Hello
I want to begin by saying thank you to all that participate in this forum. I found the discussions and candor invaluable during my boat selection process. Plus entertaining...
For the last several years I've fished Central Puget Sound in a 22 yr old 16' Tracker with a 2 stroke 75 hp Merc. I'm fortunate that I have a couple of fishing buddies, one with a 18' Grady center console and the other with a 21' North River. The first hand experience in the two boats gave me a good frame of reference for deciding which direction I wanted to go (glass vrs tin).
My GW buddy recommended Parker and Arima. I couldn't afford the Parker, and really didn't want anything more than 19' as I spend considerable time solo, and can be a little "challenged" when docking in wind. Figured a smaller boat is more my speed. Another buddy pointed me at the Stabicraft, which I must say for an aluminum boat is damn nice. But glass was my first choice (and in my case more affordable).
Once I started investigating Arimas in earnest, I became more and more impressed. Plus the enthusiasm of this forum was a factor in my purchase decision. Long story short, I'll take possession shortly after the Boast Show of my brand new Sea Chaser 17 with skip tower, factory down rigger rails, powered by a Yammie 90 hp. Have dual batteries and a Garmin echoMap 94sv. I told Terry at Jacobsen's that I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve, too excited to sleep. My better half is getting a little irritated with me though, just can't understand why I spend hours searching, reading and watching Arima info on the Web.
Once I start familiarizing myself with all there is to learn on a completely new boat, I'll probably be looking for advice. But in the meantime, only a couple weeks to go!
Welcome, and congratulations! You'll love the boat!
Hi Buddy:
+1 on what Fisher said. I ordered my "customized" 16 SC from Donny back in 94. At the time, somebody called me James Dean.......singing: "Bought it site unseen". (ha) Well, guess what? Here it is 24 years later and "James" still has his Arima. Funny, I recall thinking, I'd probably have this boat for a couple of years (like all the others) and move on. Something about an Arima that sorta makes you fall in love with it. IMO, Arima still makes the best small boat out there. Now if they'll just listen to me! (haha)
Yat
Welcome Buddy. You now have a very nice fishing rig :applause: I often fish my 17 solo in Central Cali, easy boat to command going solo.
Your buddy's know their boats - I like all their recommendations.
Quote from: Buddy on January 24, 2018, 06:28:34 AM
Long story short, I'll take possession shortly after the Boast Show of my brand new Sea Chaser 17 with skip tower, factory down rigger rails, powered by a Yammie 90 hp. Have dual batteries and a Garmin echoMap 94sv.
You did your homework! Great selection!
Uhhhhhhh.....19 foot! 19 19 19 19
Quote from: Rokefin on January 24, 2018, 07:50:55 AM
Uhhhhhhh.....19 foot! 19 19 19 19
Why not 21? 21 21 21 21
He qualified it with wanting a boat he can easily manage himself. Stepping up to 19' loaded and now you're talking dual axle trailer, 1/2 ton pickup. Looks like he got the perfect boat for HIM.
Congrats and welcome aboard.
Actually a new boat, how nice. Excellent choice. Now you need to Break Out Another Thousand (BOAT) for all the discounted accessories you will need at the boat show. Maybe even meet up with other members Wednesday night. :beerchug:
Sweet boat! You will love it. The 17' Skip has a lot of room for a 17'er, and will be perfect for the Sound. Once you get used to your new boat, keep in mind it can handle the ocean fairly well also. I have fished 17'er several times out of Westport, and people use them every year during halibut season out of Neah Bay.
-Shawn
Quote from: First Cabin on January 24, 2018, 08:13:57 AM
Quote from: Rokefin on January 24, 2018, 07:50:55 AM
Uhhhhhhh.....19 foot! 19 19 19 19
Why not 21? 21 21 21 21
He qualified it with wanting a boat he can easily manage himself. Stepping up to 19' loaded and now you're talking dual axle trailer, 1/2 ton pickup. Looks like he got the perfect boat for HIM.
Idk. I've got a 21' sea ranger skip top with a dual axle trailer and it's definitely doable launching and trailering the boat by yourself.
I don't want to rain on anybody's parade, but if I were looking at an Arima strictly for fishing.......with downriggers, lead balls, etc., I'd be thinking 19 Chaser, like Rokefin suggested. Two feet longer at the same beam is much better in terms of the aspect ratio. A lot more working platform. Not only that, but if you ever decide to sell, you'd probably have to hire a traffic control officer to keep things under control outside your door. A 19 Chaser is a rare boat. Don't see many come-up for sale.
Course, there's a downside to everything, not the least of which is that you'd probably want a bit more HP, a longer trailer, and so on. That said, if you haven't placed that order yet, you might want to see what the difference in overall cost would be.
Yat
Quote from: Yachter Yat on January 24, 2018, 12:18:52 PM
I don't want to rain on anybody's parade, but if I were looking at an Arima strictly for fishing.......with downriggers, lead balls, etc., I'd be thinking 19 Chaser, like Rokefin suggested. Two feet longer at the same beam is much better in terms of the aspect ratio. A lot more working platform. Not only that, but if you ever decide to sell, you'd probably have to hire a traffic control officer to keep things under control outside your door. A 19 Chaser is a rare boat. Don't see many come-up for sale.
