Fishing Charter - TWo choices can't decide on vessel

Question

I am struggling deciding on these three companies and boats for a full day fishing trip in June. There will be 4 of us. I would love for any feedback on the boats / captains etc. especially if anyone has gone on any or all of these. I know Captains can change so trying to focus on the boats.

All seem to get good reviews.

Basically we want to be comfortable outside the boat - not crowded to fish, have the chance of smoothest ride, and comfortable inside - in case it is raining or tired etc.

Big Dan's - Game Changer - 42 foot / 12 Anglers

Catamaran for Stabilization

Quad 425 HP

Destination Alaska (Deep Strike has merged) - Wilderness - 40 Feet / 8 Anglers

Sea Keeper for Stabilization

Triple 425

Central Charter Crusader - 31 feet - 6 Anglers (we could buy out this one for all 4 of us for $150.00 more per person) -

TWin 300 HP

This will be my first choice as they can fish on Tues/Wed for Halibut....and those are the only days we are there.

Once we find out if we CAN fish for Halibut ON Tuesdays, I will be back to choosing between the 3 of them.

Answer

Choosing a fishing charter in Homer can be overwhelming because most operators are excellent, and in June the water can be either smooth or bumpy depending on weather. Since your priorities are comfort outside while fishing, smoothest possible ride, and comfortable indoor space, focusing on the type and size of the vessel is exactly the right approach. The captain matters, but the boat design plays the biggest role in stability, space, and comfort.

Below is a detailed comparison of the three options you listed, along with guidance on how each aligns with your priorities.

First, a note on halibut regulations: In many recent seasons, charter halibut has been closed on Tuesdays in Southcentral Alaska (Area 3A). This determination is made annually, typically finalized in late winter by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). So your plan to verify Tuesday availability first is absolutely correct, because it may eliminate the Crusader option immediately. Once the season rules publish, your choices will become clearer.

Below is a breakdown of the three boats:

Big Dan’s – Game Changer (42’ Catamaran
• 12 anglers
• Quad 425 HP)
This is a large, twin-hull catamaran—one of the most stable boat types in rough Gulf of Alaska waters. Catamarans dramatically reduce side-to-side motion and offer wider decks, which means more elbow room while fishing. At 42 feet with quad 425s, this vessel is built to cruise fast and handle chop smoothly. The interior cabin on Game Changer is known to be spacious, warm, and comfortable, making it a good choice if weather turns rainy or cold.

Best for: stability, deck space, fast travel, comfort for a mixed group.

Potential drawbacks: 12 anglers means you'll be sharing the rail with more people, though the boat is large enough to avoid feeling cramped for most groups.
Destination Alaska – Wilderness (40’
• 8 anglers
• SeaKeeper Stabilization
• Triple 425)
This is a smaller group and very high-end setup. The SeaKeeper gyro stabilizer is a major advantage—it greatly reduces roll even more effectively than hull design alone. The Wilderness is fast, modern, and one of the most comfortable traditional hull boats running out of Homer. Fewer anglers means more rail space, less clutter, and more personalized attention from deckhands. Interior cabins on these vessels tend to be roomy and well-equipped.

Best for: smoothest ride overall (gyros are game changers), small groups, premium comfort.

Potential drawbacks: still a monohull, so in certain seas it won’t be quite as stable as a cat, though the SeaKeeper significantly compensates for this.
Central Charters – Crusader (31’
• 6 anglers
• Twin 300 HP)
A smaller vessel and the most intimate option. A 31-foot boat means you feel the seas more, and deck space will be noticeably tighter, though buying out the boat for your group of four solves the crowding issue. The Crusader is a classic Homer-style halibut boat and perfectly capable, but it won't match the stability of the catamaran or the SeaKeeper-equipped Wilderness. Cabin comfort will also be more limited compared to the other two.

Best for: private experience, personal attention, flexibility on fishing days.

Potential drawbacks: smallest, least stable, roughest ride in chop, and the cabin will be less spacious in case of bad weather.

Which should you choose for your priorities?

If smoothest ride is your absolute #1 priority: Destination Alaska’s Wilderness (SeaKeeper makes a big difference).
If you want the best combo of space + stability + speed: Big Dan’s Game Changer (catamaran plus lots of room).
If you want a private-feeling trip and value exclusivity over comfort: Crusader (but only if halibut Tuesdays are open).

Other factors to consider:

Weather in June: Can be windy; seas can kick up. Catamarans often provide the best ride.
Fishing distance: Bigger and faster boats can reach better fishing grounds more quickly.
Cabin time: If weather is chilly or rainy, the indoor cabin will matter—a larger boat wins here.
Fishing rail space: 8-angler setup (Wilderness) offers the best balance of comfort and personal space.

Final Recommendation:

If halibut regulations allow you to fish on your dates, and comfort is your most important factor, the Destination Alaska Wilderness gives you the smoothest ride thanks to the SeaKeeper system and fewer anglers. If you want the most stable open deck and plenty of room for four people to spread out, Big Dan’s Game Changer is a close second and offers catamaran-level smoothness.

If halibut is closed on Tuesdays, then the Crusader becomes the only viable option for that day—but understand you’ll sacrifice stability and cabin space compared with the other two.

Fishing Charter - TWo choices can't decide on vessel

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