poorman parkers

[chillman]

I have been looking around for a boat. I would really like a parker but have also looked at the "poorman Parker" Maycraft. What do you really think of the Maycraft. I know it's not a Parker but it's more in my price range. Looking at the 19 CC. Also to anyone from the southern MD area there was a bare hull sittng on Rt 4 at Coster Rd in Lusby. I called the # but it was the wrong #. Does anyone know anything about it. It seemed like someone was building it locally. I know a company by the name of Thomas built boats near there but I think they are gone. Thanks for any help

 

[CaptainJim]

Not sure about the center consoles.

The pilot houses i do know about, though. I looked at a 23 and a 25 maycraft PH, and although the boats were SIMPLE, i felt that the build quality of the boat itself wasn't quite up to par.

In fact - i preferred to purchase a 17 year old 25 parker rather than get a NEW 25 maycraft - the difference would have been about 15k, but i felt the used parker was a much better boat.

Parkers FEEL solid. I can't explain it.

 

[B-Faithful]

Sea trial both and tell us what you think!

 

[pelagic2530]

i worked on a 28 Maycraft CC that was used for charters. overall, a nice boat, pure fishing machine. my few gripes were: 1. like CaptainJim said, it didnt "feel" like any other 28 CC ive riden, or even like my 25 Parker. that said, it was a fairly decent ride, and pretty dry. but it wasnt a Parker or a Regulator. 2. the fit and finish, like others have said, wasnt great. i didnt really like the design of the console or leaning post. it seemed like the dash space could have been designed better to accomodate the bigger screens i would have had had i owned the boat. the access to the storage inside the leaning post was a joke, you could hardly fit a lifering through the door. 3 more inches and it would have been servicable. 3, and this one is a biggie. NO NONSKID ON THE FLOOR!!! now i will rarely insult a boatbuilders design team directly, but who was the genius who thought of that??? a bit of striper slime and that thing turned into an icerink. i cant count the number of bruises i got from that boat, or the number of passengers that i either caught or helped off the floor. and god help you when it came time to wash the decks. soap suds on a non-nonskid deck? forget about it. Maycraft makes a solid boat at a good price, but thats what it is: a bargain. make sure thats what you want before you buy. if anything, dont rule out Jones Brothers in your sesarch. good luck.

 

[jonas grumby]

I was in the market for a new boat and didn't even look at Parkers because I felt they would be out of the range I was willing to spend. I posted on another boating site about 19' Maycraft center consoles as I had already initiated a deal on one. I recieved an e-mail within a few hours from a local Parker salesman whom happened upon the thread. I called him and he put me in an 1801 Parker for about $2500 more than the Maycraft. My dad has the 19' Maycraft (got a sweet deal on it) and although he is happy with it, there is no comparison between the boats. My Parker is much more solid and its performance proves it. Look around and don't give up on a Parker.

 

[esfishdoc]

I've never heard of anyone having trouble with a Maycraft. If you are looking at used boats consider that as the off season approaches (winter) prices will likely get lower... good for the buyer. Stick with your budget. Don't get impulsive... and don't get hung up on having to have a Parker.

 

[ryanc2]

I've had both, including the one you are looking at (1900 CC). First off, I should say I sold the MayCraft to buy a Parker. There, now that's out of the way.

I'm not going to sit here and compare the pros and cons of each. I will say that being from NC, where both boats are made, each are quality vessels. I put that little MayCraft in spots where a 19' boat should never be, which is mainly why I sold it - needed a bigger boat. You can put a 23' Maycraft in a 23' Parker, however, a 19 Maycraft is the cousin of an 18' Parker. Kenneth May is a good person and stands behind his boat. If you don't think it is a quality build, drive to Smithfield, NC and check out the factory. Then drive to Beaufort and look at Parker's. If this is your first boat, buy the Maycraft and save some coin for when 2-foot itis kicks in...then buy Parker.

If you want my .02, PM me and I will be happy to talk to you about it.

BTW - I sold my Maycraft 3 years after buying it for $100 less than I paid for it. That should tell you something.

 

[TheOtherLine]

BTW - I sold my Maycraft 3 years after buying it for $100 less than I paid for it. That should tell you something.

Yes. It tells me you bought the Maycraft very right and may not have factored in any rehab costs in your calcs.... :roll:

 

[Bubba1448]

My son and I went to both Parker and Maycraft factories this past March on his spring break. Both tours were very informative. They buy the same materials from the same buying co-operative. They are built using the same concepts but in very different ways. Robin Parker conducted the tour at Parker and Mr. May's son gave us the tour at Maycraft. Mr. May spent quite a bit of time with us also. I really belive that Parker has taken traditional construction methods and elevated them to a very high level. The condition of the factory and Quality control is exreme to the MAX! I bought an 1801 Parker. It was 50% more than the 19 Maycraft, but we are very pleased. I had never considered the Parker until an article in Chesapeake Bay Magazine about a light tackle Charter Captain who still uses a 25 ft Parker Sport Cabin he bought new in 1989. I intend to keep this boat for a long time and add an additional larger one in 3-5 years. The longevity is the rational for spending more money. I have a friend who has a Parker from the early 90's and it still looks good and performs well.

 

[ryanc2]

BTW - I sold my Maycraft 3 years after buying it for $100 less than I paid for it. That should tell you something.

Yes. It tells me you bought the Maycraft very right and may not have factored in any rehab costs in your calcs.... :roll:

Thanks. I'll remember to consult you next time I have to calculate a cost basis. :roll:

Chillman, good luck with your purchase.