[tLaw1]

Who has fished on these boats and knows the pros and cons.

Thank you for your input!

 

[kylet]

Watching. I am very interested in hearing everyone’s unbiased opinion as well.

 

[SomaliPirate]

Watching for potential flame war.

 

[therealdrew]

Hells Bay pros:

It comes with a big dong.

cons:

Possibility of drowning in chicks

 

[kylet]

Out of the 3, only Hells Bay entered and completed the Skiff Challenge. Sure would have been nice to see the others back their boats and complete the challenge.

 

[TheAdamsProject]

Why do we keep doing these? Honestly, if you are from Virginia, call each place, and over the course of a long weekend you can demo all three without a problem. Use the search function and look back at how convoluted all these get between the mud slinging and over selling from owners of each brand etc... If you are going to spend the money it takes to buy one, come to Florida and test drive or reach out to owners of these boats on here as I am sure if you offer to bring beer and some gas money they can give you a real world test. I would certainly do that, but but I don't own one of these three.

 

[Str8-Six]

I considered all these skiffs before buying a hpx 18. I would say that you need to provide more details on where and how you will be using the skiff first. New or used?

 

[bryson]

Watching. I am very interested in hearing everyone’s unbiased opinion as well.

I'm assuming this is sarcasm.

I haven't decided if it would make me happier if I were right or if I were wrong.

 

[SomaliPirate]

Why do we keep doing these? Honestly, if you are from Virginia, call each place, and over the course of a long weekend you can demo all three without a problem. Use the search function and look back at how convoluted all these get between the mud slinging and over selling from owners of each brand etc... If you are going to spend the money it takes to buy one, come to Florida and test drive or reach out to owners of these boats on here as I am sure if you offer to bring beer and some gas money they can give you a real world test. I would certainly do that, but but I don't own one of these three.

But then what would we argue about?

 

[TheAdamsProject]

But then what would we argue about?

Im sure there is a list somewhere. We aren't that one dimensional. HA!

 

[secretsquirrelflyfishing]

I’ve fished all 3 and have friends who own them and it’s not even close Marquesa by a lot. That being said you can use each to good effect. Beavertail’s of a few years ago had many short comings such as concave decks, loosening consoles and other shortcuts taken if you know what to look for. I have heard that newer models are much better quality control and the Elite I’ve been in seemed good.

 

[Finn Maccumhail]

But then what would we argue about?

Better BBQ?

Texas vs. KC vs. Memphis vs. Carolina/etc

 

[Jasonp]

I own a HPX and fish quite a bit on a newer Marquesa. It’s my buddies second Marquesa so I’ve been on both iterations of the boat. For the sake of brevity I’ll keep my opinion to the newer flat transom Marquesas. The HPX is a softer ride and I think they both pole the same and draft the same. The marquesa is quieter all around, into the wind and staked out with the wind at your back. The trim tab pockets on the HPX make it sound like a tug boat when tied off to the pole. Fit and finish is the Marquesa, hands down all day. Customer service also goes to HB, if you have an issue with your HPX you’re at the mercy of the dealer. With all that being said I think you can get a HPX for $10-$15K less than a Marquesa. The new prices I don’t know first hand so take that for what it’s worth.

 

[SomaliPirate]

Better BBQ?

Texas vs. KC vs. Memphis vs. Carolina/etc

Carolina all the way.

 

[EvanHammer]

Carolina all the way.

I feel bad you've never gotten to visit Texas.

 

[Rick hambric]

Carolina all the way.

Y’all forgot the best of them all... GEORGIA Q!!!

 

[mtoddsolomon]

Y’all forgot the best of them all... GEORGIA Q!!!

You mean genuine imitation Carolina bbq?

 

[Godzuki86]

Can we have another subsection made? Call it boat battles. We can put all the exhibit A boat vs exihibit B boat threads in it.

 

[Rick hambric]

You mean genuine imitation Carolina bbq?

no sir, we take the best parts of everyone and created the best Q there ever was and will be!!

 

[MariettaMike]

Who has fished on these boats and knows the pros and cons.

I’ve fished from all three.

There is a Marquesa vs 18 HPX-V thread that beat that horse pretty good. Look at creekrunner’s posts.

As for the BT Vengeance I think its a different class boat due to wide flat bottom with pocket tunnel.
PRO: aircraft carrier stable, shallower draft, can run pretty shallow
CON: rides like a flat bottom, harder to pole, slower performance