Build quality

[phebus]

Of all the west coast builders, who do you feel does the best build.
My takes are:
1. Schiada
2. DCB
3. Howard
4. E-Ticket
5. Eliminator
All brand loyalty aside, what's other's takes?

[ratso]

Trident...

[Baja Big Dog]

Pierce Arrow

[OCMerrill]

Of all the west coast builders, who do you feel does the best build.
My takes are:
1. Schiada
2. DCB
3. Howard
4. E-Ticket
5. Eliminator
All brand loyalty aside, what's other's takes?
I would add...
6. Laveycraft
7. Conquest

[OCMerrill]

Trident...
Now were going at least 10 pages:eek: :D

[djunkie]

Of all the west coast builders, who do you feel does the best build.
My takes are:
1. Schiada
2. HOWARD
3. DCB
4. E-Ticket
5. Eliminator
All brand loyalty aside, what's other's takes?
Now this is better. :D :D

[Singleton]

The 5 documented above, but then I woudl add
Ultra
I can see this topic going on for pages once everyone gets back online tonight or tomorrow

[phebus]

I almost didn't put Eliminator on my list, because it seems that they have two types of builds, their "production" type custom boat, and their over the top, sick custom with all the bells and whistles, and super rigging.

[OCMerrill]

I almost didn't put Eliminator on my list, because it seems that they have two types of builds, their "production" type custom boat, and their over the top, sick custom with all the bells and whistles, and super rigging.
I thought of Nordic the same way...then again Laveycraft kind of does that too.
So your list is pretty accurate...

[jbtrailerjim]

DCB.
I don't know what I would put after DCB but they are way (IMO) ahead everyone else. Their boats are just unreal.

[phebus]

Trident...
I have gone down to Trident, and seen what Wes is doing, and the build quality is top notch, but I don't feel you can judge build quality on the strength of two boats.

[Kilrtoy]

I can see no one must be in havisu SHIT STARTER

[phebus]

I can see no one must be in havisu SHIT STARTER
That would be shit stirrer to you mister :D
Actually, I really like threads like this, so I can get the feeling of what others think about the different manufacturers quality.
For example, I think Schiada is number one by a long shot, and their work borders on art, yet someone else just stated they thought DCB was number one and that everythone else was far behind.

[phebus]

I'm off to dinner at the Horseshoe, and I'm curious what this thread will look like when I get back.
I hope it doesn't turn into bashing, and I hope that everyone isn't brand loyal, and gives credit where credit is due.

[burtandnancy2]

I wonder who won top award for quality built boat of the year? Not on the above list. Who else could it be? They've won many times before. Its on the tip of my tongue. Had some fabulous boats in the show. Someone should know...

[djunkie]

I hope it doesn't turn into bashing,
Your such a liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:devil: :devil:

[djunkie]

I wonder who won top award for quality built boat of the year? Not on the above list. Who else could it be? They've won many times before. Its on the tip of my tongue. Had some fabulous boats in the show. Someone should know...
I was impreesed with the boats that Prime Marine had on display. I'm sure more than half the people in here didn't even waste a minute on them.

[djunkie]

they need to add some color besides red:D
Yes that Herbst Schiada was over the top. I'm not a huge fan of red but that sure caught my attention for a while. BUT........I believe Schiada did not put that boat together so I don't think they should get all the honors for it. :D

[jbtrailerjim]

DCB.
I don't know what I would put after DCB but they are way (IMO) ahead everyone else. Their boats are just unreal.
I put a little more thought into it now.
My list would be:
DCB
Schiada
Howard
Hallett
Eliminator
Lavey Craft
Ultra
Cobra
Essex
Shockwave
Conquest
Nordic
Magic/Sleek
I know there is more west coast builders but these are probably the only ones I'd own.

[little rowe boat]

Not in any specific order.
Howard
Hallett
Schiada

[TheCarDudes]

Howard :D

[mrs.rvrluvr]

our list
1. SCHIADA
2. DCB
The rest
how can you not put Schiada at the top of any list. They truely are the most beautiful boat ever put on the water.....
Look at the Terribles boat in the lobby the only flaw we could find was in the casting for the trany. That boat is the epitomy of perfection..

