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Author Topic:   21' Conquest vs. other cuddy walkarounds?

Hubjeep posted 03-07-2010 06:14 PM ET (US)
After owning a number of boats (1969 13' Whaler, 18' Yamaha Jet boat [gasp], 20' Donzi), the most "perfect" one (design) I have found is the 1981 20' Aquasport cuddy walkaround.
I got the boat for $1,000, put about $500 into the engine, and used it nearly every weekend for the past 3 years (I keep it moored in a harbor off the Long Island Sound.).
Dry storage in the cuddy is great, throwing a couple passengers at the bow is nice for fishing... makes boat seem a lot bigger, the ride is very nice going over to CT, and the outboard is easy to work on.
Ideally I would like to look into something a little more modern looking with nice interior, rounded corners, maybe one of those alum. frame bikini tops, etc. 4-stroke outboard too.
The Grady White Overnighter 20 is prob the most common WA I come across, but my used boat sales friend says they are made up of a whole lot of wood (can absorb water if some gets in the hull).
How does the BW 20' Conquest stack up to other brands available?
A quick search gives me some listings of 1998-1999 20' ones ranging from $20,000-$30,000. I do have to look into this a lot more, but any info you guys have for me would be great.
Thanks,
John

Hubjeep posted 03-07-2010 06:25 PM ET (US)
Error in above post, I was looking at 21' boats, not 20'.
Anyway, here is current boat, very similar in function. The smart thing to do would be white paint to cover up the turd brown and call it a day, but I do use the boat quite often, updating to a newer one may not be an awful idea, perhaps a deal could be found in this "economy".
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/Hubjeep/Aquasport/PICT0066.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/Hubjeep/Aquasport/P9130041.jpg[/IMG]
WisED posted 03-07-2010 07:16 PM ET (US)
The model is discontinued so any you do get would be used. From what Ive seen the cuddy on the 205 is pretty small, significantly smaller than the 235 which is IMO as small as a true cabin can get. I guess its better considered a spacious storage/potty area. If you are looking for useful cabin I would look from 23 up. There are plenty of good deals on used boats right now. The dealer where I bought mine had a fully rigged 28 with twin yamahas with less than 300hrs for 52K, very clean boat.
tom976 posted 03-08-2010 11:26 AM ET (US)
I own a 23 conquest with a hardtop. I'm also located on the south shore of LI and "generally" have to deal with nastier conditions than up on the north shore. (wave hight and sometimes wind) If you can get a 23 or so, they are great for taking people aboard and having lots of room. Some were fully equipped with room for a potty on the side etc. If you just want to get an idea of what they look like, take a look at ebay auction 270533976397. The auction is over put the guy put great pics up.
Tom
Hubjeep posted 03-08-2010 01:25 PM ET (US)
Yes, I would be looking for used for sure. What years were they produced? We are nearing boating season, may not be the best time to look around.
I was staying away from the 23' due to being on the borderline of twin engines. I would prefer one, and do not like an underpowered boat. My 20' has a 175, a 200 would be ideal.
Thanks,
John
tom976 posted 03-08-2010 03:05 PM ET (US)
I have a 23' with a yamaha 225 on the transom and find it a decent match for the boat. The rear bench seat that folds out adds nice seating and confort when heading out to the fishing grounds or just crusing around the back bays. They made my style from 1997 - 2001 (2002?) and sometime there after went to the 235.
I actually purchased my boat around this time last year. I'd recommend searching through craigslist (in both new york sections) under the forsale/boats section. I still do see a deal here and there on boats when browsing around. Its hard to find a late model whaler on there for cheap but they do happen here and there. If so you need to jump on it quickly. I ventured all the way out to Ammagassette (spelling is off, but one town BEFORE Montauk) to look at the boat. I was sold the moment I saw her out there.
Mambo Minnow posted 03-09-2010 05:51 PM ET (US)
The 1998-2001 Conquest 21 is a much bigger boat than the later Conquest 205. Bigger cuddy, higher freeboard, more weight.
There are several of us on the forum that own this model. My recommendation: If you plan to primarily fish, go with the Conquest 205 for the bigger open cockpit and traditional transom aft. If you plan to primarily cruise and take the family out, then go with the older model for bigger cuddy and easier transom for water entry/exit.
Bella con23 posted 03-09-2010 07:29 PM ET (US)
As an owner of a 23 I agree with the 23 owners. I have the original Merc. 225hp 2-stroke and it has plenty of get up and go for this family of five.
It will run 42mph top speed with a light load and 38mph fully loaded.The 225hp will drop you to the transom if your not holding on. We water ski and wakeboard as well.

My oldest sleeps in the cabin from dock to fishing grounds and then again on the return trips. He is 6'5", 220lbs.
There is room for one of the other kids if they want to lay down.

I have been trailering this boat for the last two years and this year is looking like no change in that routine.
Joe
David Pendleton posted 03-10-2010 12:20 AM ET (US)
I've always been a fan of the 21 Conquest. I think the layout is good and the cabin is adequate (but just barely) for two adults. It's trailerable by most common SUV's and light trucks.
I never really warmed up to the 205/Eastport. It looked nice in the marketing material, but I never could figure out it's intended target market.
I would definitely consider a 21 Conquest.

