Steiger vs Parker 2520 vs Scout Abaco

[Crazee Horse]

Looked at a Mako 253 this weekend. OK. Not thrilled. Saw a good deal on a 1999-2000 Parker 2520 XL and a 2000 Scout Abaco and a Steiger Chesapeake & Block. I have no experience with any of these boats. I am also looking for a Grady in this same range around 30. All are 25 footers with v births. I am interested in offshore performance. It looks like all would be good bay boats. I am investigating their reputations and how they will handle rough water. Particularly the Parker has a 16 degree deadrise. The others are over 20. I know that the shape of the forward hull can negate some of the low deadrise and that deadrise is not the definitive issue. So fill me in guys. Do they bang, buck, roll in the swells, wallow at low speed, hold together like a pile of pelican poo.

BTW, thanks to those of you responding to my Mako question. Also, the Dusky was a much better fit for me but I am still thinking about the full inboard. It was sluggish at the helm but I am told that is to be expected. My experience is only with stern drives and outboards.

[task89]

I heard that the Parkers will beat you to death....Just what I heard

[ESfishdoc]

I heard that the Parkers will beat you to death....Just what I heard

A lot of people say that. :)

[ESfishdoc]

Looked at a Mako 253 this weekend. OK. Not thrilled. Saw a good deal on a 1999-2000 Parker 2520 XL and a 2000 Scout Abaco and a Steiger Chesapeake & Block. I have no experience with any of these boats. I am also looking for a Grady in this same range around 30. All are 25 footers with v births. I am interested in offshore performance. It looks like all would be good bay boats. I am investigating their reputations and how they will handle rough water. Particularly the Parker has a 16 degree deadrise. The others are over 20. I know that the shape of the forward hull can negate some of the low deadrise and that deadrise is not the definitive issue. So fill me in guys. Do they bang, buck, roll in the swells, wallow at low speed, hold together like a pile of pelican poo.

BTW, thanks to those of you responding to my Mako question. Also, the Dusky was a much better fit for me but I am still thinking about the full inboard. It was sluggish at the helm but I am told that is to be expected. My experience is only with stern drives and outboards.

Let me know if you want a ride on my 2520XL.

Richard

[Bryansfish]

If you go to thehullthruth.com there is a thread talking about issues with Dusky>

[Kevin Smith]

There is a great looking, hardly used Steiger at Sunset Creek Boatel for sale. I think it has a honda 4 stroke on the back. Very cool looking boat and great looking hull. I think it has a dark blue hull. The guy that owns it was great about taking care of it, but rarely used it.

Let us know what you end up with.

Kevin
Weekend Mistress

[Getaway]

Scout all the way!

[Persistence2]

Pure offshore performance, I would add to that list...

Albemarle, Carolina Classic...Regulator...

[Bayrunner]

Steiger is not even in their league. The other boats, although great for people who like them, are produced in much higher number Steiger is more custom limited production. Not to say they are built better.....just with alot more hands on care.

I love it when I go places and dr's (most of them) pull up in their porshe and engage into conversations with me about performance and reliability and other bs as they are looking at my 360 modena. I, being the nice guy that i am, let them compare and explain how they bought their car due to easy maintenance, blah,blah,blah. It makes them feel better about their short commings or limited income due to the large insurance companies regulating their every move. I smile at them politely and go about my business. The whole time, I am thinking....You Bozo, you are comparing your overpriced VW to mu Ferrari? Every nut and bolt is hand turned and calibrated. An oil change is about $700. Every 8K miles it costs $14K for a major. When I hit the paddle shifters......all you see is my lights. If you are so happy with your porsche, why are you looking at my car, wishing you could?


Sorry for ranting....


I like comparing apples and apples..that is all

[john2254]

The older Parkers were a 16 degree hull - the new ones have either 16 or 21 degrees. Anyone I know that ever owned an older Parker traded up for the new hull with the 21 degrees. They said they got killed being so far forward in the ride and then having the bang of the hull. I like the 2520 but its too big for me to tow. Beam too wide....

My brother used to deliver the Steigers up in NY and they were a great boat according to him.

If you are really looking more offshore, go Grady at a minimum. My friend has a big Shamrock and he says my smaller outboard Grady rides better.

[Persistence2]

As mentioned, if riding long distances in comfort is a key ingredient - Albemarle, Carolina Classic, Regulator.

Been on Shamrocks, All sizes of Gradys, Deep Vee Parkers...they will be more stable at rest and on a slow troll, but not better at speed in rough seas or even moderate seas.

