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Anonymous
Guest
Have come across several in ads, but can't find any info on the net.
Any opinions about these? Where are they made and by whom?
Any opinions about these? Where are they made and by whom?
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rick
Administrator
Charley Jones either owned or worked for the company that made the Bear hull a few years ago in Cocoa, FL. They used to be pretty common on the part of the St. Johns that I run. Just like all the other boat builders, some loved them & some didn't.
Back in the 80"s they were the first welded hulls that I remember around here that had a nice rolled edge up to a built-in chime. The people that liked them said they handled real good in the river channel.
I think Charley Jones is still building hulls out of his shop, but for another boat builder in this area. I'm not sure if you can get a new Bear hull built or not, but I could check into it.
Back in the 80"s they were the first welded hulls that I remember around here that had a nice rolled edge up to a built-in chime. The people that liked them said they handled real good in the river channel.
I think Charley Jones is still building hulls out of his shop, but for another boat builder in this area. I'm not sure if you can get a new Bear hull built or not, but I could check into it.
Waterthunder
Well-known member
They were one of the earlier aluminum hulls. I knew the family that owned and operated it. They were good people and took great pride in their work. Bear never really grasped the mass production or sales end of the business but the owners son was a hell of a fabricator and still is. He owns a welding and fabrication shop in Melbourne he still builds riveted and welded Thurman style hulls. Bear hulls run good and are very safe most of them have high sides which makes for a great beginner boat.
under pressure
Well-known member
I had a 86 Bear 12ft aluminum boat. The boat came originally with a 0-320 motor 140 hp.. The original owner liked the boat but wanted more power. So he installed a 220 GPU and was happy, but admitted the boat was heavy in the rear. I do not know how his motor was placed as far as setback from the transom,maybe it was back to far? I purchased the boat less motor and installed a 500 caddy. Now it was REAL back heavy. The transom was 15 inches tall I think (been a few years ago) and was a full deck over. The boat was tricky to drive with the big engine with backsplash when stopping. Im sure this was my fault for placing the motor too far back. My boat had rolled sides with no chime at all. It was scarry in cross winds and could be blown totally sideways if coming out of a pass and have a cross wind catch you off guard. This was not fun!!!!!!
This boat was a blast in shallow water and would crab beautifuly but in deep water or in winds it was hard to control. You never let go of the rudder stick!!!!! With some chimes on the sides this would be a good short boat. The quality of the hull was great. My boat was abused before i got it and it was in great shape, i was pleased. Hope this helps!!!!
This boat was a blast in shallow water and would crab beautifuly but in deep water or in winds it was hard to control. You never let go of the rudder stick!!!!! With some chimes on the sides this would be a good short boat. The quality of the hull was great. My boat was abused before i got it and it was in great shape, i was pleased. Hope this helps!!!!
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Anonymous
Guest
That's excellent info, thank you. It's easy to think about putting a bigger engine on without thinking about how the weight will affect the handling.
I have been really wanting a Chevy powered boat, but I am starting to look at Continental boats more now. In fact, I'm looking at a Bear with a 220 on it. It's really out of my price range though, and I will probably end up getting a hull and building it up for next year. Sure wish I would have done that last year :roll:
I have been really wanting a Chevy powered boat, but I am starting to look at Continental boats more now. In fact, I'm looking at a Bear with a 220 on it. It's really out of my price range though, and I will probably end up getting a hull and building it up for next year. Sure wish I would have done that last year :roll:
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Anonymous
Guest
i have a 12 foot bear hull with a fuel injected 200 lycoming and am very happy with it the boat turns great in shallow and deep water and with 2 people can let off completely in deep water and wont sink it, it runs the hill great and seems to be really well built, the only thing is with the bow rising so quick that in rough water sometimes the splash from the bow sprays up and gets you, but not often