In this section we share with you just a few of the letters, cards, and pictures we get from our satisfied customers, and a listing of some of the government agencies that utilize our boats. Our customers are important to us. If you have an interesting story concerning the use of your Arima boat write to us and let us know. You may end up on our web site.

What do you think guys?
A story by Russian Hook.

I wanted a boat.. an easy boat....
Easy on the Money!!! (less then $150 a month)
Easy to trailer (with my 1998 Toyota 4 runner V6),
Easy to fish from,
Easy to maintain,
Easy to store (should fit in my 20’ garage)
Easy to clean up,
Easy to do the thing.. (porta-potty)
Easy to GO OFFSHORE (on the normal day 2-3 swell, 2 feet chop)
Easy to fish the lakes (local San Diego and all other trout Lakes in CA)
Easy with Elements (full canvas enclosure)
Easy ON GAS!!!
Easy for Kids and Grandpa (bunk area for at least 1 person Cuddy cabin)
Easy on Safety – min 27 inches of freeboard (height),
Easy to fish for at least 3 people (6’ of freeboard on each side)
Easy to slow troll at sea (min 8’ beam)
Easy to ski or wake boarding
Easy to tow inflatable (kids stuff)
Easy to launch at the beach (Mexico style)
Easy, easy, easy…

You think I am greedy, or there is no such a thing - which will accommodate all of the above.

I used to have a 15’ (outrage whaler type “copy”) Sailfish 154 which I bought on ebay And brought to San Diego from Galveston TX in the August of 2006. Sailfish 154 was great for the bay, I went a couple of times to the islands, 181, 182, on it, but would not go as often as the Big boys go for tuna, Basically I should pick my days very, very carefully. The boat was great, but 40hp Yamaha 2 stroke would work very hard to pull this fully loaded rig with 2 onboard. Plus a lot of “MY FAMILY” good features were not available for this CC model (wind, wet floor, bumpy ride on this porta potty, enclosure, power, safety, etc… So I sold her for 7K on the same ebay - where I bought her for 6K a year earlier.

I have learnt a lot of lessons having Sailfish, using her and as all other maintenance Procedures along with the cost. She was my first boat and I baby-sit her well. Decided to upgrade to a bit bigger but on the same budget.

I have looked at the few choices locally:

Trophy 1802 was the first one, I have been researching a lot about this boat and results were not in the Trophy’s favor… a lot of complains, rough ride, not quality work, Plus the Mercury is not my favorite motor… and more over the layout was not for offshore – more like family cruising, (spacious caddy, but that’s mostly it) not enough room to fish for 3. And If I put 30 gal live well – there will be no space left on the deck for fisherman. Used models were priced attractive, but I did not buy.

Seaswirl striper 1851 came out much nicer, nice layout, decent size live well, seats were nice, cuddy is great, ride is better then any 19’ cuddy’s out there, great motor selection, Overall I considered it the best package for the budget… But, even used were priced kinda high, the only (under 10K (2001 year model) was available in Florida) I almost bought it even with 2 stroke Johnson 115, but…..

During my search I found the unknown to me boat manufacturer – Arima from Seattle.Line of boats ranged from 15’ – 22’ all fishing boats and designed for heavy duty North Pacific waters and Alaska. I was not attracted to them at first, but after seeing and trying one in person in Dana Point I just could not believe how well this little piece of s—t takes on the big water, and how comfortable I feel inside while underway to head-on afternoon seas. Stability was the killing factor!! I could stand or seat on the wide freeboard without holding on to something while the boat was taking on some 3’+ short swell, WOW!!! It had everything I hoped for and ABUNDANT STORAGE on the boat (all those side packets (4) and inside the cuddy cargo net(2) ) . She was a LOT of boat for its size. The Cockpit is HUGE!!! Feels like 23’ boat. After searching for one, I found a very sweet deal for almost immaculate condition 1991 Arima Sea Chaser 17, There are some scratches here and there, painted wood panels needs to go and replacement would be Starboard.. Fiberglass is in great condition and the boat sound… After selling on ebay for almost $1,500 the original, smelly, smoky, heavy, 1991 Johnson V4 90 HP VRO, I got another sweeeeeeeet deal on the E-tec 115 from local dealer.

