posted 11-01-2004 09:39 PM ET (US)        

Which of the three would be the boat to keep (actually to buy) in terms of acquisition cost, hull performance in high seas, family worth, fuel efficiency and proper motorization.

I am comming from a Sport 11 which is a very humble boat, but so easy to tow, so easy to launch where there are no ramps (I live in Costa Rica).

I currently own a GMC Jimmy with a 4.3 liter V6 and I love fishing as much as I love expeditions. Having done expeditions of 5 hours in length, I am looking forward for a larger boat but cannot break the bank yet!

Finally, what would be the correct motorization for each of these boats: four stroke, two stroke or Optimax (Verado is still so far out of my league)?

Regards,

posted 11-02-2004 08:11 AM ET (US)            

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/000509.html
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/002422.html
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum8/HTML/001278.html
http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum1/HTML/008286.html

There are many more threads if you search with a variety of keywords. You may also find Moe's posts of scaled line drawings of different boats very useful in your decision making.

As for engines, it depends on what you think is important. The classic 2-strokes are lighter, less expensive, and arguably more powerful. The Optimaxes are more expensive but much more fuel efficient. The 4-strokes I think are more expensive still, possibly even more fuel efficient than the Optis, are generally the quietest, and have no oil smoke, but they are heavier. I'm personally a fan of 4-strokes, but you can easily find others who can justifiably tell you why their favorite type is best.

With either the Montauk or the Dauntless, you're best off with maximum power (90 and 115, respectively). I don't know about the 180 Ventura, but I'd think that the standard power of 115HP just wouldn't be enough for good performance.

posted 11-02-2004 01:31 PM ET (US)            

Regards,

posted 11-03-2004 08:00 AM ET (US)            

What happened to the 160 Ventura? It seemed like a nice package for family oriented boating not fishing, however.

Regards,

posted 11-06-2004 12:07 PM ET (US)            

There's this Ventura 160 on the net with a Mercury 90 ELPTO which I rather have than a four stroke and in pictures it looks marvelous!

In your past comment regarding the tight bow-rider configuration of the Ventura 160, I would only guess that it would be cumbersome for big persons, but since I'm only 6'01" and my wife is 5' then this would be the boat meant for exploration on top of a Dauntless 160 or a Montauk 170? Which would you rather use in inshore exploration?

Another thing, do you think that one could still find two stroke motors down in '05? These are less expensive and less heavy than four strokes, and since my usage would be conservative, then I would not realize the savings in fuel consumption.

I look forward to your opinion on this matter.

Regards,

posted 11-06-2004 09:05 PM ET (US)            

If you think the 160 Ventura might be a good boat for you, I'd suggest you check it out. It would be best to try it out on the water, since small boats always get a couple feet smaller on the water than they seem on the trailer in the parking lot.

Regarding 2-strokes, the classic carburated versions will be gone in another year or so, but the direct fuel-injected versions (like the Optimax) should be around for quite a while.

posted 11-08-2004 11:52 AM ET (US)            

I think if you are looking at that Ventura layout, you are well served to focus on the 180 if you can swing it. It has that nice aft bench seat, and is a susbstantial "little" boat.