allanb76
Crew Member
Thanks for that...not sure how that got by me. I check for slightly used ones daily!
Thanks for that...not sure how that got by me. I check for slightly used ones daily!
Thanks for that...not sure how that got by me. I check for slightly used ones daily!
Just buy a 23Ft Hourston. Lol. I am surprised that they never did also. Still think one of the best boats ever built is their 17.5 Double EagleAs the owner of an older 206 that is definitely one thing I think about a lot. If the boat was stretched two or three feet and podded it would be incredible. I have actually considered doing it myself when I have the space.
Those boats are comparable, in my eyes the open bow 18.6SS is not in the same class as the 20.6 DE cuddy. The open water grabbing bow of the SS seams like something I would not want on ocean, even in the SOG. Compare and or spend the extra and get the phantom.
HM
They are comparable when it comes to price tags, which is why I've narrowed down to those w. The Challenger I'm looking at is 21' overall when you include the pod that is integrated into the hull. My dilemma right now is which one is more boat for the money. Clearly it's debatable. Excluding the cuddy, the space inside the boat is very similar. The Phantom is certainly my dream boat as well, but I can't justify the huge extra cost when the smaller boat will serve 90% of my needs. Maybe I'm better off waiting for the boat show when they are all under one roof. Easier to compare.[/QUOTE]I have the 18.6 DE and would like it stretched. I don't think the 20.6DE and the 18.6 Challenger SS are equal comparisons, its like apples to oranges. If that was my choice without a doubt the DE wins. Last year at the Vic boat show both boats were on show. If I remember DE was 72K with 175 4 stroke, the SS 21 new phantom cuddy model (only 1 I would want) was $145K. Those boats are comparable, in my eyes the open bow 18.6SS is not in the same class as the 20.6 DE cuddy. The open water grabbing bow of the SS seams like something I would not want on ocean, even in the SOG. Compare and or spend the extra and get the phantom.
HM
I looked up the challenger and your correct, no open bow, just a flat low bow. Certainly not in the same class as a 20.6 DE. Unless money become no object I would never buy a new boat, same as vehicle. Let someone else take the depreciation, bigger tax hit and buy used/not abused.I have yet to see an open bow challenger, pretty sure the OP is comparing the regular challenger HT.
Basically it comes down to wanting glass or alum, personally I would never buy a new 206 when you can get a nice 10-15yr old boston whaler conquest 235 with newer power for about the same price as a new 206.
https://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006-boston-whaler-235-conquest-103521780/?refSource=standard listing
[/QUOTE]They are comparable when it comes to price tags, which is why I've narrowed down to those w. The Challenger I'm looking at is 21' overall when you include the pod that is integrated into the hull. My dilemma right now is which one is more boat for the money. Clearly it's debatable. Excluding the cuddy, the space inside the boat is very similar. The Phantom is certainly my dream boat as well, but I can't justify the huge extra cost when the smaller boat will serve 90% of my needs. Maybe I'm better off waiting for the boat show when they are all under one roof. Easier to compare.
Welds??? For me not even a close choice, I know what one I would get, also know what boat I would want to be in when the Northern SOG gets the strong afternoon SE wind against a big flood and the rollers are rolling.
HM
I looked up the challenger and your correct, no open bow, just a flat low bow. Certainly not in the same class as a 20.6 DE. Unless money become no object I would never buy a new boat, same as vehicle. Let someone else take the depreciation, bigger tax hit and buy used/not abused.
HM
What he’s saying is he would rather be in the DE in snotty rough weather...... way better sea boatSo are you saying welded alum boats are not as strong as glass? lol
I would LOVE to be in a glass boat coming out the North arm and end up with a log through the hull, nevermind wind, let's talk about durability in our local waters filled with neutrally buoyant logs....
There is a reason that offshore boats are generally welded aluminum, do a quick google image search for offshore fishing charters in AK and you will find a nice selection of alum boats, some being SS too.
Not getting into any competition if glass or welded is better. Chevy/Ford/Dodge no winner. I am saying that the 2 specific models in question in OP are not in the same category. Both are good west coast boats, the 20.6 Hartop cuddy DE is lots MORE boat than the 18.6 hartop SS mentioned. As for durability I will say the DE has stood the test of time for over 40+ years, I don't want to be in any boat that end up with a log thru the hull, aluminum or glass. Neither are log proof.So are you saying welded alum boats are not as strong as glass? lol
I would LOVE to be in a glass boat coming out the North arm and end up with a log through the hull, nevermind wind, let's talk about durability in our local waters filled with neutrally buoyant logs....
There is a reason that offshore boats are generally welded aluminum, do a quick google image search for offshore fishing charters in AK and you will find a nice selection of alum boats, some being SS too.
Your avatar boat looks awesome, would guess does all you want/need and costs way less than the 100-200K needed0 for same welded. That small extra gas costs would take many years to recover. Maybe Allanb76 would make you an offer??? Kidding.Just look everyday at the used sites , auto search craigslist , local sites and even Facebook market place. Took 6 months to find my boat and I just brought cash as soon as it popped up.
It’s worth it when you pay a fraction of new cost.
JF