Now, after almost a year of using this boat and being out there with BIG Boys at the tuna grounds, I just can get enough out of it. There were few modifications for serious fishing like: Live well, seats, trim tabs, rod holders, etc.. and I continue to improve her little by little and in the process I have learnt a lot of the fiberglass work and the other handy crafts.

She fits all of my criteria above and most of all she fits in the TIGHTLY SQUEEZED Budget given to me by my wife…

I went through a lot of considerations before I decided on choosing the right one.How many times I can go fishing, how far, hauling, storage, payment, maintenance, Resale, etc…

E-tec is a monster, NO Problem what so ever, I think this was a good choice on the outboard for me. It is trouble free motor (knock on the wood) so far. Pushes the boat to 38,5 MPH (in the bay) out there makes 16-18 knots comfortable ride in the afternoon weather (15-20 mph winds) it is bumpy at 18-22 knots. Takes 3,5 - 4 mpg at the 3500RPM while facing the nasty San Diego chop.

Well, so far I have been at 182, 181, 43, 302, 371, 425, 209, Basically 30-40 miles range, and caught some fish, a real fish!!!….

But the idea of having the bigger boat (something like Wellcraft Coastal 21 and up) does not leave me, I know it will cost me a bunch of money to have it ( I don’t consider sharing the boat and the payments with anybody else since I use it a lot for family fun).

Maybe when my son grows up and if we still here in San Diego, I will buy my dream boat for us.. Actually, now it’s the time to buy!!! And Florida is exploding with great deals!! On used and new boats.. But I am set for now.

Just a short note to thank you for the gift we received. The hat is great,and the gages are just the right touch.

I must tell you the boat and engine have exceeded our expectations,we have put over 60 hours on the the it without a glitch.

We run in Long Island Sound and many times the conditions are not great (2 to 3 ft waves with a short span) and the boat handles them well,in addition to keeping us dry.

The guy's at Southhold Marine and Rick at the Stonybrook Boat Works have done a great job.

Please keep up the good work,with best regards,

John & Karen Grant

I'm writing to express my gratitude for the quality of boat you build. It saved my life this last week when we were capsized.

I have been the proud owner of an Arima 19 Sea Ranger for the last 9 years. It has treated us very well, while fishing the central coast of California. On Thursday 8/28/08 we were hit by a rogue wave just north of Point Reyes, California. The wave was a monstrous freak that rolled us over. Not having time to call for help we were left alone in the ocean praying for help. Two people on shore saw we had been capsized, but had to hike an hour back to their car for help. Two hours later we were rescued by the Coast Guard.

The boat was totaled with the cutty being smashed, kicker motor ripped off, and severe damage to the cockpit area. We lost everything. What amazed me was the hull was left unscathed.

I bought your boat because of it reputation to float when weighted down, and structural soundness. I was able to sit on the bottom of the upside-down boat off an on for the two hours, and utimately escape drowning with a mild case of hypothermia.

I have attached a picture of the boat from last year.

Thank you for building a high quality boat that saved my life. Please express my gratitude to your entire crew for their hard work. I know that many people have contributed to the making of your boats. I appreciate all of them.

Bill Alexander

In the afternoon, the ocean turned snotty with 3-4 foot swells, 15-20 MPH wind, wind waves, and white caps. Funny part is that I never had any reservations being out there in the Arima. The bow’s deep forefoot never looked like it was going to get buried nor was I afraid of water coming in over the transom. Needless to say, this wasn’t the trial I had in mind. It was a really lumpy ride in with the only bad thing being it took time. As we were coming in, we saw a small skiff just outside the harbor and wondered what in the world he was doing on the outside. We laughed because we realized the 25+ footers were probably wondering the same about us being 30 miles offshore.

BTW – it was nice going out but the weather developed while we were out there or we wouldn’t have gone out. Despite what the PNW owners feel, SoCal folks do have a “little” sense. If you ever need someone down here to convince customers, let me know. I had been looking at Arima’s since you guys used to come to the LA Boat Show (via Shaw’s Marine). It just took me a while to come around.

