Best Pocket Rocket?
 

I realize that this is off topic, but respect the experience of this seasoned group.

What do you feel is the best "pocket rocket" available. My current thought is a later model 15 Whaler Outrage with max power (90 hp)outboard or an Edgewater 155. I'd like something that will do 40 knots, drive like a race car inshore, yet have reasonable capability in rough coastal senarios.

Because I have the 23CC, 15' is a big as I'd go and I think 13 is too small.

I'm ready to pull the trigger soon...

[ June 02, 2003, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Do not take offence to this but due to the fact there are some die hard Whaler fans who frequent this site (they are probably curling their fingers figureing out what boat you are thinking about) as there is no 15 Outrage and the 15 Mischeif, Sport, Super Sport, or Super Sport LTD were only rated to 70HP. Not that that would stop one from putting a 90 on the transom but I am curious as to what 15' Whaler you are thinking of?

I would keep my eyes out for a Classic SeaCraft 15. I am researching the name of it as we speak, I think it may be the Scamper, but certainly not the one pictured in the previous thread.

SeaCraft built 3 boats when Mr. Potter purchased the firm in 1968. The 27 Flybridge, the 19 bowrider and a 15 sport boat.

This 15 sport boat is very similar to the Classic Donzi sport boat. Very small very high HP. It may just be the Pocket rocket you are looking for and as a bonus it is a Classic SeaCraft.

As I mentioned before I am, at the moment, trying to find more info on this model. From past discussions with Mr. Potter I think is is excacly what you are looking for.

And again, no offence with my questions about that Whaler I am curious as to the model.

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Trayder,

Thanks for the correction. Did I say Outrage? I meant Dauntless. This is what I'm looking at 15' Boston Whaler Dauntless w/ 70 HP Johnson .

John R led me to believe that the 15 SC Scamper was a tri-hull. It didn't seem right, but John is always right, isn't he? Anyway, I'd love to find a Scamper in any condition.

In the meantime, any comments on the best little boat otherwise?

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Otto, if you will consider a 17, then I would look for a mid-'90s Four Winns Unlimited 17.

http://images.traderonline.com/EMedi...0305424706.jpg

These were 17' runabouts stuffed with a 190 HP IO.

They also made a 19, here's a '96 in Mayville, NY: http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/6/47583136.htm Is that near you? This one has a 350 in it!

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Otto,
Try finding one of the older Donzi Sweet 16's with a Holman Moody 302 V8. That would get the blood flowing.

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Otto - if you are going on my vast sums of knowledge & trivia, let me know so I can bet against me [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] ... Nah, I reposted that link because it's the only time I've seen "seacraft" and "15 footer" in the same sentence...

I'd probably go with a 16' Aluminum ProV Lund with the biggest rated motor hung on the back of it and a 100lb thust bow mounted troller for the front. And I would drive it BETWEEN the rocks - hence the aluminum - to get into reall good but tight fishing spots...

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

how about this 16 foot dusky

http://www.projectboats.net/images/b...304/b1304c.jpg

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Since I am a two Mako owner....I'll have to add my own to cents to this discussion.

Otto....you may want to consider a Mako 15 (very rare boat....a guy around here in Boston had one but sold it) or a Mako 17. If you're serious....I know of a guy who is selling a 1998 Mako 17 with a Honda 130 (I think....or it it might be a Honda 90). It has less than 100 hours on it and he is looking to get it rid of it soon. The boat has barely been used ( a few fly fishing adventures) and is in excellent condition. Asking price is $16,500 and includes a 1998 Magic Tilt galvy roller trailer and a slip in Newburyport, MA for the season.

-Ed-

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Otto-

That Dauntless or the older style sport models are very nice. Although 13 whalers ride a tad rough the 15 is a fantastic hull and with a 70 it qualifies as a "Pocket Rocket" in my opinion.

Here is a picture of a 15 Whaler "Mischeif"

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/cet...ef640x480.jpeg

photo courtesy of Continuouswave.com

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

A '70s vintage mako 17 with a SWS II 130 yammie will do 52mph, and with hydraulic steering is a blast. It will go airborne at speed (but won't break) in any seaway though. A vintage 15 whaler with a 70 omc is the "boat of choice" though for south florida teenage high-school kids who like to race old guys in 17 makos. don't ask me how I know.

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Thanks Tom, that's exactly the answer I was looking for.

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

LOL!!!

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

the whaler's are an outstanding boat, i know you said 15' but something that i greatly appreciate is the inboard tank on the 18' outrage. no clutter with gas cans and very trailerable. i have one with a 115 evinrude and it by far one of the easiest boats to maintain and use, it only draws about 10" so ramp drop offs and pick up is a snap. i've used it around BI in some very poor conditions and would recommend them just about all around.
oh- i've recently added a 23'Seacraft cuddy to my "get the evil look from the my lady." so i hope my comparisons are of some help about whalers

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Toddkp, my 15 Dauntless has a 15 gal tank under the helm seat, no tanks washing about.
My neighbor has a 16 and it's a different animal, much bigger boat. You wouldn't think it being only 1' bigger but it is. The only thing that is the same is the console.
But anyway I've had the 15' in four footers, white on top without getting seriously wet. It's a fine little machine and has a USCG capasity of 6.
The only drawback is...it likes to porpoise WOT.

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

finster-
the 15 dauntless is a great boat, pretty amazing that they handle so well in bad stuff. the 15 dauntless was the one that had me chasing whaler boats when i first got boat crazy...needless to say i've had to have one nearby since.
enough of that high praise here though, i value the info on this site far too much...don't want to attract any stink eye.

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Toddkp, no stinkeyes here, welcome aboard! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
I was just saying the 15 is a "pocketrocket" by every sence. Stick a 70 hp on it and it'll probibly get pretty good hang time. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

What's a stink eye? Is that like sh*t faced?

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

stinkeye...aka..the hairy eyeball...the ominous look immediately prior to any vocal misgivings (usually by your significant other).

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

Perfectly stated Todd, I know the hairy eyeball all too well from the old lady [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] .

So, are you going to offer some BI "insider" fishing information [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] to those of us attending the New England CSC gathering at Trayder's in August? Will you be joining us?

Re: Best Pocket Rocket?
 

scott-
as busy as august is out here i would highly enjoy a day trip away but probably very doubtful...never know though.
BI "insider" info: well, this year, up until a week or two ago i could certainly demonstrate how to catch sea salad, i even managed to some how land a softball size rock(never caught a rock before). finally, it's getting very good, several big boys so far and many many healthy looking schoolies keeping me busy.