Best Pocket Rocket?

ocuyler · #1 06-02-2003, 11:20 AM

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 ]

Trayder · #2 06-02-2003, 11:49 AM

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.

ocuyler · #3 06-02-2003, 12:06 PM

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?

gf · #4 06-02-2003, 02:10 PM

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

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!

ScottM · #5 06-02-2003, 02:29 PM

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

John R · #6 06-02-2003, 02:53 PM

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...

EBEACH · #7 06-02-2003, 07:25 PM

how about this 16 foot dusky

Ed · #8 06-02-2003, 07:39 PM

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-

Trayder · #9 06-03-2003, 01:43 AM

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"

photo courtesy of Continuouswave.com

other tom · #10 06-03-2003, 05:23 PM

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.