Great boat! Thanks,
Rod “Southaw91770”

Last year I had my daughter, sister, nephew and brother-in-law with me fishing out of Crescent City Ca.

We were fishing the back side of a reef just north of the harbor in 59 ft of water and were close to limiting out on rock cod. I was slowly motoring looking for good ling cod cover when I noticed the ocean bottom filling my sonar quickly and the depth reading going from 59 ft. to 27 ft. I looked up ahead of the bow and saw a huge rogue wave building in front of the boat. I yelled for everyone to sit on the floor and hang on. The wave lifted the boat and for a moment felt just like a giant ground swell but as we topped the wave the boat see-sawed on the crest and shot down the back side of the wave. I weigh 315 pounds lbs and felt light on my feet as we raced down what appeared to be a mountain of water. As we struck the trough the bow of the boat submerged just past the front cabin hatch and as a more normal wave approached the bow popped out of the water and we found ourselves trying to gather our wits. I immediately throttled the motor and cruised about 200 yeard from the previous location. I stopped the boat and began to check my family. The only damage to anyone was a fish hook through my brother-in-law's jeans with no injury to him and very little water entered the deck area. A nearby charter came over to us and asked if we were OK and said he thought we were goners. One of the people on the charter said, "the Captain told us to reel in quickly because we would be lending assistance for people in the water-- the boat more than likely rolled over".

Boy were they surprised. The Captain told me I did a hell of a job keeping the boat from rolling over. I told him I had very little to do with it -- My thanks would be going to God and Arima.

So, I want to sincerely Thank You- Thank You- Thank You for building such a fine craft.
Clint Holt.

I've mentioned to friends and other boat owners, my two trips to your plant, my discussions with Don, Belinda and yourself and the tremendous support your team has provided. They just can't believe the service. I'll be at the Portland Boat Show touting Arima with anyone and everyone who'll listen. If there is ever a time that a product referral and or a service testimonial is of value, kindly call or email me anytime.
Sincerely, Scott Kollings

The Sea Ranger has never failed me. It has been buffetted by waves, lightening, sleet and summer heat...and has sustained my initial learning curve crashes with canal banks and hostile docks. There is not a dent or even a scratch and to this day, on launching and recovering, people walk up and ask "What is that boat?" Where did you get it?" Do you like it? and How does it perform?"...all my answers are with praise. The Arima is a workhorse-cadillac-definition of a boat. I send this to you after five years of ownership. I have had triple in value what I paid for this boat.
Thank you Arima, Dr. John Baldwin California

I'm Ken Spencer of Federal Way, Washington and I own a 1989 17' Arima Sea Chaser. I'm Writing to tell you about one of my most prized possessions; My Arima fishing boat. And about the great people who build them.
In my opinion it has the best haul design for the type of water I like to fish in, like: The Puget Sound, The Straight of Juan De Fuca, and the Columbia River. I consider these to be big water, and believe me I get out there.
I mentioned earlier that my Arima is a 1989, and I like to keep it looking and working like it's brand new. I must be doing a good job because every year I get so many compliments in and out of the water.
I'm fortunate to live near Auburn, Washington where the Arima boats are built, and every year at the beginning of the fishing season I get working on the boat. I find a reason to replace or repair something like a new canopy, fittings or even one time I replaced the Arima Logo.
The management and staff have alwayd treated me so nice they seem to go out of their way to make me happy. It's like I'm family. Over the years Don Gross has saved me so much money by explaining maintenance procedures and detail repairs to me because I'm a do-it-yourself kind of guy. Cheap doesn't sound very professional. I just want to say thanks to Mr. Arima, Don, Belinda, Johnny, and all the other boat making experts. You not only make great products, but you back it all with heart, and it shows.
Funny, it seems that every time I pull in a monster salmon another fisherman swings by and says, "Nice Boat."

I was launching my boat the other day and this person asked me, "Are those Arimas as good as everyone says they are?"
I told him, "No they're not. They're better!"
Bob Ritter

The Anna Kai II

Boat: Anna Kai II, an Arima Sea Ranger 19
Owners: Glen D. and Anna M. Magbanua, Waipahu, Hawaii

As you can see from the enclosed photos, our Arima Sea Ranger 19 is the ultimate fishing machine. A true fisherman's boat, it also provides us many hours of family boating pleasure. Aloha!

