I'm new to the forum and have some questions about the purchase of a new family boat in the 22-23 foot range for a family of 5 including three teenagers. I've been on many car forums and know not to ask too many questions before reading posts, but I would like to narrow down some boat choices for my more in-depth searching.
I am new to boat ownership, but spent many days on the water with family and friends in a range of brands, lengths and types. We live on the Island of Newfoundland in Eastern Canada (North Atlantic) where we see 10-20 knot winds and 1-2 metre seas on a regular basis. We also have very calm waters in and around the many bays dotting our coastline so most of our time will be less than 5 miles offshore.
We have been looking at bowriders and deckboats (not interested in express cruiser or cuddy) in the 22-23 foot range as they look to be able to carry our family of five and a few friends for the kids. Our boating season would run May/June to Sept/Oct and I would anticipate mostly weekend use and a scattered run during the week so we would like something that can be trailered/launched fairly easily.
Is there a particular design (or brand) of family boat would be best for mostly choppy saltwater seas (75% time) and also some freshwater lake activities (25% time). Can a larger bowrider handle saltwater ocean use based on the sea state and distances from shore I mentioned above? We are looking for a well-built, solid boat for long-term ownership and have read some reviews about models with cheaper, noisy hulls (i.e. Bayliner). I have done some research on engine types and am leaning towards a 4-stroke outboard for quietness, ease of maintenance and fuel efficency.
I know many forum members have owned and operated many types of boats and I am hoping their knowledge and advice can help me in my search. We are driving to New England for a family vacation in mid August and plan to look at purchasing on that trip along the way (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI) and will even venture into Ontario or Quebec for the right boat and deal. We have limited purchase options here (Bayliner 175-185) and new BRP powered jetboats from Scarab.
We would prefer a new model as our bank will allow a longer term payout and I feel more comfortable not having the worry of issues related to buying used.
Any advice and opinions are appreciated!
Thanks,
Jeff
I am new to boat ownership, but spent many days on the water with family and friends in a range of brands, lengths and types. We live on the Island of Newfoundland in Eastern Canada (North Atlantic) where we see 10-20 knot winds and 1-2 metre seas on a regular basis. We also have very calm waters in and around the many bays dotting our coastline so most of our time will be less than 5 miles offshore.
We have been looking at bowriders and deckboats (not interested in express cruiser or cuddy) in the 22-23 foot range as they look to be able to carry our family of five and a few friends for the kids. Our boating season would run May/June to Sept/Oct and I would anticipate mostly weekend use and a scattered run during the week so we would like something that can be trailered/launched fairly easily.
Is there a particular design (or brand) of family boat would be best for mostly choppy saltwater seas (75% time) and also some freshwater lake activities (25% time). Can a larger bowrider handle saltwater ocean use based on the sea state and distances from shore I mentioned above? We are looking for a well-built, solid boat for long-term ownership and have read some reviews about models with cheaper, noisy hulls (i.e. Bayliner). I have done some research on engine types and am leaning towards a 4-stroke outboard for quietness, ease of maintenance and fuel efficency.
I know many forum members have owned and operated many types of boats and I am hoping their knowledge and advice can help me in my search. We are driving to New England for a family vacation in mid August and plan to look at purchasing on that trip along the way (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI) and will even venture into Ontario or Quebec for the right boat and deal. We have limited purchase options here (Bayliner 175-185) and new BRP powered jetboats from Scarab.
We would prefer a new model as our bank will allow a longer term payout and I feel more comfortable not having the worry of issues related to buying used.
Any advice and opinions are appreciated!
Thanks,
Jeff