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Author	Topic: 21' Conquest vs. other cuddy walkarounds?
Hubjeep	posted 03-07-2010 06:14 PM ET (US) After owning a number of boats (1969 13' Whaler, 18' Yamaha Jet boat [gasp], 20' Donzi), the most "perfect" one (design) I have found is the 1981 20' Aquasport cuddy walkaround. I got the boat for $1,000, put about $500 into the engine, and used it nearly every weekend for the past 3 years (I keep it moored in a harbor off the Long Island Sound.). Dry storage in the cuddy is great, throwing a couple passengers at the bow is nice for fishing... makes boat seem a lot bigger, the ride is very nice going over to CT, and the outboard is easy to work on. Ideally I would like to look into something a little more modern looking with nice interior, rounded corners, maybe one of those alum. frame bikini tops, etc. 4-stroke outboard too. The Grady White Overnighter 20 is prob the most common WA I come across, but my used boat sales friend says they are made up of a whole lot of wood (can absorb water if some gets in the hull). How does the BW 20' Conquest stack up to other brands available? A quick search gives me some listings of 1998-1999 20' ones ranging from $20,000-$30,000. I do have to look into this a lot more, but any info you guys have for me would be great. Thanks, John
Hubjeep	posted 03-07-2010 06:25 PM ET (US) Error in above post, I was looking at 21' boats, not 20'. Anyway, here is current boat, very similar in function. The smart thing to do would be white paint to cover up the turd brown and call it a day, but I do use the boat quite often, updating to a newer one may not be an awful idea, perhaps a deal could be found in this "economy". [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/Hubjeep/Aquasport/PICT0066.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/Hubjeep/Aquasport/P9130041.jpg[/IMG]
WisED	posted 03-07-2010 07:16 PM ET (US) The model is discontinued so any you do get would be used. From what Ive seen the cuddy on the 205 is pretty small, significantly smaller than the 235 which is IMO as small as a true cabin can get. I guess its better considered a spacious storage/potty area. If you are looking for useful cabin I would look from 23 up. There are plenty of good deals on used boats right now. The dealer where I bought mine had a fully rigged 28 with twin yamahas with less than 300hrs for 52K, very clean boat.
tom976	posted 03-08-2010 11:26 AM ET (US) I own a 23 conquest with a hardtop. I'm also located on the south shore of LI and "generally" have to deal with nastier conditions than up on the north shore. (wave hight and sometimes wind) If you can get a 23 or so, they are great for taking people aboard and having lots of room. Some were fully equipped with room for a potty on the side etc. If you just want to get an idea of what they look like, take a look at ebay auction 270533976397. The auction is over put the guy put great pics up. Tom
Hubjeep	posted 03-08-2010 01:25 PM ET (US) Yes, I would be looking for used for sure. What years were they produced? We are nearing boating season, may not be the best time to look around. I was staying away from the 23' due to being on the borderline of twin engines. I would prefer one, and do not like an underpowered boat. My 20' has a 175, a 200 would be ideal. Thanks, John
tom976	posted 03-08-2010 03:05 PM ET (US) I have a 23' with a yamaha 225 on the transom and find it a decent match for the boat. The rear bench seat that folds out adds nice seating and confort when heading out to the fishing grounds or just crusing around the back bays. They made my style from 1997 - 2001 (2002?) and sometime there after went to the 235. I actually purchased my boat around this time last year. I'd recommend searching through craigslist (in both new york sections) under the forsale/boats section. I still do see a deal here and there on boats when browsing around. Its hard to find a late model whaler on there for cheap but they do happen here and there. If so you need to jump on it quickly. I ventured all the way out to Ammagassette (spelling is off, but one town BEFORE Montauk) to look at the boat. I was sold the moment I saw her out there.
Mambo Minnow	posted 03-09-2010 05:51 PM ET (US) The 1998-2001 Conquest 21 is a much bigger boat than the later Conquest 205. Bigger cuddy, higher freeboard, more weight. There are several of us on the forum that own this model. My recommendation: If you plan to primarily fish, go with the Conquest 205 for the bigger open cockpit and traditional transom aft. If you plan to primarily cruise and take the family out, then go with the older model for bigger cuddy and easier transom for water entry/exit.
Bella con23	posted 03-09-2010 07:29 PM ET (US) As an owner of a 23 I agree with the 23 owners. I have the original Merc. 225hp 2-stroke and it has plenty of get up and go for this family of five. It will run 42mph top speed with a light load and 38mph fully loaded.The 225hp will drop you to the transom if your not holding on. We water ski and wakeboard as well. My oldest sleeps in the cabin from dock to fishing grounds and then again on the return trips. He is 6'5", 220lbs. There is room for one of the other kids if they want to lay down. I have been trailering this boat for the last two years and this year is looking like no change in that routine. Joe
David Pendleton	posted 03-10-2010 12:20 AM ET (US) I've always been a fan of the 21 Conquest. I think the layout is good and the cabin is adequate (but just barely) for two adults. It's trailerable by most common SUV's and light trucks. I never really warmed up to the 205/Eastport. It looked nice in the marketing material, but I never could figure out it's intended target market. I would definitely consider a 21 Conquest.