Opinion On Maycraft

[anglerdave]

Like JMH I'm also looking for a boat in the 19-20 ft range. Preferrably a cc with a 4 stroke. I can get a maycraft 19 with a 115 4 stroke for under $20K. I'm retired and on a fixed budget. Would love a Parker or G-W but can't afford a new one. Most of my fishing is inshore but I occasionally go a few miles out when the weather cooperates.
Anglerdave

[fish-on]

I know 2 people that have a maycraft, they really like the boat. It is a well built boat, and will hold up in rough water. Hope this will help you out . Doug.

[Highlandfling61]

Angler Dave,

I purchased my Maycraft in August and have been very pleased with the build and value of the boat. I had it out almost twice a week till the second week in Jan (my yard turned into a mud pit and since the ground hasn't frozen, I haven't moved it) and the economics of the 4S and this hull is great. My fuel bill was $320 for the year. I have the Johnson 140 4S and it is a great motor. I added a few simple upgrades from the dealer, aluminum T-top and upgraded to a aluminum trailer for 19K. There is a dealer here in Va that does offer a good price, but at the time, the dealer I chose in NC offered the best price and service. I was able to do most of the deal over the phone. They are very close to the dealer and a trip to see the factory and get a boat would be a great weekend. Well worth the drive. The only thing I would mention is that this boat can give you a pounding in rougher seas. It was a great choice for me and good luck on your decision.
_______

1900 Maycraft / J140 4S

[Buster Crab]

I have the 2300 CC with the GIL bracket. It can handled some rough water. The ride however can be pounding in rough water especially in the ocean.

Steve

[anglerdave]

Thanx for the info. The boat does not have a deep V in the stern so I can appreciate the it would pound in the ocean. I don't know of any boat in this size and price that would ride well.
There is is a dealer up here in PA who has a 19 with a J115 4S T Top and some other goodies for about 20K. I see Eds marine in Ashland VA has one stripped for 16K but I've read some bad things about that dealer on this site so I'm reluctant to go there. Plus its a good way from here. However I wouldn't hesitate to travel a ways to save a couple grand.
I see Ed's also has a 19 Sea Boss with a M115 4S with a few accesseries for about the same price. I am a little reluctant to buy a Merc only because I don't know of any good dealers in my area for service.
ANGLERDAVE

[Buster Crab]

anglerdave originally wrote:
Thanx for the info. The boat does not have a deep V in the stern so I can appreciate the it would pound in the ocean. I don't know of any boat in this size and price that would ride well.
There is is a dealer up here in PA who has a 19 with a J115 4S T Top and some other goodies for about 20K. I see Eds marine in Ashland VA has one stripped for 16K but I've read some bad things about that dealer on this site so I'm reluctant to go there. Plus its a good way from here. However I wouldn't hesitate to travel a ways to save a couple grand.
I see Ed's also has a 19 Sea Boss with a M115 4S with a few accesseries for about the same price. I am a little reluctant to buy a Merc only because I don't know of any good dealers in my area for service.
ANGLERDAVE


ANLERDAVE,

I bought my boat from John at this site in 2003.
http://www.bayracermarine.com/docs/newboats.php

[Highlandfling61]

AnglerDave,

I can't remark on the ride of a Sea Boss, my wife and I liked the simplier design of the Maycraft. I have been to Ed's Marine a few times and even visited with them at the boat shows. I just wasn't comfortable with doing business with them. Here is the dealership I used....
http://www.collinsboating.com
They are listing the 19 with a 115 Yamaha for $19,995; the same price listed in August of last year. As I mentioned, I upgraded to a J140 4S and the aluminum trailer with t-top for 19K. The salesman mentioned that they were in possession of a whole trailer of J140's and may still offer them at a great price. I have no qualms about recommending a NC dealer. Being retired military, I try to get the most bang for the buck.
_______
2006 1900 Maycraft / J140 4S

[anglerdave]

Thanx again for the info. I'll contact them either tomorrow or the next day and see wfat they say. I'll keep you informed on whats happening.
Anglerdave

[Dae]

Anglerdave,

If you going with a Maycraft, give Gootee's (http://www.gootees.com/) a call. Although I didn't purchase my Hydrasports from them, they still treat me like family.

