On Fri, 11 May 2012 22:05:09 -0400, Earl wrote:

John H. wrote:
On Fri, 11 May 2012 12:26:45 -0400, paulaner wrote:

I'm planning to buy a boat soon, and I have been looking at Mako,
Edgewater, etc center console boats. That should work well for my
periodic need for fishing, crabbing, bar run, etc. What is doesn't do
is make a comfortable afternoon or sunset cruise for the wife,
mothers, and other non-boaters in the family (they want cushions,
throw pillows, cocktails, snacks).

So, what is the 20' (or so) equivalent boat that could meet those
needs? I don't want a pontoon boat, and I can't afford the Hinkley.
My pier slip could hold 24' or maybe a bit more I think, pilings are
about 10' wide.

The boat would be used on the Chesapeake bay, and mostly on the local
river. I'd love a quiet 4-stroke outboard, and maybe something a
little classic looking.

Thoughts?
Here, I love mine! And my wife and kids do also.

http://www.keywestboatsinc.com/boats/show/id/6

Notice all the seating and cushions. Scroll through the images. When the back seats are removed, you
have four more rod holders.
Good choice! The larger KW boats have a porta-pottie in the console, too.

My wife and I started with a little 15' Boston Whaler which we used in the Chesapeake Bay and the
Potomac River. Sometimes it got a little bumpy, but we always had a great time. We now go mostly in
the Potomac River and Lake Anna, but have taken it to the Chesapeake several times also. Great
riding boat - and lots of cushions!!