[C'Biscuit]

The age old trade-off. "Soft entry" in choppy seas/swell or stable drift....

[Persistence2]

The age old trade-off. "Soft entry" in choppy seas/swell or stable drift....

Truer words have never been spoken!! Not a big secret that I have an Albemarle (247). I have a lot of ocean time logged on this boat and feel as confident in it as I do in an boat her size (and even some a bit bigger). The trade-off is there though...she's a rocker/roller but can flat out eat up some rough stuff. All in all, she's been a perfect boat for "me"

[Rare Breed]

The deep v Parker will way out perform the Steiger Craft

[Crazee Horse]

So, I understand the tradeoffs but are there any boats that are a good compromise betwwen a rough water rogue and an oil derrick fishing platform. Everytime I look up a boat on the internet I get cold feet. So weigh in on the compromise boats. I have bad knees and the teeth ain't too good so I don't need my caps worked loose. I am thinking I might need to buy a row boat and go to the Ditch.

[cyruss Dog]

How much are you willing to fork out for that perfect ride?


_______________________________

Earley Times
Little Creek

[Will S]

I had a 23 ft Grady Gulfstream and it was by far my favorite offshore/inshore boat. It has huge amount of room and rides really well. It is a little "Stubby" and will pund some in a head sea; but you will not find a boat that size that handles a following sea any better than the 23. The aggressize deadrise boats like the Carolina Classic and Albemarles ride better in a head sea but rock really bad which I do not care for. With the onset of children and lack of fishing time I have downgraded to a 20ft Grady center console, but will go back to another 23 Gulfstream in a couple of years. I loved that boat!

[Persistence2]

I think you need to spend a day out on each one (a compromise boat like a Parker/Grady, a rough water/deep v rocker boat like an Alby and maybe a cat as well). That will be the only way to tell...

[going2fast]

dont know how a parker cuddy cabin rides but my steiger hardtop will beat you up in heavy chop. they are built like tanks though. had mine down at my fathers last summer. it was parked beside his garage when a tornado came thru and tore the roof off and chucked it over my boat. the 22' steel I beam that spanned the garage doors landed on my hardtop . only dented the grab bars.
the breaker box is from the air compressor about 100 yards away
threw the roof over 200 yards across the field
got a little ding in the side when the I beam slid off the hardtop
took a while to clean up that mess. thank god for homeowners insurance
my boat is a converted commercial fishing boat so it has low sides. its 21' long. it's great for bay fishing i just want something with higher sides for offshore. i am looking at a parker 2350 but they aren't cheap. anybody want to trade?
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage026.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage062.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage039.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage021.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage031.jpg
sorry not sure why pics aren't coming up

[going2fast]

http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/popsgarage063.jpg
lets try again
http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/popsgarage026.jpg
http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/popsgarage021.jpg
http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/popsgarage062.jpg
http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/popsgarage031.jpg
http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/popsgarage039.jpg

[Jerry Thrash]

i own a parker 2520xl. parker makes 3 hulls in the 25' models. the "modified v" is the old 12-13 degree back killer. i owned one for 13 years. the "deep v" is 21 degrees and fine for offshore. requires twin engines. the 16 degree is new in the past 3 or 4 years and is what the 2520xl has. i find that it will still beat you up in a chop but you are doing 20-25 mph as it does it rather than 12-15 mph with the modified v. i like the boat and the single engine capability and it is a sweet bay boat. i would not want to run it to the canyon.
jerry

[C'Biscuit]

well at least the pool table still looks good to go - maybe playing with sunglasses though...

[Crazee Horse]

How much are you willing to fork out for that perfect ride?


_______________________________

Earley Times
Little Creek

Looking to spend in the nighborhood of 30.

[Crazee Horse]

dont know how a parker cuddy cabin rides but my steiger hardtop will beat you up in heavy chop. they are built like tanks though. had mine down at my fathers last summer. it was parked beside his garage when a tornado came thru and tore the roof off and chucked it over my boat. the 22' steel I beam that spanned the garage doors landed on my hardtop . only dented the grab bars.
the breaker box is from the air compressor about 100 yards away
threw the roof over 200 yards across the field
got a little ding in the side when the I beam slid off the hardtop
took a while to clean up that mess. thank god for homeowners insurance
my boat is a converted commercial fishing boat so it has low sides. its 21' long. it's great for bay fishing i just want something with higher sides for offshore. i am looking at a parker 2350 but they aren't cheap. anybody want to trade?
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage026.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage062.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage039.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage021.jpg
http://s694.photobucket.com/albums/vv309/going2fast/?action=view&current=popsgarage031.jpg
sorry not sure why pics aren't coming up


If I get he Steiger I can use it as a tornado and bomb shelter. An aded bonus. That is one tough vessel.

