Brand new boater needs Bayliner advice

[mesimmo2]

I just bought a 1990 Bayliner 18' bowrider with a 90Force O.B. This is my first boat and I have almost zero boating knowledge but I am eager to learn. Can anyone tell me the limtations of this boat? We are planning a vacation to the Florida keys in August and I would like to take the boat. Will it handle the water around the islands with out being smashed to pieces? I was planning to stay within a mile from shore on both the bay and ocean sides but I don't want to risk it if this boat isn't made for that. Thank you

 

[NYBo]

Re: Brand new boater needs Bayliner advice

Welcome to iboats!

Bowriders don't handle big waves very well- water comes in over the bow and quickly floods the cockpit (the bilge pump won't be able to keep up). Now your sitting lower in the water, so even more water than came in the first time enters with the following wave. I think you can see where this is going. Given your lack of boating experience, I would be hesitant to suggest this as good place to learn the basics, especially with the family aboard. If you can take a boating safety course and spend some time on the water in your boat before the trip, you should be able to venture out into quiet bays. But don't load the boat to its maximum capacity.

 

[sph130]

Re: Brand new boater needs Bayliner advice

Welcome to iboats!

Bowriders don't handle big waves very well- water comes in over the bow and quickly floods the cockpit (the bilge pump won't be able to keep up). Now your sitting lower in the water, so even more water than came in the first time enters with the following wave. I think you can see where this is going. Given your lack of boating experience, I would be hesitant to suggest this as good place to learn the basics, especially with the family aboard. If you can take a boating safety course and spend some time on the water in your boat before the trip, you should be able to venture out into quiet bays. But don't load the boat to its maximum capacity.

I will second this. I was a new boater last year and bought an 18 ft 1989 BL BR stern drive. I did take a safety course as required by the state. On the lake with high winds I am guessing it replicates a calm day on the ocean and it does feel like your getting tossed around. It's not a relaxing ride and spray does come in these boats quite easily.

I'd have at least 21 footer cuddy for the ocean.