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?

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.

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.

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.

On Sat, 12 May 2012 07:05:35 -0400, X ` Man
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.

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.

X ` Man 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.
Uh, I did refer to their larger boats. I did say they were a good
choice only because I am familiar with their build quality.

On May 12, 8:05*am, X ` Man 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.

The minimum my wife will settle for is a windshield to break the wind,
comfy deluxe seats and a 'stand up sunbrella type top to protect from
the sun... or when the wind is chily.

On Sat, 12 May 2012 05:36:04 -0700 (PDT), North Star
wrote:

The minimum my wife will settle for is a windshield to break the wind,
comfy deluxe seats and a 'stand up sunbrella type top to protect from
the sun... or when the wind is chily.

===

Based on what I think I know about your area and what you'd like to
do, I think you'll be happiest with something like a cuddy cabin
runabout in the 24 ft range, with full canvas and a V-bottom. You
will need to keep it in the water however or get a bigger tow vehicle.
If you keep it in the water, docked or moored, your best choice is
outboard powered. I/Os tend to develop corrosion issues if stored
full time in salt water. Do you have dry stack rack storage in your
area? If so, that is another option and quite possibly less expensive
than buying a new truck.

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.

The smaller ones, like mine, use a much more subdued porta-potty. Something along these lines, that
floats - just in case...

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...HL._AA300_.jpg

Of course, that's only for emergency use.