Course, there's a downside to everything, not the least of which is that you'd probably want a bit more HP, a longer trailer, and so on. That said, if you haven't placed that order yet, you might want to see what the difference in overall cost would be.
Yat
Last I checked, it's about a 6K difference from a 17, to a 19. May be worth it depending on what he wants
Single axle trailer, tows great behind a small SUV. Tight turning radius, can launch just about anywhere.
Fishes three perfectly. Fits in standard garage.
You guys and your 2 footitis..... Keep it to yourself and congratulate the man!
Quote from: First Cabin on January 24, 2018, 12:45:15 PM
Single axle trailer, tows great behind a small SUV. Tight turning radius, can launch just about anywhere.
Fishes three perfectly. Fits in standard garage.
You guys and your 2 footitis..... Keep it to yourself and congratulate the man!
Ya, your right, that's why I got a 16! :jester:
Congrats! Those 17' Chasers are the most versatile boats in the Arima fleet!
Fisher: If that's just for the hull, then obviously, it's a considerable amount; which is only exacerbated when you factor-in the possibility wanting (or needing) more HP. I'm not a hard core fisherman, so owning a bigger boat isn't my thing.......but if I was, there would be other things I'd be considering. For example: How many people would normally be on board? Another is, whether or not things like crab pots, on-deck fish tanks, or other bulky gear would be employed. This stuff all takes-up "working space". I don't think I have to tell anybody how many pictures we've seen of Arimas with so much gear and "appurtenances" on board that it seemed like there wasn't enough room left on deck to change your mind. Just something to think about.
Yat
Quote from: Yachter Yat on January 24, 2018, 12:56:29 PM
Fisher: If that's just for the hull, then obviously, it's a considerable amount; which is only exacerbated when you factor-in the possibility wanting (or needing) more HP. I'm not a hard core fisherman, so owning a bigger boat isn't my thing.......but if I was, there would be other things I'd be considering. For example: How many people would normally be on board? Another is, whether or not things like crab pots, on-deck fish tanks, or other bulky gear would be employed. This stuff all takes-up "working space". I don't think I have to tell anybody how many pictures we've seen of Arimas with so much gear and "appurtenances" on board that it seemed like there wasn't enough room left on deck to change your mind. Just something to think about.
Yat
Yat that 6K I believe gets you a 115 HP vs a 90
Congrats Buddy and welcome to the fold! I love my 17' SC have fished everything from Neah to little trout lakes with the grandkids. It does it all pretty dang well IMO and is super easy to launch/retrieve by myself. I've successfully resisted the pressure of my fellow AO's to succumb to the 2'itis disease so far....(5 years and counting)
You'll see lots of 17's in Puget Sound, along with the rest of the fleet, however, I have yet to see a Legend in one of the local potholes the kiddies want to fish. Heck, when we do that, my boat seems huge!!
Good luck and enjoy your first Arima!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Didn't expect so many replies so soon, thanks to all. Rokefin, et al regarding a larger boat. The 17 SC with skip stretches my budget so really couldn't consider anything else. But, if budget wasn't an issue the 21 SR with skip would probably have been my choice. My wife liked it much more, so probably would come out with me more often. Hmmmm, maybe the 17 SC was the proper choice.
You made a great choice Buddy.
Here's a childhood picture of Yat!
RJ, that's So wrong :nono:
Buddy, get some pictures posted for us when you can- you know the rule :biggrin:
Quote from: GregE on January 24, 2018, 03:27:50 PM
RJ, that's So wrong :nono:
Buddy, get some pictures posted for us when you can- you know the rule :biggrin:
Just not childhood pictures Buddy, please :facepalm:
Congratulations! I think you'll have more useable deck space than I have with my SR19HT. I think the Sea Chasers are the best bang for the buck.
We hope to see you at Neah Bay this year for halibut season.
Hey Cabin, that's Copyrighted material............I'm calling my lawyer. :jester:
Yat
I call B.S. ! Yat doesn't eat Sugar Pops.
I love my 17 footer. I'm old. I've owned bigger boats. If I bought a new boat, I would order the same 17' Sea Pacer.
Congrats buddy! I have a 1992 SC17 for three years now and love it! I am alone most the time in it and handling it is a piece of cake by myself! launching and loading is no big deal and docking even in the wind is very doable! you will love it! its' great for small lakes but also is stable in the chop outside of Nootka sound but I do prefer fishing calmer waters as I am a landlocked fisherman from Colorado (sea sick city sometimes!) :arms:
Yeah, Croaker you're right. I hate Sugar Pops. Somebody just happened to snap of shot of me preparing First Cabin's breakfast. :stirthepot: In those days, they called me........"Badfinger". :jester:
Yat
Okay, now you all have me considering trim tabs. Two of the three other boats I've been fishing on the last year or so don't have trim tabs, a 16 foot Tracker and a 18 foot GW. One had trim tabs (21 foot North River) but the owner is quite the newbie, and didn't know what to do with them. I didn't really feel like messing around with his setup so kept my hands off and mouth shut when he had us moving around to balance the boat.
