Best Cuddy Cabin

[Steve Di.]

I am looking to buy a used 24 foot cuddy cabin and am wondering what opinions you all have of the various makes. I won't be leaving the boat in a slip, but will be towing it with a half-ton pickup truck. So weight does matter.

Extras such as removable tables, large swim steps, and seating are important.

Please fire away with your thoughts.

[Paugus Bay Resident]

My choice would be a 240 SeaRay Sundancer, an offshoot of the Weekender. Check out Irwins. 8'6" beam and around 6,000 lbs dry (w/o trailer). I have a 280 and love it.

[GusMan]

While the Searay is a fine boat, you would *definitely* be over the tow capacity of a half ton pickup if the boat lists at 6000lbs dry. Not even close! Add the trailer, gear, fuel etc and you may be pushing the limits of a 3/4 ton truck!

Do *not* listen to boat or truck salesmen !!!!!

I was shopping for a travel trailer to tow with my F150 Supercrew and you'd be *amazed* at what the sales people where telling me I could pull.

Gusman

[Paugus Bay Resident]

Not even close!Don't know about that. I had a couple or F-150s and towed 8,000# with a class IV (think they're rated at around 9,500#). My 250 PS will tow over 12,000. Guess it all depends on what you've got (power, 2WD or 4WD) and where / how far you tow. MHO.

[itchin for fishin]

You will definitely add weight with the cuddy. Re-visit why you want the cuddy. Anything less than 26' is going to be tight. If it's a head your looking for, there are many open bows that offer tremendous room along with the head. If you want more shelter, most will have camper tops available. Just my thoughts. I have a Sea Ray Sundeck 220, I love it.

[Steve Di.]

Itchin' you raise some good points. I have previously owned a 20' cuddy and a 26' cruiser. Since I am returning to trailer boating, I am looking for dry storage, privacy for changing into, and out of swim wear, and an enclosed head. I am not locked into the idea of a cuddy and am curious about the bow riders that do have a head.

Thanks for the replies.

[ThePlut]

One of the most impressive heads on a mid size boat I've ever seen is the Cobalt 24SX. There's enough room in there for changing, a head that slids out, and a small bench...

It's an unusual looking layout, with a center console and starboard side walkthrough to the bow.

Very trailerable (I have a sister boat, the 240). Same hull, different deck, close in weight. My 240 had a head that is useable, but not as a changing area.

Look into it.

...Jim

[Dave R]

I have a Regal 2550LSC cuddy that I really like. They no longer make it but they make a 2450 and a 2650 cuddy now if you need something to compare it to. The 2550 is 24' 10" long and has a unique feature among cuddies of it's size in that it sleeps two adults and two kids. I tow the 2550 with a Durango so I'm sure a 1/2 ton truck will handle it with ease.

Some shots:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d631b3127cce932c008969e600000016108CbM27Nyzcg

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d729b3127cce9440838b190c00000016108CbM27Nyzcg

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d611b3127cce93b09302b88d00000016108CbM27Nyzcg

[HotDog]

formula makes a new 24' super sport (aka day boat)
www.formulaboats.com

[Water Camper]

Steve,

I've got a 1995 225 Sundowner by Fourwinns that I've towed with both my 1/2 ton Silverado and my Tahoe. Both are set up with towing packages. I've had no problem towing.

The 225 has room for 2 to sleep, room to change, mine has a portable head. The trailer has brakes which has come in handy a few times.

Good Luck Shopping,
Bill

[cowisl]

Call Bill Liakas at Channel Marine. He has got a few that may suit your needs.

(603)366-4801

[Steve Di.]

Thanks for all the replies. I have owned a 1992 205 Sundowner, which I used for day trips, and was pleased with it. The boat did become crowded with more than four passengers aboard.

I am looking to spend under $20K, so Formulas are out of the question, and unfortunately, so is the new Cobalt.

Happy Boating!