[djunkie]

our list
1. SCHIADA
2. DCB
The rest
how can you not put Schiada at the top of any list. They truely are the most beautiful boat ever put on the water.....
Look at the Terribles boat in the lobby the only flaw we could find was in the casting for the trany. That boat is the epitomy of perfection..
I agree that they are the best. But like I said earlier I don't think Schiada rigged the Herbst Boat.

[mrs.rvrluvr]

I agree that they are the best. But like I said earlier I don't think Schiada rigged the Herbst Boat.
Rigging aside look at the quality of the hull, floors etc WOW what a bitchen boat

[Parker Dreamin]

Cobra in the top 5 for sure...

[Southwest47]

What does everyone think about the Domin8tor line. I have a Lavey now, but am considering the Domin8tor 25' deck for my next boat in a couple years.
BTW...Nothing bad to say about Lavey, but their deck is way out of my price range.:(

[djunkie]

Rigging aside look at the quality of the hull, floors etc WOW what a bitchen boat
Yes I agree. Their hulls are a wrok of art. And the rigging on that Herbst boat made it over the top.

[Pussywhippled]

I just have a question...
Why is everybody so gaga over the new Ultra 26 deck boat?
I'm no afficianado, I only have an Eliminator, by the way have you seen them lately?
But it is 2007 and most all of the blingin boats have the fiberglass innerliner.
Why all the hype for a 2007 boat that has (from what I've seen) an all carpet floor?
Is it the in-be-tween-er size of the thing or am I misisng something?
Not bashin at all, just curious.
Please edumacate an idiot...

[INSman]

I have never had any interest in Schiada, so I would say:
DCB
OL
Skater
Cigarette
Nortech
Howard
Eliminator
Cobra
Shockwave
Laveycraft
E-Ticket
Conquest
I know that I threw a few East Coat mfg's in ther, but what the heck.

[Pussywhippled]

I know that I threw a few East Coat mfg's in ther, but what the heck.
Sorry to say but my next boat WILL be an east coast mfg...

[INSman]

Sorry to say but my next boat WILL be an east coast mfg...
Don't be sorry, I love the 33' and 37' Active Thunders ;)

[Pussywhippled]

Don't be sorry, I love the 33' and 37' Active Thunders ;)
I know... I'm on OSO too...

[mrs.rvrluvr]

:jawdrop: How about the Power Boat Inc. Deck boat. There's a thang of bu T. :D
Wow that thing looks like it could hold 30 people, with only 3 cup holders:confused:
Did anyone get a laugh (I mean) look at that thing WOW :eek: :eek:

[phebus]

O.K. enough brand loyalty with the Cobra and Shockwave votes, let's get serious here. I think the rule should be that whatever you own, can't be on your list.
Seriously now, top west coast boats.

[Kilrtoy]

O.K. enough brand loyalty with the Cobra and Shockwave votes, let's get serious here. I think the rule should be that whatever you own, can't be on your list.
Seriously now, top west coast boats.
Ultra is really steping it up, as is Cobra.
Lavey has always been there
Howard hallet , that goes with out saying
Schiada is always at the top

[Riverkid]

I only took pictures of the Schiada's, the sick Prime Time boats, and just one DCB pic...:)

[phebus]

Ultra is really steping it up, as is Cobra.
Lavey has always been there
Howard hallet , that goes with out saying
Schiada is always at the top
I agree Ultra and Cobra are really stepping up and making some really nice boats, but I don't think I would put them in the company of Schiada, DCB, and the likes.

[BADBLOWN572]

Schiada
DCB
Howard
Hallet
I do have to say that I was surprised by both Ultra and Cobra. They definitely look like they are on top of their game. :) Their products look great.

