Best Boat Style for The Great South Bay off Long Island?

[SillyGoose]

Hi! I'm looking to buy my first boat and I'm trying to figure out what type to buy. I'll probably be docked in Lindenhurst and boating in the GSB around there typically but would also like the option to drive farther distances like Manhattan. I drove an 18' rib around Manhattan for work for two years so I know the waters get rough. My family had a 26' WA growing up that we'd use on the GSB (Lindenhurst - West Islip area) and I know on the weekends the waves can get crazy especially (arguably only) because of the other boaters.

My goal for this boat is to just cruise around with friends, maybe do some tubing, but mainly cruising and stopping at spots to swim, hitting up Hemlock Cove if that's still a thing (I moved to the city a few years ago so I haven't been on the GSB in a while), etc. I was originally looking at a bowrider (specifically Bayliners which I heard have a bad rap) because my goal is to have as much seating as possible but within my budget, I'd be looking at probably around 20' give or take (used obviously) and so it just dawned on me that a boat like that might take a beating in the weekend chop. I wasn't really interested in a cabin cruiser, cuddy cabin, or WA since I'd be sacrificing seats for the interior.

So I guess long story short, my question is: do we think bowriders are a no-go for what I'm trying to do?

Thanks in advance!

 

[tpenfield]

Older gets you a bigger boat within a fixed budget. You might want to consider boats up to about 26 feet.

Bowriders do have more seating, but not as practical (safe) in choppy waters. Center consoles are more fishing machines and don't offer much in comfort, but you probably know that.

A lot depends on your budget. I would go see lots of boats. They may look good in the online pictures, but when you see them in person, it can be a whole different feel.

 

[Lou C]

For those waters I’d be looking at a 24’ Walkaround with a 250 hp outboard