Center console vs deep v

[tparrent]

I am new to powerboats but have many years experience in sailboats. I am finding that experience does not necessarily transfer well as I feel like a real newbie!

I am looking for a simple boat to be used for exploring the lakes in the Raleigh, NC area. I may eventually get into fishing but for now I mostly just want to go into the quiet areas of the lakes and enjoy time on the water.

Most of the time I will be solo so "family friendly" is not high on the list. On the other hand, I do like a boat with a solid feel and good motion through the water. Pounding in chop is not my idea of a good time. Chop is fine, pounding is not.

A definite priority is ease of launch/retrieval (singlehanded) as I have previously kept my sailboats in marinas and not had to deal with trailering much.

One use that may be important is getting back into the thin water areas of the lakes. Those are the quiet, natural zones I like the best. However, I may have a distorted view of "thin" water coming from sailboats. I rented a fishing boat a coule weeks ago and really wanted to explore some backwater creeks. Once the sounder showed five feet, I started freaking out and left the area. I found out later that the boat probably drew only one foot with the motor all the way down!

Coming from the Great Lakes area, I am used to seeing Lunds and Trackers on the road everywhere. I seldom saw center console boats. Down here in North Carolina, the center consoles are much more prevalent but there are still plenty of bass boats and deep v's.

How should I look at choosing between the types? I know that I do not want a blunt bow skiff due to the pounding I assume they take from chop and wakes but the semi v skiffs I have rented seem to have a nice ride.

Are the "deep" v's really all that much deeper than the skiffs? It's not like we are talking six inches vs four feet, right? I can't imagine going into water less than two feet deep anyway.

I did notice much better visibility in the CC's both when poking around backwaters as well as when getting up on plane. On the other hand, sitting back in a comfortable seat on a bass-type boat is nice for a relaxing day on the water.

This note is really getting lengthy but I would appreciate thoughts on just a few more questions.

I know little to nothing about the relative quality of different powerboat brands. For instance, are Trackers and Carolina Skiffs entry level boats in their segments? Can you suggest any place online that might give honest reviews and comparisons? (The boating magazine reviews seem pretty worthless given that they simply gush about every advertiser, I mean boat, that comes along.)

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

 

[oops!]

Re: Center console vs deep v

welcome to i boats....

this place is boat university.......

from your question....on what is better.....ill leave that part for the guys.

a cc is an interior design...it can come on a flat or a deep v.....so choose the ride....then the style.

a deep v is the best ride in chop....but powerboats are a trade off....so with more deadrise you have more drag....less top end......

(the difference in draft is only 6-ins or so.....i started to giggle when you said you freeked in 5 feet.....thinking you were gonna loose the keel !)
we go shallow all the time....but allways at dead slow.

a guy here called qc said the other day ....he likes a smooth ride so much he goes at minimum 21 deg dead rise now......thats a (deep v)

so it all breaks down to what do you want to do and how do you want to boat?

 

[tparrent]

Re: Center console vs deep v

Thanks for the reply - reminded me of a few things I left off.

Speed doesn't matter much to me (am I allowed to say that?) and I would be spending much more time at slow speeds than on plane. I am sure this has implications for both the hull shape and the engine.

I rented a SeaFox with a 200 hp Suzuki the other day. At first I would gradually throttle up until the bow was pointing at the sky before coming down and getting comfortable on plane. This gave me an idea (always dangerous). The next time I went to accelerate, I simply went straight from idle to full throttle.

If I hadn't grabbed seat post as I flipped over, I would have had the interesting experience of watching a boat race away at 35 mph Once I got rearranged in front of the seat it took me a few minutes to realize that I actually could throttle down if I wanted stop the terror blowing through my ears!

I then attached the kill switch cord to my belt and had a delightful afternoon blasting around the lake. Even so, I am more likely to go 3 knots than 30 by choice.

 

[oops!]

