On Tue, 30 Sep 2003 09:51:12 -0400, "Dudley Man"
wrote:

I want a boat that I can use in both sal****er bays and in freshwater.

The body of fresh water is a very large reservoir (Quabbin in Massachusetts)
that has a 25 hp restriction and the boat must be rated for at least twice
the HP of the motor used.

I am considering purchasing a Mckee 16 foot skiff (990 pounds) and using a
Yahama 25 four stroke.
or going to a much smaller Mckee 14 foot skiff (665 pounds) using the Yahama
25.

Both boats will be fine in fresh water, but I'm not sure what would be best
in sal****er. The larger
boat has a lot more appeal for me. but the smaller boat will reach a good
plane with a 25.

Mckee states that the Minimum hp for the 16 footer is 40 hp and 25 hp for
the 14 footer.

I would appreciate any comments on what might be the safest boat. Would I be
making a mistake
in putting a 25 hp on the 16 foot boat. Taking a little longer getting there
doesn't bother me in the least,
but I don't want to sacrifice safety for comfort and convenience.

Both boats with specs. can be seen at: http://www.mckeecraft.com/




Given your motor restrictions, have you considered an inflatable boat?
An inflatable boat is much lighter than a regular boat and safer in
the 16ft range. You can get it with an inflatable floor or with
fiberglass hull (rib).

If you do look at ribs it should be a quality boat with hypalon tubes.
I've had a 14ft Zodiac for years, keep it inflated on a trailer in my
garage. Use it on lakes as well as the Pacific off northern CA.