Notes on Arima Models

There are two basic versions of the Arima boats;  the "Chaser" models have a "for storage" cuddy cabin and the "Ranger" models have a full v-berth (for sleeping aboard) cuddy cabin.  Just to confuse things :-), the 16 foot version of the "Ranger" model is called an "Explorer" and the 22 foot version is a "Sea Legend" but they're the same thing and the 15 foot version of the "Chaser" is the Sea Hunter.  There is a third version of the 15 and 17 with an open bow and no cuddy for more specialized needs (Sea Sprinter 15 and Sea Pacer 17).

In general the "Ranger/Explorer/Legend" models have full soft tops with top, side curtains and back drop.  They also have full v-berths, portable heads, 14-gallon water tanks, an opening hatch in the cuddy cabin, bow rails, side windows in the cuddy, and aft jump seats.  In addition the 17, 19, 21 and 22 have a hardtop version available.  The "house" sides on the hardtop versions are actually longer than they are on the soft top models so there is more space under the top and less "in the cockpit" although the distance from the front of the motorwell to the cuddy door is identical in either model.  These are the "cruising" boats.

The "Chaser" models feature a larger cockpit and come standard with a folding top and side curtains and have space for a portable head in the cuddy.  They do not have the 14-gallon water tank,  the cuddy hatch, or come with the portable head.  These are the day and fishing boats.  Because of it's size and price the 19 Chaser is a bit different...it still features the large cockpit but it does come standard with the back drop, has cushions in the cuddy and a portable head is standard.  There is no "Chaser" model of the 21 and 22.

Interior layout is the main choice for all Arima boats.  Pedestal seats are the most versatile and adjustable, companion storage seats offer the most storage and sleeper seats are the most comfortable but offer the least flexibility and the most hassle fitting in the smaller boats.  For the 16/17/19/21 the most popular layouts are #2 and #3.

For the "Chaser" models the most popular options are the back drop (std on the 19) and aft jump seats.  The fuel tank on the 16 and 17 are 27 gallons but since the 17 usually gets a 75 or 90 horsepower engine some folks opt for the optional saddle tanks which add 20-gallons more capacity.  Unless you're planning extended trips in remote locations these aren't really necessary if you're powering with a 4-stroke outboard.  The 19 has 48-gallons standard and that seems to be enough for most folks.

The most popular option for Arima boats of 17-feet and up are the hydraulic trim tabs.  The Arima has a very buoyant bow and the boat runs best when fairly flat.   A lot can be done with motor trim but you're using some of the power of the motor to lift or depress the stern and the tabs can do this more efficiently, they can also adjust lateral trim for unbalanced loads which the motor trim can't help at all.

The most popular option for all Arima boats is the port windshield wiper.  Arima now uses the pantographic wiper arms and a heavy duty motor, the starboard wiper is standard; the port wiper is standard on the 22.