Commodore or Raider

[Bullhuss]

Hi all,
Just registered and no time like the present to start posting.
I have a Seahog Commodore 2 years now and to be honest I am very happy with it, but lately while surfing the usual boat sale sites the Raider 18 cuddy has caught my attention. All the reviews etc seem to give the Raider the thumbs up. They do seem a bit on the expensive side, but if I was to go for a raider it would have to be second hand. I would appreciate any views or advice any of you guys could throw my way.
Thanks.

P.S excellent web site

[tom1]

Hi bullhuss, welcome aboard i have heard good things about the raider 18 myself and would love one but i cant tell you much about them, but there is a forum member here that has one. The dirty fecker is his name you should drop him a p.m he'll be happy to tell you anything you need to know..

[JOHN1]

luke (aka) the dirty fecker.
has a a raider 18 cuddy boat review on the web just dont know where but well worth a read he gives them a great mention think he runs his with an 80hp mariner 4 stroke very economical according to himself.

drop him a line

[The Austrian]

you can find the review here: http://www.raiderboats.co.uk/reviews.php

[MAC]

Hey Bull Huss,

I'm not sure where your based so it's hard to offer advice. I have the Raider 16 cuddy, which is basically just a smaller version of the 18. The Commodore, is a nice bus as well, but as it is a cathedral hull, it is more prone to slapping in a chop, as there is less V, she is likely to be a little quicker as well, but that will depend on what you are running her with.

It's horses for courses mate, and depending on where you are and the type of fishing you do, it might not get much extra for a large cash outlay.

With the Raider 18 you will get something that is bigger, but not much, should be a softer ride and is well capable of going off shore. It has high gunnels, so fells very secure as well. It will also fish 4 guys..... If you are fishing close in, with 2 guys in fine weather, you might not need any of these extra features.....

Kev

[Bullhuss]

Thanks for the advice and links. I think you have hit the nail on the head Mac, I think I was chomping at the bit after looking at the boat sale sites. I fish on the east coast mainly off Rush and Skerries, Balbriggan and Howth, with the occasional trip down south during the summer months, mainly reef fishing and anchoring on sand banks. When I weigh it all up, I do have a nice outfit at the moment, the commodore is very roomy 17.5 footer, normally three of us fishing, I have a 60 Hp 2 stroke Mariner bigfoot which pushes her along at 25 knots on a calm day, and is comfortable enough in choppy seas at 16-18 knots, so offshore wouldn't be out of the question, I find the Commodore is well able for bad wheather, like the rest of us I have got caught out a couple of times when the wind has got up.
The Raider is a class looking outfit with excellent fuel economy but it is just that little bit on the pricey side for me, but I will be purchasing one down the line, maybe a year or two.

Thanks again lads..

[MAC]

I was thinking the same for you mate.... You'll get a nice bit of extra space with the Raider 18 as she has a 7 foot beam. You will need a bigger lump to get the best of of her and then for economy you will be looking at an 80Hp (min) 4 stroke engine. They are one of the cheeper bigger boats out there, but you will still be putting a nice lump of cash forward for not a lot extra. They are a really nice boat mate..., especially with Sterling the way it is at the moment.

Kev

[BRACKEN]

The raider is a very roomy and stable boat, but are defo a bit on the dear side, compared to the commodore, close call, would love a raider 2 though! think I'll put it on the Christmas wish list

[MAC]

Was waiting for you to Chime in Glen.... Good to see your still about.

Kev

[BRACKEN]

Yeah, still here Kev . just keeping a low profile!

[MAC]

No Hassle..... will pop you a PM later to see how things are.