Advice o

[pszopiak]

I need some advice on the style of boat I should be looking at. I am looking to purchase a used boat to use on the lower Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay (approx 10% on the bay). The boat will be used for primarily cruising and some fishing. I've been looking at smaller cuddies 2425(- feet) and also some of the larger open bows 2325(- feet). The open bows lend themselves to more room and can offer a head (necessity). However, Im' concerned about their ability to handle rough water. The cuddies offer the "peace of mind" of being able to handle rougher water better. But there is a lot of wasted space (cabin). I do not plan on sleeping on the vessel. Any thoughts or recommendations to my dilemma?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Advice o

It depends on how much time you spend on the water. If you're out there all day long, it's nice to be able to find some shade now and then.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Advice o

I have had both types, run in the Chesapeake, and been running in the Florida Keys for over 30 years. My boat is a 23' CC with twin 110 OMC outboards. I am not a fisherman but take the family & friends out whenever I can. The open cockpit all around gives all the space you can get in a boat. I don't pack em in but am quite comfortable with six adults on board. Cabins on boats of this size end up in being used for storage of life jackets & coolers. I put the life jackets where fisherman stow their gear and my wife sitson the cooler in front of the console. And no we don't have a potty on board. We do as the fish do when necessary.

 

[KCook]

Re: Advice o

There is rough water and then there is rough water. In the most extreme waves the cuddy is certainly less likely to swamp. But would you be on the water in the first place when conditions are so bad? Of course the bowriders with low profile design are suspect. But I would not rule out those bowriders that have decent depth to their hulls. Self-bailing an obvious plus.

Kelly Cook