially if it hasn’t been up to date. Don’t forget having the bottom cleaned by a diver at least once a month, with zincs to replace also. What ever you worst estimate for annual cost comes to, double that and you might be close to what you spend
Figure @ 10% price of boat before use and fuel. If you pay $50k the percentage will be higher. You missed insurance. Repower is real. I lost an engine when moving ours from Ft. Walton. Of course you will want new electronics. If you are going to do most of your own repairs and maintenance, you will save more $ at the price of your time. Bottom job will run @ $2,000+ depending on paint and prep and where done. I cant get out of a boatyard for under $3000. While its out do all your “might breaks” so you do not have to incur the cost of pulling before you need more paint.
But its great! You will love it! Jump on in!
BTW the inlaws will give you “payback” for the extended stay on the boat by flushing something down the head that was never intended to go through a marine system.
“When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.”
“When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”
-Thomas Jefferson
consider a size you can put on a trailor 34’, 12’ beam, around 18,000#
twin gas 5.7ciu can be replaced for less than $20,000 if you can do it yourself! I’ve done it with new tranys to! Paint bottom with anything you want. Tra. cost of $8,000 = aprox 2ys slip rentals! You can find parking for $40/50/mth or less! After many boats and a lot of headachs I ended up with a 28’ 1971 flybridge Bertram cheap from freshwater, changed out engs,bunks and trannys , and painted it my self I wouldnt trade a new boat!