Steiger Craft quality?

[gw204]

All,

My wife an I have recently learned that our family is going to be expanding in early December. I didn't heed B-Faithful's advice and now I've got number 3 on the way...

Anyway, this is going to force us into bigger home, which may require a downgrade to the boat. So, I've started looking around at what's available in the 22' to 24' market. Yesterday, I ran across a few 23' Steiger Crafts which are early to mid '90s models. Now I know Steiger currently has an excellent rep. for building a very durable boat, but does anyone know if the same holds true for their older rigs?

Thanks.

 

[Parker23]

check that the floor is solid and not spongey.

 

[BlueSky]

We came close to buying a 23' Steiger in the early 90s. We went to a factory tour and they were making a good boat back then too. Fiberglass stringers even back then.

There are a few retired guys I know that have been pin-hooking commercially for many years with a 25' Steiger and I believe their boat is an early 90s model. The beat the heck out of that boat and it is still going.

Obvious things to look at closely in an older boat are fuel tank and deck.

Good luck.

 

[B-Faithful]

I told you Brian to see these guys http://www.aaurology.com :lol: :lol:
All kidding aside, 3 is great (once they sleep through the night :shock: )

I cannot speak for the build quality but after checking them out at the AC show, which also had Parkers, the parkers are finished a lot nicer imho. I do like the layout of the 23 Miami with the level deck, open back and bench to port. The 25 though is a very small 25. Remember how small the one that was along side of my boat at Stingrays during the first CBBT trip. I think they were even priced higher than the Parkers too. Looking used they appear to cost less than parker though..

 

[Megabyte]

I like the looks of the extended top on this one.
Pretty boat.

 

[rangerdog]

I came this (Puts index finger and thumb real close to each other) close to getting a 23 Miami when I "discovered" Parker and came into the light.

But I don't think I would have gone wrong had I pulled the Steiger trigger. I wanted a pilot house. I always have since I was but a pup. They look like boats.

GW the choice is, of course, yours but why don't you consider a Parker?

 

[Hugs Tug]

Somewhere in the early 90's Steigercraft went to all glass stringers and a solid glass deck. Great package. Look carefully at the gas tank I know that the tanks they use are epoxy coated .

Pulled the plug on a new 23 Miami last week. Considered the Parker but I like the straight thru walk to the helm and Parker discontinued the I/O option which is what I want.

Delivery should be first week in June. Looking foward to it. The best part is that the factory is only 5 miles from my office so checkiung on progress is easy.

Good luck in your hunt.

Tom

 

[Parker23]

23ft is the hull to have with these boats, couple that to a i/o and i bet it will handle well, 25 ft will bang you around alot more. Yes i have been on both.

 

[gw204]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Rangerdog, I have nothing against Parkers. Heck, look on THT and you'll see me recommend them over Grady's all the time. I just like the hull lines of the Steiger a bit more...and the fact that it's got a level deck. I understand that will make the PH taller and increase the sail effect, but I'm already clumsy enough as it is. I don't need another step to deal with (just ask B-Faithful, I already fell down in his boat).

The one Kev pictured above is one I'm considering (it's a 1990 w/ original 200 Merc.). From the pics I've seen so far, it looks to be very well cared for...but I have yet to actually speak with the owner.

 

[Megabyte]

The one Kev pictured above is one I'm considering (it's a 1990 w/ original 200 Merc.). From the pics I've seen so far, it looks to be very well cared for...but I have yet to actually speak with the owner.

As good as that boat looks, you'd better speak to the owner soon. :wink:

 

[B-Faithful]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

I don't need another step to deal with (just ask B-Faithful, I already fell down in his boat).
.

You have to stop drinking while fishing :wink:

all kidding aside, I pick up the boat on friday from having the deck reg-el coated with a more aggresive non skid. You wont fall this coming Dec

BTW, I think that stieger is trying to be a maycraft 8)

 

[Themis]

Do all the Steigers come with spray rails glued on to the hull?

 

[Parker23]

:lol:

 

[Hugs Tug]

Actually not. Only the newer 25 Chesapeake or Miami models have them as standand.

Steiger has now introduced the 255 Chesapeake with a 21 degree deadrise. Had the opportunity to see the first one out of the mold when I ordered the 23. Big difference from the old because it also has a flat deck the same as the 23. No more step down which for me was a detrement. Too much arthritis in the knees. :evil: :evil: :evil: :evil:

Tom

 

[gw204]

Got an email from the owner tonight...already sold. Oh well....

I've got in inquiry on this '95 Block Island 23' as well.

 

[Hugs Tug]

The Block Islands are a great all around boat also.
Fully open with canvas removed and can easily serve as a fishing or picnic boat.
What kind of power is on it?

Tom

 

[Themis]

gw204,

There is a marina in northern Barnegat Bay, Baywood Marina in Brick NJ, that sells Steigercrafts. I almost bought one from them, and they are swell people. I suggest you give them a call. I remember seeing a few used ones around the place as well, the last time I was puttering around.

 

[Outta Here]

Don't know about the quality, I've never seen one in southeastern US. The Steiger site shows for example less deadrise and less fuel capacity than 23' Parker.

For some reason, Steigers don't sell in SE coastal areas. They had one dealer in (maybe Manteo), seems, according to the Steiger site, that dealer is gone. They have one dealer for all of Florida.

Maybe Steiger is specific to Chesapeake Bay only ?

Seems the commercial build of MayCraft, along with its' relatively low price would be attractive, and easy to sell should you desire in a few years.




(just, please, don't get a Mercury!)

 

[Megabyte]

Maybe Steiger is specific to Chesapeake Bay only ?

Not certain about the rest of the Bay, but they aren't very common in the Annapolis area, at least not yet.

We see Parker, C-Hawk, Maycraft, and Judge, pretty much in that order.
I'm sure there are Steigers in the area now that they are being sold by a dealer on KI, but I can't tell you the last time I actually saw one on the water. Maybe that'll change with the new dealer...

 

[gw204]

Being a NY-built boat, I think they're highly popular in the NE.

Tom,

If I were to go for the BI, it would get a custom hardtop installed. The one pictured currently has a 2-stroke 200 Suzuki, but I would be looking to repower with a single big black 2-stroke. Sorry FishFactory...I've had both Merc and Yam, and Merc has been much better to me.