Offshore in centre console, welded aluminum.

[Laxputs]

I'm considering a new buy, a 21' centre console, welded aluminum, with a single main motor (maybe 200 hp) and a kicker. I currently own a 1991, 19.5 foot Lifetimer with a 150 and 9.9--great all around Pacific Northwest recreating boat. I fish 2km offshore in it, fair weather. I'm wondering if the newer boat designs, being beamier, will handle sufficiently well to get me offshore (50 km out for tuna) on the best weather days, but return me safely if the weather should "come up". Does anyone know both Lifetimer and Silver Streak well enough to make an apples to apples comparison? Are they equally respected? Pros and cons to choose one over the other? I've been very pleased with my Lifetimer.

Lifetimer Centre Console

Silver Streak Centre Console


Thanks,
Tom

 

[Eden Island]

I'm considering a new buy, a 21' centre console, welded aluminum, with a single main motor (maybe 200 hp) and a kicker. I currently own a 1991, 19.5 foot Lifetimer with a 150 and 9.9--great all around Pacific Northwest recreating boat. I fish 2km offshore in it, fair weather. I'm wondering if the newer boat designs, being beamier, will handle sufficiently well to get me offshore (50 km out for tuna) on the best weather days, but return me safely if the weather should "come up". Does anyone know both Lifetimer and Silver Streak well enough to make an apples to apples comparison? Are they equally respected? Pros and cons to choose one over the other? I've been very pleased with my Lifetimer.

Lifetimer Centre Console

Silver Streak Centre Console


Thanks,
Tom

Having run a few inlets in an open 16' boat, with waves approaching 5', I'd be worried about being 50 km offshore in either centre console [looking at that open bow], but I'll defer to others with actual offshore experience.

 

[tannerc]

I freakin love centre consoles. Use the search function, you’ll find a number of really solid cc builds and info posts on here from the last few years.

 

[Pineapple Express]

For any given length, adding beam will not improve the ride. A good ride will come from a heavy deep V hull and narrow to really slice through the water. Aluminum boats can be lighter than similar fiberglass boats which contributes to them riding rougher.

Every boat is a compromise, so start walking the docks at your local marina and ask owners about their boats.

 

[Zodiac fisher]

You should look at Lux Marine. Similar to Northwest. The 22' is sick. Charter Tofino has one called Dog Days with a 300hp Merc + kicker. I think they have taken it out on tuna runs.

Also look at Bridgeview. I've drooled over a 22'.

 

[NikNak]

I own the Lifetimer Offshore 2200. Bought it new in 2008 I think. I have a 200 Yamaha on it a 2013. Perfect power. No trim tabs, and to get up on a plane I never consider that I need them. I used to have a 150 on it and it was a bit underpowered. Its a great boat. Perhaps I wish I had bought the Silverstreak though. Lifetimer, (and dont forget I own one) build some things that don't look attractive from a marine perspective. They still build a seat that I think is totally uncomfortable, and some of the finish just isn't like Silverstreak. What made me buy it was the stern configuration. I dont think a "pod" type stern is as safe as a whole width transom. The sugarscoop stern design of the Lifetimer I really enjoy.

I have been offshore on the west coast in serious seas, and I never felt concerned. I have two very large bilge pumps on float switches, and the only time they have really come in to play was at the mouth of the river at Renfrew. Any boat could be subject to that.

Mine is in the water in Maple Bay, if you want a ride to see what it feels like, let me know.