BTW, all the Maycrafts I've seen over the years were all solid boats. Some may not want to hear it but I feel they are built ever but as tough as a Parker or any boat designed for commerical usage in it's size range.


- Dae

[frayedknot]

Parker is basically the same hull ! maycraft is the most boat for the money, no frills.

[Mattaponi]

Stay away from Ed's. My personal experience with them was very bad. They only care about one thing and it isn't the customer. Remember, if you go there you have been warned............... Check out Chatlee's or any of the other discount dealers - just not Ed's.

[anglerdave]

Thanx for the info on Ed's. I bought a motor there a few years ago but never had any trouble with it. But I wasn't real happy with their attitude.
I'm still searching for a boat. Was out of town for a few days and got back just in time fro the big snow. I sent Collins an email but they didn't respond. Maybe tomorrow I'll make some calls but have to take wife to Dr's
Anglerdave

[B-Faithful]

I purchased my boat from Almars in DE last summer. They are no longer a dealer as another place picked up the brand in DE (I think Rudy's). you may want to call Almars in DE and see if they have any left overs.

[Buster Crab]

Try here.

http://www.boattraderonline.com/adsearch/boatsearchprocess.html

[anglerdave]

Still looking for a Maycraft 19 with 4 S OB. I called Almars and Rudys and a few others and they don't have anything that interests me. Gootees price is a little high. E mailed and called Collins but they never answered either. I have another place in NC I want to call . What bothers mme is that if you have troouble with the boat, are dealers in the area going to fix it? I'd hate to drag the boat 500 miles for minor service.
Anglerdave

[THOMAS70]

You won't have trouble with the boat. They are well built boats.
Aaron Anderson
Anderson Boats

[Highlandfling61]

anglerdave,
Sorry to hear about the difficulty in contacting Collins. If you can get thru, talk to Brian. Since the purchase of my boat, they have called twice to check and see how things are going and if there was anything they could help with. They are also a Hydrosports and G3 dealer and I was impressed since I didn't buy one of their higher end products.
There is a dealer (Maycraft and Johnson) here in town, I believe they are affiliated with Ed's Marine and they performed my 10hr service. The maintenance side of the house is a seperate entity and there was no issues. I was surprised. They did ask if my boat was purchased from them and they said that if they had sold the boat to me I would get priority. Just happens the day I took it in they had another to do and it was a little slow. In and out in the same day. The dealers rib me more about having the 4S rather than the E-tec.
Good luck.....

[Rough Rider]

AnglerDave,

Bought mine a couple of years ago. It's a 23'CCX and have really enjoyed it. I fish the sound on the coast, local lakes here in the mountains and down in Florida when I can get down to see my folks(going the 1st of March!!!) You would enjoy the boat. They are well built and economical for the class of boat. I bought mine from a dealer in eastern Carolina and the service since the sale has been excellent. In Havelock, N.C. it's BayRacer Marine. 1-877-BOATMAN. Talk to John McKenna. It's a seven hour trip for me across state if I have to go....but also a good excuse to get to the coast for a few days of fishing. Best of luck.

[anglerdave]

Talked to Bayracer Marine. Yhey may have someting that interests me. Going to Charleston naxt week so I may stop there on way.
Do you think a 115 4S is enough power or Should I try for something bigger. I think the boat is only rated for 140 max.
Thanx again fro the info.
Anglerdave

[Rough Rider]

You might check the difference in cost in the two engines. If it is not a huge spread I would probably go with the max. horsepower. While you might not get a great deal of extra speed in the larger engine, you will be putting less demand on the engine for the same speed. My 23' calls for a max. HP of 250 and I went with 200 and have been very pleased with the Suzuki engine. Extremely quiet and fuel efficient. I have been calculating it at about 3.2 GPH for running and trolling. Good luck with BayRacer. It seems to be a good outfit and helped me out on a couple of issues I had with the engine when I first purchased the boat. If you need more info send me a PM.

[Pappis]

Wouldn't the relative slight deadrise angle on the Maycraft make them a very wet ride? I know on the 25' Pioot house that wouldn't matter, but wouldn't the cc's be very wet? Anyone have nay personla experience?

