I'm looking for a first boat, and since I really want a small cuddy 17-19', ( while in my friend's 19' Seaswirl, my 11 year old and his friend like to escape me and his dad in the cuddy ), Arimas seem to be a good fit. But, I keep hearing they are designed for fishing and not much else, or that they "pound" badly in waves. My use would be primarily in colder weather ( summers are jet ski time ) on the SF delta ( minimal waves, just wakes) but also some jaunts on the SF Bay where waves can get to 5 feet or so. Since these are designed for the Pacific Northwest, I would think it would handle these conditions well enough. Passengers would be 4 adults max. Mostly touring. Maybe someday fishing and some skiing. Do these uses sound right ? I keep hearing the flat, non-deep V design makes them handle roughly on waves.
I have owned a few boats with various hull designs, some with a deep vee and others with a not so deep vee. The Arima hull design is unique and Arima owns patent on the design. It has a "not so deep vee" with "sponsons" extending beyond the transom which adds "side to side" stability and helps with additional flotation and lift for quick planing with a smaller HP Motor ( better fuel economy) Arimas do "slap" short interval waves, but that is the trade off for a boat that will not list over when you walk from side to side. Boston Whalers and other tri-hulls are stable side to side, but slap much worse than the Arima (IMO). Arimas have a very high freeboard which I like because my granddaughters go fishing with me occasionally and they can't easily fall out.
My Arima is very seaworthy. I use it regularly in seas with mixed waves of 3' to 5'. You wont be sorry you bought an Arima.
Re: riding roughly in waves - the simple answer is basically yes that is true. But as usual there is a trade off and in this case what you give up in ride you gain back in fuel economy and stability. So with Arima's you'll often see smaller engines and better mpg then on a comparable deep V.
If I primarily wanted to occasionally tour ride with four adults in 5' swells in comfort an Arima wouldnt be my first choice. A 21' boat will better riding across 5' waves then the 17!
If you want a safe, economocal, well built, boat that looks great then Yes !!!! an Arima is a great family boat !
GoodDays Greg
What's a tri hull ?
I boat a 19' Sea Ranger on the San Francisco Bay year around, mostly for fishing but also to give tours to friends and relatives. The boat will handle almost anything that the bay can dish out. I always feel safe in the boat and know that even those passengers who don't boat frequently feel safe also. With the jump seats in the back I have had 4 people on the boat in comfort. Even in the rough stuff the guys in the back are riding in comfort because the back of the boat is the softest riding part of the boat, where all the weight is. Any boat is a compromise, what the Arima does is give a safe ride in rough conditions and the ride is controlled by speed and trim. In the rough stuff I slow down and trim the bow down, letting the bow cleave the waves. Because of the relatively flat (12ยบ deadrise) transom, the boat does not rock back and forth like a deep V does, which is actually safer because passengers are not being thrown around as much. It also makes the boat much more stable when two or more are on one side, like netting a fish. I have a friend who has a 26 foot deep V and I prefer my boat on the ocean because it doesn't rock as much as his boat. When the seas kick up I trim the engine down, lower the trim tabs a notch and slow down to 12 mph or so, no problems and minimal pounding. The economical operation is also a big plus, I usually get 5 to 6 mpg running the 115 Mercury at cruising speed, around 22 to 25 mph. It is a rare day that I burn more than 10 gallons of gas. An Arima would be a good choice in the Bay Area.
Strokersquid...you've got a pretty good summary of the pluses from others here. I ditto Packman as I have a 19 Sea Ranger Skip Tower and am often on SF Bay. Bigger is better for what you want to do. One needs to recognize that there is no perfect boat but an Arima of anysize is the best compromise and has the most bang for the buck. If I still had kids at home, I would be dragging them around on tubes and water toys behind any of the Arimas...just not in the bay (duh).
(ex owner Mako 17 Center Console - PennYan 24 Cuddy - C dory 16 Angler - Arima 16 Sea Explorer - Sunrunner 21 Flush Deck Cuddy)
Good luck
Strokersquid....PS check out Russian Hooks post to Caston re a 19. He doesn't talk much but when he does he says a lot. good man!
Arima's are great fishing boats and wonderfully seaworthy but they were never built for speed. An Arima was never designed with skiing in mind. If you want to water ski, you really need to look for a different boat. If you just want to pull the kids around on a tube... no problem.
Just curious but...
Where does everyone get this idea that Arimas are a rough riding boat???
I've seen this mentioned several times on this and other forums and I got to tell ya...
