So what's the best 21' boat for an Islander who has to cross the Broads?

kjbathe · 05-08-2008, 02:44 PM

A friend has an Eastern on Rattlesnake and remarked that weather is rarely a factor anymore in getting to/from the island. They also noted that island life requires more transportation/utility than comfortable seating and tubing for the kids. I also like that Eastern offers the "Lobster Boat". What else would you want to haul stuff in during rough conditions?

Pricestavern · 05-08-2008, 03:16 PM

It's a nice boat and I've been in some wicked conditions with it crossing the broads trying to get to my place. Get tossed around pretty badly and have to be extremely careful. It makes it across, but given my druthers I'd much rather have the 23' model

If I'd known then what I know now and I couldn't get a larger boat I would have rather purchased a Cape Island Trawler from Retromarine.

http://www.retromarine.com/boat%20mo...andtrawler.htm

Pine Island Guy · 05-08-2008, 06:12 PM

Spring of 2000, I bought an Eastern 22 - Lobster with a Honda 135 outboard and can't imagine island living without it!

They will build it with your customization/options (within limitations), and I have only two forward seats and the entire stern area is open. I refer to it as my "pickup truck on water" and it has hauled out appliances, lumber, cement, etc, etc... It has also towed water skiiers and tubers without a problem! If more people want to sit, I bring on a few Adirondack chairs from the deck and everyone is comfy... There seem to be more and more of them on the lake, many at island docks...

Rough water has never been an issue for it, it is extremely rugged, and maintenance is nil... plus they are built in NH and you can visit the factory as they build yours and check out the progress, make changes, etc. Everyone that works there was fantastic!

Swing by Pine Island this weekend and check it out, or view it via the webcam

PIG

p.s. I'd be remiss if I didn't also put in a plug for C-Dory. I don't own one but have seen plenty out and about and they seem to have the same features and handling as an Eastern. You can see them (and buy them) at Y-Landing Marina in Meredith.

Island Life · 05-08-2008, 08:48 PM

If you've been an islander for long, you know that, for islanders, a boat is much more a mode of transportation - a vehicle for lugging groceries, people, dogs, water, luggage, building supplies, and furniture in one direction, and trash in the other! - than it is a recreational vehicle. Sure, you'll have some good fun in it, but most of the time you'll be schlepping stuff. Also, you'll have pine needles on your island. And dirt. Please don't buy something that you don't want to get dirty. Enjoy your time on the island and forget about the bits and pieces of nature you'll be tracking onto the boat.

Rattlesnake Guy · 05-08-2008, 10:15 PM

Our island boat is very much like an SUV for us. I love being able to load up the front with stuff coming and going and close the door and window to keep the wind down. I would not let the front be to low if you want to be master of the broads. A wave over the bow has been discussed on this site.

Being on an island also means I like being able to lay long pieces of lumber on the floor to keep the center of gravity low.

When the refrigerator went, the big swim platform came in handy coming and going.

I assume that most boats have power trim but I feel better knowing that I can lift the front in rough weather to keep the family above the water.

The flatter the boat bottom the harder the broads waves are going to be.

Our boat is 21 feet and it is not big enough a few days a year. For us the rough ride is to the island so we never get stranded and have to miss work.

KBoater · 05-09-2008, 02:59 PM

I agree with the things that have been said Here are things I found about an island boat that are musts.
1) high freeboard, 2) washable fiberglass floor, 3)good helm coverage, 4)bow that can be closed in, 5)good space in the cockpit, 6)some place to fit long items.

This being said I opted for a Wellcraft bowrider with a canvas bow cover that I still own. It worked perfect. They are not making them any more.
In FL, I had Grady White which would have worked. If you can afford a Grady go for it.

Perfect rough weather boat with good space.
I now have a Seawhirl (Thurstons) which would also work.

Patiently Watching · 05-10-2008, 06:19 PM

I would strongly agree about the Eastern. They are solid, easy to maintain and great in all weather. My friends have the blue one mentioned above and have loved it since they bought it last June. Nice to look at, efficient on fuel and easy to maintain. What more could you ask for.

Slickcraft · 05-08-2008, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pine Island Guy

Spring of 2000, I bought an Eastern 22 - Lobster with a Honda 135 outboard and can't imagine island living without it!

PIG, when I first brought up the Eastern 22 in this thread, I did not really expect anyone here had experience with one so I'm glad to hear you have some experience.