[B-Faithful]

Generally deep v's are wetter than a modified v. My 25 pilot is wet riding but it is due to the strakeless deep v entry and the fact that the weight is so forward creating a longer running surface. It is pure speculation being that I have never been on a CC Maycraft but with the weight further back and the point at which the hull enters the water during running being further back, I would suspect that they are much drier than the Pilothouses. I dont see many owners of the CC's commenting that the hulls are wet. Maycrafts can also be difficult to find used so that also should say that their owners are more than happy with their boats.

Try a post on thehulltruth.com. there are a number of smaller cc maycraft owners there who can comment on they dryness of the boats. B-Mail "O'Yeah" in particular. He has a 23cc with full transom and bracket. Good luck

[Rough Rider]

My 23 CCX with bracket has been a dry ride with the bow flair that is designed into the hull. Of course wind blown spray in excessive winds can't be stopped by any hull design, IMHO. With the Maycraft hull it seems to depend on engine trim and use of the trim tabs as far as your entry, ride and dryness. Also if you can quarter the sea or chop it seems to ride better, to offset the variable deadsrise, as you are not hitting head first, so to speak.

[Togger]

I have a buddy that had a Maycraft 19 cc and it is a wet ride. He upgraded to the 20 cc and it is drier. He deals with Gootee's and drives from PA down there for service, thinks they're the best.

[BBCroaker]

pappis originally wrote:


Wouldn't the relative slight deadrise angle on the Maycraft make them a very wet ride? I know on the 25' Pioot house that wouldn't matter, but wouldn't the cc's be very wet? Anyone have nay personla experience?
I have a 19' ter and yes it is a wet ride. Don't mind it in the summer.Kinda refreshing.[grin]

[anglerdave]

I'm still looking for a Maycraft 19-20 and as someone said its hard to find one. I see afew used Sea Hunts but some people on this board don't think too higly of them.
Some boats have T-Tops which I would like but I've been told by some fishing buddies that this makes the boat more suscetible to the wind while drifting which is the way I usually fish. I know the weight and wind resistance slows the boat and requires more power during both running and towing.
I'm leaving in AM for Charleston, SC to catch a cruise ship. Hope to stop at Eds and maybe Collins on way down. I won't be back to the board for a a week or so.
Thanx again for all the input.

[Hammer Time]

My girlfriends father just picked up a 01'19' w/a 03 115 johnson for 10 g's and its a sweet boat. came w/ tralier. Keep looking there out there.

[Diggler]

I've got a 19' cc maycraft with 115 yam 4 stroke and its a great boat ! It can be a little wet sometimes in snotty weather but for the price you cant beat them.Go to the boat show that is coming up at the Dulles expo center and talk to Eds marine( I know alot of people dont care for them, but you cant beat their prices, I bought mine at the show they were having a show special,2005 19' cc with 115 Yam four stroke,roll on trailer and a stainless prop for about 3 grand less than ANY other Maycraft dealer in MD.)

[anglerdave]

Back from the cruise. Had a great time.
Stopped at Ed's marine on way down where you can look at Maycraft, Sea Hunt , Sea Boss and others side by side. . Liked the naycraft best for the money. !9 ft with 115 4S for $16K. However they want $420 for gage pkg and $1100 for trlr upgrad(roller w brakes). Didn't have time on way home to stop at Bayracer, Collins or Chatlees.
She (the salesperson at Eds) gave me a sheet with prices which showed the the motor was a Johnson not a Yamaha. Is the Yam beetter?
She also said that Suzuki wqas no lomger making the 140 4S for Johnson. I would assunr the 115 4S is still made by Suzuki.
By the way, I didn't get any comments on effects of T Top on drifting or towing and running.
If I don't find a used boat, I'll go to the Chantilly Va Show and buy a boat there.
Anglerdave

[Rough Rider]

Angler Dave,

I went through the same thing with Ed's when I looked at my Maycraft. The gauge package was ridiculous in price and all of a sudden their advertised price went WAY up. That's how I wound up at Bayracer. Regarding the t-top question, I trailer my boat sometimes over 700 miles one way running 65-70 mph. No problem. No wear and tear on the top either. Also, running and fishing you shouldn't have any trouble with it in terms of giving you a parachute effect. I ran mine last week offshore in Florida for a total of about 80 miles and used a total of 27 gallons which worked out to 3.6 GPH. We were running and bottom fishing. When coming back in one day we were head into the wind with a tight chop on the ocean and never got wet. The bow on the 23' has enough flair to knock any spray back down. Trim tabs on the boat are a nescessity and really help the attitude when running. If you would like some more info send me a PM and I'll be glad to help out any way I can. Good luck with your continued search. I would try BayRacer for sure.