I think my Arima is a provides me an EXCELLENT ride! How many of you have ever ridden (or fished from) a C-Dory? To me that was a far rougher ride.
I have had my SC out in some very, VERY nasty stuff (on purpose I might add), I've even submarined the bow a couple of times and this is one of the smoothest rides I've ever experienced .
I've compared it to a Trophy, Thompson, C-Dory, Various metal hulls, and even a SeaSwirl. For me...Arima provides the best ride.
For a Family boat...I'd prefer a larger 21-22'er especially for cruising.
Terry B.
I'd be happy to take you for a spin on the lower Columbia when the afternoon winds kick up 2-4' wind waves. Under those conditions, I struggle to stay on plane in my 17' without beating everyone on board up pretty bad. A boat designed to ride smoothly in the big stuff (Grady White, Whaler, Sea Sport, etc...) can go much faster.
Of course, they would burn 2-3 times the fuel I do!
I agree Arima's are an excellent family fishing boat. The 16' and 17' are a great all-around boat... very safe, very economical to run, very tough, and very forgiving in their handling. They are not fast, but they were not designed to be. They are not going to let you run at high speed in rough water, but they are not supposed to. Slow down and they will handle some incredibly big water with confidence and safety.
Most of the Arima ride complaints tend to come in regards to the shorter (17' and under) hulls, and from folks who want to go fast (25-30 mph). If you are ok going 15-20 mph in the rough stuff, they are great and much safer than a tippy, non-foam filled hull.
I found that a set of trim tabs help immensely with the ride.
My Arima is not my first boat but I think my 11th or 12th boat that I have owned. But my Arima is the first boat that my wife has really enjoyed! It is the first boat that she helps me wash and polish. It is the very first boat that she has not complained about in rough water conditions and the first boat that she has never said slow down and take me to shore when water conditions become rough. My Arima is the first boat that I have owned that my wife goes aboard often or when I ask her to go with me; all my other boats she avoided often.
Now I will admit that my wife and I were fantastically happy after I installed the Attwood Centric SAS seats because our ride became super comfortable in rough water conditions. She really appreciates the Centric seats because she is no longer complaining about the "bouncing" if you know what I mean.
Yes Arima's are family boats. My wife use to go aboard my boats once or twice during the season and now she is aboard the Arima a couple times per month. She is even doing some fishing!!!
Stroker...just a thought. I live in Elk Grove/Sac area and there are numerous models of arimas around here that I can show you in a couple of hours. Lunch is on me. Just PM me or send me your email and I will confirm back.
Is an Arima a good family boat? YES!
Especially with the Hardtop, Alaska Bulkhead combo. YOu have a pilot house model that is especially nice here in the NW weather and it adds security for your systems. :smile1:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v367/Kodak45/P1000647.jpg)
That picture belongs in an Arima commercial. :clap:
Quote from: Liverwurst19SRSKIP on December 01, 2011, 10:23:03 AM
Stroker...just a thought. I live in Elk Grove/Sac area and there are numerous models of arimas around here that I can show you in a couple of hours. Lunch is on me. Just PM me or send me your email and I will confirm back.
I would like to do that. Anyplace there are waves there ( lived in Sac 20 years ago but was not a boater then ) ?
Oh. s_degalan@hotmail.com thanks
Quote from: Threeweight on November 30, 2011, 05:10:33 PM
I'd be happy to take you for a spin on the lower Columbia when the afternoon winds kick up 2-4' wind waves. Under those conditions, I struggle to stay on plane in my 17' without beating everyone on board up pretty bad. A boat designed to ride smoothly in the big stuff (Grady White, Whaler, Sea Sport, etc...) can go much faster.
I know it is not a ski boat, but how fast would you expect to go with a 115 HP on a 17 foot ?Of course, they would burn 2-3 times the fuel I do!
I agree Arima's are an excellent family fishing boat. The 16' and 17' are a great all-around boat... very safe, very economical to run, very tough, and very forgiving in their handling. They are not fast, but they were not designed to be. They are not going to let you run at high speed in rough water, but they are not supposed to. Slow down and they will handle some incredibly big water with confidence and safety.
Most of the Arima ride complaints tend to come in regards to the shorter (17' and under) hulls, and from folks who want to go fast (25-30 mph). If you are ok going 15-20 mph in the rough stuff, they are great and much safer than a tippy, non-foam filled hull.
I found that a set of trim tabs help immensely with the ride.
i know it is not a fast boat, but what kind of speed on glass would you expect with a 115 on a 17 foot ?