Last summer we noticed a 22 lobster (dark blue hull) on Thursday evening out watching the J-80's race. We asked what it was, looked like a real island boat. A few weeks later we made the factory visit, nice people and yes each one is made to order the way you want.

We are on the windward side of Welch and my only concern is backing out of the slip on a windy day into the waves with the lower transom. I guess that you just let the scuppers deal with any water over the transom. Anyway, it looks like a fine island boat and made in NH to boot.
There are two 22’s that dock in Glendale on occasion and I keep looking them over.

codeman671 · 05-08-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

There are two 22’s that dock in Glendale on occasion and I keep looking them over.

One of them (yellow) is a neighbor on Mark who does maintenance for MP. Another is a white one on Mink.

I almost bought a used Eastern 26' last winter, i/o with a bow thruster. Had it been an outboard I would have taken it, the "engine hump" took up a bit too much deck space in my opinion. Other than that it was an incredible boat. I toured the factory and was pleased with the product.

I still am a fan of pontoons, although sometimes I wish I had a traditional hull boat for added cold weather protection. My enclosure is good, but not meant to handle the speeds the boat is capable of.

I had an Aquasport 215 Explorer which was decent, but the ride quality was not quite as good as I would have expected and the visibility over the bow was too high for my 5'2" wife to drive comfortably. With a 225hp it was good for 55mph though, which made runs for people or supplies a snap.

I have not found my true all-in-one island boat but the toon is the closest so far. For me, 25' or so, heat, all-weather enclosure with plenty of seating inside, and plenty of deck space would be my criteria. Oh, and its gotta do 50mph+

Pine Island Guy · 05-09-2008, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

the "engine hump" took up a bit too much deck space in my opinion

Codeman reminded me that originally I had been going the I/O route, and given what I was going to be using the boat for, the Eastern rep recommend going with the outboard for exactly that reason... and I'm glad I did!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

my only concern is backing out of the slip on a windy day into the waves with the lower transom. I guess that you just let the scuppers deal with any water over the transom

It does take a little getting used to, seeing water come in over the stern... but you are correct, it goes right back out through the scuppers...

Orion · 05-09-2008, 07:19 AM

If you boat early or late in the season, you don't have to worry about freezing with an outboard. It doesn't retain any water in the engine like an I/O or inboard. An especially key consideration if you rack a boat.

2Blackdogs · 07-15-2008, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kjbathe

A friend has an Eastern on Rattlesnake and remarked that weather is rarely a factor anymore in getting to/from the island. They also noted that island life requires more transportation/utility than comfortable seating and tubing for the kids. I also like that Eastern offers the "Lobster Boat". What else would you want to haul stuff in during rough conditions?

The all-weather Eastern is perfect for Winni, even more so when living on an island. That said, Grady-White has had top billing for decades.

Unfortunately, the Eastern plant had a fire last week, so production has been hampered.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...0/0/FOSTOOLS01

codeman671 · 07-15-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Blackdogs

The all-weather Eastern is perfect for Winni, even more so when living on an island. That said, Grady-White has had top billing for decades.

Unfortunately, the Eastern plant had a fire last week, so production has been hampered.
http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...0/0/FOSTOOLS01

There are lots of rumors floating around about this, I am not going to be the one to post them though...

Eastern has a company has been on the market for a few years for sale.

jrc · 07-15-2008, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by codeman671

There are lots of rumors floating around about this, I am not going to be the one to post them though...

Eastern has a company has been on the market for a few years for sale.

Did the fire start in the accountant's filing cabinet?

Not as effective with computers and back-up files

SAMIAM · 07-16-2008, 09:00 AM

It was spontaneous combustion........the mortgage and insurance policy rubbing together.

05-08-2008, 02:44 PM	#1
kjbathe Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 286 Thanks: 3 Thanked 22 Times in 12 Posts	Eastern A friend has an Eastern on Rattlesnake and remarked that weather is rarely a factor anymore in getting to/from the island. They also noted that island life requires more transportation/utility than comfortable seating and tubing for the kids. I also like that Eastern offers the "Lobster Boat". What else would you want to haul stuff in during rough conditions?

