Narrow beam (less than 7'6") bowrider or deckboat

[freefallin14]

The family is looking to replace our old and not so trusty 16' Glastron bowrider. The reason for the narrow beam requirement is due to our dock and shore station lift, which is not replaceable or able to changed for a multitude of reasons. To make a long story short, the 7'6" beam is an absolute limit. The budget is somewhere south of 15k, the further south the better. This needs to be a reliable boat first and foremost, as we had so many problems with the old boat. The boat is shared by an extremely large family, so simplicity of operation is a must due to some of the users who are "less than mechanically inclined." Basic wants/needs are ability to hold 8 people, good for towing tubes, easy for swimming off of, ease of docking, etc etc. Not many of us ski, and it is a rarity at best. Typically we spend the time on the water cruising and beaching for swimming.

Right now a potential buy is a used 15' Vectra deckboat, but I have serious concerns about this boat. This boat will be based at Lake Geneva, WI. It gets very choppy on weekends, and I feel a 15' deckboat will absolutely pound us into submission. The family has rented deckboats on vacations, and they really like the layout/space. I am a pontoon fan myself, but our space requirements do not allow for one at the moment.

Any and all ideas and suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Narrow beam (less than 7'6") bowrider or deckboat

An 18 foot Outboard bowrider may be a good choice. Four Winns and Bayliner make them. There are probably other manufacturors as well. The 7"6" beam will make it tight with 8 people.

 

[mrdancer]

Re: Narrow beam (less than 7'6") bowrider or deckboat

Do you have any length requirements/restrictions? The 90-inch beam will require something closer to 20-foot length or better for eight people, even longer for comfort reasons. Nothing wrong with a narrow beam (nicer ride in the chop), but you need length to make up for it. You will also want a flatter bottom (less deadrise) to maintain stability at rest. For under $15k, you will definitely need to go with a used boat. Maybe check out something like the SeaArk 2060 boat:

http://www.seaarkboats.com/boat.php?measure=Standard&boat=2060MV

Not a comfy/cushy bowrider, but it will give you a basic hull that will do what you want, then you can add stuff from there.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Narrow beam (less than 7'6") bowrider or deckboat

Not to open up a can of worms, but any reason not to repower the Glastron? It might even be under budget for you.

 

[KBHumphrey]

Re: Narrow beam (less than 7'6") bowrider or deckboat

You're right in my neck of the woods. We usually trailer the 10 mins it takes to reach Geneva for the day. If there's anything you need for help, just let me know...

 

[sethjon]

Re: Narrow beam (less than 7'6") bowrider or deckboat

EDIT

You need to read the posting guidelines as you broke two right here.