Thoughts on a new utility boat?

[codeman671]

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?

[VitaBene]

Codeman, what about the Grady Whites and Prolines? Or even a RIB like MP is using?

[SAMIAM]

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.:rolleye2:

[Orion]

The enclosure is taking a beating, it is not meant to handle the 50mph speeds that the boat can run at.


I'm laughing my head off imagining your fully enclosed pontoon cabin running along at 50 mph. Sometimes you just gotta throttle down.:laugh:

Those enclosures are primarily for inclement weather and are a whole lot of "sail" area.

[Kamper]

Have you considerred a "landing craft?"

http://www.silverstreakboats.com/index.php?pageid=3&itemid=17

This company has them 20-32 feet.

[GWC...]

Kamper has a winner... :D

[codeman671]

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.:rolleye2:


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.


Have you considerred a "landing craft?"


I have never seen those before but the website looked interesting. I am going to check them out.


I'm laughing my head off imagining your fully enclosed pontoon cabin running along at 50 mph. Sometimes you just gotta throttle down.


Laugh away... It is usually me laughing when I can blow by the average family bowrider in the broads on a rough day while they are taking a beating, or when something thinks they are cool trying to outrun me and they get beat badly by a yellow grocery getter. It happens a lot more often than one would think.

I wouldn't call it a gorgeous setup, but it has been effective.

[Seeker]

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. :eek:

[SAMIAM]

Silverstreak looks pretty rugged. If you buy one,Codeman.....contact me if you sell your tritoon.

[Webbsatwinni]

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%20Links_files/Wet%20Links%20Docs_file/Wet%20Links%20Jetboats.htm

Also, I owe you feedback, I will call you later today.