As the saying goes...
It's easier to have a lot of pleasure on a fishing boat than to do a lot of fishing on a pleasure boat.
Quote from: strokersquid on December 02, 2011, 03:59:06 PM
i know it is not a fast boat, but what kind of speed on glass would you expect with a 115 on a 17 foot ?
35-40 mph, depending on the prop. Drop down to a 90 and you can expect 30-35 mph, depending on prop.
Quote from: Threeweight on November 30, 2011, 05:10:33 PM
I'd be happy to take you for a spin on the lower Columbia when the afternoon winds kick up 2-4' wind waves. Under those conditions, I struggle to stay on plane in my 17' without beating everyone on board up pretty bad.
I found that a set of trim tabs help immensely with the ride.
These two comments got my attention as I've been looking at 17'ers to use primarily in the Columbia. I'm not looking to win any races but I may have trouble getting the family exited about a day on the river if they're getting beat up that bad. With the trim tabs can you cruise in these conditions in relative comfort? I'm fine with keeping it under 25mph but would hope at minimum to maintain planing speed.
With a light load, you'll top 35 mph easily
The cuddy cabin is a God send for those days fishing is slow and the kids get bored! IMO, the whole "rough ride" thing goes out the window with a pair of hydraulic trim tabs. I have taken mine 55 mile out into the Pacific and have never felt unsafe.
-Shawn
A 115 on a 17 will FLY in perfect conditions !!! I have a 90 on my 17 SeaRanger and when fully loaded for a week long trip it is a bit slower than I would like.. but at the end of the week when i fill up the fuel tanks I really appreciate the old 90 Honda !!! :dance:
As for the rough ride and pounding... I fish Offshore on the West coast of Vancoouver Island and in the Campbell River Johnstone Straits Area.. The sea conditions dont get any worse. Off Cape Mudge we get stacking waves on the tide that are HORRENDOUS !!
Would I prefer a 19 or 21 or even a 22 ??? Of course.. I am a man and they are boats.. we are genetically wired to always want a bigger one !!!
Am I happy with my 17 and do I feel safe running it in poor conditions ?? Absolutely !!!! Do I have to be carefull and watch the weather.. yes !
As others have said TRIM TABS !!!!! they work. If you dont have them get them !!
I have been running boats in all weather conditions professionally for 25 + years I have access to some extreme boats to play with.. and when I bought a boat to take my family out in my choice was a 17 ARIMA SeaRanger !!
Its a great boat. Will it do everything.. No.. No boat will. Buy what you can afford and start getting out on the water with your family !
GoodDays Greg
Quote from: Caston on December 02, 2011, 10:53:41 PM
Quote from: Threeweight on November 30, 2011, 05:10:33 PM
I'd be happy to take you for a spin on the lower Columbia when the afternoon winds kick up 2-4' wind waves. Under those conditions, I struggle to stay on plane in my 17' without beating everyone on board up pretty bad.
I found that a set of trim tabs help immensely with the ride.
These two comments got my attention as I've been looking at 17'ers to use primarily in the Columbia. I'm not looking to win any races but I may have trouble getting the family exited about a day on the river if they're getting beat up that bad. With the trim tabs can you cruise in these conditions in relative comfort? I'm fine with keeping it under 25mph but would hope at minimum to maintain planing speed.
My son owns a 27' Boston Whaler with twin Yamaha 115 4-strokes. Under the above conditions, my little Arima is more comfortable than the larger Whaler. (my wife even says so)
The SL 22 I bought used didn't have trim tabs. I was told by the salesman that being a heavier boat, it wasn't really needed. Fishing for the first two years on the Columbia River and Estuary with an occasional spin in the ocean went well without them. Cruising with friends also wasn't any problem as the heavier boat with inherent stability really didn't need that much trimming.
I was encouraged by Enniberg and to get trim tabs, particularly for the ocean. Prior to fishing out of Neah Bay (and traveling across the Strait of Juan De Fuca to Ucluelet) I installed Bennett's. It didn't take long to test their value. The difference with the normal bow up and trimmed down was dramatic. It made a safe boat safer while making the ride a lot more pleasant. Also, now the boat can be trimmed while cruising which makes more of a difference than expected.
(Dave)
Quote from: Caston on December 02, 2011, 10:53:41 PM
These two comments got my attention as I've been looking at 17'ers to use primarily in the Columbia. I'm not looking to win any races but I may have trouble getting the family exited about a day on the river if they're getting beat up that bad. With the trim tabs can you cruise in these conditions in relative comfort? I'm fine with keeping it under 25mph but would hope at minimum to maintain planing speed.
