Which Make and Model?

[Kalwren]

Hi folks,

This is my first post. I've been poking around here for a week or so and looking at a lot of information.

I've decided on the type of boat that I want and the size. It'll be my first boat. I'm no rookie to the water however, I grew up on a lake. I'm a huge Jetski fan.

What I can't decide or figure out is what make and model I should go with.

I know this sounds like a Ford versus Chevy question but thats really not what it is.

I'm going to buy my first boat next year. I'll be looking for something used that needs a little fixing up.

I want something in the range of a 16 foot, to 19 foot cuddy cabin.

I'm looking for the manufacturers that make a 16 foot to 19 foot cuddy cabin. I know Bayliner makes them as the Capri series, but I don't know other manufacturers that do or what the model of the boat is.

I'd appreciate some assistance with that.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Which Make and Model?

I always recommend my boat to people...its a little bigger than 19' but its a classic...join the cult. Its a good all around fishing/family boat, water sports...and it has a little history that us owners seem to think is cool anyway....check out http://www.wellcraftv20.com

 

[mike343]

Re: Which Make and Model?

A 16ft cuddy is way too small. No room for anything. Go with the bigger ones.

 

[DYLBOSS]

Re: Which Make and Model?

I agree. 16ft is way too small. I just bought my first boat last summer. I picked up a 1996 Rinker Captiva 212 Cuddy. Love it. Plenty of room in the cuddy for stuff or lying down, plenty of room in the cockpit/ on deck for people, but not a huge boat to tow around. Although I already have my eye on something larger for the future . I couldn't imagine the size of the cuddy on a 16 footer. Even the 19 would be a bit small for me.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Which Make and Model?

Alright, new rule: no boats less than 20' ever!! Now that we got that out of the way, we need more info. Where will you spend most of your time boating (open water ocean, small inland lake, large inland lake, etc), what weather (you a cold-weather fisherman?), typical number of people, what activities are you doing (just cruising, extreme watersports, deep-sea recovery)?

These will help us understand what you purpose is with the boat and suggest something. An ideal price range would be helpful too, to help with options/year models.

 

[Kalwren]

Re: Which Make and Model?

Alright, new rule: no boats less than 20' ever!! Now that we got that out of the way, we need more info. Where will you spend most of your time boating (open water ocean, small inland lake, large inland lake, etc), what weather (you a cold-weather fisherman?), typical number of people, what activities are you doing (just cruising, extreme watersports, deep-sea recovery)?

These will help us understand what you purpose is with the boat and suggest something. An ideal price range would be helpful too, to help with options/year models.

Thanks for the replies folks, I appreciate it!

I understand the concern of wanting a large boat. However, I don't have a ton of space to store it in. And, more importantly - I'll be towing with a Ford Ranger. Big engine, but it's not a huge truck. I don't want to haul something huge for my first boat. My Max towing capacity is 3500 pounds. I'd like to keep it to 3000 or less, without fuel.

What I'll be using it for is mostly cruising. I'd like to use it in the ocean as long as a 16' to 19' boat can handle the ocean (near shore - I won't be going to far out).
I may pull an innertube on a large lake somewhere. I'm not looking for small lakes, they're too crowded.

At some point, I'll have a bigger boat. I need to get a full size truck first. That comes in a couple years.

So - are there any other suggestions as to what manufacturer makes smaller cuddy cabin boats? 19' or less?

 

[mysticowner]

Re: Which Make and Model?

Check out a Glastron Carlson CV-23. They have a very nice cuddy cabin, a great sun deck for your wife and are very easy to haul. I use an explorer.

Easy to fish from, (paddle it like a canoe) and they are classics.

They'll do about 54 mph stock and you can get a jet with a 460 engine, or a 350 with a leg.

I bought mine new in 1977 and will never sell it. I'd post pictures for you but mine are to big to fit here.