I just sold my rig recently and am looking for a utlity boat to do the double duty of fishing and lugging 3 hunters around barnegat bay. My friend has a 18 ft privateer that he swears by and says there isnt a better bay boat out there. Just wanted to get some opinions from you guys .
Privateer Boats?Opinions
- Thread starter Jay H
- Start date
Capt. Jack Passie
Well-known member
Lots of Baymen use them out here and seam to do very well. Charlie Niggles has a 21' and uses it for exactly what you are going to. They look good to me.
Privateer makes a pretty good boat, I worked off a 21' forward cuddy model for years, the forward steering position was NOT good, HARD ride, look for an aft console instead.
Also look for a C Hawk brand boat. Softer ride and not as wet.
Don't hesitate to ask questions, I've worked on, and been around a lot of Privateer models.
Also look for a C Hawk brand boat. Softer ride and not as wet.
Don't hesitate to ask questions, I've worked on, and been around a lot of Privateer models.
CPKBasil and Robert
Active member
Of the Carolina "utility" boat builders, I think Jones Brothers are the best. Look for used models that have composite (no wood) construction. I fish on a '00 twenty footer and it's impressive.
A used Parker is another good bet. They use lots of wood and poly- or ortho- resins in the construction, though.
Privateers are a good boat. They use a heavy glass schedule and vinylester resin. But, like most NC builders, I believe they still only "hot coat" the underside of the decks. It's difficult to find a used hull. New, they are expensive.
C Hawks have good hulls but are a notch below the others in quality.
Also, since you're in NJ, I'd run up to NY and check out Steiger Craft. I have seen late model Steigers on Craig's List for short money.
A used Parker is another good bet. They use lots of wood and poly- or ortho- resins in the construction, though.
Privateers are a good boat. They use a heavy glass schedule and vinylester resin. But, like most NC builders, I believe they still only "hot coat" the underside of the decks. It's difficult to find a used hull. New, they are expensive.
C Hawks have good hulls but are a notch below the others in quality.
Also, since you're in NJ, I'd run up to NY and check out Steiger Craft. I have seen late model Steigers on Craig's List for short money.
Dick Sargeant
Well-known member
Jay - I redid a 24 cabin forward and fished it for a few years. Nice hull for a following sea due to bow flare, as long as you have the weight dist. correct. Into a head sea was like plowing wet snow. Where the bay chop is likely closer together and not as steep - probably not a problem. The 24 was exceptionally stable and I'll bet the 18 and others are similar. Build quality was adequate but not great. Makes a good redo project (tank, wiring, steering) if you can do some yourself and find the right cheap project boat. As has been stated layup was pretty good but there is wood in places.
sarge
sarge