Badfish
Well-known member
I know I'm asking a biased crowd ( :wink: ) but I'm still trying to decide on the right boat for me and I respect your opinions. I've been looking at Parkers for several months now and decided I'd like to get -- in order of preference: 2830, 2530, or 2520.
However, during my "shopping" I took a look at a Mainship 30 Pilot. Completely different animal, I know, but I'm thinking it would suit our needs and give a much more comfortable ride (high on my wife's priority list) and has a cabin more suitable for overnight trips. As for use, it would be 50/50 fishing -- I'd like to go up to 50 miles out in the Gulf -- and general cruising/hanging out.
Obviously, the Parker would be more suitable for fishing. But, my wife would be reluctant to spend the night on it (good excuse to get out on my own though! :wink: ). The Parker would be much faster -- high 20s/low 30s cruise vs. upper teens in the Mainship. It seems like the Mainship would give a better ride in rough seas, and Parkers seem to have a reputation for pounding. But then, if I slowed the Parker down to "Mainship speeds" of 15-18 knots, wouldn't that soften the ride? Finally, the idea of owning an inboard diesel intrigues me. I know nothing about diesels but know they have a reputation for reliability and fuel economy. Finally, while I always admired the classic looks of the Parker pilothouse boats, the Downeast styling of the Mainship is right up there.
What do you guys think? Can you talk me out of this? (I'm also considering an Albin 28 based on DaleH's previous post).
I'll post this on THT also for some "outsider" opinions.
However, during my "shopping" I took a look at a Mainship 30 Pilot. Completely different animal, I know, but I'm thinking it would suit our needs and give a much more comfortable ride (high on my wife's priority list) and has a cabin more suitable for overnight trips. As for use, it would be 50/50 fishing -- I'd like to go up to 50 miles out in the Gulf -- and general cruising/hanging out.
Obviously, the Parker would be more suitable for fishing. But, my wife would be reluctant to spend the night on it (good excuse to get out on my own though! :wink: ). The Parker would be much faster -- high 20s/low 30s cruise vs. upper teens in the Mainship. It seems like the Mainship would give a better ride in rough seas, and Parkers seem to have a reputation for pounding. But then, if I slowed the Parker down to "Mainship speeds" of 15-18 knots, wouldn't that soften the ride? Finally, the idea of owning an inboard diesel intrigues me. I know nothing about diesels but know they have a reputation for reliability and fuel economy. Finally, while I always admired the classic looks of the Parker pilothouse boats, the Downeast styling of the Mainship is right up there.
What do you guys think? Can you talk me out of this? (I'm also considering an Albin 28 based on DaleH's previous post).
I'll post this on THT also for some "outsider" opinions.