Just to clarify my views on the ride...
The only time you will really encounter wind chop that big on the Columbia is running back down from the Bridge on the WA side, to Illwaco or Hammond, or up in the Gorge. I fish Buoy 10 frequently in August and September, and I seem to always be running home into that stuff (hard to leave a hot bite!) I do have to slow way down and work the throttle in that stuff, and I stay right on the edge of falling off plane (12-14 mph). Trim tabs help a ton with this, you could not hold plane that low without them.
That said, as I believe Danno will attest, my little 17' handles those gnarly conditions with grace and confidence. We get a little wet in the cockpit (water blowing under the canvas), but we are running home at 14 mph when the tin can 20' Alumawelds and North Rivers have to hide above the bridge and wait for the wind to die down. The only boats that run at speed in that stuff are the true deep-v offshore boats. I have Tuna! fished in several different offshore boats, and as much as I love my Arima, I don't think it is fair to say the ride is anywhere near the same. That said, those boats burn 2 to 3 times more fuel than an Arima!
I do a good bit of fishing on the Columbia, and have found the 17' Sea Chaser to be just about perfect as an all-around boat. In normal conditions around Portland, I typically cruise to and from fishing spots at 20-25mph. The ride is great for fishing the river. My only gripe with it is anchoring, but you can make it work.
If you would like to take a test drive in my boat and see what you think of the ride, you are more than welcome... drop me a PM!
I can confirm 3wts comments. His 17 does an admirable job on Columbia, partially due to the trim tabs and maybe the 4 blade prop which may give it a bit better bite. Also I can confirm the water spraying occasionally over the windshield when the wind is from an inconvenient direction. The wind also has a habit of knocking hats off the captains and the helper then has to rescue the poor almost drowning hat with a landing net - right, Steve :wink:. Fortunately I had practice - my wife loses hers a couple of times a season :shrug9:. The spray and the wind are the main reasons I like the skip tower with the option of keeping the front vinyl window up. And of course I prefer my SR 19 with the trim tabs, but the 17 has a lot of usable space for the size of the boat.
Fin
I seem to recall you rescuing my hat in Sekiu this summer too. You did a very professional job. NOw I kow why you did it so well
Thank you
StreamFixer
FinnFinn I concur that the 17s are great boats ,but the extra 2ft ,added weight and trim tabs on a 19SR make a world of difference in the ride. I fish regularly in my brothers 17SC because it is convenient .But when I put the trim tabs on he to finally admitted the ride was measurably smoother.
Hydro-Therapy
think i'm sold on a SR17-19 but finding one down here that's not 20 yrs old is not easy so far. you guys seem to have many more for sale up north at any given time.
Strokesquid I would not worry so much about the age of the hull ,as they are very well made. Half the fun of owning one is doing the upgrades and customizing the boat to your desires . Sure you could go order a brand new one with all the bells a whistles just like you would want and I know the factory would really like that. Buy there is just something about taking a older hull and making it really your own.
So find yourself a good sound hull and let the fun begin. You will find it to be a very pleasant journey that won't end until the day you sell the boat.
Hydro-Therapy
Quote from: finfinn on December 03, 2011, 08:14:53 PM
I can confirm 3wts comments. His 17 does an admirable job on Columbia, partially due to the trim tabs and maybe the 4 blade prop which may give it a bit better bite.
I have a 21' SR, but I can also confirm 3wt's comments. Him and I took his 17' across the Westport bar and fished some pretty nasty ocean conditions. I was really impressed how well his boat handled everything.
-Shawn
Problem is time. I work 60-70 hours/week and every 3rd weekend. I would rather spend time on the water than fixing things. I presume new, I would be into a new one about $30k, so be it if I knew I was not making a $30k mistake.
New boats are definitely less work, but budget in $$ for electronics, kicker, upgraded wiring and switches, accessories like down riggers, weights, etc... One benefit of buying used is you can often get that stuff in a package.
$30k should get you into a new, or very late model, 17'. Might still be hard to get into a new 19' for that $$.
Early this year I was looking for a 19 SC or SR to use as a suitable fishing platform. What I found instead was a 21 SR. Not only did I end up with a great fishing boat but an awesome family cruiser as well. We put in well over 100 hours this summer of cruising, tubing, water skiing, whale watching, viewing the fireworks and of course fishing. On a few of the family trips our daughter had her gaggle of friends along with up to 7 or 8 of us going out, myself I enjoyed going out solo on a few fishing trips.
