X ` Man wrote:
On 5/12/12 1:17 PM, paulaner wrote:
On Sat, 12 May 2012 07:05:35 -0400, X `
wrote:

On 5/11/12 10:05 PM, 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.

Uh, a less than 20' center console boat does not "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)."

Especially so on Chesapeake Bay, which typically in summer months has a
hard chop rolling across its surface almost everywhere you go. And
especially so in a small center console boat, which isn't really the
platform for those who want lots of cushions, throw pillows, cocktails
and snacks.

For a modicum of comfort, I'd suggest at least a 21' cabin boat with
at least 20-21 degrees of deadrise at the stern, and a 150 to 200 hp
four stroke Yamaha or Suzuki outboard.


I'll stick to the river for the non-sailors. I agree that a 21+ may
be a better size when I'm out in thwe bay.


You might like what is called a "deck boat." There are plenty in the
20' range.

Deck boats that do have a 20+ degree deadrise at the transom (if there
are any) are unsuitable for the hard rolling chop you describe. He may
as well find a 70's tri-hull.