Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

[plooney]

Dear members,

I need advice as I am all over the place in trying to find out what the best express cruiser would be for my family of 4. Must handle afternoon mid-channel (between Catalina and mainland) southern cal coastal conditions 2-3 ft wind chop Here's my additional critera #1 trailerable (would be pulling with a F-250 3/4 ton). Looking at the 26'-28' range......... #2 being able to travel to catalina from the orange county/la county area......... #3 Usage break down is as follows: 75% of time entertaining people (crusing)...15% of time water sports (tubing, rafting etc.) and 10% of time fishing (not too hard core just paddie skiping for the ocassional yellowtail, white sea bass, or smaller)....#4 $100k is my limit....thanks in advance for your time.

 

[Philster]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

Regal and Sea Ray have popular, respected boats in that range and of that type.

http://www.regalboats.com/28express



http://www.searay.com/Page.aspx/pageId/10234/Sport-Cruisers-24-37.aspx

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

Philster,

Do you have any personal knowledge in how they handle in a 2-3' ocean chop? I also heard express cruisers bounce around like corks in the ocean is this really true?

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

Should I be looking at a boat with a wider beam such as a Larson (8'10") or a Doral (9'4") or is a matter of inches not going to matter in beam width. Basically looking for the best trailerable express cruiser than can handle a 26 mile afternoon channel crossing.

 

[Philster]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

Well... I've been on many express cruisers. I don't think 2-3' chop would be an "issue", but everyone uses these 'chop' terms way too loosely. Most people mean 1-2 when they say 2-3.

2-3' chop is a miserable outing on most boats, unless you are roughing it for a big fishin' day. Express cruisers usually don't slam and they bounce/cut nicely through most waves that you'd be willing to boat in. I don''t know what this 'bounce around like corks' reference means. Out at sea, with big swells and rollers, everything is a darn cork, be it a 21-footer or a 31-footer.

Before you go adding beam width, you have to consider how that limits trailering. You are starting to look at big steps up in the ability to transport it.

I've been on boats with wide beams that didn't return any real advantages in interior space, but some do.

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

I've been boating for over 25 years out of San Pedro, Long Beach, and Huntington Beach Ca. and pretty confindent how I describe the typical afternoon conditions as 2-3' wind chop (unless Santa Ana conditions are present...which would be glassy all day). In my single younger days, I've been on a 25' Parker with a 9'6" beam and numerous other walkarounds with a 8'6" beam and could honestly say I felt a difference with the wider beam in the above mentioned conditions. However, now I have a family and looking into the express cruiser market, which I have no expereince in, and would like to hear input from cruiser folks how their boats have handled in similiar type of conditions.

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

As far as the beam width issue ...I have 12,000 pounds to play with (or really 10,500 when you subtract 1,500 for the trailer) as far as getting a permit it's easy in California just pay the online charge of $90 a year as long as it's not wider than 14'....Plus I have nerver heard of anyone that is less than 10' actually get stopped by law enforcement out here

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

Being the owner of a 29' express I can say I prefer a bit more beam than more length. As you gain beam you get wider dinette seats, more room in berths, and more room to walk around with multiple people on board. A narrower boat will also be more tender when running or at rest. These are general statements and will vary boat to boat but a good rule of thumb.

I would go as wide as you can in that length range.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

I would go as wide as you can in that length range.

Agreed, another foot of beam is better than another foot in length (when speaking of boats of course, ) I think a 28' with a 10' beam would be about the largest trailerable boat I'd consider. That will get you pretty close to the 9-10K lbs range and will help with "cork in the water" issue a bit. I wouldn't consider a boat that large without twin engines, and you won't likely find a lot of 10' beam boats with a single engine anyhow. Since you noted that the majority of the time will be spent entertaining, the extra beam will be of great use when people are up and moving around. There are tons of boats/manufacturers who have boats in that size class, so do yourself a favor and go look at a dozen different models/brands. Sea Ray, Regal, Doral, Cruisers, Carver, Formula, Trojan, Four Winns, Chapparal are just a few of the notable manufacturers that you can likely find a good used boat for $100K or less (likely much less).

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

The way I see it, my max weight with just boat and engine is topped out at around 8,000 pounds, when you add fuel, gear, food & ice, and people you get to 10,000 pounds really quick, add in the 1,500 pound trailer and your getting to 12,000 pounds really quick. I would like to have a 500 pound cushion in case of any miscalucations. With that said does anyone know of any 8,000 pound 9'6" beam express boats? I noticed Chaparral's 29 footer is about a 1,000 pounds out of my range. The Dorral is at 9'4" beam. Other than that I don't see any good candiates. As for used boat option, I don't want to go older than 3 model years and less than 200 hours.

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

I just noticed the Rinker 290 express at 7600 pounds with a 9'1" beam. What's the word on the street about Rinker's?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

They're all probably comprable in quality as they make most of them via the same process and use similar layouts/electronics/powerplants. Rinker is a solid manufacturer.

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

They're all probably comprable in quality as they make most of them via the same process and use similar layouts/electronics/powerplants. Rinker is a solid manufacturer.

I wouldn't say that is true. Larson is bragging about a new VEC system in the way they make their hulls? What's the word on the street about VEC? Is it a gimmick or the way every builder will eventually swith too?

 

[QC]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

plooney,

You have more experience off our coast than I do, but I've been out there a lot as well. Knowing what you know, I wonder what speeds you're chasing. The issue with Express Cruisers "bobbing" is probably more about them rolling. The high deadrise bottoms that allow a decent ride at higher speeds also make them laterally unstable at rest, and may be what those words of caution are about. My experience is that exceeding 30 MPH is a pretty rare opportunity in the Channel.