[cuhollow]

I have a MayCraft from Ed's. I love the boat. Ed’s customer service is horrible. You can get a good price there but get it and get out. The trailer lights will have to be replaced within the year and my leaf springs just rusted out after little over 2 years. Take the boat somewhere else to get everything you need for it (don’t get Ed’s to add anything)

[anglerdave]

Thanx for the advice. Was going to go to Wash boat show but something came up at last minute.
I been warned plenty about Eds. If I needed service I probably wouldn't go there anyway since I live so far away.
I'm still looking for a good used one but they are hard to find.
Thanx for the comment.
Anglerdave

[RLGFlagship]

I dont know how this boat would ride in a chop in the bay. Take a look at the deadrise. VERY flat

[anglerdave]

I understand your comments on the lack of dearise and the effect it will have on ride in a chop. I currently have a boat without much deadrise so I know what you're talking about. But I have one big problem mainly lack of money.
I generally fish inshore (not in the bay) and occasionally go out "slightly off shore" to some shoals or wrecks when weather permits. I'm trrying to get as much boat as I can for the money and the Maycraft looks like a good deal. I.m opon to other brands of course.
Thanx for your comments
Anglerdave

[B-Faithful]

RLGFlagship originally wrote:
I dont know how this boat would ride in a chop in the bay. Take a look at the deadrise. VERY flat


I assure you that transom deadrise isnt the only factor in how a boat rides in a chop. My 2550 rides every bit as well if not better than a 19 degree transom deadrise boat of similar length that I had owned previously. How is this so? Maycraft uses a variable degree deadrise hull. This allows for a deep v entry to do the work to punch through the slop while a flatter transom will provide stability at rest and the ability to run on top of the water more efficently at slower speeds. Transom deadrise is one of the biggest factors for ride if you are launching from wave to wave at high speeds. However if you are not a go fast ska type fisherman who is not affraid to take some extra time out on the water, a hull like this may suit you better than a deep v. With a variable degree deadrise hull it gives you the ability to run on top of the water at slower speeds (deep v would fall off plane) while getting the bow down to provide a decent ride. Because the hull planes quickly and easily a slower speeds, you can also get away with a lot less power than would be required for a deep v hull. This results in much lighter fuel bills.

Here is how my 2550 May-Craft hull looks:

Deep V strakeless entry:
http://home.comcast.net/~mdshutes/nb4.JPG
mod v transom:
http://home.comcast.net/~mdshutes/nb3.JPG

After looking at a lot of boats I find this style hull to be the perfect compromise for ride, stability and efficency.

I personally cannot comment on the smaller MayCraft hulls but wanted to address the deadrise issue alone.

[anglerdave]

Thanx for your comments on deadrise. My current boat (18 ft) has a bottom not all that much different than the Maycraft 19. That is a sharp V in front tapering to a very modest V in the stern. I've owned the boat for 15 yrs and I don't have anything else to compare. It will pound if I run too hard in heavy chop. I just have to slow.
You are right about being more efficient as the less hull in the water the less drag and less fuel. Also while drifting deep v's will tend to rock a lot more. I do a lot of drifting.
As I said, I'm still looking and since I still have a boat I'm not in a real big hurry.
Anglerdave

[tubby]

Angler Dave,
Look for a 205 or 235 Aquasport Osprey. If we are talking silver and gold Aquasport was the silver Hydrasport the gold. Genmar has put the production of Aquasports on hold. They still honor all warranties and there are many brand new and a few semi used boats like this out there. I have had my 205 offshore 40 miles on good days and unfortunately a few bad ones and fished the bay everywhere. Maycrafts are great but they will bang the hell out of you in any chop over 2-3. The 205 has a 19 degree deadrise. Tons of room live well aand many other features standard you can't get with may craft. Just a thought for you. Boat rides much bigger than a 21-23 foort boat.

