Looking to ride a duffy 31

[dbm1234]

Does anyone out there in the mid atlantic have a duffy 31 they wouldn't mind letting me take a ride on? I'm in the decision process on a new downeast build and want to get the hull ordered. Everyone I speak with tells me I need to ride the duffy before I decide. Unfortunately I have not been able to find one, short of going up to Atlantic Boats in Maine, to ride.

Any help would be appreciated. I am on the Chesapeake in MD and would certainly help with fuel costs.

Please PM me if you can help.

thanks,

DBM1234

[Tuna Meltdown]

Goodluck with finding a ride. My friend has a 4 year old 35' Duffy named Sea Saw up here in Boston. I have ridden on her many times and you will not be disapointed. They are fishing machines. The best part about it is you are the designer. You can have it built and then finished almost any way you like. Best of luck and let us know what you think.

[wrap-check]

I would take you for a ride, but the boats on Cape Cod. If you want to come this far from Maryland, you might as well go see the factory in Maine.
I saw your other post re: getting the engine under the deck and eliminating the box. - One of the guys in our Marina just took delivery on a brand new 31' and she is set up that way. Absolutely beautiful boat.

[hotshot1]

guy in my marina has a 31 with the engine buried and also added 2 feet I think to the cabin height . Couldn't go wrong getting that boat. Took a long time to build then he did the finishing job himself. Worked his butt off getting it together

[dbm1234]

I would take you for a ride, but the boats on Cape Cod. If you want to come this far from Maryland, you might as well go see the factory in Maine.
I saw your other post re: getting the engine under the deck and eliminating the box. - One of the guys in our Marina just took delivery on a brand new 31' and she is set up that way. Absolutely beautiful boat.

What kind of power does she have in her, and what do you cruise her at?

Also, I started my search thinking that, but to get to maine is a two flight, 3 1/2 hour drive adventure. I can get to boston on an one hour flight with no notice so if you know anyone fairly close to a major metropolitan area, i'd chase up for the day.

I'm pushing to get a boat built by April, and i think i'm running up against that already.

I really apreciate all the feedback.

Thanks,

David

[B-faithful]

Are you looking at a flybridge model. Call Bill Judge at http://www.judgeyachts.com/specials.html He has a 32 Downeast for sale that I believe is very similar. i am sure he can arrange for a test ride. He is a board member here who checks in from time to time..

Note the sweet MayCraft for sale too (I am hoping to get a Judge 27 Chesapeake)

[dbm1234]

B Faithful-

I know Billy well. I almost pulled the trigger on the 36 that he builds up. Bill is a really nice guy and seems to build a quality product. The Downeasts he builds up are on a modified Eastern hull with a hard chine, and I want a classic downeast.

Good luck with your 27' and with selling your maycraft. I'm going to be putting my shamrock on the market as soon as i figure out what I'm doing with this new build.

thanks,

David

[wrap-check]

Cummins 300B - cruises 19kts at 2400 rpm with a full load and burns about 10 gal per hour. Can get up a go if I push her. Does 15 knots through absolutely anything.

Most of the 31's now are getting the 380 hp Cummins Q series - the electronics make it much quieter, faster, and efficient - when we repower this is the next engine. The 365 Yanmar is also a popular choice.

[Mackey]

B Faithful-

I know Billy well. I almost pulled the trigger on the 36 that he builds up. Bill is a really nice guy and seems to build a quality product. The Downeasts he builds up are on a modified Eastern hull with a hard chine, and I want a classic downeast.

Good luck with your 27' and with selling your maycraft. I'm going to be putting my shamrock on the market as soon as i figure out what I'm doing with this new build.

thanks,

David

David,
I really do not know why any one on the Chesapeake would want a classic downeast unless they want a 17kt boat that will drive them crazy at the helm in a following sea. I have run both the soft and hard chine ones and no matter who's name is on it, they all get squirrelie above 17kt. They are beautiful sitting in the harbor and will bring you home in ever the worst weather but there are other designs that would be more fun to own on the Bay.
The 32 Judge is a far cry from the Easterns he was building back when. They have none of the downeast characteristics that drive most folks mad, but still have nice lines and build like a tank.

I know I am going to get boo'ed on this, but the ones of you that have been there know it's true

[dbm1234]

David,
I really do not know why any one on the Chesapeake would want a classic downeast unless they want a 17kt boat that will drive them crazy at the helm in a following sea. I have run both the soft and hard chine ones and no matter who's name is on it, they all get squirrelie above 17kt. They are beautiful sitting in the harbor and will bring you home in ever the worst weather but there are other designs that would be more fun to own on the Bay.
The 32 Judge is a far cry from the Easterns he was building back when. They have none of the downeast characteristics that drive most folks mad, but still have nice lines and build like a tank.

I know I am going to get boo'ed on this, but the ones of you that have been there know it's true

Mackey,

Are you getting a commision from Bill? Come on now, come clean.

I know the pluses and the minuses to the donweast design, I also know how Bill feels about them, but I've also owned and run downeast hulls and right now I need a nice stable and safe 18 knot cruise boat that I don't need to worry about the weather in to take me out and back with the wife and kids. When the kids get a older, I'll suplement it with a nice 20' regulator.

Everyone has their own opinions on which is the best boat. Fortunately I'm endowed with the knowledge that my opionion is right, and everyone elses is wrong.

Be Safe.

DBM