Best boats in the Mentawai's????

[sabo619]

Myself and some friends are planning a boat trip to the Mentawai's. A few of my friends have already been there and they have said that having the right boat is key. Any suggestions for some good boats out there? We want to keep it somewhat budgeted(no luxury yacht), but at least have a decent bed, A/C, a captain that knows his sh*t(swell direction, tides, winds, reefs, etc.). Thanks for your input...

 

[Surfchaser]

surfsabo -

I've been lucky enough to do at least one boat trip every other year for the last 10, 6 trips all together, and I can tell you there are two boats worth trying to get on for the most obvious reason: their captains kick-ass!!!. The Mangalui (or "Mango") w/Capt Matt Cruden. Or, The Barrenjoey w/Capt John McGroder (his nickname is "Buckets", 'cause he's buckets of fun). I've gone with Buckets 2X, and Mattie once. These guys used to crew for Martin Daly, and are they are best of friends. Their boats are mellower and not so "flash", with the charactor to match their captains. But the best part about these guys is their experience and stoke. They want to surf, and they want to surf new and uncrowded waves. They never phone it in, and they're always working to make sure your trip is a stoker, surf or no surf. I've never been skunked when going to Indo, but the trip is made even better when on one of these guys boats!

One word of warning, they're Aussies. The like to have fun and are relentless in their pursuit, even at the expense of an unsuspecting Seppo!!! Advise? Get on one of these boats, and get ready to laugh your ass off!

PM me if I can be of more help.

- SC

 

[BrownFish]

Freedom. Went with them in April. Got us into our own waves 70% of the time. Lee (Captain) and Chris (Cook) are incredible hosts and very knowledgeble. Advantage is it only holds 4 surfers, so if you have a small group, I would highly recomend them. Word on the street is that Freedom II will be unveiled for next season. It's a high speed brand new Luxery Catamaran for 6-8 people. It's a go if they complete it.

 

[yerbabuena]

What would be the best boat to go with 9 of my friends next summer?

 

[yerbabuena]

sorry for hijacking, but mentawais or some other place?

 

[The Lump]

the love boat.

 

[sabo619]

Ok, Yerbabuena, go start a new thread if you want to talk about something other than the Mentawai's boats. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif" alt="" /> Everyone else, thanks for your input. Has anyone been on the the "Santa Lucia" or the "Kaimana"? Also, any other boats out there that anyone recommends? Thanks again for your input.

 

[sabo619]

Thanks Bass! Please keep the suggestions coming. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

 

[npsp]

Anyone whose gone and scored will tell you the boat they were on was the best.
I've been lucky on Stricly Business. I've heard great things about the Barren Joey, Pelagic, and the boat Scott mentioned.
Make sure you have captain that will make transits at night. Some of the boats w/ all Indo crews will not travel at night nor will some of them leave the Playground.
Have fun and get barreled.