[INSman]

O.K. enough brand loyalty with the Cobra and Shockwave votes, let's get serious here. I think the rule should be that whatever you own, can't be on your list.
Seriously now, top west coast boats.
At least I did't put my brand anywhere near the top 5, not that I could in all seriousness anyway even though I really do like my boat. :)

[jbtrailerjim]

Schiada
DCB
Howard
Hallet
I do have to say that I was surprised by both Ultra and Cobra. They definitely look like they are on top of their game. :) Their products look great.
I was surprised by Ultra and Cobra also. They both have really stepped up their quality. They both continue to bring nicer boats to the show every year.

[djunkie]

I was surprised by Ultra and Cobra also. They both have really stepped up their quality. They both continue to bring nicer boats to the show every year.
I agree. I was never really a fan of Ultra but they have really come a long ways with there boats. I really liked the new 26 deck.

[Pussywhippled]

How come nobody can never spell Hallett correctly?
Good thing Dave's Custom Boats is just DCB for the people who can't spell but can afford them...

[Mtg Pro]

I'm off to dinner at the Horseshoe, and I'm curious what this thread will look like when I get back.
I hope it doesn't turn into bashing, and I hope that everyone isn't brand loyal, and gives credit where credit is due.
Senior discount ????

[Racer277]

After seeing the boats at the CP and V-drive Regatta's, it's hard to be impressed by the rigging of the boats at the show.
The Schiada's had nice attention to detail, the others are all covered in fiberglass.

[yamamoto]

I know this sounds stupid, but can somebody explain to me why one builder is better than the other. Is it the type of fiberglass, aluminum or stainless trim, thickness of the hull? Because I have seen many boats with very pretty gelcoat jobs, but when you look under the dash or behind a speaker, the manufacturer just screws hardware right into the fiberglass and not into a metal backing plate. I think that many people associate flashy with quality.

[Uniqueperformancewest]

What about the adrenaline's they have an awesome build quality and fitment and just curious as to what everyone thinks they weren't mentioned at all on this list. And I guess its partly because they're an east coast builder but still they have a very high quality product to offer, definetly something new to throw out here on the west coast.
John
Unique Performance West, Inc.

[dumbandyoung]

bayliner

[C-2]

So has anybody seen a new Schiada on the water, or they only found in museums?, lol
I've seen that Schiada Supertanker, but none of the 24'(?), $130K jobbies.
Does anybody actually own one?

[4DAY4PLAY]

Commander

[mbrown2]

DCB and Schiada in no particular order....

[BoneDaddy]

I know this sounds stupid, but can somebody explain to me why one builder is better than the other. Is it the type of fiberglass, aluminum or stainless trim, thickness of the hull? Because I have seen many boats with very pretty gelcoat jobs, but when you look under the dash or behind a speaker, the manufacturer just screws hardware right into the fiberglass and not into a metal backing plate. I think that many people associate flashy with quality.
Oh no you di.int!
You might be confusing manufactured quality with a custom build.:o

[SHOTKALLIN]

What does everyone think about the Domin8tor line. I have a Lavey now, but am considering the Domin8tor 25' deck for my next boat in a couple years.
BTW...Nothing bad to say about Lavey, but their deck is way out of my price range.:(
I think the Domn8r 25 deck is the deal of the century for 75K with an HO. Maybe that was a boat show only price. Domn8r is really going the extra mile IMHO. I am impressed. In the 25-26' deck I would have to test drive the Domn8r, the 26 Ultra 86k with HO, and the Cobra 26 deck 86K with the mag. As for the performance those other two better blow the mufflers off the Domn8r, or it would not even be a tough decision. Domn8r has a 28 deck in the new powerboat this month.

[SHOTKALLIN]

I just have a question...
Why is everybody so gaga over the new Ultra 26 deck boat?
I'm no afficianado, I only have an Eliminator, by the way have you seen them lately?
But it is 2007 and most all of the blingin boats have the fiberglass innerliner.
Why all the hype for a 2007 boat that has (from what I've seen) an all carpet floor?
Is it the in-be-tween-er size of the thing or am I misisng something?
Not bashin at all, just curious.
Please edumacate an idiot...
I think it has sick lines. That orange one at the show made me Jizz on myself.:D I do see your point about the innerliner though.

