|
Home | Forums | Gallery | Webcams | Blogs | YouTube Channel | Classifieds | Calendar | Register | FAQ | Donate | Members List | Today's Posts | Search |
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
09-06-2008, 08:26 AM | #1 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,360
Thanks: 210
Thanked 764 Times in 448 Posts
|
Thoughts on a new utility boat?
I am thinking of trying something different that a pontoon next year for a utility/commuter boat to use for island access. I love my pontoon for its speed, rough water handling and cargo space. I do not like its handing in windy conditions with the full enclosure up, particularly docking. I have no problem with it but my wife and friends are terrified of it. On good days I dread taking all the canvas off as it is a 20 minute procedure to put it all back together. The enclosure is taking a beating, it is not meant to handle the 50mph speeds that the boat can run at.
For my next boat, I am looking for the following criteria: good rough water handling LOTS of deck space for hauling lumber, trash and large items easy boarding access for large, old dogs lots of seating for people lots of freeboard to hold small children in speed- I am looking for something that will run 50mph ability to be mostly or fully enclosed for inclement weather I have been poking around with Eastern, C Dory, Parker etc. I am thinking something in the 25'-27' range is where I need to be. Even still, none of the above seem to meet all the criteria I have set. Any thoughts? |
09-06-2008, 08:41 AM | #2 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 3,531
Thanks: 1,570
Thanked 1,605 Times in 822 Posts
|
Codeman, what about the Grady Whites and Prolines? Or even a RIB like MP is using?
|
09-06-2008, 08:44 AM | #3 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 2,836
Thanks: 326
Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts
|
You have described a pontoon boat. I would move up to 26'-30' tri-toon with a 200-250hp outboard.It will run 50mph,shallow draft,handles well.Only problem is the docking and that can be overcome with a little practice.Oh....almost forgot.......keep it under 45mph.
|
09-06-2008, 10:53 AM | #4 | |
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cow Island
Posts: 914
Thanks: 602
Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts
|
LOL.....I don't doubt it!
Quote:
Those enclosures are primarily for inclement weather and are a whole lot of "sail" area. |
|
09-06-2008, 12:24 PM | #5 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Thornton's Ferry
Posts: 1,296
Thanks: 67
Thanked 166 Times in 126 Posts
|
Have you considerred a "landing craft?"
http://www.silverstreakboats.com/ind...id=3&itemid=17 This company has them 20-32 feet. |
Sponsored Links |
|
09-06-2008, 12:46 PM | #6 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,325
Thanks: 5
Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts
|
Kamper has a winner...
__________________
[Assume funny, clever sig is here. Laugh and reflect... ] |
09-06-2008, 01:43 PM | #7 | |||
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,360
Thanks: 210
Thanked 764 Times in 448 Posts
|
Quote:
I am in a 24' tri-toon now with 225hp, I can handle the docking. The main issue in my boat is the enclosure, I think a traditional style boat is what I need to try. Something better in bad weather. Quote:
Quote:
I wouldn't call it a gorgeous setup, but it has been effective. |
|||
09-06-2008, 07:29 PM | #8 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Effingham
Posts: 408
Thanks: 37
Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts
|
I believe Eastern and maybe Parker will "build to suit" if you have enough cash and they're both nice to deal with. Neither is the greatest for rough water but Winnie doesn't really get that rough. Now don't flame me but returning from Stellwagen Bank in 15 to 20 foot following seas in my 31 Bertram doesn't compare to the broads on a bad day. My 190 Proline on Winnie seems very small on a bad day. Guess it's all relative.
Don't know the beam/length/draft requirements for your docks but there are some open 28' Bertrams available that have large cockpits, enclosures, but will only do around 30kts +/-, otherwise they fit your requirements. They do draw about 36"+ but if you are inclined towards rocks and shallow areas can be very expensive. |
09-07-2008, 08:11 AM | #9 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Moultonborough
Posts: 2,836
Thanks: 326
Thanked 1,626 Times in 562 Posts
|
Silverstreak looks pretty rugged. If you buy one,Codeman.....contact me if you sell your tritoon.
|
09-08-2008, 08:29 AM | #10 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Lebanon Ct and Rattlesnake Island Since 2007
Posts: 610
Thanks: 180
Thanked 137 Times in 72 Posts
|
Codeman,
I saw this site and thought that it would help this discussion, it has quite a few utility boat manufactures listed. I have a friend that has a Hudson on Lake George and he loves it. http://www.westernwhitewater.org/Wet...20Jetboats.htm Also, I owe you feedback, I will call you later today. |
Bookmarks |
|
|