1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - Keys

[OllieC]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

Thanks. We enjoy it. We used it in S. CA offshore for a few years and now she's safe in freshwater. It's been a good universal boat, plus the wife can go potty!!!

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

take a serious look at a 24' SeaRay sundeck. potty under the port counsel, plenty of room. had a friend pick one up, great boat for what you describe. or step up to the overnighters

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

Ok all you OB vs I/O folks. Two above have suggested OB if you're going into saltwater.....

 

[hostage]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

From a pure maintenace and simplicit/practical view OB is the best option:

1) No bellows
2) No giant hull in transom
3) Very little for winterization
4) Easier to swap them out?

I see a lot of outboards in the saltwater community.

The arguement for I/O:
Nice swim platform and transom
Looks nicer IMHO
Cheaper and Easier to find a used boat w/ what you want on it if you go with the trandional glass bow rider or cuddy.
More common in larger size boats.

I do think OB make more sense, though I do prefer the look and feel of not having a huge engine in the middle of your swim platform.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

A lot of us have I/O's simply because the boat we wanted wasn't available in an outboard configuration... If stingray made a cuddy model with an outboard, I would own it. Sadly, only their bowriders and sport decks have that option.

I was willing to "compromise" and get an I/O because I trailer my boat and it only goes in fresh water. If I was boating in the salt, I would have passed on my boat and gone with something else that I could hang an outboard off.

 

[r.j.dawg]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

You could get one of these. Best of both worlds. Although, I don't think it will fit your budget.

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

Ummmm... yeah even the FUEL isn't in my budget!

Now this: 2002-Sea-Hunt-Escape

All good EXCEPT the missing head! :facepalm:

If it's going to be OBs, SeaHunt, Wellcraft, Sailfish.... All really nice except that most of them have fishing in mind FIRST and family/friends comfort second, up on the deck. At least from my perspective.

 

[hostage]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

Ummmm... yeah even the FUEL isn't in my budget!

Now this: 2002-Sea-Hunt-Escape

All good EXCEPT the missing head! :facepalm:

If it's going to be OBs, SeaHunt, Wellcraft, Sailfish.... All really nice except that most of them have fishing in mind FIRST and family/friends comfort second, up on the deck. At least from my perspective.

I have to agree with you, if fishing isn't your main focus then don't get it. They are ment to be low maintenace easy to clean, though if the Mrs doesn't want to go out as it isn't comfortable, what is the point?

An alternative solution is to use a Marina that has a nice bathroom. I pay a private marina 2.5x more than the public launch for a seasonal pass for the following:
1) Avoid the rift raff of the public launch
2) Much nicer bathrooms and even a shower!
3) 5 miles closer

Unless you go really far out or if your wife really has that small of a bladder a Marina w/ a nice bathroom might be an alternative to schlepping head with you on your boat.

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

Unless you go really far out or if your wife really has that small of a bladder a Marina w/ a nice bathroom might be an alternative to schlepping head with you on your boat.

Unfortunately, the first question I'll need to answer is "Where's the loo??" She can camp, in a tent, on a motorcycle. She can rough it without a shower for a long weekend. Just as long as there is a bathroom.

Anyhow, a cruiser with a head and an outboard.....

 

[DC20]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

My comments are based on you boating in Florida. I have had both I/O and outboard. The outboard seams to work better for me as we like to explore and we have a lot of shallow water here. I mentioned the dual console (cross between fishing and bowrider), we are on our second Dual Console (Proline 202), fresh water shower but no head, this is Florida, you can go in the water virtually all year round or stop at an island, the Admiral doesn't seam to mind. I have never owned a cuddy but have been in them in Florida, no one stays in for more then 30 seconds with the heat.
My 2 cents

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

Thanks DC20. That's some good food for thought. Going to take a look at what Century has to offer as well, now that they are back in business.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

Consider a Walk-Around cuddy? Plenty of room to move, hang-out, fish, etc. If you get one in the 24' range, they're usually equipped with a smal head, fresh water, and a microwave. The smaller cuddy offers a place of refuge when the S. Florida rain comes and even a small 12v fan makes it comfortable enough. Most have bimini tops with eisenglass enclosures and some even come with hardtops.

Many manufacturers make them. Proline, Century, Sea Fox, Seaswirl, Angler, Trophy, Shamrock, etc. Most are equipped with O/B's, which I highly recommend.

http://www.google.com/search?q=walk+around+cuddy&hl=en&sa=N&gbv=2&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=yYzgT4f0Core9ATdkc2NDQ&ved=0CIkBELAE&biw=1536&bih=792

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

I have looked at some walk-arounds and do like the concept in general save for most being set up primarily for fishing first and crusing/family/friends second (read: limited seating). I've got plenty of time so nothing is ruled out at this point. Going to look up some used Century boats next.

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

So I looked at a NEW 2007 Polar 21wa with a 200 Yamaha (also new). Alum trailer. Nice boat. Could see myself in it. Opinions?

 

[tincanman]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

I understand needing the head. I may have missed it, why do you think you need a cabin? And in all of the places, a cuddy in florida??

 

[tincanman]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

not in your price range new, but I'm not shure about used.

http://www.robalo.com/2011/robalo/Robalo-Boat.php?boat_id=13&page=home

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

I understand needing the head. I may have missed it, why do you think you need a cabin? And in all of the places, a cuddy in florida??

Yes, I am fully aware of the conundrum of Cuddy vs Florida. A place to get out of the elements? I know, not ideal. It's not 100% in that respect for sure. Still like the Sea Fox. This is an example of what I think is the perfect combo of comfort cruising / fishing utility.
2008 Sea Fox 216

 

[tincanman]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

yup, that will work well for your situation. Sea Fox has done alot in past years to bring their quality up and shed their bad name.

 

[xp8103]

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

This is what Nada says:
www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2011/Sea-Fox-Boat-Co/216-DUAL-CONSOLE

But it doesn't list an engine. SOME Nada listings show engine configurations. Anyone know if these numbers equate to a fully rigged boat or not?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: 1st boat shopping, ~$20k+-, potty, friend capacity, for eventual use in S.Fla - K

well, of course you want to get an OB. that's a given.

As for a cabin of any kind, considering Florida:

First, you don't have to have a cabin to have a head. And i don't think it's wise to have a cabin for the primary purpose of a head. May as well buy an open boat and carry along a portajon. So get those who are in the decision tree to take a look at their needs in this regard. Those who are the type who camp know how to work around these things. Also (and you figure out why) consider if you are doing day trips without docking, overnights at anchor, or trips to destinations (day or overnight) that have bathrooms. You can p anywhere.

Second, get a cabin if you are going to spend the night often on the boat. Otherwise, don't. Consider that you can always stay in the motel at the destination; you aren't usually saving a lot of money by buying a boat you can sleep in instead (neither do the RV people)*.

Third, a cabin divides your boat in half. During the day and while cruising, no one is in the cabin. How big is the rest of the boat for everyone? At night everyone is in the cabin. How big is the cabin for everyone? (you , your wife, the salesman and soemone else from the dealer should spend an hour together in the cuddy doing the paperwork. With the door closed. Feel free to use the head while you are in there. That will cure you.)



*It isn't saving money to buy a $100,000 RV that gets 4 mpg and costs $75 to park and hook up, instead of a $120 motel room and a $15,000 car that gets 30 mpg. You do it for other reasons.