Quote:
Originally Posted by stob
As an option you may want visit Gibbon's boat yard...Kingfisher is an option, but they have brought in Stabicraft from NZ...which are bomb proof...they are apparently going to set up mfg in Seattle initially with a 19' centre console...worth a look...what do others think of Stabicraft for this gentleman?
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They look cool and all reviews seem to say they are rock solid, well built boats. Stabicrafts are also known to be rough and wet rides. So there is a trade off.
Again, simply because I was doing some serious research last year on these and not necessarily from personal and comparative experience. Some pretty cool boats.
Kingfishers (formerly Harbercraft for many smaller river models) are solid boats, solid reputation in the "river" type hulls but nothing special for big water (larger deeper vees) are less impressive but good boats.
These I have first hand experience with and comparison against other larger big water boats. They are good, and the price is fair for these. Some cheaper options (HEWES) that are comparable to Kingfisher IMO (Mid sized vessels in particular).
There are, of course more premium options but the prices get ridiculous in a hurry (Woolridge, Older Thunder Jets, Kustom Welds).
If you are not fishing big waves and surf (on lakes and inshore) a Stabi is a great choice IMO. Then again, for the average joe any other of the above mentioned are good boats.