[RLGFlagship]

i dont want to start an argument here. But my experience with deadrise is not as described. The Flaired bow helps in a chop where the boat is entering a wave with the bow in the water. In other words not on plane. If you enter a wave on plane the bow keeps the spray down but does NOTHING for the ride. The flat bottom will beat you. Now if you are mainly inshore that may not be a problem. I will say this, I have a friend who works for the VMRC (marine police) they use the 27 foot pilot house. I will quote "this boat will beat your teeth out"

[RLGFlagship]

Another point would be this. I think an 18-20 degree deadrise would be great for you. As for the offshore guys, 18 to 20 would not work, you will fine 22-25 degrees on that offshore running. Point, is the 18-20 will give you a great ride and decent stability.

[anglerdave]

Didn't mean to start a contraversy. I liked Maycraft because they seem to offer a lot for the money.
I have to limit he size of my new boat to 20 ft max because I very often fish alone which includes loading and unloading the boat from the trlr. This includes windy days and low tides at the ramp. Also more power is needed on larger boats and I'm trying to stay with a 4 cyl 4S for fuel economy. Six cyl 4S are very expensive and the DI 2S don't seem to be popular.
As far as deadrise angle, this is often hard to determine as most boat builders don't publish this data. This is especially on used boats.
Anglerdave

[timber]

the "sea boss" do a search on here for sea boss that should tell you the story on that,,,i have one!!!

[GET REEL]

The Maycrafts are very solidly built and one of the beat deals on the market in my opinion. I've had deep vees,tri hulls,whalers,flat bottoms etc and they all have their merits.Last boat was a 23 Seaswirl W/A HT,boat before a Sea pro 19CC, current boat a 205 Maycraft and by far the the most solidly constructed is the Maycraft. Lots of wood so very quiet,so does Parker.Lots of bow flare on the 20 and 8ft beam
Big difference in the 19 and 20 CC,go with the 20 if you can.Hulls are very fuel efficient and don't need max power.My 20 with a t-top and 150 Yammy 2 stroke criuses at 36 mph @4000 and goes 43mph at wot with 2 and coolers aboard.Boat can ride a little rough in a heavy chop but it is what it is. I fished last weekend and ran 20 miles in light chop on the Potomac at 30mph and never got uncomfortable or wet.Wind 10-15kt.[grin]

[rob hughes]

Maycraft is a very good boat. Mine has served me well. If is wasn't for the wife and kids I would keep it forever. They seem to get a little cold in the spring season before the sun comes up. I agree with the Gootees reccomendation. Even if you just call and talk to them. they are good people that have been selling Maycraft for years. In fact, that is who I bought mine from. Just to bad I have to sell it.

http://cambridgeyachtbrokers.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?&units=Feet&checked_boats=1443076&slim=broker&&hosturl=cambridgeyachtbrokers&&ywo=cambridgeyachtbrokers&

[anglerdave]

Thanx for the info. I/m currenrtly negotiating on a used 19 with a J115 4S. I would like a 20 but can't find a used one and a new one is not in the budget.
Dave

[jasonsfd]

I just bought a 1800cc from Ed's Marine in Ashland, Va. I love the boat and got it for an awesome price. They were great to deal with. The only bad that I have heard is their service dept. but I don't have to deal with them.

[BBCroaker]

pappis originally wrote:


Wouldn't the relative slight deadrise angle on the Maycraft make them a very wet ride? I know on the 25' Pioot house that wouldn't matter, but wouldn't the cc's be very wet? Anyone have nay personla experience?
I have a 19' ter and yes it is a wet ride. Don't mind it in the summer.Kinda refreshing.[grin]

Have a1 9' also and totally agree even with the summer refresher:D :D

[captjimf]

I have a 2550 pilot house that I purchased from Bay Racer Marine. They are easy to deal with and are very nice. Rodney and john are very helpful. I live on Kent Island and fish the bay all the time. I also have fished offshore in the ocean in Virginia and out of Oregon Inlet in North Carolina. Last tear we caught some nice wahoo and tuna. The boat has run like a champ even in some pretty rough water. You wont get a better boat for the money.



Jim