In you're opinion what is the best 55'-60' charter boat?

[TunaTeaser1]

I'd have to agree with most of the above that a 55'-57ish single engine rig makes the most sense.

Let's say you were to build a 57' BC boat with a single...what would you power it with? Does a single C-18 have enough ponies to shove that hull along at an easy 24 knot cruise?

First of all, there are many people on this site that know a lot more on the subject than I do but here goes anyways... I believe most of the guys running a single engine are using a Cat 3412 in either the 1000 hp version or the 1300. The boat I fished on a couple of times pushed 24kts@1650 if I remember correctly....sipping fuel.

Out of Oregon Inlet, charters for almost all the boats are $1650, which includes fuel. Most boats like the Billfisher have a flat rate for the charter, then must also pay for fuel so it's slightly different.

[puroagave]

Now, I am not an expert on single screw boats. Especially ones that are pushing around 50,000+ lbs. So feel free to correct me.

How would you feel cruising around 24kts and seeing another boat of your size fly by you..

For instance
24kts is a little over 26mph give or take.
32kts (Your average Custom 60 I would say) is almost 37mph

If you want to fish inside the Washington (60 miles) it would take you nearly 2 and a half hours to get there single screw. Almost an hour slower than a boat with twin screws. I think it would be a little hard to justify 2 hours worth of fishing to your clientele. (Based on leaving at the same time) Once again, feel free to correct me.

Then, once you begin trolling, you will have to push your single at a higher RPM to match the speed of a twin.

What if something happens to your single 60 miles offshore? When youre that far off, it seems like anything can and probably will happen at some point. You would most likely have to get towed. Where as if you had another motor you can trot back.

I am not bashing on a single screw motor by any means. I was always taught that the safety factor of another motor goes a long way when you're offshore without anyone in sight. This has only happened to me once as a weekend fisherman but fishing everyday as an occupation there would seem to be much more of a chance. But once again this is just me.

Please feel free to correct me

Canyon runs in the North East 80-110 miles are just way to long at 22knt- 24knts. For me atleast.

[Wireman]

Unless you are already a legendary captain with a huge clientele, you'll be hard pressed to compete against the fleet if you have a 24 knot boat and you're running 60+ miles each way. No charter is going to want to lose that much fishing time when they can go jump on a boat like Bull's Spencer and be there much much quicker. The only way you'd have a shot at competing is if you charged much less than the twin screw boats. Out of Palm Beach where you're only running a few miles.... different story. Just my opinion.

[Tuna Truck]

I guess we should define whether or not this would be a "profitable" charter business (owner operator) or a highly subsidized "write-off" situation for a wealthy owner that just wants to keep his boat running and his captain busy.

Most of the twin C-18 charter boats probably fit into the second category and the single screw boats fit into the first.

[d_rehmann]

"Ocean City, Maryland charter boat "Moore Bills" is a 2006, 60 foot B&B Boat Works Custon Carolina Sportfisher, powered with C15 Cats. She is FAST, 35 kts cruise, as well as DRY."


I was told that this boat was sold for around 500k.

There are definitely steals out there especially in this economy! It is surely sad that people are this desperate, but, its great for the people buying them. Be patient and do your homework! You will probably find something good out there if you look well and be patient.

[Anthony of the ARK]

"Ocean City, Maryland charter boat "Moore Bills" is a 2006, 60 foot B&B Boat Works Custon Carolina Sportfisher, powered with C15 Cats. She is FAST, 35 kts cruise, as well as DRY."


I was told that this boat was sold for around 500k.

There are definitely steals out there especially in this economy! It is surely sad that people are this desperate, but, its great for the people buying them. Be patient and do your homework! You will probably find something good out there if you look well and be patient.

the "Moore Bills" does not have a 35kt cruise. however it is a very respectable 27kt and an economical fuel burn. id like to say it is some where around 50 gallons an hour, but that is a guess. i think boats like the "playmate" "moore bills" and marli are the best boats for charter fishing for ocean city. they are fast enough to be competitive, big enough to get where they need to go and economical enough to make some money. and let not forget those boats are crewed by some of the best in town.

[d_rehmann]

the "Moore Bills" does not have a 35kt cruise. however it is a very respectable 27kt and an economical fuel burn. id like to say it is some where around 50 gallons an hour, but that is a guess. i think boats like the "playmate" "moore bills" and marli are the best boats for charter fishing for ocean city. they are fast enough to be competitive, big enough to get where they need to go and economical enough to make some money. and let not forget those boats are crewed by some of the best in town.

This was taken directly off the site.

You also cant forget they are pretty bare bones. The Marli is probably one of the dirtiest charter boats; because they fish so much haha

[puroagave]

I guess we should define whether or not this would be a "profitable" charter business (owner operator) or a highly subsidized "write-off" situation for a wealthy owner that just wants to keep his boat running and his captain busy.

Most of the twin C-18 charter boats probably fit into the second category and the single screw boats fit into the first.

The original questions was just really targeting which boat you think is best and why. The profitability of the businesss is a whole different topic.

[d_rehmann]

The original questions was just really targeting which boat you think is best and why. The profitability of the businesss is a whole different topic.

Maybe if it was..

"I am looking at a 55'-60' boat. In the price range of ____"

It would make it a little easier to narrow down.

[james34]

A single screw 55 BC for serious charter fishing