In a quandary

Destroyer · #1 10-22-2011, 05:57 PM

I have a bit of a problem. I'm in love with 2 different boats, and I can only afford one of them. Given the preceeding statement I'm asking for opinions... Which one of the 2 would you choose, and why? I've spoken to both owners already, and both are available, and both are for sale at the same price, so price isn't part of the equation. One is a Steiger Craft 21' and the other is the "pricey" V21' that I made a previous post about. Although I have my own opinions and I'm probably going to buy one of them I'd really like to know what others are thinking.

http://longisland.craigslist.org/boa/2662455184.html

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/boa/2631185376.html

willy · #2 10-22-2011, 06:40 PM

Tough call my friend. Both are fine boats.
The steigercraft is definetly a better built boat all around. More of a commercial style construction.
The V21 will have more room cockpit wise and I believe a slight edge in freeboard(gunnel height) but not by much.
The pilot house for me would be the game changer, a lot more practical, quiet and comfortable than the V21 canvas, especially one that high, and I like looking through glass much more than vinyl windows.
The only glitch to me is whether i want the harder maintenance of a I/O. For me personally I like it because of the enclosed transom and would deal with it.
The V21 would be the one if you want to stay outboard of course and it looks to be a sweet one.
I think it will have more comfortable seating(slightly) and a live well which I did not see on the Steiger.
Now for what I know about the steiger hulls, look for a similar ride to what you have in a V. A little more solid in a chop as far as feel and noise thru the hull but I have been told they tend to get a little squirmy in a strong following sea. They are tough hulls though, I dont think overall there will be a big difference in ride quality, neither will be cutting thru a true three foot chop. The V will be faster, probably by a good ten miles per hour. If skiing and wakeboarding is your thing it would be a better hull.
Your call buddy, both are nice boats, define your wishes and go for it.
and take me out with you!

Hedge · #3 10-22-2011, 06:50 PM

I love both options but personally I would choose the Steiger. Personally I prefer the closed cabin.

captpete13 · #4 10-22-2011, 07:21 PM

The Steiger is cool but I don't know about the Volvo power. Parts are expensive and dealers are not as readily available. I guess I'm partial to the V21. Good power, good boat, nice enclosure.

spareparts · #5 10-22-2011, 08:24 PM

the Steiger is pretty cool, but figure to be ready and throw at least $2000 at that motor to get it up to shape, I'd check it over real good, I can't remember which Volvo engine is used in the 190, 4.3 maybe? Either way, a stern drive boat can have a lot of hidden issues that aren't readily seen. Make sure you get a good mechanic to check out either one regardless of which one you chose. Used to be the outboards were the cheap way to go if re-powering, I just priced a new 225 Yamaha(the old series) from my supplier, I'd have to sell it for $15,500, plus another $1000 in harness, controls, key switch panel, etc. If the current V you have fits your needs size wise, the V21 is the way to go. But if you like the idea of a closed pilot house, I'd go after the Steiger

aussie · #6 10-22-2011, 09:38 PM

i think if you tell us guys what u are going to use the boat mainly for would make it easier to give advice and what tow rig you have and were it will be stored all this makes choosing a boat easier

nipper · #7 10-22-2011, 10:03 PM

I hate to say it, but I think I am liking the Steigercraft over the V21. I think Aussie and others are right though that you might get better feedback if we know your style of boating. I am picking the Steiger based on assumption that you will use the boat primarily for ocean fishing and just cruising around, and not on skiing, tubing, etc. I am also assuming that the Steiger cabin is a walkaround.

Curapa · #8 10-22-2011, 10:42 PM

I am not a fan of inboards but I like the Steiger. No offense to you inboard V owners!

charlie_the_tuna · #9 10-22-2011, 11:12 PM

hey destroyer, my buddy has the same boat as the steiger but he has the outboard. i've fished it more than a handful of times and i have to say it is the smallest 21 footer i've ever been on. it's a nice little boat but i guarantee the V has more room.
and try to get up on the bow of that thing. maybe i'm bias but i'd go with the V. even my V had more room and it was an I/O. if you're gonna fish more than two on the steiger it's tighter than sh!t.
go with the V

chumbucket · #10 10-23-2011, 06:01 AM

The pilot house of the Steiger has me drooling. After the initial drool, I'm saying the V21. As much as I like that Steiger's pilot house and easy cabin access, I don't like red hulls. I don't like the fact that the motor hasn't run in three years. I don't like the low freeboard of the Steiger's. I have always heard they are a rough ride, but it does have trim tabs. Not that the Wellcrafts are the best riding boat, but I think it would be better than the Steiger and also have more room.
As much as I like the style of the Steiger, for me there are too many unknowns. Especially how it will handle sloppy seas and the condition of the motor. V21
Good luck with your decision Destroyer.