When I buy something big, I usually take years to buy something as I want to like what I buy. I currently have a 2000 Maxum 19ft Cuddy with a 4.3L Mercrusier. I have been going back and forth on what to buy, I originally wanted to get a boat for water sports, though I realized most of my friends were scared of water and the wife doesn't like to be around, when we do water sports. Now I have friends that like water sports, the only problem is whose boat to take, as we all own a boat. Also I have a baby on the way, so I think my boat will not get her feet wet next season. I think the cuddy will be nice for the kid to nap in the shade, etc, though I am thinking of upgrading in a few years. Though my choices are vastly different:
Runabout:
This would be a slight upgrade to what I have, the cuddy can get a little tight with more than 4 people. Also a kid can nap under the bow cover. I know it uses a bit more gas, though as I don't do a whole lot of water sports, we normally just go and anchor and hang out. I have only filled my tank up once this season and we only filled it half way.
~23ft boat
5-5.7L IO
Mother ship Idea:
Cabin Crusier: With two friends owning runabouts equal to larger than mine, I am also considering getting a different type of boat. If I go with a cabin cruiser than we can use that boat as a hang out boat and grill things on it, if we want. We have slept on our cuddy a couple of times, though found it a little to gas smelling and cramped. A cabin cruiser could give us AC and more comfort.
~27-31ft boat
AC
Galley
Late 90's or early 2000's
Sailboat: Before I owned a run about, we had a sunfish and a Catalina 22 on a small lake in Texas. Now that we boat on a bay that connects directly to Lake Ontario and have plenty of wind, this might be another idea. From what I can see, I can get a bigger sailboat, which will also be cheaper on gas for the same price as a cabin cruiser. I could sail the great lake and crew it with friends.
30+ft boat
Good condition sails
spinnaker
Conclusion:
So in all there are many different options, I know the two latter ones will require more money for storage and slip. All of these boats will exceed my current towing capacity, so I would have to figure that part out. I have found out the plans you have for a boat, seldom get met.
Runabout:
This would be a slight upgrade to what I have, the cuddy can get a little tight with more than 4 people. Also a kid can nap under the bow cover. I know it uses a bit more gas, though as I don't do a whole lot of water sports, we normally just go and anchor and hang out. I have only filled my tank up once this season and we only filled it half way.
~23ft boat
5-5.7L IO
Mother ship Idea:
Cabin Crusier: With two friends owning runabouts equal to larger than mine, I am also considering getting a different type of boat. If I go with a cabin cruiser than we can use that boat as a hang out boat and grill things on it, if we want. We have slept on our cuddy a couple of times, though found it a little to gas smelling and cramped. A cabin cruiser could give us AC and more comfort.
~27-31ft boat
AC
Galley
Late 90's or early 2000's
Sailboat: Before I owned a run about, we had a sunfish and a Catalina 22 on a small lake in Texas. Now that we boat on a bay that connects directly to Lake Ontario and have plenty of wind, this might be another idea. From what I can see, I can get a bigger sailboat, which will also be cheaper on gas for the same price as a cabin cruiser. I could sail the great lake and crew it with friends.
30+ft boat
Good condition sails
spinnaker
Conclusion:
So in all there are many different options, I know the two latter ones will require more money for storage and slip. All of these boats will exceed my current towing capacity, so I would have to figure that part out. I have found out the plans you have for a boat, seldom get met.
Honestly for the usage you are describing I would buy a big fancy pontoon. You'll be money ahead over buying a big bowrider or cabin cruiser and they are made for parking and lounging in comfort.