New Eastern 24 Tournament

[Chris-R]

We currently have a center console boat. My wife isn't too thrilled with it because there's no way to really get out of the elements on a bad day. I was thinking of a new Eastern 24 Tournament but I'm worried about the ride. We boat and fish mostly on Buzzards Bay and when those afternoon Southwesterly winds kick up and hit a Westerly movement of the Cape Cod Canal, the chop gets really big and nasty. I know next to nothing about the Eastern semi-displacement hulls and their characteristics. Can anyone give me their input? Thanks for your help.

 

[Eastporter]

I haven't been on that boat, but am aware of Buzzards Bay and its chop/rollers. If you are seriously considering the Eastern I'm sure you can go for a sea trial with the guys from Nauset Marine in Pocasset. They carry Eastern and I think they have/had the 24' in stock. Just pick a nice windy day and check the marine forecast to get 2-3' seas.

Cape Cod Boat Sales - Eastern Boats Authorized Dealer, Orleans, Pocasset, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

 

[Chris-R]

Thanks Eastporter. I talked to a salesman over there about a sea trial and he said he would let me know. He didn't seem too excited about it so i guess I'll just have to wait and see if he calls me back. I wish I knew someone with this hull in Buzzards Bay so I could pick a rotten day and see how it goes. A long time ago, I bought a boat without trying it out and I was very sorry as it didn't do what I expected.

 

[MouseTrap]

For close to $100K they should be more than okay giving sea trials.

 

[Downeaster]

Thanks Eastporter. I talked to a salesman over there about a sea trial and he said he would let me know. He didn't seem too excited about it so i guess I'll just have to wait and see if he calls me back. I wish I knew someone with this hull in Buzzards Bay so I could pick a rotten day and see how it goes. A long time ago, I bought a boat without trying it out and I was very sorry as it didn't do what I expected.

I've dealt with Nauset Marine a few times over the years and not once would I have confused them for LL Bean. Don't understand one can be in a customer service-dependent business yet have an attitude or an issue or just leave such a poor taste behind.

 

[yanmar]

Use to own a 27' Judge Chesapeake ( eastern 27 modified ) yanmar 240 inboard . The boat was decent but does not compare to my current Sisu 26 . The boat required a steady hand on the trim tab switch as it only had a 4 " keel and not much weight foward . She would go into a sea fairly well as long as you trimmed properly and was a hand full at times in a following .Quartering seas she was what it was .

 

[jrg]

Chris-R,
I have the older 24' Eastern hull and although the new one has more freeboard and a bit more beam, it's the same basic hull shape. The Eastern will get through the chop OK, but you'll need to watch the speed. She'll pound the fillings out of your teeth above maybe 14kts, but below that speed she'll be rock solid. If you're looking to fly home at 20+kts in the slop, you'll need one of the countless 24 degree deadrise hulls out there.

 

[Magnolia Sun]

We currently have a center console boat. My wife isn't too thrilled with it because there's no way to really get out of the elements on a bad day. I was thinking of a new Eastern 24 Tournament but I'm worried about the ride. We boat and fish mostly on Buzzards Bay and when those afternoon Southwesterly winds kick up and hit a Westerly movement of the Cape Cod Canal, the chop gets really big and nasty. I know next to nothing about the Eastern semi-displacement hulls and their characteristics. Can anyone give me their input? Thanks for your help.

Chris: I owned a 2004 24' Eastern (7"8" Beam vs. the newer 8'6" beam) I took the newer Eastern 24' out last year for a trail in pretty calm seas & it did fine just like our old one did. The problem? Price. The Eastern 24' price is simply out of control now. Yes...It's is much more polished then my older 24' but @ what cost?

Do yourself a favor, checkout the Seaway 24' (made by Eastern) I loaded-up mine with tons of extras & it's cost me around 68K. If your near the Gloucester area, I will be more then happy to take you for an extended ride. There is no comparison (ride wise) vs. the Eastern 24' (soft chime) against our brand new Seaway 24' (Harder Chime) I love our boat!

Checkout my extensive thread here:

http://downeastboatforum.com/pocket-downeast-boats-14-24ft/cancelled-crowley-beal-23-order-1483.html

 

[MouseTrap]

Magnolia still owes us pictures :|.

 

[Chris-R]

I want to thank everyone for your help.

 

[Magnolia Sun]

Magnolia still owes us pictures :|.

Mouse Trap: I do & I'm sorry! I really need to get some in-water pics posted ASAP! This weekend doesn't look to be that great either.

 

[BOSBoatMan]

I've dealt with Nauset Marine a few times over the years and not once would I have confused them for LL Bean. Don't understand one can be in a customer service-dependent business yet have an attitude or an issue or just leave such a poor taste behind.

Downeaster, I think we would like you to elaborate on this...you would think that a semicustom builder would actually want to be customer service oriented. But if they aren't, we would like to know!