20 Sutphen Questions
 

Hey all. I'm wanting to get back into boating, but on a much smaller scale this time. (had 29 beak before) So I've been looking at 20 footers and keeping the tab under 30k. This usually leaves the Baja 20 Outlaw as my only choice and I'm actually cool with the idea of those boats. I don't have any problems with Baja's in general and that boat would be something that suit my needs. 60+, more insurance friendly, low maintenance, yada...yada...

HOWEVER, I came across an 05 20 Sutphen with a 6.2 Merc in it. I believe it's still at the factory and it's in the price range I'm looking for. Now I would like to know more about those from people who have had them or know them.

Also, I don't want this to turn into a Baja bash because I understand the major difference between the "mass" produced Baja and the rarer Sutphens. I don't need to be won over on Sutphen build quality, I'm sure it's way over the Baja with no disrespect towards Baja.

I'm curious if anyone here has been in both boats and what differences did you notice? Also the Outlaw weighs 3000lb with a 21 degree deadrise and runs about 60 on the 5.0. I read the Sutphen is a 2500lb boat with a 20 degree deadrise and running a 6.2.

Curious as to the top speed and how much of a ride difference between the 2 with the Sutphen being of less weight and deadrise. A slightly rougher ride won't scare me away, remember I did have a beak.

I hope to ride in both in the coming weeks so I can make an informed decision. I have had one email exchange with Morgan and more yet to come I'm sure.

Thank you for your input.

PS:I'll make the beak joke first..........."a 29 Fountain to a 20 Sutphen??? I thought you were downsizing???":lolhit:

I've driven Morgan's red 21 and was running next to the blue SS at 80+. They are both beautiful boats. Handled great.

The 20's are a great boat. I have run with all the newer 21's and driven the blue SSX. The 20 with the power your looking at will run 70 I believe. You will not be disappointed with the Sutphen. Im sure Rich Jr will also help you with any information you may seek. Everyone at Sutphen are great guys!!

I have owned 2 baja's in the past and at the time I thought they were OK. It wasnt until I got into the more custom boats (Apache, Sutphen) That I realized there was such a difference. I was at the shop when Rich was painting that 2005 20ft. I can tell you first hand he spent ALOT of time on the build and on the paint. I was also in it when it was on Lk. Hopatcong..... its a great ride and the 6.2 has great acceleration. The MPH difference between the Baja and the Sutphen is HUGH. (PM me and I'll tell you what it was.) I've always felt that Baja didnt want their customers to take those small boats over 60 MPH so that hull will only go so fast. Keep in mind, you don't have to use the extra power/performance.... but its always nice to know its there, especially if you have more people/weight in the boat.

I have always regretted not buying that Sutphen. Last I heard, the asking price was a steal. The demo ride will seal it for you.

never done the baja thing, not even for a ride so cant speak about that, but I did have a 20 sutphen and that boat was a blast.

Never really felt unsafe or anything in it, it was just a little short sided for me, so I went up to the 26. I like stand up boats.


The boat was fun as hell though, we used to launch it like a jet ski on the Ct river over large boat wakes.

It always handled well.

Mine was a much older boat than your looking at (1984) but it didnt feel old at all it was a very solid boat. I am suprised to hear it was only 2500 lbs though, felt like it was much heavier.


I know this probably wasnt much help for comparison sake but We have owned three sutphens sizes 20 26 and 30 and all were built with the same quality IMO.

Most people would assume the smaller boats didnt get the attention the larger boats got.

C if you can test drive both. Then you'll know.

Loved my 300hp 1972 Sutphen 18 Gran Sport.

The 6.2L should be a good match for that boat.

Yes the price is very good, but I would hope to get tabs on the boat (didn't see any) and a trailer for that price. I could deal w/o the swim platform. I would hope to add a single ram hydraulic assist to the steering as well. I think I can get a good discount on a Latham but I still want to keep the $$ down to a comfortable level.

I can't PM, my email is [email protected]

Thanks for all the insight and keep it coming everybody!

Gregg

The 20 will likely need tabs if you are going to run it in bigger water or loaded with people, otherwise it will not need them for lakes and rivers. From pictures I've seen, that's a great boat as is with nice power in it, plus the potential is there to go crazy if you want.

I've saw that boat at the NYC poker run yrs ago.
It was finished very nicely.
And i think it was $60k at that time? IIRC.

IMO, and i've driven neither, the Sut will be the drivers boat... and a pleasure to drive!

Thanks for the input. I had an allergic reaction to Bactrim, so my face and tongue are swelled up, meaning I can't speak clearly right now. (Sound like a drunk Elmer Fudd) I will call Rich hopefully tonight, if not, then tomorrow to come over and see the boat on Sat. I enjoyed the fact that my Fountain was very much a "driver's" boat and if this one is too, I'll be a happy camper.

I'll keep everyone updated.

I am guessing I looked at the same boat.... On the plus side, the 6.2 makes it run fast. Down side is the deadrise is not very aggressive.

Comparing it to a Donzi classic, you get more bang for the buck with the Sut. but the Donzi will take the rough stuff better. I like the look of the Donzi better too, and I think most will agree with that. Long term value is probably in the Donzi, because of the name.

So... I say buy it at a good price and run the crap out of it.

I've been in and driven both the 22 Classic and the Sutphen. The Donzi probable does have a steeper deadrise but that bottom can be a handful if not set up correctly. Its very trim/prop/tab sensitive. That being said, the Sutphen handles the ruff stuff fine for its size and is more user friendly.

The 22C was on my shortlist until I decided to back off about 10k. There was a glut of repo's on the market a few months back, but I just went through a home purchase then and wasn't ready to get back into boating. So I was completely settled for a 20 OL until I came across the Sutphen. I would really like to keep this thread focused on that boat.

I'm getting back my ability to speak after my little allergic reaction to a med. I am calling Rich tomorrow. I'll take my camera with me if I get over there this Sat.

I've seen that 20 first hand and it's a real sweet piece with very low time. Although I have not driven the Sutphen 20, I did get a chance to run Morgan's red 21 last fall. I was extremely impressed to say the least. Extremely well built and ran 73 on gps with a 350 Mag!!!

I say go for it!!!

Kurt

Talked to Rich today. Going there Sat. to take a look. :evilb:

Hey Kurt,

How have you been? How many boats do you get up there for the run on July 18th? I have two other possible runs that same weekend but have not made up my mind yet. Will you run your Cig in that run or one of your smaller boats.
Morgan

Good luck with Rich on Saturday, he should be putting a new 350 mag into our new 21 LS on Saturday. Take a few pic's for me if you can, can't wait to pick her up in a couple of weeks.
Morgan

OK... i was way off.
The boat was not $60k. sorry, my bad.

Hi Morgan,

The Sebago Lake Poker Run is a great time. There is a "Thunder Run" start for the performance boats. I would guess about 30-40 perf. boats and about another 30 family style boats.

I've never missed this event since its beginning but unfortunately, I'll miss it this year as I'll be at the LEOPA, Lake Erie Thunderfest that weekend. Keep in touch, if you don't make the poker run, you should head up for a fun run before the seasons over.

Kurt