[SHOTKALLIN]

O.K. enough brand loyalty with the Cobra and Shockwave votes, let's get serious here. I think the rule should be that whatever you own, can't be on your list.
Seriously now, top west coast boats.
I think Cobra deserves to be there. I think Shockwave makes a great boat but imho they dont make that list. They are nice boats but I have never seen one that made me Jizz on myself.:D

[SHOTKALLIN]

I know this sounds stupid, but can somebody explain to me why one builder is better than the other. Is it the type of fiberglass, aluminum or stainless trim, thickness of the hull? Because I have seen many boats with very pretty gelcoat jobs, but when you look under the dash or behind a speaker, the manufacturer just screws hardware right into the fiberglass and not into a metal backing plate. I think that many people associate flashy with quality.
:rolleyes: Here we go again. Listen newbee. First off, No questions until you post a pic of your HOTWIFE or girlfriend. Its rule #17 of the disclaimer that you agreed too when you registered.
Now back to your question. I will answer it AFTER you post that pic. ;)

[SHOTKALLIN]

Oh no you di.int!
You might be confusing manufactured quality with a custom build.:o
Yes he did:D ....You Know I cant tell the diference between a Four Winns and a Cobalt either :confused:

[SHOTKALLIN]

Nobody said Force??? Force is definitely on this list.

[Kilrtoy]

Nobody said Force??? Force is definitely on this list.
REALLY:idea:

[SHOTKALLIN]

How many E-tickets are floatin out there?

[BoneDaddy]

Yes he did:D ....You Know I cant tell the diference between a Four Winns and a Cobalt either :confused:
You know they go together like peas and carrots! :D

[Kilrtoy]

How many E-tickets are floatin out there?
When they only build two a year, I would say about 10 so far

[SHOTKALLIN]

I'm not knockin them....just never seen one. They look huge:D

[SHOTKALLIN]

Domn8r said they lay up the E-tickets....and they use the same gel guy. Thats why they have the same gel graffics on thier deck as the E-ticket. I like The Domn8r line. They are making a NAME for themselves.

[Kilrtoy]

I'm not knockin them....just never seen one. They look huge:D
They are .
I remember when we were out in one in Jan and it started raining. We stuck three adult women and 2 children in the stoarge cabinet and hauled azz from the sandbar back to the channel. they were all comfortable in there also.
They are huge

[SHOTKALLIN]

Hmmmm stabin cabin?:D

[Tequila-John]

What is a Cobra?

[boatnam2]

went to change out my light pole i busted last summer on my lavey a couple of weeks ago..i know it dosent tell you how the boat is built but it was through bolted with 3 stainless bolts and s.s. ny-lok nuts so if there willing to put my light pole in like it has to last 30 years im sure the rest is good to go and would venture to say some on the list arent built this way.

[C-2]

went to change out my light pole i busted last summer on my lavey a couple of weeks ago..i know it dosent tell you how the boat is built but it was through bolted with 3 stainless bolts and s.s. ny-lok nuts so if there willing to put my light pole in like it has to last 30 years im sure the rest is good to go and would venture to say some on the list arent built this way.
That what I was wondering too. Many of the boat manufacturers are still relatively new and don't have any boats on the water past the 10 year old mark.
Can you imagine buying a *great looing* boat and seeing it fall to pieces in 5 years, with another 15 years remaining on the loan.
Oh wait, this is HB, everybdoy buys their homes and toys cash. Nevermind.:jawdrop: :jawdrop:

[voodoomedman]

I think it has sick lines. That orange one at the show made me Jizz on myself.:D I do see your point about the innerliner though.
There are 3 different inner liners available for the Ultra Deck I believe. The first ones were built without them so the ones at the show may have just been pre-inner liner builds.

[yamamoto]

Oh no you di.int!
You might be confusing manufactured quality with a custom build.:o
I'll be the first to admit I am ignorant about the differences between the custom boat builders. I know there are huge differences between manufactured boat builders, so I am assuming the same would only apply to the custom builders.

