[Sea D Reamer]

Hello everyone,

First time poster and wanted to get some "expert" opinions. I have been fishing in the gulf for about 5 years now on a friends boat. I am FINALLY ready to buy my first Center Console and would love some opinions.

I am in the market for a 19-21ft boat or really anything I can trailer with a 2 wheel drive Tahoe. I have always had a thing for Cape Horns. Hence the questions:

What year did the Cape Horns change the hull design to not be such a wet boat? 2001?

I know a ton of pros for owning a Cape Horn..any owners have any Cons?

Thanks in Advance.

 

[Sequoiha]

on the 19 i think it was about 2002 or 03they changed the hull design,,, i dont think you will find any cons about owning a cape horn,,, they are a great boat,,,, and with the new design they are a very dry boat.. feel free to give me a call, id be glad to talk to you about any boat you are looking at...

 

[backlashnpcola]

I dont own one but fished out of a couple 17 to 24 ftyou really cant go wrong are you looking for new or used the 17 ft fishes like the bigger (other brand boats) and the 21ft is better for the rough days with lots of room consider fuel cost if it has 1 or 2 motors and size of motors My one friend has a 17ft with a 90hp and its great

 

[amarcafina]

25' Grady 258 twin yamaha 150's 365 hr's cruise 27 wot 45+ 54,900

This is a dry boat , It has new curtains with it!

 

[bombtosser]

lots of folks on here cut their teeth on a 19 or 21 ft cape horn. They are great boats that are easy to operate and easy to maintain. They will always get you back in one piece. But,Don't let anyone tell you they are dry boats. they just aren't. whatever size you buy, get yourself a set of curtains made for the console, and a set of wings made going to the gunnels and you'll be fine. or else you drive the whole time, and let your buddies get soaked.. thats alot cheaper. I'd say go for it. you can beat the hell out of it and have few issues. just keep up with the motor maintenance, check your pumps and safety gear often and go catch the big one!!!1

 

[Sea D Reamer]

Good Information. I am nervous about "taking the plunge", but I feel it is now or never.

I am looking to spend between 25 to 30 on a reliable boat to do some offshore 50 miles out or so fishing. Any recommendations are welcome, just have only fished cape horn, sea hunt, and "out of my league" contender center consoles.

I have seen some good deals on CC boats, but dont know much about the make of boat. Any website recommendations?

 

[bonita dan]

Can't go wrong with the Cape Horn. My theory is if ya didn't wanna get wet,what the heck are ya doin on a boat in the first place. May I suggest cutting your teeth with a '31 Cape? Really,its only money after all! :shedevil Oh yea,welcome to the forum.

 

[Sea D Reamer]

Thanks for the welcome.

Trust me. There will become a day when I can afford the big ones...Just unfortunatly a 31 footer isnt quite in the budget for my first boat. :reallycrying

I can dream though!

 

[bonita dan]

Ya don't have to be able to afford it to buy it! Heck I don't think any or us that actually own our boats can afford them. We just prolong the process till we get another one. Good luck man,theres plenty of good deals right now on something that will get ya out there.

 

[SaltAddict]

Never fished a Cape Horn. Never heard a bad word about them.

I have owned a 21' Seafox cc for 6 yrs. 115 gal. tank Merc. 150. I love it. I have been 40 miles out. Most of my fishing/diving is in the Gulf. Added a t-top & crows nest 3 yrs ago. Base price was under 30k. I think 21' is a great 1st boat. It has allowed me to go the distance (offshore) while learning the ins & outs. One thing I have learned is: great days allow for great range, so large fuel capacity helps.

Good luck with whatever choice you make!



My father told me- Everyone should own a boat atleast once in there life.



Once you own one for a while, you appreciate his point!



Couldn't imagine life without one!

 

[reeltime]

You might take a look at this 17' Grady White

http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2008-Grady-White-Sportman-180-96381021

 

[specslayer]

theres a 20 or 21ft cape horn with a 200 evinrude for sael infront of vannoys tires in tiger point, dont know the price but ill bet its in your range and its a newer model...pretty sweet looking boat

 

[Powerstroke 7.3]

I have a 2003 Cape Horn 17 and love it. Definitly not a wet ride. If you get the time call them and go to the factory in Milton and take a tour. You will get a one on one from the start to finish of thier boats and in plain english that even I and my wife understood.I have emailed them with questions and have always gotten a quick and personel service. We fish within 10miles and the bay. Hope this helps.

 

[Sea D Reamer]

specslayer (2/17/2010)theres a 20 or 21ft cape horn with a 200 evinrude for sael infront of vannoys tires in tiger point, dont know the price but ill bet its in your range and its a newer model...pretty sweet looking boat

Excuse my ignorance, but I am fairly new to Baldwin County. Tiger Point is in Pensacola?

 

[Cape_Horn_24]

I wish you had posted this on her a week or so ago, Just sold our 200321' cape horn with a 250 yamaha, and upgraded to a 24' Cape horn with twin 200 yamahas on it. That too was my first boat and loved it. The only time i ever got wet on that boat was when it rained and we were running back in, but then again it was My first year fishing off shore in my own boat, so we played the safe game and only went out when it 3' or less. I havent had a chance to fish or ride on any of the smaller modles. Good luck with whatever you decide on buying though.

 

[Cape_Horn_24]

Forgot to ask what year your Tahoe is? I have a '99 Yukon w/the 5.7 and pulled it once or twice, it was kind of rough on that truck. Also pulled it with an '08 F150 and it did just fine with it, though you had to go slow to get decent gas milage. 56 mph = 9.3 mpg

 

[SaltAddict]

Tigerpoint is in Gulf Breeze. East on 98, on the right before you get to Walmart. It's been there a few days. I haven't stopped to look it over. Looks pretty from the road (said the same bout a few women too) lol.

 

[C-monsters]

I would go for the 21. It feels like a bigger boat, and you'll feel more comfortable going out farther, especiallyif a storm kicks up. With fish closures the way they are, you will likely want to spend a lot of your time out farther than 10 miles fishing the edge or deeper, or you'll catch nothing other than endangeredsnapper.

 

[C-monsters]

Forgot to add one con for the cape horns. They are great for fishing, and seem indestructable,but a little spartan if you are trying to go out with awife and/or kids. You will find a few more ammenities with a Grady orEdgewater.

 

[Sea D Reamer]

C-monsters (2/17/2010)I would go for the 21. It feels like a bigger boat, and you'll feel more comfortable going out farther, especiallyif a storm kicks up. With fish closures the way they are, you will likely want to spend a lot of your time out farther than 10 miles fishing the edge or deeper, or you'll catch nothing other than endangeredsnapper.

That is true. I have a couple of tried and true "aj" spots about 50 miles out that I HAVE to be able to get to on a "perfect" weather day.

This place is great. Cant believe i havent used this site before. I like the PM's with the boats for sale and etc...

Cant wait to start asking "what to do" once i get the boat!

Thanks to all again.