Cape Craft Boats: Are They Worth The Hype?

Cape Craft boats are a good choice for those seeking a well-built, tough, and competitively priced boat. They are known for their heavy construction and stability in the water, making them suitable for fishing and diving excursions. The boats are also said to handle well in rough seas and following swells. However, some owners have reported issues with underpowering and staining on the plastic composite deck material. Overall, Cape Craft boats offer a solid option for boaters seeking a reliable and sturdy vessel, particularly at their price point.

Cape Craft boats are well-built, solid, and tough

One owner reports that their Cape Craft boat is very solid and basic, though it is a fairly wet ride in anything more than light chop. They also note that it is a great little boat for one or two people, but struggles with more weight. Another owner says that their Cape Craft is the best-handling boat they have ever owned and that it is amazing how well it handles crossing wakes, following seas, and chop. They also note that the transom is 3" thick.

Overall, Cape Craft boats are well-built, solid, and tough, offering good value for the price.

They are good for fishing and can take a beating

Cape Craft boats are well-regarded for their sturdy construction and ability to withstand challenging conditions, making them a good choice for fishing enthusiasts. They are known for their heavy-duty construction, which gives owners peace of mind when navigating through rough seas or choppy waters.

One owner describes their Cape Craft as a "good solid boat" that is "built tough and can take a beating." This aligns with the experience of another user who has taken their Cape Craft out for fishing and diving excursions for decades, attesting to its durability and ability to handle waves. The boat's sturdy hull, with a 24-degree deadrise, contributes to its stability and capacity to navigate waves with ease.

The Cape Craft's robust construction also extends to its engine and components. Some models feature a laminated wood stringer system that is guaranteed for life, providing peace of mind for owners. The boat's engine options, such as the Optimax, are praised for their fuel efficiency and throttle response, making them reliable choices for extended fishing trips.

In addition to its durability, the Cape Craft's design also considers comfort and functionality. The boat's layout sets up well for fishing, with features like rod holders and a spacious console providing convenience and ease of movement. While some owners note that the boat could benefit from additional storage options, overall, the Cape Craft is well-regarded for its utility and performance in fishing contexts.

Overall, Cape Craft boats are an excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts seeking a sturdy and reliable vessel. Their robust construction, ability to handle rough seas, and functional design make them well-suited for fishing adventures, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

They are underpowered but their light weight makes up for it

Cape Craft boats are a good choice for those seeking a well-built and affordable option. While they may be underpowered in terms of numbers, their lightweight build makes up for it, ensuring efficient performance. The boats offer a fairly dry ride and are stable, even in rough seas.

One notable feature of Cape Craft boats is their heavy construction and well-fitted design. They are known for their sturdy build, able to withstand tough conditions and take a beating. The hulls are also fairly heavy, with a 24-degree deadrise, contributing to their stability and ability to handle waves.

The Cape Craft boats' lightweight construction means they are easily driven by lower horsepower motors. For example, a 17-foot Cape Craft with a 70 horsepower engine can reach speeds of about 41 miles per hour with just one person on board. This setup may struggle a bit with additional passengers, but it is still adequate for casual cruising or fishing trips.

The boats also come with impressive warranties. For instance, some models offer a lifetime warranty on the stringer, transom, and floor, providing peace of mind for owners.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. One issue mentioned by owners is the deck material, which is a plastic composite that can easily hold dirt and stains. Additionally, some older models with wooden components may be prone to rotting or waterlogging, impacting their performance and safety.

Overall, Cape Craft boats offer a good balance of performance, stability, and affordability. While they may be underpowered compared to some other boats, their lightweight construction ensures efficient operation, making them a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and well-built vessel.

They have a fairly dry ride and are stable

Cape Craft boats have a fairly dry ride and are stable. One user who works at a dealer for Cape Craft boats says that they are "underpowered in terms of numbers but the light weight makes up for it." They also note that they have never been in rough seas in one, so they can't comment on that type of ride. Another user who bought a 17ft Cape Craft in 2006 says that it "rides pretty good and is dry."

One user who had a Cape Craft 22CC with a 2008 Optimax 150 engine says that it is the "best handling boat I've ever owned, following seas, ocean swells and chop." They also note that the boat is very solid and that the transom is 3" thick.

However, one user who had a Cape Craft 15 describes it as a dangerous boat and says that they came close to swamping it a number of times in not that big of a swell. They also note that it was like someone was throwing a bucket of water in my face on every wave. Another user who had a 2005 Cape Craft 15CC describes it as a fairly wet ride in anything more than light chop.

They are good boats at their price point

Cape Craft boats are good vessels at their price point. They are well-built, heavy, and solidly constructed. The boats are said to be tough and able to withstand a beating. They are also fairly dry and stable, with a good ride in light chop.

One owner of a Cape Craft boat describes it as a "no-frills boat that gets the job done". The boat's handling is praised, with its performance in rough seas, crossing wakes, and following seas highlighted as positive attributes. The thickness of the transom is also noted as a positive, indicating the boat's solid construction.

Cape Craft boats are said to have a lifetime warranty on the stringer, transom, and floor, which is a significant advantage. However, some owners have noted that the deck material can hold dirt and stains easily, and there have been concerns about the weight and performance of the boat with multiple passengers on board.

Overall, Cape Craft boats offer good value for money and are well-suited for fishing and cruising in protected waters. They are a good choice for those seeking a basic, sturdy boat without many additional features.

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