50,52 or 55

I will be using the boat for offshore fishing most of the time.. what do you guys think?

buy the most boat you can afford and handle. big boat lust aside, check out the insurance rates, marina and travelift rates as well. there might be a big jump in costs between one size and the next costing you many extra thousands each year for the gain of a few feet.

The 50 has a very small cockpit - 92 sq ft I think.

The 55 is a much larger boat than either the 50 or 52 - check the weight and beam. This means serious fuel burn and only moderate speed. My friend's 55 had her 1271's jacked to the max and could hit 27knots but the burned was huge. Also, if you want to repower, it willl be very expensive - you will be looking at C32 and the like.

I think the 52 is a good compromise - plus you can repower with QSM11 - 715's and get good performance and economy.

I'd buy based on engine room....must have full height walk in engine room for me.

I agree with the comment above. I looked at a 50 that was a great deal a few years ago and found the cockpit way too small, you hit the fighting chair when you opened the engine room door.


I like the 52 also.

I just bought a 1987 55' a month ago. Just love it. great fishing boat as well as family boat.

Check out the pictures in the gallery under Habanero.

Mike

55 is the best of the models that you talked about. The 52C is just a 50C streched. If you can pull it off there is a new 50C with C18 engines that has not sold. That can be bought for a still. Contact Jan Boone at Jarrett Bay for pricing. Great boat for the money. I mean a real still. Be sure to tell Jan that I sent you to her.

The 52 with the galley down configuration would be my choice. I currently have a 46. Its a great fishing boat. Only draw back is there is no cockpit engine room access. That and the galley down makes me want to upgrade to a 52....

Captned
MBMM

Assuming that you are considering the older (1982-1988) 50, 52, 55's I can shed some knowledge having spent many hours on both fishing the Bahamas. Both are very good sea boats (heavy) and perform about the same with original power (8v92, 12-71TI's) with fuel burn higher as expected with the 12cylinders.

The 55 with its 17'6" beam vs the 16'4" is indeed BIGGER. The interior volume is very noticeable allowing the 3rd head, higher headroom in the engine room, slightly better outboard access and much more room aft of engines. Major drawback IMHO is the station wagon effect. Expect a wet cockpit in choppy to rough seas at trolling speed. The 52 with its narrower beam is MUCH drier.

Both very stable offshore platforms, well laid out comfortable fishing boats. As mentioned above by St. Tully the 52 with QSM's is a very good performer. Feel free to contact if you have more questions regarding the above models.

I happen to know a 52 for sale that you won't find listed on the internet. It's located in southern NJ and can be purchased real cheap. Boat is basically just showing it's age, but is stock. no hard top, minimal equipment etc.
let me know if interested and I can put you in touch with the owner.

I was leaning to the 52 as well, I truely think you get the best of both worlds with the 52, nice size cockpit and reasonable fuel economy.. thanks to all that replied, please keep'em comming:)

Also does anyone have any performance numbers on a 52 that had been repowered with QSM 715's?

Check my previous posts for info pertaining to the QSM 715 hp installed in my 1986 52' C. If you need more info regarding installation, transmissions, 24 volt system or anything else, please feel free to contact.

There is a pair of new Caterpillars C-15 Acerts cheap on E-bay.
if you set up to 800 HP you save weight and will have a 21+ know boat with decent fuel economy

I really like this Hat.. "Never Say Never" what would guys say its worth?


http://i513.photobucket.com/albums/t...ersaynever.jpg

My brother in law has a real nice 52 up here on the Great Lakes. I'm pretty sure it's for sale. PM me and I'll get you hooked up with him.
Todd