ACB Boats

[Monitor]

The ordering of new boats saga continues for me....Has anyone had any experience with ACB (Aluminum Chambered) Boats?  I haven't had a chance yet to talk with the company and see what options are available on their center console models but the basic layout and hull design appears to be very similar to Safe Boats and their basic price is about 30-40K cheaper (which my boss likes) plus they say can deliver the boat in half the time. 

We would be looking at their new 23' center console/T-Top with twin outboards, which of course isn't on their website yet but I assume it's pretty close to their 26' model.

If anyone has had good or bad experiences with these boats I'd love to hear what you have to say.

www.acbboats.com

[rdbyam]

I am just going to ask a question.

 Why is everybody sold on center console for law enforcement? I relalize it is sort of tradition and you are in the center creating a more stable platform since we tend to be up higher as center of gravity is concerned. But, doesn't it limit us for diving? It also limits the amount of room for equipment.

[Monitor]

I think the configuration of the boats we use if very dependent on what our mission is when we are out on the water.  I don't do diving so I'm not sure what disadvantages a center console boat has.  I typically am just conducting water patrols and occasionally taken injured people on board for transport.  With these two primary  goals in mind center console boats work best for me.  I like the deck space a center console affords me to be able to move around and contact people easily from either side of my boat.  I also need that space to put someone who is strapped to a backboard.  At the same time I do need a fair amount of storage for gear and the center console boats I've used at least have the option of storage compartments that have always met my needs.

I also feel like I can see what's going on around me better when I'm standing at a center console than I could if I were seated in a starboard side console.  All of this may well be just because I'm used to using center consoles and now I'm programmed to use them.  I know when I go out in my personal boat which is starboard side console it is certainly more comfortable but I find myself always wanting to sit up higher so I can see better.

[rdbyam]

Thanks for your reply, I know you are right because I feel the same way bout contact with people I come i contact with. and while I don't feel we have enough space on our whaler, it does work for the mission.