Another newbie thread...

[JoLin]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Just to add to the confusion...

If you're looking for a cuddy simply to get the kid (or yourself) out of the sun for a nap, I'd recommend a walk-around cuddy. My first boat was a 21' Pro-Line W/A, outboard powered (175 hp Johnson), with a trailer.

Some advantages included a combined weight of under 4500 lbs (boat, motor, trailer and gear), and a seaworthy hull for its length. This class of boat is usually built on the same hull as the manufacturer's Center Console, fishing boat models. They're made to take a beating.

It was easy to handle, easy to learn on, and pretty uncomplicated mechanically.

Honestly, there are so many possible choices in a 'cuddy' boat, you need to start narrowing it down. Four Winns, Wellcraft and Searay all have a wealth of archival materials on their websites. That can help you out quite a bit.

Good luck!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Another newbie thread...

^^^Heck yeah, I forgot about those. Walkarounds are badass. And they are more typically outboard power which is my personal preference. They also usually have raised decks and scuppers which make them ideal for a wet slip. They are a somewhat more recent innovation (although I think Grady has had them for years) so they may be out of your price range and they are also more typically seen on coastal waters so I don't know how many you'd find in the mid-west.

 

[TheZeeMan]

Re: Another newbie thread...

I didn't even know about walk-arounds. I thought those were just fishing boats, had no idea they had cuddys. I will definitely have to check one out. Thanks for the tip!

 

[TheZeeMan]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Ok guys anything good about this boat just by reading or should I pass?

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/2218156218.html

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Another newbie thread...

so from what i seen if you only going to use it a few times first of all don't waist your money. rentals isn't a bad idea if you going to go boating 2-3 times. most of the people on this and boating use there boat way more then 2-3 times a season. If i were you just getting into boating try something smaller than what your looking at. If this is your first boat then look into some thing under 20' with a cuddy. You probably want something that you can launch and retrieve easily by your self 23' cabin boat isn't easy. look into a center console or some thing with a cuddy. just my opinion.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Ok guys anything good about this boat just by reading or should I pass?

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/2218156218.html

Pay attention young grasshopper. That one has an OMC so STAY AWAY!!

 

[TheZeeMan]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Oh no SBL, I usually go with my BIL 2-3 times a year, I want to go out more but I don't want to be a beggar so I don't ask him and wait for him to invite which I really hate btw. I'm planning on every other weekend as long as weather permits for the season as well as holidays. I will always have the wife with me so I think we should be able to handle a 23', although I do agree with you guys that like a 20' would be easier to manage so I'm trying to convince her

 

[TheZeeMan]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Pay attention young grasshopper. That one has an OMC so STAY AWAY!!

LOL Thank you so much! You guys are great. I'll keep looking, boats are popping up more often, I still don't think its full swing yet. The boat dealer guy I talked to said March is the time when everyone starts selling.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Yeah my local CL is starting to heat up a bit. Selection is improving.

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Another newbie thread...

you might want to stalk craigslist for a boat. you can find some real good ones on there, and then have them professorially checked out to prove its good. remember the bigger you go the more you pay for gas, repairs, maintence, towing exspencises.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Another newbie thread...

ZeeMan. you don't know what you want. How can anyone else Know.???
Your tow veh. will tell your what you can have?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Another newbie thread...

on a boat like that you are investing a lot of space for a place to pass out (your words). I'd look at something more open unless you are planning overnights.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Ok guys anything good about this boat just by reading or should I pass?

http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/boa/2218156218.html

PASS Over priced as per NADA, it is an OMC and will max out your towing. Not worth the risk IMO. It is a pretty boat but, do not be blinded by beauty.

 

[TheZeeMan]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Thanks Bob, my thoughts exactly. I keep trying to force myself to think looks don't matter lol

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Another newbie thread...

It's a shame the OMC's aren't supported. That Cobra 5.8 with EFI is probably a great package. But who wants to have to rely on ebay for parts when something breaks. Bummer! Chris Craft used mainly OMCs in that era and I kinda knew it would be one as soon as I clicked the link.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Another newbie thread...

It's a shame the OMC's aren't supported. That Cobra 5.8 with EFI is probably a great package.

Double whammy on that one, tho. OMC and marinized Ford engine. I'd stay far away.

 

[TheZeeMan]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Thanks again guys, so what brand of engine do I want, Merc? Or I guess what ones has parts available and not as costly to repair?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Another newbie thread...

Any newer Mercruiser or Volvo Penta are your best supported and best bet. Stay away from any Mercruiser 3.7/470 which were some time back but real bad news too.

Do some shopping in the iboats classified to get an idea of what is in your price range and design http://boats.iboats.com/

 

[smallboatlover]

Re: Another newbie thread...

you don't have to be limited to just i/o you can also look for boats with outboards. iv'e seen boat what you talking about with outboards. keep that in mind and not just i/o. Look into the cons and pros of and outboard compared to a i/o.

 

[possum2082]

Re: Another newbie thread...

hey, don't give up on 20+'. we got our first boat last year...an 86 2150 bayliner sunbridge. about 3000 + 600 fuel + 1000 trailer and we're still below your 5500 lb limit (supposedly, our mountaineer can do 6500).

the 2150 has a separate bathroom, a sink, v berth convertible and aft cabin.

we shopped for a bit and got ours for 2600 with a redone volvo outdrive and a newish 350. insurance (just liability and tow) is about $125/yr. i couldn't rationalize full coverage when the coverage would exceed the value of the boat in a couple of years. we store in our driveway and it really isn't too bad. can be a bit of a bother, but overall, not bad.

bang on the transom and stringers, check out those manifolds/risers, and check the oil in the engine and outdrive. and don't be too afraid of older boats.
buy a manual and start doing some of the work yourself. it's pretty easy in that you get to step down into the engine compartment to do work. i changed the plugs/wires on a 98 f 150 recently and it took me almost 4 hours. when i do my tune up on the boat's 350, i bet i can knock it out in 20 minutes.

stay away from omc and make sure you've got a big enough engine for what you want to do.