Newbie info needed.....

[Rickatie1122]

Good evening, all!
My family has always been boating through the years and I've taken quite the interest in DE boats as of late. My father currently has a 32 ft. Topaz with twin diesels.....nice boat, but pounds terribly. What are the running characteristics of a DE compared to a traditional sportfish? I happen to love the lines and simplicity of the concept of a DE. Commercial fishermen need stable platforms to make a living, so it makes sense that DE are easily converted into the recreational world. Thanks for helping me out!

 

[eyschulman]

A DE is a semidispacement hull form with a keel and protected rudder attached to same as a rule. Unless you use a lot of power the top speed and cruise speed will be lower than a fast planning boat. The directional stability and ride will be very good except for some that don't like following seas. The range of cruise speed is wider than a planning boat. A DE is often happy from 5k up to max speed. Most are single motors and do not turn as well as a twin, thrusters will help but are not absolutely needed. If you stay away from fly-bridge and towers and keep weight and windage low in boat a much better seaboat than most. Fuel economy at and just below hull speed can be very good. The DE can be the best looking boat at the party even a beat up work boat.

 

[captainlarry84]

Welcome

Welcome to the site Captain Rick. Excellent and spot on post Captain Eyschulman. The 32 Topaz is a fine looking and fine running sportfishing vessel. Sure the Topaz pounds most 32 footers than do 24 knots will pound. I am sure when you slow her down in heavy seas to 14 - 15 knots it is bearable so dont hold that against her as I am sure on the nice days 20-22 knots is not a problem. You also have the reliability of two motors which for many is comforting when offshore, along with easy handling.

Is a DE for you? Before you jump ship on your Topaz you need to go on a few rides along with maybe a charter or two on a DE boat that you fined has the look, lines & running features that interest you.

DE Boats to me are the cat of the walk if I was getting another vessel it would be a DE.

For starters I like single screw boat. One motor is so easy to take care of. Like my cars and I have been driving over 40 years one motor has always got me home. Plus 99% of all of the offshore commercial boats only have one motor. In handling you have to know your stuff when docking as it is all about wind & tide. Maneuvering on a big fish is a piece of cake once you get the hang of itcockpit controls are the only way to go. In addition when big fish are close your single engine running gear is out of the way and one less thing to worry about. Plus there is that great protection of you propeller and rudder behind the keel.

Speed, you will be giving up some, but not a lot. DE do run nice in all seas. As far as pounding they do not under normal running which is about 18 knots for most of them. Once you jack up the speed into the mid 20 knots it takes a lot of power along with a builtdown bow to cushion the ride.

Bridges and towers yes keep them low. DE boat have great wheel house visibility on those cool mornings with a little heat both the captain and his crew are together to discuss the day.

Lastly if you decide to pull the trigger. Your 32 Topaz will most likely sell quickly if priced correctly as they are still very popular and pretty boats. You will need at least a 33 footer or better to break even in size & comfort.
Some ones you should be looking at:
Flower 33
Duffy 35
Wesmac 38
Beal 36

That is only a few. I am sure that many other will be commenting on this post. Good luck in what ever you decide. If you decide on doing nothing you s

 

[capecodder19]

Since it was memtioned in the first reponse to the initial post, why is it that some DE boats are better than others in a following sea? I would like to know opinions on which models are best and which are worse in that sea condition. Do smaller DE boats, like the 23' Crowley Beal, display the same following sea issues? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[Rickatie1122]

Questios

Thanks for the quick replies! I have been searching different makers/builders for the last couple of months and like the Beal, Young bros, wesmac and mussel ridge designs.....I guess these boats are manufactured by one company and " finished " by another? One that intrigues me is the Young Slippery 38.....How is this different from the rest? One other question: What is the difference between Skeg and Built down? As I said, very new to this and I don't have a clue. Thanks!

 

[MouseTrap]

Gulf of Maine Yacht Sales - Yacht Buyer's Brokerage Services

Does a decent job of explaining built down vs skeg built.