p12
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- May 23, 2005
- Messages
- 46
Experience matters, and I have none with big SIBs.
I think I want a big SIB as opposed to a smaller 15-17' runabout or center console. I will be boating on calm days in the FL Gulf/Tampa Bay area doing some beach hopping and exploring with the family (myself, wife, 2 year old and 4 year old). I am currently looking at the 15' Saturn, would be running a 30-40 hp tiller and would keep it on a trailer. I expect I would have it set up family friendly with a bimini, cushioned bow, a 2-3 seats bolted to the hard floor.
My boating experience is a 17' runabout, a 20' cuddy cabin and a 32' cruiser. Currently I have no boat but am hoping to also get a 24-28' sport boat in the next couple of years in addition to the inflatable. Some of the reasons I like the idea.
-I think if it's easier to launch, tow, deal with, I will use it more.
-I like that with wheels on the transom, I will be able to launch from non traditional boat ramps (causeways).
-My wife likes how close we would be to the water (she want's a kayak, I don't and we have the kids).
-It seems that it would be easier to launch/man handle then a hard sided boat be it loading/unloading or beaching.
-I like the idea that I can fold it up in the corner if I'm not using it in the winter, or if I want to take it with me in the motorhome
-I like that it's light weight and I can tow it with a sports car.
My concerns are:
-The cost!!!!!!! I figure I'll be at $7-8k by the time I get the boat/trailer/engine. I can find a used fiberglass boat for a good bit less than that, but think I'd have to buy new to get what I want in an big SIB with a bigger short shaft engine.
-Even on calm days, how wet are they?
-Space, will I miss it?
Thanks for any input
Cheers,
Mike
Palm Harbor, FL
I think I want a big SIB as opposed to a smaller 15-17' runabout or center console. I will be boating on calm days in the FL Gulf/Tampa Bay area doing some beach hopping and exploring with the family (myself, wife, 2 year old and 4 year old). I am currently looking at the 15' Saturn, would be running a 30-40 hp tiller and would keep it on a trailer. I expect I would have it set up family friendly with a bimini, cushioned bow, a 2-3 seats bolted to the hard floor.
My boating experience is a 17' runabout, a 20' cuddy cabin and a 32' cruiser. Currently I have no boat but am hoping to also get a 24-28' sport boat in the next couple of years in addition to the inflatable. Some of the reasons I like the idea.
-I think if it's easier to launch, tow, deal with, I will use it more.
-I like that with wheels on the transom, I will be able to launch from non traditional boat ramps (causeways).
-My wife likes how close we would be to the water (she want's a kayak, I don't and we have the kids).
-It seems that it would be easier to launch/man handle then a hard sided boat be it loading/unloading or beaching.
-I like the idea that I can fold it up in the corner if I'm not using it in the winter, or if I want to take it with me in the motorhome
-I like that it's light weight and I can tow it with a sports car.
My concerns are:
-The cost!!!!!!! I figure I'll be at $7-8k by the time I get the boat/trailer/engine. I can find a used fiberglass boat for a good bit less than that, but think I'd have to buy new to get what I want in an big SIB with a bigger short shaft engine.
-Even on calm days, how wet are they?
-Space, will I miss it?
Thanks for any input
Cheers,
Mike
Palm Harbor, FL