[Crazee Horse]

I had a broker contact me about Robalo 2440 WA and a 2640 Wa. These are mid to late 90's up to 2002 all for 20-35 with lots of equipment included. Like Taco outriggers, radar, auto pilot etc. Some have all and some have some of the extras. They have a mixture of single and twins and brands from Mercury, Yamaha and Mariner. One was even repowered in 2007 with Yamaha's but it is a 94 or 95 I believe. Man so many boats and only one me. I'll be sea trialing until June. All have full enclosure.

[strbas]

I have a Steiger 21 similar to the one pictured above. IB/OB 1996 that was used very little. I got last year. Looks like a 3-5 year old boat. It rides relatively rough in a chop unless I have a few passengers on board, it has no tabs.

I cannot find a better boat for the bay or to troll with, it solid like a rock. Being from Long Island I'm somewhat familiar but the towing companies , fire , police use a lot up there.
Any of the hulls after 1996 offer a lifetime transferrable warranty, the owners of the company answer any emails about questions you may have even though its used. To give you any idea about resale, go to Craigs list on Long island and there are usually only 1-3 for sale- they go pretty fast.
If you want to look at bmail or google its on web site for the boaters

[luckyduck2]

I'd get a 24degree deadrise something for offshore fishing. You'll beable to fish more days. If you have to ride more than 30 min. to a fishing ground when theres more rough weather days than flat ,your confort zone will be better served with deep water entry. Long sharp nose would also help with the ride. I've had a world cat te, 28 desiel classic, 3070 center pursuit 21 degree deadrise, now a 24 degree dead rise center long nose soft ride grab air soft landing. Although the 27 te world cat would land soft when grabing air. If you fish with me theres only one speed as fast as I can go (I"M A GUN AND RUN FISHERMAN,HOT SPOT TO HOT SPOT)
charlie

[going2fast]

note sure what degree my boat is. its a 1988 model , anybody know? its in the pics below.

[jtb67]

I have 300 + hrs offshore at OI and HI since March '07 on my Grady 23' Gulfstream w/ twin 150 Yammi 4 strokes 2006 model. We have caught everything under the sun including 2 blue marlin, 75 lb yft, 84" sailfish and a 40lb mahi. If you are going offshore (not the chesapeake) then you need to think Regulator, Albermarle, Grady, Carolina Classic. Parkers ect... are not built for offshore. The boat can take it no doubt because they are well built, but your body can't take it. Believe me, you don't want to ride that far forward in a Parker, Steiger in that cabin 40 miles off Hatteras. Those boats are great for trolling for rockfish or drifting for flounder... not for fishing offshore. 24' Alby would be a good bet in your price range and it would do you body good.;-)

[Capt.Nick]

I had a 23 ft Grady Gulfstream and it was by far my favorite offshore/inshore boat. It has huge amount of room and rides really well. It is a little "Stubby" and will pund some in a head sea; but you will not find a boat that size that handles a following sea any better than the 23. The aggressize deadrise boats like the Carolina Classic and Albemarles ride better in a head sea but rock really bad which I do not care for. With the onset of children and lack of fishing time I have downgraded to a 20ft Grady center console, but will go back to another 23 Gulfstream in a couple of years. I loved that boat! I agree.I owned a new 92 24 Explorer & a 25 Grady.I fished in a 23 and lke it the best.Te biggest little boat out there with a 9ft.3 beam.

[dwilliamsceg]

I love it when I go places and dr's (most of them) pull up in their porshe and engage into conversations with me about performance and reliability and other bs as they are looking at my 360 modena. I, being the nice guy that i am, let them compare and explain how they bought their car due to easy maintenance, blah,blah,blah. It makes them feel better about their short commings or limited income due to the large insurance companies regulating their every move. I smile at them politely and go about my business. The whole time, I am thinking....You Bozo, you are comparing your overpriced VW to mu Ferrari? Every nut and bolt is hand turned and calibrated. An oil change is about $700. Every 8K miles it costs $14K for a major. When I hit the paddle shifters......all you see is my lights. If you are so happy with your porsche, why are you looking at my car, wishing you could?



