Rodman 900

crossy

crossy

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 Jun 2010
Messages
178
Location
Bradford on Avon, Boat in Poole
www.horizoncharterboats.co.uk
Hi All,

My wife and I currently own a Merry Fisher 705 which we have had for 18 months or so and we have quickly out grown it. We would like something quicker to expand out cruising range (Ideally a 20 knot cruise) with a little more space and comfort for the weekends but which still allows me to do the occasional fishing trip on.

We have spent the summer looking at other boats and have seen and dismissed a few of quite different styles. We spent quite some time looking at sports boats but I just can't see how I would manage a fishing trip on one.
These are the ones which we have looked at so far:

  • Rodman 870 - Loved it but a bit too small
  • Rodman 900 - Great layout and the best we've seen but possibly a bit dated looking?
  • MF 805 - Too Slow but seem well built and otherwise an option
  • MF755/855 - Can't quite put my finger on it but just don't seem as sturdy as their ancestors
  • Nimbus in general - Lovely but the few in our price range seem too slow
  • Sealine S28 - Too much Vinyl
  • Fairline Targa - Lovely boats again too much vinyl and not enough fishing space
  • Botnia Targa - Liked these but a bit quirky and very expensive
  • Sealine Stateman - Too old

We have finally settled on the Rodman 900 which seems like an up market Merry Fisher and should therefore suite us quite nicely (i am assured it will cruise at 20 knots). It is also a flybridge and would therefore scratch my itch for driving outside on the 3 or so hot and still days per summer.

We are going for a second viewing on one at the weekend which is a bit tatty but if we could get at the right price would possibly a good option. It is powered by twin Volvo TAMD44 engines on shafts. We are going to look at an MF925 as well to compare but my feeling on these is that they are likely to be a bit slow and probably a very hard ride in a swell.

Has anyone on here owned a Rodman 900 and what did they think of them?

Any info would be gratefully appreciated.

Many thanks,
Andrew
 
Last edited:
Hi Andrew

Just a bit of info.

The 925 doesn't have a hard ride, but won't have a 20 knot cruise. Depending on engine, 18 or 19.

The 855 has two versions being built now (for the 2014 model year which is from now).
The standard model and a model designed for CE cat B which comes with a heavier layup, but demands twin engines rather than a choice of twin or single.

When the 925 was first launched we worked with MBM to do a comparitive test between the Rodman 800 and the MF925.
I've a copy of that article if you would like.
It is a grainy old black and white copy so I would suggest popping in and reading it or grabbing a photo copy as it won't scan too well.

Tom
 
Last edited:
Nautibusiness said:
Hi Andrew

Just a bit of info.

The 925 doesn't have a hard ride, but won't have a 20 knot cruise. Depending on engine, 18 or 19.

The 855 has two versions being built now (for the 2014 model year which is from now).
The standard model and a model designed for CE cat B which comes with a heavier layup, but demands twin engines rather than a choice of twin or single.

When the 925 was first launched we worked with MBM to do a comparitive test between the Rodman 800 and the MF925.
I've a copy of that article if you would like.

Tom
Click to expand...

Hi Tom,

The one we are going to have a quick look at has a 320hp Nanni in it.

A copy of that article would be great, thanks Tom,

Andrew
 
Many moons ago now we were considering the MF925, Rodman 800 and 900, but in the end went for a Prestige 32. The Rodmans are very good boats, heavy and planted, but were a bit basic for us. One of the things for us (me) against the Rodmans was very tight engine access on both. Maybe worth you considering a Prestige (if you have not done so), these are great boats, shaft drive and offer good VFM IMO - just a thought :)
 
Ripster said:
Many moons ago now we were considering the MF925, Rodman 800 and 900, but in the end went for a Prestige 32. The Rodmans are very good boats, heavy and planted, but were a bit basic for us. One of the things for us (me) against the Rodmans was very tight engine access on both. Maybe worth you considering a Prestige (if you have not done so), these are great boats, shaft drive and offer good VFM IMO - just a thought :)
Click to expand...

Hi There,

Thanks for the info and I agree, not much space in the engine compartment on the Rodman 900's. I have briefly considered the Prestige 32's but I did see a Prestige with hull problems once and this did put me off them a bit. Incredible amount of space in them though and far more comfortable than either the MF's or the Rodman's. None in my price range is the main stumbling block though.

How did you find the ride comfort on them, the bow looks quite broad?

Andrew
 
Last edited:
MarieK said:
I have owned a Rodman 900 for 3 years, great boat and happy to talk you through it. PM me
Click to expand...
Why does it have to be in secret? Can't you discuss it on open forum? This thread is about the Rod900, so it's completely on topic. I don't understand folks flipping to PM just when it's getting interesting!
 
On Ebay for the last few months there has been a Ocequeteau 880 for sale. I think it has a Nanni 300 hp engine. I have been keeping my eye on it hoping that when my French house sells I would be able to afford it, but it has not happened. I would certainly consider that. Last time his highest bid was £39,000 and perhaps he wants £44,00. With Ocequeteau being owned by Jeanneau it is worth thinking about. A quality manufacturer and I have been round the factory.
Perhaps a bit like Saab, owned by GM but took a pride in what they made.
 
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