Orkney Day Angler 20

**MarieK** · 16-04-2005, 09:43

Hi there,

I am new to the group and was wondering if you guys own an Orkney Day Angler or have experience of them?

I am hoping to upgrade to one shortly but was reading that a few of you guys have Pilothouse 620 boats, could you make a comparison?

Thanks in advance

MarieK

**fish force** · 17-04-2005, 01:49

Hi Folks,
I'm in a similar position, thinking of trading up from an Alaska 500. I still want something I can tow but would like a little extra comfort and safety on trips further afield. I'm looking at things like the Leeward 18 and the Day Angler. Anyone any experience of the Leeward?
Don't know what criteria was used to pick the sample of boats reviewed in Sea Angler last month but I for one would welcome a more comprehensive guide, say all boats reviewed in the last 4 years.

flounder_al · 17-04-2005, 12:48

I love the shape of the Leeward. Its one of the boats that has made it onto my short list along with the Explorer Elite and Commadore

**fish force** · 17-04-2005, 13:54

I remember the reviews were really good when the Leeward came out. I think Dave Lewis said it was as good as any boat in its class.
I've only seen one on the water but it looked very impressive, stable and dry. and from what I've seen they have plenty deck space. Not cheap though.
Anyone out there got one?

**codanchor** · 27-04-2005, 02:14

i like you love the shape of the leeward so much so ive just driven 200 miles from norfolk to gosport to have a real good look at one ,actually arranged for me by andrew scott leewards agent in gosport , we took it out into the solent, the boat named moonshine is powered by a yamaha 100 hp outboard & is actually for sale ,if any body whants details please let me knowcodanchor@aol.com , conditions were quite smooth unfortunatly but she handled very well and i was very impressed, the full wheel house is one of the main plus,s full head room and loads of space with 3 in the wheel house it still felt spacious, deck space is also good ,plenty of room for three anglers ,four would be a bit tight, i am drawn to the inboard version rather than the outboard , it is not a cheap option but after seeing and trialing one ,the build quality is superb a lot of thought has gone into these boats and i will be ordering one by early may , if anybody whants a warrior 165 with a mariner 75 hp including a factory fitted fly bridge gps plotter fish finder and all the bells and whistles and only done under 70 hours since new,please feel free to email me for photos etc she is in super condition and would be a very good buy

**Jon Law** · 27-04-2005, 11:34

It was always my dream to get a Leeward 18c with an inboard. I spent five years thinking of the pro's and cons and was almost sold on them .............. until I saw the Pirate MI21, yes it was more expensive and 2' longer but its a boat I'm sure I will never grow out of, never need to upgrade. I got to thinking about cabin space, the Leeward just wasn't quite big enough for the money. No option to sleep aboard if required (pirate 2 x 6'6" berths) and the freeboard wasn't brilliant.

I still believe it to be a great boat but at the price, they are not cheap. Just have a think "in 5 years will I be still happy ? will I be wanting more".

**ChrisP** · 27-04-2005, 11:57

I feel the same as John and codanchor about our respective boats. I liked the look of them all and they all offer different things. It is a case of pays your money, takes your choice. My Quicksilver is what I wanted but may not fit the bill for you.

I think you have to do your own research, get out on them, have a day fishing, not the usual test demo two up in calm weather. Make a shortlist and try them all, one will stand out.

If anyone is thinking of a Quicksilver with 90hp and you want a day to give it a propper trial mine is in North Wales if you are prepared to travel, I will take you out on it for a day. If you are travelling a distance I have a static caravan in the garden if you need to get your head down. There is a Quicksilver dealership 30 min drive away from me where I bought mine and they did me a good deal, if you want to try a new one or a different model\ engine combo you could arrange that at the same time as trying mine out if you want.

**fish force** · 27-04-2005, 12:08

From what I can tell the money's in the build. Having spoken to a few people they seem to rate it as one of the few boats with a build quality that makes it suitable for some tough commercial use.
Isn't there an option available for twin berths / toilet / cooker etc. ?
Ive been thinking about the full wheelhouse option and my only negative point is not being able to see the sonar, useful when drifting over wrecks. Any thoughts?
Where has the Pirate been reviewed lately? I'll certainly check it out.
What was the fuel economy / speed like with the 100hp?
Any of you catching just now? I haven't been able to get out for a couple of months!! Hopefully that'll change in the next couple of weeks.

**ChrisP** · 27-04-2005, 12:18

You could fit a repeater screen for your fishfinder wherever you wanted it on the deck or fit the screen where you can see it from the wheelhouse door.

**Jon Law** · 27-04-2005, 15:17

Build quality and materials seem to be excellent on the Leeward and also with the Orkney's I guess, although I havent checked out the 'Day Anglers' in great detail due to not liking the deck setup.

I have the basic plans somewhere for a Leeward 23' which was being built, I'm not sure how they got on with that, I havent seen them advertised anywhere yet.

As Chris says, we all have slightly different priorities, so different boats suit different people and their local conditions. No boat is perfect and you will always have to compromise to some extent.

After build quality/materials my priority was usable deck space, the Leeward has a lovely clear deck, no moulded forward facing seats (which to me are a complete waste of good space). A smooth quick ride, was high on the wish list. I will upset some people here but a lot of new boats over here now, are built with much calmer, warmer seas in mind, its very rarely like the Med in N Wales ! thats why I picked a british design, for our waters.

One thing is for sure, there seem to be a hell of a lot of boat builders vying for our business, so the more homework you do the safer your money will be.