For fair weather anglers, the choice of fishing boats is almost limitless. But dedicated sport fishermen are a demanding group, and it is not as easy to find a boat to suit them!

The year-round fishing schedule of many Northwest anglers can be a true test of a vessel's strength and reliability. Arima Marine International of Auburn, Washington, is one of only a few builders that designs boats tough enough to meet these demands.

Arima's line of seven fishing boats, from 15 to 19 feet in length, features hard-chine, modified V-Hulls designed for the ever-changing waters conditions of Northwest waters. These boats have developed a reputation for getting anglers out of a jam when sudden Pacific squalls roar in.

High decks and upturned bows deflect spray, keeping passengers dry. Arima's ride is soft and stable, even in rough water.

Not only are Arima boats rugged enough for traveling to and from fishing hot spots, they are top performers on location as stable mooching and casting platforms. Even the 790 pound, 15 foot Sea Sprinter, the lightest boat of the Arima line, provides firm footing for anglers playing a big Chinook in choppy seas.

Fishermen appreciate the fact that Arimas hold a steady track for slow trolling and have plenty of unobstructed area in which to play a fish. Each of the three 17 foot models and 19 foot Ranger have full walk around decks. Other amenities include an oversized keel-aligned fish box, cooler, 10 gallon live bait well and gunwales that are strengthened to hold downrigger mounts.

Company founder Juichi Arima is a recognized expert in hull design, but unlike some designers, he uses the boats he builds. He is a sport angler who makes regular salmon fishing trips throughout the inside waters of Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and out on the open ocean, all in Arima boats, of course.

This combination of expertise on the drafting table coupled with hands-on fishing experience gives him a unique perspective in boat design. "Thinking strictly at the desk can be very limited," he said, with a crafty smile. "Thinking on the water leads to good design."

Arima holds a master's degree in industrial design, and spent 10 years as a design consultant for Reinell Boats and Fiberform. He left to establish his own designs, differing with conventional boat building trends of putting ever-larger stern drives on boats. The reason? Arima believes that bigger is not always better.

"I wanted to design and manufacture the smallest boat to satisfy all fishing needs," Arima explained.

"Aside from being able to handle rough water, the ideal bottom design should allow the boat to run efficiently with the smallest possible motor. With today's smaller cars, a boat has to be light enough to allow a four cylinder engine to pull it."

They may be built light, but Arima boats are strong, thanks to a three-mold construction process. The hull is double-layer fiberglass with a foam core sandwiched between.

In flotation tests, Arima boats exceeded Coast Guard specifications. With a 12,000 pound load of lead, the 17' boat still floats. it even floats with holes in the 15' hull and a 650 pound load of lead. Not surprisingly, all Arima boats come with a five year warranty on materials and workmanship.

Arima's first fishing boat off the drawing board was the 15 foot Sea Hunter, introduced at the 1981 Seattle Boat Show. It was quickly accepted by Northwest anglers, and Arima boats began showing up at Point Defiance, Sekiu, Westport, the Columbia River and just about every other productive Washington fishing area.

At first, Arima boats were marketed only around Puget Sound. Later, dealerships were established throughout the United States.

The Sea Hunter 15's design proved successful enough to keep the Auburn, Washington, plant producing boats at full capacity for nine years.

Thousands of boats later, Arima's 1997 Sea Hunter 15 looks much the same as the original. Only minor modifications were made to the hull, deck and superstructure, for angler convenience.

To broaden the product line, Arima added a 16 foot Sea Explorer with a six foot cuddy after the Sea Hunter 15 became widely accepted.

A series of 17 foot models, Sea Chasers, Sea Pacers and Sea Rangers, was added later. Each offers an eight foot beam, 1,600 pound load capacity and variations in layout and forward interiors.

While his vessels may not be perfect for every water sport enthusiast, Arima said his boats are special because they are built for those who created boating: "The boat was born with the fisherman."