I still drop in on rec.boats from time to time... and thought I'd post
an answer for this guy....

I would definitely go with the small cuddy if you're going to
frequently entertain guests, particularly women. You're really kinda
asking a lot from a 21-25 footer, wanting it for fishing *and* skiing.
At first I thought about the Wellcraft Coastal series, which are
superbly designed to make maximum use of interior space and deck
space. But then they're not all that hot for skiing. Just not that
kind of boat. Conversely a 22-23-foot ski boat isn't going to work
too well for fishing. It's not going to have rod holders, fish boxes,
bait wells, etc.

I suggest you do some homework: look very carefully look at the
features, in as great a detail as possible, of the various boats on
the market in that size range - and keep in mind that in terms of
available features, price, there can be a HUGE difference between a 21
footer and a 25 footer.

And don't get size-happy! Don't go buy some cheap-ass piece of crap
just because it's a foot longer.

Lastly, don't forget operating costs, what with gas hitting $4 a
gallon. Although a 25 footer will run fairly well with a single huge
outboard, they're usually set up with two big outboards or a big mutha
inboard, either of which is going to suck money from your bank account
like a vacuum cleaner. Spend the day cruising around in a rig like
that, and you're easily looking at some $150- $300 worth of gas.
Depends on your power setup, how much time you spend running around,
and how much time you spend anchored in one spot with the engine off.

Another possible factor is that if you're going to be towing a 25
footer, you'll need a 2500-3500-series dually truck with a big engine,
which will probably cost more than the boat.

A 21 footer usually runs something like a 5 liter inboard or a single
big outboard like a 200-250, which will be expensive enough.

I would also consider checking around for a clean, almost-new boat.
Since the gas costs went ballistic, I'm seeing used boat lots
absolutely packed with boats like you're describing. People just can't
afford to run them any more. Not just fuel costs, but boat payments,
insurance, towing, food/ice, slip rental, etc.

Summarily, unless you're rich enough that it just doesn't matter, you
have quite a bit to think about before making this decision.

Ron M.

("bstevens@ rock.com" is a fictitious email address)
Email me at ron AT peacefulhills DOT net