“They are so stable in the sea with a nice beam on them. I work 12 lobster pots with her on the West Coast of Tiree, where there is always a swell and they handle it very well indeed” Tearlach MacD Tearlach McD

"Fantastic wee boat, looks like a little ship and when you're in her you don't feel like your gonna die!!" Anon 2015

My first experience with an Arran 16 was through my work as a fisheries biologist, while carrying out hydro-acoustic surveys on Scottish freshwater lochs. The Arran was chosen for the task due to its reputation for stability and ability to track straight in rough waters (Hydro-acoustic surveys require the boat to follow pre-determined GPS tracks), sometimes into and side-on to waves! The Arran 16 fitted with hydro-acoustic gear. My main interest however, is through my angling exploits with the Ferox 85 Group - trolling for ferox trout . For this reason – I have written this review purely from a trolling perspective. As an angler specializing in trolling – I have always regarded the Arran as the “ultimate boat” for the job. The main reason for this reputation among loch fishermen as far as I`m concerned, is based on the displacement hull design. The full length keel allied with the two deep bilge keels (side keels) give the boat amazing stability, which is one of the main requirements of trolling. The solid heavy duty GRP boat, broad mid-gunnel design, displacement hull and three deep keels allow the boat to track amazingly well into a big wave. This stability and the fact that the boat will hold its course well in a wave, make it perfect when a good fish is hooked. I often fish alone and this is an important feature to have. I have been out in Scotland`s largest lochs in some of the worst conditions that you would like to be out in and I can honestly say that I have never felt in any danger in the Arran 16. Strong winds and large waves are always a possibility when out on the large highland lochs and it`s always reassuring to know that you`re on a boat that can cope! Another point regarding the three deep keels which is worth mentioning is that you can beach the boat on the shore and it will sit upright. I often take fish ashore to release and frequently camp for a few days and this has proved very useful? The steel keel bands fitted are also a good design point to protect against damage. My Arran has been fitted with a wooden decking floor with rubber matting, downriggers, rod-rests, echo sounder/GPS, rod and net holders on the cuddy, a lockable door on the forward storage compartment, power points for charging phone, camera, operating bilge pump etc. I personally prefer the “tiller steering” for trolling, as it allows me a clear view of my rods and downriggers. The large floor space (6`5” beam) and substantial cuddy with good visibility are perfect for trolling. The removable cuddy is an excellent idea (although my boat is fitted with GPS, so cuddy removal is unfortunately not possible). The Arran is easily powered by a 10hp outboard (recommended Max 15hp) which is another major plus when trolling due to fuel economy and slow trolling speeds (depending on lures/baits fished). Obviously, the displacement hull does not allow for high speeds, but still capable of speeds to around 10 - 12 knots! The Arran is easily towed and launched, despite it being a heavy (around 300kg), solid boat. As far as cost goes – in my opinion it is “head and shoulders” above other equivalent boats on the market. If you`re looking for a boat for trolling the highland lochs, in my opinion, this is the boat you need - look no further! Tight Lines. Aya Thorne – Ferox 85 Group. Aya Thorne - Ferox 85 Group

Contacted today by a gentleman called Leo who said agreed to let us publish these, with this Arran 16 he fishes 60 lobster pots, 30 odd whelk pots as well as netting and rod fishing. Just shows you how robust and long lived they are when owners take care of them. Well done Leo! Leo

Just had our family boat returned by Dave today (a Fishing Fifteen which he collected and returned from the North West Highlands!). The boat is over 30 years old and was in need of significant attention - bulk heads, keel straps, rotten wood etc. The boat now looks like it has just come out of a showroom with new remote steering fitted, cabin, seats, new paint job as well as many other extras and bespoke fittings. Fantastic job Dave and thank you so much for giving this much loved boat a new lease of life. Now my kids can enjoy it as much as I did when I was growing up. Colin MacK

Just a quick message to say thanks to Dave & Kay at Arran Boat Sales for the fantastic service i recieved when purchasing my Orkney Strikeline from them. Everything was done to spec and nothing was too much trouble, no matter how many times i emailed asking questions... :) Even though the boat was a secondhand sale, every little last detail was taken care of from fitting my fishfinder & gps to having a new custom made cover. You cant go wrong with the service or the product that Dave & Kay are selling, and whats more there were no hard sales tactics! All that and i managed to christen the boat on her maiden trip with a few fish. Customer for life... Dougie M

Three lads and 58 stones of pure beefcake (ahem) and the Arran was perfect and a good haul of Brownies too. Frank A.

This is my Arran 16 which I have a tremendous time fishing loch Goil & loch Long with. This is an incredibly stable boat which I would recommend to anyone. Just had an amazing day on the loch, drove the boat first time for me, caught rainbows. Bril fun, safe and helpful owners. Thanks from Marion and Rab McI Frank W.

This is my first boat and I'm very new to boating was advised to get one of these as there very stable in the water and plod along quite nicely so far no problems whatsoever very pleased with it Gavin

Just a quick message to say thanks to Dave & Kay at Arran Boat Sales for the fantastic service i received when purchasing my Orkney Strikeline from them. Everything was done to spec and nothing was too much trouble, no matter how many times i emailed asking questions... Even though the boat was a secondhand sale, every little last detail was taken care of from fitting my fishfinder & gps to having a new custom made cover. You cant go wrong with the service or the product that Dave & Kay are selling, and whats more there were no hard sales tactics! All that and i managed to christen the boat on her maiden trip with a few fish like emoticon Customer for life… Doug M

She's a terrific sea boat for the size, compared to the Orkney boats (even though I live in Orkney haha). Sean R.

On my second Arran, sold the first but always regretted it. She was a commercial netting boat, flew through the rigid Seafish survey to get onto the UK register, don't see any problem with this one doing the same. Owned an Orkney Longliner a few years ago, against the Arran, no contest. Oh and bloody nice owners/builders too. Customer care doesn't get any better, always there for those off the wall enquirys even at 2130 on a Friday night ?. Lee Haig - Swansea May 2016

Just had our family boat returned by Dave today (a Fishing Fifteen which he collected and returned from the North West Highlands!). The boat is over 30 years old and was in need of significant attention - bulk heads, keel straps, rotten wood etc. The boat now looks like it has just come out of a showroom with new remote steering fitted, cabin, seats, new paint job as well as many other extras and bespoke fittings. Fantastic job Dave and thank you so much for giving this much loved boat a new lease of life. Now my kids can enjoy it as much as I did when I was growing up. Colin MacK