05-08-2008, 03:16 PM	#2
Pricestavern Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Valencia, Spain (formerly Rattlesnake Isle) Posts: 389 Thanks: 135 Thanked 142 Times in 82 Posts	Key West 2020 It's a nice boat and I've been in some wicked conditions with it crossing the broads trying to get to my place. Get tossed around pretty badly and have to be extremely careful. It makes it across, but given my druthers I'd much rather have the 23' model If I'd known then what I know now and I couldn't get a larger boat I would have rather purchased a Cape Island Trawler from Retromarine. http://www.retromarine.com/boat%20mo...andtrawler.htm

05-08-2008, 06:12 PM	#3
Pine Island Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: pine island of course! Posts: 406 Thanks: 248 Thanked 246 Times in 112 Posts	another vote for an Eastern Spring of 2000, I bought an Eastern 22 - Lobster with a Honda 135 outboard and can't imagine island living without it! They will build it with your customization/options (within limitations), and I have only two forward seats and the entire stern area is open. I refer to it as my "pickup truck on water" and it has hauled out appliances, lumber, cement, etc, etc... It has also towed water skiiers and tubers without a problem! If more people want to sit, I bring on a few Adirondack chairs from the deck and everyone is comfy... There seem to be more and more of them on the lake, many at island docks... Rough water has never been an issue for it, it is extremely rugged, and maintenance is nil... plus they are built in NH and you can visit the factory as they build yours and check out the progress, make changes, etc. Everyone that works there was fantastic! Swing by Pine Island this weekend and check it out, or view it via the webcam PIG p.s. I'd be remiss if I didn't also put in a plug for C-Dory. I don't own one but have seen plenty out and about and they seem to have the same features and handling as an Eastern. You can see them (and buy them) at Y-Landing Marina in Meredith.

05-08-2008, 08:48 PM	#4
Island Life Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 273 Thanks: 12 Thanked 6 Times in 2 Posts	If you've been an islander for long, you know that, for islanders, a boat is much more a mode of transportation - a vehicle for lugging groceries, people, dogs, water, luggage, building supplies, and furniture in one direction, and trash in the other! - than it is a recreational vehicle. Sure, you'll have some good fun in it, but most of the time you'll be schlepping stuff. Also, you'll have pine needles on your island. And dirt. Please don't buy something that you don't want to get dirty. Enjoy your time on the island and forget about the bits and pieces of nature you'll be tracking onto the boat. __________________ Island Life the way my grandparents' grandparents enjoyed it - but with a faster boat!!!

05-09-2008, 02:59 PM	#6
KBoater Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 521 Thanks: 10 Thanked 29 Times in 15 Posts	Things that work I agree with the things that have been said Here are things I found about an island boat that are musts. 1) high freeboard, 2) washable fiberglass floor, 3)good helm coverage, 4)bow that can be closed in, 5)good space in the cockpit, 6)some place to fit long items. This being said I opted for a Wellcraft bowrider with a canvas bow cover that I still own. It worked perfect. They are not making them any more. In FL, I had Grady White which would have worked. If you can afford a Grady go for it. Perfect rough weather boat with good space. I now have a Seawhirl (Thurstons) which would also work. __________________ Home Permanently in NH

05-08-2008, 10:15 PM	#5
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	Our island boat is very much like an SUV for us. I love being able to load up the front with stuff coming and going and close the door and window to keep the wind down. I would not let the front be to low if you want to be master of the broads. A wave over the bow has been discussed on this site. Being on an island also means I like being able to lay long pieces of lumber on the floor to keep the center of gravity low. When the refrigerator went, the big swim platform came in handy coming and going. I assume that most boats have power trim but I feel better knowing that I can lift the front in rough weather to keep the family above the water. The flatter the boat bottom the harder the broads waves are going to be. Our boat is 21 feet and it is not big enough a few days a year. For us the rough ride is to the island so we never get stranded and have to miss work.

05-10-2008, 06:19 PM	#7
Patiently Watching Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 184 Thanks: 2 Thanked 42 Times in 34 Posts	I would strongly agree about the Eastern. They are solid, easy to maintain and great in all weather. My friends have the blue one mentioned above and have loved it since they bought it last June. Nice to look at, efficient on fuel and easy to maintain. What more could you ask for.

05-09-2008, 07:19 AM	#11
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: MA Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	another outboard advantage If you boat early or late in the season, you don't have to worry about freezing with an outboard. It doesn't retain any water in the engine like an I/O or inboard. An especially key consideration if you rack a boat.

07-16-2008, 09:00 AM	#15
SAMIAM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 2,918 Thanks: 341 Thanked 1,692 Times in 594 Posts	It was spontaneous combustion........the mortgage and insurance policy rubbing together.