[ULTRA26 # 1]

There are 3 different inner liners available for the Ultra Deck I believe. The first ones were built without them so the ones at the show may have just been pre-inner liner builds.
Mine, which was the 1st 26 deck built by Ultra, is partially innerlined. From the steering wheel forward, there is an inner liner with snap in carpet.

[blackcloud75]

So has anybody seen a new Schiada on the water, or they only found in museums?, lol
I've seen that Schiada Supertanker, but none of the 24'(?), $130K jobbies.
Does anybody actually own one?
24'r...........I do.....
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/520/1453schiada.JPG

[rivercrazy]

Because I have seen many boats with very pretty gelcoat jobs. I think that many people associate flashy with quality.
BINGO..........

[Throttle]

mmm, you know what I have to say about this rick... you would not have to ask these stupid questions if you would step away from the f'n bar and come to the boat show... u coulda seen 4 yourself...
by the way, hope your back if feelin better...

[Singleton]

I think it has sick lines. That orange one at the show made me Jizz on myself.:D I do see your point about the innerliner though.
The new Ultra 26 deck has an innerliner. Ultra started using it a few months ago. The first few out of the mold do no, or if you change up the seating in the boat you might not be able to use it.

[superdave013]

Yes I agree. Their hulls are a wrok of art. And the rigging on that Herbst boat made it over the top.
yes it's off the hook but so are the Schiada rigged ones too. Here is Lee's 21 from last years show.
http://www.***boat.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104653

[mxbundy]

That what I was wondering too. Many of the boat manufacturers are still relatively new and don't have any boats on the water past the 10 year old mark.
Can you imagine buying a *great looing* boat and seeing it fall to pieces in 5 years, with another 15 years remaining on the loan.
Oh wait, this is HB, everybdoy buys their homes and toys cash. Nevermind.
LOL! That is the quote of the year:D :D :D
bundy

[Kilrtoy]

Oh wait, this is HB, everybdoy buys their homes and toys cash. Nevermind.
Atleast that is what everyone wants you to believe:eek:

[Havasu_Dreamin]

I know this sounds stupid, but can somebody explain to me why one builder is better than the other. Is it the type of fiberglass, aluminum or stainless trim, thickness of the hull? Because I have seen many boats with very pretty gelcoat jobs, but when you look under the dash or behind a speaker, the manufacturer just screws hardware right into the fiberglass and not into a metal backing plate. I think that many people associate flashy with quality.
You are absolutely correct. Just about everyone uses the same resin and the same fiberglass. But it is the way they use it and how they lay it up and the additional things they use, balsa coring the hull, foam coring in the hull, the quality of the hardware that is used. How they actually build the boat.
If a consumer is price shopping there are some builders that can't be compared to each other because they are constructed in such a different manner even though the boats may be essentially same in terms of use and function.....

[vegas36cat]

in no order...you said west coast right??
Hallett
Howard
DCB
Schiada
Spectre

[2forcefull]

it kinda like a resturant, they all use beef, but some do a better job preparing

[little rowe boat]

it kinda like a resturant, they all use beef, but some do a better job preparing
Some don't rush to turn out as many boats as they possibly can. They put quality before quantity.

[boatnam2]

i dont buy the whole they only build a few,what does that have to do with anything.it comes down to there work force...and material and hardware used.

[BADBLOWN572]

i dont buy the whole they only build a few,what does that have to do with anything.it comes down to there work force...and material and hardware used.
Agreed 100% that a big manufacturer can stay on top of quality provided that their work force can keep up with the current demand. When you start pushing people to get one boat out the door because another one is coming in, you end up cutting corners.
Most people don't want to staff up because unfortunately the boating industry is a very seasonal business. During the summer you are slammed. Winter it is dead. No owner wants to be the bad guy and lay his workers off during the winter. They would rather work them harder during the summer and let them make the O.T.
It is not impossible to do it with the big boys, but it sure makes having a small shop much easier to run.