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Recent Alglas Boats Reviews

• Alglas - Alglas Sportfisherman: Alglas/Pacemaker 25' & 26' Sportfisherman 1967 was the first year for this 25-footer, which became a 26-footer in the early 1970's (although the hull itself appears to be unchanged). In 1977 the 26-foot Pacemaker's hull was redesigned and became a hard-chine, warped-plane hull with a fine entry and mild deadrise at the transom. The review is limited to the early, soft-chine, semi-displacement hull, although most comments are probably applicable to the post-1977 boats as well. This boat was available in several models; including a sedan (rare), a sport-fisherman with two helm-stations, an express cruiser, and a flybridge express (with an enclosed cabin and single helm station on the flybridge - also rare, and at the time of production, the most expensive model). The hull of these boats was shared with the cult-classic Alglas/Pacemaker Wahoos, so many of the traits of this esteemed boat apply to the other models of the line as well. Now getting down to brass-tacks, so to speak: As the previous reviewer stated, this boat really is an amazing example of space-efficiency. "Pocket sport-fisherman" or "pocket cruiser" - depending upon specific model...I have never seen another boat of any make that offered so much in this hull size. Indeed, the boat feels like a much larger boat. The cabin can sleep 4, two in a convertible dinette. The SF has a head in the enclosed Vee-berth. The models with a fully-enclosed cabin have a separate, enclosed head with sink. The cabin itself has excellent headroom and quite a bit of storage space. The sleeping quarters are a bit short - but at 6' tall, I was able to sleep well enough on many occasions in both the vee-berths or the converted dinette. With an 9'6" beam, the cockpit is really wonderful! On my FB express, the cockpit is huge. I can only imagine what it is like on the SF, being a few feet longer (because the cabin is smaller and unenclosed). The flush deck (with the engine beneath) makes the entire cockpit space much more usable and roomy). In addition, the high gunwales give the cockpit a very secure feeling. It is an excellent fishing platform. Plenty of room for three anglers and all their gear in the heat of action. The foredeck is more than adequate for working the anchor, even in heavy seas - and the bow-rail is high-enough to be a positive, functional addition...not just an ornament. In terms of construction, and electrical and mechanical equipment: These hulls were solid 'glass Fabmat layups. The stringers of solid, 'glass-encased timber. The removable engine beds of douglas fir. Alglas/Pacemaker had an excellent reputation for their electrical systems, which I believe to be well-deserved. The original powerplants (single-engine models)were V8 inboards driving through 1:1 Borg Warner Velvet Drives. There was a twin-engine model (with either 4 or 6-cyl. engines - I'm not sure which), but these are extremely rare. The engine is easily accessible through a large, two-part hatch in the cockpit floor. Access to the mechanicals is really excellent. The hull has a fine entry and the boat's seakeeping ability are excellent. The boat leaves one with a feeling of confidence no matter what the weather. The soft-chines don't do much to prevent rolling, so these boats tend to rock-and-roll a good deal. However, the roll moment isn't unpleasant...it's not a boat that encourages sea-sickness. She has a keel, which provides both additional directional stability and some protection for her running gear. Consequently, the boat can be run up on a beach without concerns for damaging the driveline. In addition, with a draft of only 2', this is a boat that can go almost anywhere - not a common trait for a keeled-straight inboard vessel (Yes, I've even done flats-fishing from mine - that's not a joke.). Given the hull design, the boat is not particularly fast. I have been able to attain a 20kt cruise and 28+ kt top speed with a fresh bottom job and a light load. Fully laden, 16-18kt is more likely. One extremely positive aspect of this boat's design is that she performs well throughout her operating range: from idle speed to top speed, she maintains an even keel. There is no clear transition from displacement mode to planing (thus, she never points her bow into the sky and wallows). In addition, the semi-displacement hull translates into economic and comfortable operation at a hull speed of about 7kt. Indeed, this boat would make a great "pocket cruiser" with a small, efficient diesel engine. All in all, a highly-rated vessel. Virtually unknown and underappreciated (especially compared to its Wahoo twin sister), they can be easily acquired for a fraction of their true worth. Plusses: Extremely good value for the money. Well appointed for a 25-footer. Quality construction. Well thought-out layout, with easy access to electrical and mechanical systems. A seaworthy and "boaty" boat, unlike the melted cheese wedge boats one typically sees in this size range. Very attractive lines (especially the 1960's boats). Compliments and questions from other boaters are common. Extremely versatile. A great weekender, overnighter, fishing platform, diving platform, or evening or day cruiser. Minuses: No speed demon. Bunks are a little short. Soft-chine hull tends to roll at anchor. At 13 gallons, freshwater storage is minimal. Reviewed by Brian on Jul-03-2008 | Rating:

  Alglas - Alglas Sportfisherman: Alglas Custom SF 25 Alglas Custom Sportfish- rated 4 sea keeping /5+ functional space utilization /5 superb lines/5 cockpit bridge fishing function 5 overall- limited production 67-69 Egg Harbor CP Leek NJ.(This is the Fly Bridge Sport Fish version of the famous Wahoo) 25' 9'5" Beam 2' draft - 5450# dry- single V8 gas inboard- proto type for Egg Harbor and Pacemaker glass boats- Polyester layup solid hull with ply or balsa cores on walking decks - pronounced v entry tapers to modified v mid ships to 3 degrees deadrise at the transom with a kick (for plaining just forward of the transom) Round chines, no strakes. Keel running from forward of midships aft similar to Hatteras just smaller scale. A semi displacement hull, that unlike a Bertram will not carve turns or plane up yet handles well in rough seas an is most stable in trolling conditions. Round chine is offset by keel and transom deadrise to a degree and eases trip in following sea. No speedster but single V8 gas most efficient with realistic cruise at 18k fully burdened and top at 25k.(2x 36 gal) A gorgeous traditional hull similar to early Bertrams, yet having a touch more freeboard. An excercise is space efficiency! Unbelievable utility in this hull. 6 foot plus headroom in the well apointed deackhouse, roomy forward berths, a flush cockpit (no engine boxes) with high gunwales to rival a 31 foot craft, and a functional fly bridge that is ergonomically designed. This set up makes a 25 Bertram (a boat I adore-had 2) look like a go cart when it comes to utility in a small package. Quietly created to protect the Leek franchises in Egg Harbor and Pacemaker wooden boats while getting in on the fiberglass "experament". Quickly became Egg Harbor and Pacemaker once it was clear that glass was functional. These are rare and eccept for the storied Wahoo, which is the same hull, they are unknown. One of the top "pocket sport fishers" ever designed for my money. Reviewed by Robin Scott on Nov-16-2007 | Rating:

  Alglas - Alglas Express Cruiser (33'0"): alglas supercruiser 33 ft No review. Looking for reviews on this boat. Reviewed by sam norman on May-28-2007 | Rating: