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YachtForums · 01-09-2008, 08:04 PM

Oceaneer,

I’ve been loosely watching the center-console market for the better part of 2 years. In doing so, I’ve come up to speed a little on these boats, but have never committed the pre-purchase research that would go along with being a serious buyer. I have a hard time digesting the digits that CC builders are trying to command. What was once a utility boat and accordingly priced, has gone way beyond the reach of most fisherman short of a sponsorship by Bud.

This past year's FLIBS was a wash out on Friday morning, so we sought refuge in the convention center, where a good majority of the leading CC builders were displaying the most expensive way to put seafood on the table. There were a few boats that stood out, including Edgewater, Jupiter and Everglades. The ergonomics, lay-out, features and quality of workmanship was class leading. Also notable on these three was the helm seating. They are actually seats (not a leaning post)… and quite comfortable too. Heck, one of them had an automotive-style center console between the seats for beverages, emergency brake, etc.

My biggest gripe with these boats is price and weight. They ALL have too much of both. There is simply no-reason to lay-up hulls this heavy when the engineering and technology exists to make them lighter, faster and just as strong. In questioning this, I’m told things like “ride quality” will suffer from their reps. Hogwash! All of these boats, at least the larger ones, are using deep deadrise hulls that are essentially the same 24-degree deadrise, four-strake hull that was lifted from Dan Weinstein’s Powerplay. Actually, Dan lifted it from Coyote if my memory serves me well. Anyhow, I’ve run a 33’ Powerplay in BIG seas, at nearly twice the speed of today’s CC boats. These boats were laid-up using the same techniques and materials Dan used for his race boats… and they were the softest ride on the water. Any water.

Until consumers start demanding it, it’s cheaper for these builders to overlook the extra resin, favoring a heavy lay-up for a “just-in-case” scenario… and saving them the aggravation of looking over the shoulders of a guy with a roller. If weight and money are a non-issue… take a look at these three boats. BTW… on the Everglades, I can hook you up with their Eastern US director. She’s smart on these boats and not too hard to look at either.

All this behind, my choice would probably be the new 34’ Jupiter. Their line is among the most popular in the market. They got to this point by building a solid boat, without too many bells & whistles to break. One of the same reasons that experienced offshore guys chose Powerplays over Scarabs. Built tough. Nothing to break. Looks good. Goes fast. Done deal.

And if you wanna go fast... I think Jay Pilini's new Spectre 34' or Reggie's similar-size beak boat is your best bet. I much prefer the first, but not overly impressed with the workmanship I've seen. Fountains are finished off better, but part of the price goes to Reggie's gold chain collection.

01-09-2008, 08:04 PM	#13
YachtForums Publisher/Administrator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,357	Oceaneer, I’ve been loosely watching the center-console market for the better part of 2 years. In doing so, I’ve come up to speed a little on these boats, but have never committed the pre-purchase research that would go along with being a serious buyer. I have a hard time digesting the digits that CC builders are trying to command. What was once a utility boat and accordingly priced, has gone way beyond the reach of most fisherman short of a sponsorship by Bud. This past year's FLIBS was a wash out on Friday morning, so we sought refuge in the convention center, where a good majority of the leading CC builders were displaying the most expensive way to put seafood on the table. There were a few boats that stood out, including Edgewater, Jupiter and Everglades. The ergonomics, lay-out, features and quality of workmanship was class leading. Also notable on these three was the helm seating. They are actually seats (not a leaning post)… and quite comfortable too. Heck, one of them had an automotive-style center console between the seats for beverages, emergency brake, etc. My biggest gripe with these boats is price and weight. They ALL have too much of both. There is simply no-reason to lay-up hulls this heavy when the engineering and technology exists to make them lighter, faster and just as strong. In questioning this, I’m told things like “ride quality” will suffer from their reps. Hogwash! All of these boats, at least the larger ones, are using deep deadrise hulls that are essentially the same 24-degree deadrise, four-strake hull that was lifted from Dan Weinstein’s Powerplay. Actually, Dan lifted it from Coyote if my memory serves me well. Anyhow, I’ve run a 33’ Powerplay in BIG seas, at nearly twice the speed of today’s CC boats. These boats were laid-up using the same techniques and materials Dan used for his race boats… and they were the softest ride on the water. Any water. Until consumers start demanding it, it’s cheaper for these builders to overlook the extra resin, favoring a heavy lay-up for a “just-in-case” scenario… and saving them the aggravation of looking over the shoulders of a guy with a roller. If weight and money are a non-issue… take a look at these three boats. BTW… on the Everglades, I can hook you up with their Eastern US director. She’s smart on these boats and not too hard to look at either. All this behind, my choice would probably be the new 34’ Jupiter. Their line is among the most popular in the market. They got to this point by building a solid boat, without too many bells & whistles to break. One of the same reasons that experienced offshore guys chose Powerplays over Scarabs. Built tough. Nothing to break. Looks good. Goes fast. Done deal. And if you wanna go fast... I think Jay Pilini's new Spectre 34' or Reggie's similar-size beak boat is your best bet. I much prefer the first, but not overly impressed with the workmanship I've seen. Fountains are finished off better, but part of the price goes to Reggie's gold chain collection.