I've never owned a glass boat before, and have trepidation about mounting anything to the hull. After reading a number of threads, it seems the 9x9 Lenco might be best for me. It appears the upper bracket securing the actuator to the transom, and the lower 9" long bracket where the tab pivots are the two places where holes need to be drilled. Am I correct that screws are used (not through bolts)?
Correct - screws are used to mount tabs to the transom.
Quote from: Buddy on January 24, 2018, 02:37:29 PM
Didn't expect so many replies so soon, thanks to all. Rokefin, et al regarding a larger boat. The 17 SC with skip stretches my budget so really couldn't consider anything else. But, if budget wasn't an issue the 21 SR with skip would probably have been my choice. My wife liked it much more, so probably would come out with me more often. Hmmmm, maybe the 17 SC was the proper choice.
If you like a bigger boat more and don't want to spend as much, why not buy a nice used Arima? I bought mine last summer for less than $20k. In terms of the trim tabs... If you're set on buying a new boat, I think every Arima should have them, my parents old 17' SC had them and my 21' SR ST has them. They're nice to use in rough seas and you can adjust them so they're all the way up if you don't need them. I'd personally buy the adjustable ones and have the dealer install them for you as I'd be more than just a bit paranoid about drilling holes into my (literally) brand new boat.
Buddy, you definitely want to consider tabs on your Arima. Haven't seen anyone complain or wish they hadn't added them. On the contrary, most comments are something like, "best addition to my boat, or a must add, or Arima should make this automatic".
Do yourself a favor and see what your dealer can offer, including installation. Then check back here for comparison on $. You might be pleasantly surprised.
Here's the Lenco trim tab install instructions
http://www.lencomarine.com/home/download/TT_manual.pdf
Buddy,
I have sea trialed many new Arimas, allot without trim tabs. The tabs are nice for list control. IMO I would run your new Chaser with no planing aid at least until you break it in.
:twocents:
Terry
Trim tabs.... get them. Spend the money now.
On those rough days when you have to push through the chop, they're invaluable. Balancing load, etc.
I wouldn't have an Arima without trim tabs.
Quote from: Chief of the Boat on January 25, 2018, 04:08:46 PM
Buddy,
I have sea trialed many new Arimas, allot without trim tabs. The tabs are nice for list control. IMO I would run your new Chaser with no planing aid at least until you break it in.
:twocents:
Terry
Terry, could you elaborate on this a little? Don't you see quite a few factory installed tabs at Defiance? Is there a break-in issue with a new motor associated with trim tabs?
Thanks Dave
Buddy, I would take the Chiefs advice. Spend some time, and get to know the boat for a while first. You can add the tabs later very easily. I've had my new 16 SC for about 5 months now. I will be adding tabs very soon, but I wanted to get used to the boat as is first. Just take tabs into consideration when mounting your transducer so you will not have to move it when you do add tabs later. You are going to be very busy with mounting electronics, rod holders, dock lines, fenders etc.
Dave,
Nothing with break-in. Just feel the boat out before busting out the checkbook.
Terry
Chief, don't forget to tell him about bay star hydraulic steering!
Quote from: Chief of the Boat on January 25, 2018, 04:29:58 PM
Dave,
Nothing with break-in. Just feel the boat out before busting out the checkbook.
Terry
Got it 👍 Clearly my confusion, I've never experienced someone trying to keep me from spending $ on here :whistle:
Congrats Buddy you made a great choice
Congratulations! :applause: I agree with Chief, take some time to get to know the boat, then decide what you want to do. I have found that when I know the boat I can make more specific and educated decision on what you want to get, and often, you will find little things that you want to add.
Quote from: Buddy on January 25, 2018, 03:46:21 PM
Okay, now you all have me considering trim tabs. Two of the three other boats I've been fishing on the last year or so don't have trim tabs, a 16 foot Tracker and a 18 foot GW. One had trim tabs (21 foot North River) but the owner is quite the newbie, and didn't know what to do with them. I didn't really feel like messing around with his setup so kept my hands off and mouth shut when he had us moving around to balance the boat.
I've never owned a glass boat before, and have trepidation about mounting anything to the hull. After reading a number of threads, it seems the 9x9 Lenco might be best for me. It appears the upper bracket securing the actuator to the transom, and the lower 9" long bracket where the tab pivots are the two places where holes need to be drilled. Am I correct that screws are used (not through bolts)?
Yes trim tabs! And in case nobody corrected you, the size you want is 12x9. I am not saying this is the best rice out there, just an example so you can see what they cost, and compare how much to have them installed at the factory.
-Shawn
https://www.ecmarinesupply.com/products/boat-leveler-12-x-9-trim-tab-set?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=googlepla&variant=1985351417866
The pic is a bit blurry but is that spoon silver?