Rank Options

[Saltydog235]

For sure. I want one we can travel in. You aren't doing that comfortably on a catamaran, and if I am being honest, I don't really trust cats anyway...

Not the ones hanging Mercs on the back.

[Fish]

Good to know. How about folding the footrest up while not in use?

This is the foot press. It slides right out of the chair.

IMG_2766.png

[Islandboy]

We have the battle saddle… it’s kind of a bastard design. Works ok for young kids but that’s about it. Regular chair is what you want - way more utility(we are tight on space). Def add starlink. Sea keeper really is nice(when it works) but requires maintenance and PIA when not working. That size boat it will help on days with guests and newbies. Watermaker and ice maker are clutch when you’re actually fishing but something else to keep up with. Fish is getting the full experience - the systems on a sporty or even express boat are awesome and really change the experience- they do wear you down as an owner operator. I’d budget for help on that stuff, washes, fully wax 3+ times a year(unless ceramic), system upgrades, electronic upgrades, softgoods, polycarbonate/eisenglass, interior protection(carpet covers etc), and great contacts for all the systems. It’s one thing to know what’s broken and what part you need- entirely different program when you have to have somebody get it and potentially install it. Of course everything happens during fishing season too. It can be an awesome experience and incredible memories get made- diesel boats just suck them in.

Fish nailed most everything. As little wood as possible, keep in front of as much as possible, and use the dang thing.

[Duck Tape]

No one has tried the battle bucket with rocket launchers? 6 launchers, two drink holders, a tackle drawer, reel clips.

Takes up less room for sure but more work on the back.

[Duck Tape]

IMG_5909.jpg

[Islandboy]

That’s the one I referenced above. No leverage without a real bucket and no where to put your feet. Also the reel “leash” connections aren’t IGFA legal(attached to chair).

[DRDUCK]

We have the battle saddle… it’s kind of a bastard design. Works ok for young kids but that’s about it. Regular chair is what you want - way more utility(we are tight on space). Def add starlink. Sea keeper really is nice(when it works) but requires maintenance and PIA when not working. That size boat it will help on days with guests and newbies. Watermaker and ice maker are clutch when you’re actually fishing but something else to keep up with. Fish is getting the full experience - the systems on a sporty or even express boat are awesome and really change the experience- they do wear you down as an owner operator. I’d budget for help on that stuff, washes, fully wax 3+ times a year(unless ceramic), system upgrades, electronic upgrades, softgoods, polycarbonate/eisenglass, interior protection(carpet covers etc), and great contacts for all the systems. It’s one thing to know what’s broken and what part you need- entirely different program when you have to have somebody get it and potentially install it. Of course everything happens during fishing season too. It can be an awesome experience and incredible memories get made- diesel boats just suck them in.

Fish nailed most everything. As little wood as possible, keep in front of as much as possible, and use the dang thing.

This Man gets it. Ceramic is do once cry once and on my stuff is all I will ever do

[ecu1984]

For sure. I want one we can travel in. You aren't doing that comfortably on a catamaran, and if I am being honest, I don't really trust cats anyway...

I want a liveaboard to be on about 7 months of the year

[Duck Tape]

But the teak looks dreamy

[CUduckreeper]

Go ahead and get your “battle bucket” if you want. You’ve already gotten some reviews. The whole advantage of a fighting chair is to be able to use your legs.

[Chessbay]

24 volt LP’s are a definite if you billfish. If you pull mullet dredges or ballyhoo dredges 12 volts suck. Keep a 12 volt option for kite reels.

If you run a sonar, which is a huge game changer, then doing so without a seakeeper is silly. Spend the money on both.

If you tournament fish, then a chair is nice early when you will catch blues. Swapping to a rocket launcher when the sail bite is fire is a good option too. It will open up your cockpit tremendously. If you dabble, then don’t worry about the chair and spend some money on a nice standup harness and keep the launcher instead.

Horsepower is way up on the list. Cruising at 32 knots vs. 24 knots is not even comparable. Massive difference in time depending on what you are doing.

Water maker is really nice if you are fishing all day, Willy Vac, etc.

Lots of options depending on your program.

[Palmetto Duck]

No one has said shit about seaworthiness. There are some boats in that size range that will rattle your teeth out depending on the manufacturer and the age. Better pick a good one. 3’-5’ in an earlier 2000s Viking for example will ride like shit depending on how you’re running. I’d stick to the rocket launcher if you’re primarily fishing off SC. I wouldn’t have that gay seat thing on the front of it though. The other shit you’re going to want if you’re fun fishing except the sea keeper and sonar. You’ll need to fish a lot to justify those. Teaser reels yes more teak no especially if you’re owner operator. And unless you knkw a lot about systems on a Sportfishing boat already your owner operator curve will be steep. It ain’t the same as jumping in firing off the outboards and hauling ass. Your best bet for fishability with the weather and lowest maintenance will be a Freeman unless you want to sit in the AC on the ride out and back. That design will drastically expand your definition of fishable weather. I think the used market is tight right now, I may be wrong. I’d look hard for a 50ish Spencer if I were throwing that kind of money around and had to have a sporty.

[Duck Tape]

67 years old. Can't take it with me.
Thanks great things to ponder.

[Duck Tape]

No one has said shit about seaworthiness. There are some boats in that size range that will rattle your teeth out depending on the manufacturer and the age. Better pick a good one. 3’-5’ in an earlier 2000s Viking for example will ride like shit depending on how you’re running. I’d stick to the rocket launcher if you’re primarily fishing off SC. I wouldn’t have that gay seat thing on the front of it though. The other shit you’re going to want if you’re fun fishing except the sea keeper and sonar. You’ll need to fish a lot to justify those. Teaser reels yes more teak no especially if you’re owner operator. And unless you knkw a lot about systems on a Sportfishing boat already your owner operator curve will be steep. It ain’t the same as jumping in firing off the outboards and hauling ass. Your best bet for fishability with the weather and lowest maintenance will be a Freeman unless you want to sit in the AC on the ride out and back. That design will drastically expand your definition of fishable weather. I think the used market is tight right now, I may be wrong. I’d look hard for a 50ish Spencer if I were throwing that kind of money around and had to have a sporty.

Great comments. I have done some sea trials. I believe a sport fisher will extend my time on the sea, provide comfort for me and young grandkids, help me with balance, and make me go broke.

I am looking to cruise near 34 knots. Teak, I love wood. Oil or varnish?

I have been risking my life running out before light without infrared or night vision.

Mostly looking for a good time with family and friends.

[Hogg]

But the teak looks dreamy

If you want teak without the hassle get someone to paint faux teak.

[Steelin' Ducks]

I like the teak on my old Hatteras, but it is definitely a lot of work. Currently I need to strip my entire anchor pulpit. I keep kicking that can down the road. And you cannot beat these old Detroits. Absolutely bulletproof.

[Saltydog235]

Great comments. I have done some sea trials. I believe a sport fisher will extend my time on the sea, provide comfort for me and young grandkids, help me with balance, and make me go broke.

I am looking to cruise near 34 knots. Teak, I love wood. Oil or varnish?

I have been risking my life running out before light without infrared or night vision.

Mostly looking for a good time with family and friends.

Nightvision is great unless it’s foggy. Fog’s still radar, old tracks and a drawn up sphincter.

[Duck Tape]

FLIR M364C ? expensive

[JABIII]

I am not mad at them enough to run in the dark anymore. Those 40' conex boxes floating just below the surface scare the shit out of me...

[Duck Tape]

I was that mad in the center console.