I thought people only made statements like this in the movies, but you do come across as a genuinely nice guy (just like you say). Whewww.

[flounderman06]

Steiger is not even in their league. The other boats, although great for people who like them, are produced in much higher number Steiger is more custom limited production. Not to say they are built better.....just with alot more hands on care.

I love it when I go places and dr's (most of them) pull up in their porshe and engage into conversations with me about performance and reliability and other bs as they are looking at my 360 modena. I, being the nice guy that i am, let them compare and explain how they bought their car due to easy maintenance, blah,blah,blah. It makes them feel better about their short commings or limited income due to the large insurance companies regulating their every move. I smile at them politely and go about my business. The whole time, I am thinking....You Bozo, you are comparing your overpriced VW to mu Ferrari? Every nut and bolt is hand turned and calibrated. An oil change is about $700. Every 8K miles it costs $14K for a major. When I hit the paddle shifters......all you see is my lights. If you are so happy with your porsche, why are you looking at my car, wishing you could?


Sorry for ranting....


I like comparing apples and apples..that is all

its a wonder you can fit your big ego in that little car! how much does it cost to get that stroked?

[Crazee Horse]

Well if a tune up is 14K then a stroker crank install would probably rival the national debt. Jag tried to do a rear brake job on my wife's car to the tune of 3K. I did it for 500 with factory rotors and ceramic pads. So it goes to show you Expensive isn't all it's cracked up to be. I drive a track modified '04 Cobra Mustang putting 675 horses to the rear wheels. I have run against Porsche's, Beemers, Ferraris, Vettes and the common denominator is the drivers ability.

But we were talking boats and I started this string for some information. I have appreciated what you have told me and have taken a couple of rides this weekend. I had a dealer pitch a 2440 WA Robalo and a 2640 WA as well. One has 3 year old Suzuki 4 strokes and the other has 07 Yamaha ox66's Twins of course and 150 Horse. I have never been on a Robalo or had ox66 Yammies. So info on these as well would be appreciated.

BTW Ferrari is a great line of cars. I had a Daytona (365 GTB/4) a few years ago and loved it until someone loved it more and had to throw down some paper. So that leads us back into the boat questions.

[Bayrunner]

Well if a tune up is 14K then a stroker crank install would probably rival the national debt. Jag tried to do a rear brake job on my wife's car to the tune of 3K. I did it for 500 with factory rotors and ceramic pads. So it goes to show you Expensive isn't all it's cracked up to be. I drive a track modified '04 Cobra Mustang putting 675 horses to the rear wheels. I have run against Porsche's, Beemers, Ferraris, Vettes and the common denominator is the drivers ability.

But we were talking boats and I started this string for some information. I have appreciated what you have told me and have taken a couple of rides this weekend. I had a dealer pitch a 2440 WA Robalo and a 2640 WA as well. One has 3 year old Suzuki 4 strokes and the other has 07 Yamaha ox66's Twins of course and 150 Horse. I have never been on a Robalo or had ox66 Yammies. So info on these as well would be appreciated.

BTW Ferrari is a great line of cars. I had a Daytona (365 GTB/4) a few years ago and loved it until someone loved it more and had to throw down some paper. So that leads us back into the boat questions.

Back to Boats. My first Boat was a Robalo. I liked it alot. Since, I have aged a bit and like a more stable ride. An old boat builder out of SC told me a few years back....Buy a boat that is specifically designed for the waters you will use it in. We are in the middle between North and Deep South. The Whalers and other Nordic Plane Hulls are great for up North. The Floriday Style Hulls are verry fast but will often beat you up in the Bay Waters on the Way back in. Also, offshore for Florida is no more than 20 miles most of the year. For this, I tend to believe that Carolina Hulls are probably best suited for our waters. I personally Love the Grady, Albemarle, C Clasic Boats for the Bay and Off shore. Here again, Fountain is an all out machine as well as yellowfin and Jupiter. Although partial to Stamas and Shamrock as well...................TOOOOO Many damn choices. Get what you like to ride in. In their own way, they are all good. BTW, I had a Wellcraft Coastal which I sold to a Gent in Denmark. yes Denmark half way around the world due to the fact that they value Wellcraft to be the top of the line mark there. Nothing wrong with the Wellcraft, I did not think that it was that much of a pick. Well he paid dearly for the boat, transport, import tax....He emails me every Christmas to thank me for selling him the Wellcraft. Go figure, what a nice guy I am...