Having owned Double Eagles, Bayliners and Campions before this truly is a great little boat that can do it all and do it well. The fact it did this with 150 HP motor was a bonus my last boat a 22.5' Campion Explorer with a 225 HP does not even come close.
Good family boat? Hell yes! I am one happy camper....well ok Arima owner.
GL on your hunt S-Squid....
(http://arimaboatownersgroup.com/gallery/1/44_23_08_11_9_00_20_1618732.jpeg)
(http://arimaboatownersgroup.com/gallery/1/44_23_08_11_8_57_10_16161477.jpeg)
Good, I noted Campion makes a small cuddy as well , but there are no dealers around here. It looked cool in the company pictures but I've never known anybody who has owned one or had a friend who did.
I looked hard at the Campion 19 ft cuddy (think it's called the 542). My wife nixed it because the cuddy is too short to stretch out - we're both 5'8".
She approved of the Arima SR 19 cuddy - we could actually sleep in it - but she told me that I needed a 21 HT.
I've been amazed at the usable space inside the new boat - even with 2 sleepers and especially since we put the camper canvas on - and equally impressed at how easily it handles around the docks. It handles much more predictably that my old traditional deep V Zeta 19.
Ride? The Zeta was a thick, heavy, strong very deep V hull that would pierce waves pretty well up to a point. Past that point (4 foot?), it would launch and land like a bag of hammers - then you'd either have to putt or plow, burning gpm instead of gph.
Haven't had the SR21 out in a lot of heavy weather yet, but really like the lateral stability of the hull. With only a 140 on it, the Arima planes MUCH more quickly and easily than the Zeta did with 300hp, and it does that without waving its nose around in the air.
I have accidentally launched the Arima off of some "rich guy's" wakes that the Zeta might have run through, but I was really pleased with its relatively soft landing - no trip to the dentist, even.
There's a pretty good explanation of the trade-offs here: http://www.eqmarine.com/Article_About_Arima_Boats.html
Dollar for dollar (and gallon for gallon) this is a much more practical, comfortable, affordable, usable family cruiser/camper/commuter/kid ski boat.
Try it. I'm sure you'll like it.
Our 17' SR is a great family boat. Got the stability and freeboard to feel secure and with the trim tabs it comes almost level out of the hole and handles the chop with ease. My wife and boys have a great time cruising. Love the boat. Just need more time in it.
Strokersquid...I just PM'd you about a couple of used 21 SR Skips that may be coming available.
Can't find the PM. Is it under "my messages " ?
L Wurst
Any idea what they (the 21's) will be selling for?
StreamFixer
Stroker....got your email and responded. Good luck.
Fixer....One will be around 32K. The other is pending decision to sell as I understand owner passed away.
I hesitated about saying anything until I have answers...but it never hurts to be the earlybird....the problem is that often the worm tastes funny!
pulled the trigger on the local sea ranger. still have to get a tow vehicle. looking at around $10k budget, compact truck. any ideas ?
Stroker.....Congratulations and welcome to Arima ownership. If it's that 17 it looks like a pretty nice boat. I am sure many of our group here can give you a fix on tow vehicles for a 17 Skip. I've been viewing/comparing vehicle specs on CARMAX.com....pretty complete array of vehicles.
Re: tow rigs... Figure 3,000-3,300 #'s for a 17 Ranger on the trailer with a kicker, main, fuel, batteries, ice, assorted gear, halibut weights, downrigger balls, and all the other crap we accumulate. I would look for a tow rig rated to tow at least 5000#... I would assume the factory posted tow ratings on any non-diesel vehicle to be inflated by at least 25%.
You want a factory tow package on whatever you buy (usually a factory hitch + transmission fluid cooler). Aftermarket hitch set ups usually mean the vehicle will have no cooler... heavy towing will kill a light-duty transmission in a hurry. I would look for a limited slip rear differential as well.
The v6 mid-size pickups, and the SUV's based on them, are probably where you want to start. Will it be a daily driver or dedicated tow rig? If a tow rig only, I'd look for a used 1/2 ton... you should be able to pick up a pretty nice one for $10k.
" pulled the trigger on the local sea ranger. still have to get a tow vehicle. looking at around $10k budget, compact truck. any ideas ? "
Good on you!! But without pictures .... :hoboy:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v367/Kodak45/NoPicture.jpg)
Remember, with vehicles it's not what you can tow- it's what you can stop.