485 lb. Pacific Blue Marlin
Caught by: Anna Maria 11/95

2 Pacific Blue Marlin

145 lb. Yellowfin (Ahi) Tuna caught 7/96

2 Mahi and 150 lb. Pacific Blue Marlin caught 6/95

From: Mark Christopher, KBSG Radio Air Personality
Seattle, WA

"Dear Arima,

During the last 15 years I have changed boat's every two years. I have owned many boats in the 16-17 foot category and right now I own the Arima Sea Ranger. This summer will be my third year as a proud owner of an Arima. Your boat has met every need to every condition I have encountered and then some. This boat handles like no other boat I have ever owned. I have had this boat primarily in saltwater play from the Sound to the Straits and in the San Juans too! A lot of fish and a lot of memories too! My wife Karen and my two daughters (under age 7) have never felt so safe and been so confident in a boat until I switched to an Arima. Karen is even confident to take it out on her own with her dad. She would never do this with any other boat we've owned.

My favorite part is how the Coast Guard never seems to worry when they see us in the water, they just smile and move on to boats that seem to look like they need inspection.

Thank you for your product and for the greatest fishing boat I've ever owned.

My business deals with a lot of "Try this Mark and see what you think." I am stopped quite a bit at boat ramps from people who see my radio jacket and want to know if I'm sampling a new boat. I love to talk and can never say enough about Arima boats.

Just thought you would like to hear a nice compliment today!!"

From: Paul Svoboda
Tacoma, WA

"I've been the satisfied owner of your Sea Hunter model now for two years. What a fantastically engineered boat! During the more than 400 fishing trips I've taken in it on Southern Puget Sound I've never had any second thoughts about this boat."

From: Dennis N. Brown
Blaine, WA

"Many times I have said I would write you, so here goes! I have owned many boats and in 1989 I looked at your Arima line and was impressed. I purchased a 19 foot model and since then have nothing but pleasure from it. However what you need to know is that the design, good workmanship and quality control is of the highest.

Point of fact, I feel you make one hell of a boat! So thanks for your dedication to excellence."

From: Marcia and Jack Taylor

"....if you ever need a family to do a commercial for Arima boats just let us know because after a year we truly love our boat! My husband fishes almost every weekend and is always answering questions about his boat. It's a great fishing boat, and a safe, comfortable and seaworthy boat for your two children."

From: Barry Bracken
Petersburg, AK

"The Arima is the seventh pleasure boat I've owned in Alaska. I can honestly say that I have never fished a boat of any size that is as well laid out for sport salmon as the Arima. Also I have been thoroughly impressed with its handling characteristics in all sea conditions."

From: J. Deskins
Longview, WA

"I would like to thank you for your service given to me.

September 26th I called your toll free line for some information on how I could replace a broken side mount. The person I called said they would send it right out no charge.

I received the replacement October 1st.

I knew when I purchased my Arima I was getting the most for my money this just proves it!

Thanks again for such prompt service.

A proud owner"

Kent Police Department
Kent, WA

The boat is used for patrol and rescue on Lake Meridian.

Whatcom County SheriffWhatcom County, WA

The boat is used for patrol and rescue on Lake Whatcom.

Thurston County Sheriff
Thurston County, WA

The boat is used for rescue and patrol throughout Thurston County as needed.

United States Air Force
McChord AFB, WA

There are several boats in their fleet used for base recreation, and boy, do these boats get abused. Each has outlived at least one engine.

Oregon Department of Agriculture
Newport, OR

This boat is used to sample shellfish up and down the Oregon Coast.

Idaho Department of Fisheries

This boat is used for water quality and biological research throughout the state.

California Department of Fisheries
Sacramento, California

This boat is used primarily for fisheries research, but is also used by other state agencies as needed.

With the quality of people in your organization with whom I've had personal contact, it is no wonder that the Arima is considered the "Cadillac" of salt water fishing boats.

Robert D. Clarkson
Auburn, Washington