Has anyone experience with Walker Boats? Nice looking vessels. Curious if their reliability, ride, construction equals their aesthetics. I'm interested in the 23' center console. Thanks.
Walker Boats - Centre Console
- Thread starter Laxputs
- Start date
kaelc
Crew Member
Max123
Well-Known Member
I think Walker is probably considered the premium, 'if you have to ask you can't afford' option. They used to make some smaller versions as well, but I see that they make a 23' and 26' option (both look amazing), but I seem to recall that they used to offer a smaller one as well.
Gorgeous boats.
Gorgeous boats.
I was chatting with them at the boat show. They said they don't try to compete based on low cost. They are definitely selling a premium product.
Tail-chaser
Member
Cope designed hulls. Get someone to build one for u and finish as you like for a fraction of the price
They will still make an 18', it just isn't advertised on their site. A lack of photos on their site.
That was the plan but it took 4 phone calls and two months for Lifetimer to get a quote to me, and recently their communication has not improved. The 2200 Lifetimer would fit my needs well but right now their customer service is weak. They seem very busy. And that's coming from a current Lifetimer owner who is quite happy with the boat (1950 Offshore model). I'm considering other options. And given the lead time to build and the duration of a build, it might make sense to start in the fall, have the boat ready for spring.
Thanks, I followed one of Lux's build threads. Yes, they do seem like nice boats but personally I won't make such an expensive purchase from someone without a website and without a long proven track record of quality boats attested to by satisfied owners. Should something go wrong (build quality, build duration, warranty) I'd feel I'd have more recourse when dealing with a public facing company, like Lifetimer and Walker. Others will see it differently.These look like well built boats and might be worth contacting. They make a nice 22cc. I think Kelly runs one as a guide boat out of tofino.
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Gong Show
Well-Known Member
I would not let the absence of a website deter you.
For this sort of plan, you should be going to the shop and having a look.
The shape of the shop will tell you a lot about the product the shop is producing.
I would hate to have to depend on a warranty beyond one year.
As stated up thread, a lot of these customs are based upon a Cope design, most of which have a long successful track record.
That leaves quality control in the build.
I have an Eaglecraft, it has a long track record, but things have changed a bit in the last 20 years since it was built.
Keep an open mind and I hope you find what you are looking for!
Thanks for the thoughtful input.
Agreed. Especially in these days of AI anyone can have a slick looking website with very minimal effort. Doesn't mean they can build a good boat. I realize the companies you mentioned are reputable and known entities, but I agree with Gong
Show. If I was shopping for a custom build, I'd be going to the production facilities of any contenders and seeing what's what. How does the shop look, how does the work in progress look, how long are they willing to sit with me and put up with my questions? Something like this is as much about the relationship and trust as it is the final product. Build with who you have confidence in.
Tail-chaser
Member
Guy that builds the Lux worked for NW building all there boats. He know what he’s doing, but if u want to overpay for fancy marketing maybe u should look at kingfisher too!
Max123
Well-Known Member
Most anyone with an aluminum hull is riding on a COPE design, an evolution/iteration of a COPE design, or a knock-off of a COPE design. Even a clean-sheet design would be strongly influenced by COPE.
'Finish' is the main defining feature for most aluminum boats, and Walker, Coastal Craft, Jasper Marine, and others - all competing at a very high level.
I wouldn't put Lifetimer in that list, not because of a lack of quality, but mainly because their level of finishing reflects roots in building for industry. They build water taxis, coast guard vessels, crew boats, fishing boats etc - which are built like tanks with a commercial level of finish. The interiors are relatively spartan, and not exactly 'style-forward'. Absolutely zero wrong with that (saying this as a former Lifetimer owner). You get a high quality, durable boat at a competitive price (still not cheap - but not eye watering).
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M1SF1T
Well-Known Member
I'd be taking a look at this Jaxoncraft 22:
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Cumberland Buy & Sell | Brand new 2025 Model Year | Facebook
Brand new 2025 Model Year. Lifetime warranty on hull Full factory Engine warranty until March 2033 on Main & Kicker Both engines have less than 10 hours Mercury Pro 15 HP Kicker Fuel Capacity 425...
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M1SF1T
Well-Known Member
That said, I was in Walker a couple times when I was boat shopping, the guys were great, very welcoming and showed me around with what they are doing, and no doubt they are putting out some well built boats albeit with high demand for their products and premium price.
My impression is that they have all the work they need and get a higher return on labour and shop time building larger cabin boats and the smaller CCs get affected on pricing somewhat as a result.
My impression is that they have all the work they need and get a higher return on labour and shop time building larger cabin boats and the smaller CCs get affected on pricing somewhat as a result.
Max123
Well-Known Member
That's a gorgeous boat - gotta love a listing that makes a point of showing off clean wiring! My only beef is with the paint, which always seems to flake in 5-10 years. I'd do bare aluminum hull and then vinyl wrap wherever I wanted some colour. Vinyl is cheap, easily replaceable and surprisingly durable.I'd be taking a look at this Jaxoncraft 22:
Cumberland Buy & Sell | Brand new 2025 Model Year | Facebook
Brand new 2025 Model Year. Lifetime warranty on hull Full factory Engine warranty until March 2033 on Main & Kicker Both engines have less than 10 hours Mercury Pro 15 HP Kicker Fuel Capacity 425...
Great reputation, ready to go...
M1SF1T
Well-Known Member
I've got a wrap on my Bridgeview CC and it's OK... 6 years old and peeling or looking worn in some spots... I don't worry about it too much... paint and wraps don't catch fish.
Nothing is going to be perfect, but I think Jaxon does a pretty good job on their paint FWIW... Here's a 14 year old boat from them that's listed, paint on the cabin, it's looking pretty good...
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Nothing is going to be perfect, but I think Jaxon does a pretty good job on their paint FWIW... Here's a 14 year old boat from them that's listed, paint on the cabin, it's looking pretty good...
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