So I think I might look for less deadrise and more beam.

How far of a tow are you planning? Where to where? That may be another way to look at your weight issues. I don't know what towing experience you have, but storage in say Costa Mesa and launching in Huntington Harbor is a lot different than storage at home in Yorba Linda and launching at Newport Back Bay. If it's the former, I wouldn't get too worked up about it, if it's the latter, then I'd be wary of the high end of the ratings. Plus I think your trailer weight and loaded up weight estimates are too low.

BTW, I like the idea of an Express Cruiser as well, but I was thinking Mead where I could enjoy the Express part of the equation more. Off shore here, I want more of a pilot house and a fly bridge type deal, but I know that blows your trailer plan. With your budget it seems like a slip might be in play . . . just curious about all of your inputs that lead you to where you are. I don't really see even tubing much with a cruiser of any type.

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

plooney,

You have more experience off our coast than I do, but I've been out there a lot as well. Knowing what you know, I wonder what speeds you're chasing. The issue with Express Cruisers "bobbing" is probably more about them rolling. The high deadrise bottoms that allow a decent ride at higher speeds also make them laterally unstable at rest, and may be what those words of caution are about. My experience is that exceeding 30 MPH is a pretty rare opportunity in the Channel.

So I think I might look for less deadrise and more beam.

How far of a tow are you planning? Where to where? That may be another way to look at your weight issues. I don't know what towing experience you have, but storage in say Costa Mesa and launching in Huntington Harbor is a lot different than storage at home in Yorba Linda and launching at Newport Back Bay. If it's the former, I wouldn't get too worked up about it, if it's the latter, then I'd be wary of the high end of the ratings. Plus I think your trailer weight and loaded up weight estimates are too low.

BTW, I like the idea of an Express Cruiser as well, but I was thinking Mead where I could enjoy the Express part of the equation more. Off shore here, I want more of a pilot house and a fly bridge type deal, but I know that blows your trailer plan. With your budget it seems like a slip might be in play . . . just curious about all of your inputs that lead you to where you are. I don't really see even tubing much with a cruiser of any type.

QC,

You've got some really good points and thanks for your response.......the bobbing around i was in refrence to is the lateral unstableness experience while stopped and adfift (such as taking a group out to whale watch, or to stop off at a kelp patty and throw in a line).....as far as towing, for the most part the distance from Westminster to Huntington Harbor (10 miles).....but the comfortible ability to ocassionally tow to Oxnard (60 miles +/- to the north) or to San Diego (60 miles +/- to the south)......As far as tubing goes, being able to take the kids over to Marine stadium in Long Beach or near the front side of Catalina with them on tow. I'm basically looking for a boat that suits all of my family's desires (me fishing, my wife cruising with friends, kids water banana, or intertube pull) Does such a traiblerable boat exist for southern ca. ocean folks? I also don't expect to be going faster than 35mph across the channel even on the most glassy of days

 

[QC]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

I'm basically looking for a boat that suits all of my family's desires (me fishing, my wife cruising with friends, kids water banana, or intertube pull)

The problem begins there. Especially when you add in overnight stays.

Does such a traiblerable boat exist for southern ca. ocean folks?

I actually think this is the boat if overnight was not the plan: Robalo 247

I also don't expect to be going faster than 35mph across the channel even on the most glassy of days

That tells me you know the Channel.

The Oxnard and San Diego plans are really tough tows. Oxnard more than SD, but still some reasonably tough hills and pretty stressful.

I think one desire has to go, Tubing and/or the Banana in Marine stadium or the overnights . . . It is soooooo hard to find a boat that does so many things well. Pulling something around over at the Island may be more reasonable, but I think I'd freak if you ran a 28 ft. express cruiser at Marine Stadium.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

From Westminister? What bout the launch ramp on PCH in Long Beach right next to the Ralph's Supermarket?
Of course I havent lived in SoCal for 10 years now..I miss it so..
We used to launch my buddy's 25 foot Farralon there all the time.

I also questioned the "tubing" comment..unless towing a zodiac or Avon is considered tubing nowadays..lol

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

The problem begins there. Especially when you add in overnight stays.


I actually think this is the boat if overnight was not the plan: Robalo 247




That tells me you know the Channel.

The Oxnard and San Diego plans are really tough tows. Oxnard more than SD, but still some reasonably tough hills and pretty stressful.

I think one desire has to go, Tubing and/or the Banana in Marine stadium or the overnights . . . It is soooooo hard to find a boat that does so many things well. Pulling something around over at the Island may be more reasonable, but I think I'd freak if you ran a 28 ft. express cruiser at Marine Stadium.

I've been crossing the channel with my old man for the past 25 years.... first back in the 80's with a 25 ft Chaparral fishing boat, then a 26 ft. Seaswirl, and finally for the past three years a 25 ft. Parker....Now I have my own family and want them to experience the fun childhood outings I had while growing up.....Now that you mentioned it all the boats I have seen in Marine stadium have been small however, I've seen on a hand full of times (during summer) just outside of Avalon and also in front of the boy scout camp people water sking and others being towed on some sort of tube. Most of the time they were cuddy cabins which were pulling, but could have sworn on a couple of occasions Express cruisers were pulling tubers (I think it was a Sea ray or a Larson)...Over nighting is a must. QC, do you think this boat would be too laterallyy unstable? And safe to trailer with my F250? http://larsonboats.com/cabrio857.php

 

[plooney]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

I like HB Harbor much more. Most of the time it's not busy. "Tubing" A boat towing a subject on an intertube

 

[dan t.]

Re: Best Express Cruiser for costal So Cal Waters 26-28' range

Bayliner 2859