Re: Center console vs deep v

heh heh heh....watch that full throttle from a dead stop thing.....it gets really addictive....

it sounds to me like you just need an average boat with good rough water capabilities....any standard boat with a adjustable pedistal seat would do....

when you are putting around....put the seat up to full extension....when crusing at 30 knots....put it down....it sounds like a simple 125 ish hp would do on a 17 or 18 footer....but you really have to figgure out what you want to do in the boat....cause a 12 foot tinny with a 9.9 will also do what you want.

so really think about pulling a tube or skiers.....how many people you are gonna have on......(they come from every where when you say "boat ride")

each thing you decide for or against....will make the choice of type of vessel easyer.

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Center console vs deep v

On the ride side of things there is a lot of Tri hull boats out there to be had cheap. They ride very well on the glass but in the chop they are very rough.

 

[ooldschooll]

Re: Center console vs deep v

You may want concider a antique but redone boat a lot of those old larsons etc.. ride and look good

 

[crb478]

Re: Center console vs deep v

How much are you wanting to spend? I personally like boats that are comfortable to walk around so I have found that boats in the 17 to 19 foot range work well. They are not so big that they are hard to load and unload, and many of them are big enough that you don't have to pull yourself up to move around the boat. For the lakes around Raleigh you can probably get by with a motor anywhere from 85 to 150 hp depending on the boat. If you want protection from the elements you might want to look at a dual console or bowrider type boat. Otherwise a center console works great for moving around and for visability. I personally do not like carpet in boats so a self bailing boat is a plus. If you don't like to be pounded in chop stay away from any true skiff type boats. They are great for stability, but the ride suffers. There are many compromises in boat designs, but you might look for something that is something between a deep v and a semi v. A sharper V at the front that flattens out some toward the rear may give you the best compromise between cutting through the waves well, but still not rocking so bad when the boat is going slow or sitting still. What ever you find take it out on the roughest day you can find and see if you like how it handles. They all ride good when the water is like glass, so see how you like them in the less perfect conditions. Also if you really want to get to the back of the coves you might want to invest in a good trolling motor. With a smaller boat you can easily get in and out of 1 foot of water.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Center console vs deep v

It sounds like you want something under 20' and fiberglass.
My 'Ray is Deep V and have the depth alarm set to 3'. She hits around 2.7'.
When I was a kid with a jon boat and a 7.5 Merc on the back (with shallow water drive) I could go in 1' of water. I love hitting the gunk holes too. The Chesapeake would be a whole lot less fun if you couldn't explore them.
My neighbor has a Mako and had a 150 Merc on the back when he got it. The bow was lower than the stern when idling - this was a great feature for running in shallow water!
As far as which boat to get? It's going to be your preference. I wouldn't think a Deep V would be a necessity on a lake - shallow V maybe. But I'm used to the Bay. When I was out last week, the chop was threatening to come over the bow. I assume you're going used? In this case, just take your time - the right one will come along. Took me all summer to find my 'Ray the year I got it. When I saw her, she was calling my name.

 

[tparrent]

Re: Center console vs deep v

Ah yes, I forgot the new vs used and price dimensions!

Price is not as important as getting on the water soon. I also have zero skills for fixing up any mechanical or cosmetic problems with a used boat.

I don't want to spend any more than I have to but I would be comfortable up to $20,000 for something nice and new.

Hey, somebody has to take the depreciation hit for everyone else!

 

[mthieme]

Re: Center console vs deep v

That's a lot of leeway.
You should have little problem finding something within that budget.
If you need help, post your checking account number - the gang will be like a fat kid in a bakery!

 

[arkansascountry]

Re: Center console vs deep v

I am new to powerboats but have many years experience in sailboats. I am finding that experience does not necessarily transfer well as I feel like a real newbie!

I am looking for a simple boat to be used for exploring the lakes in the Raleigh, NC area. I may eventually get into fishing but for now I mostly just want to go into the quiet areas of the lakes and enjoy time on the water.

Most of the time I will be solo so "family friendly" is not high on the list. On the other hand, I do like a boat with a solid feel and good motion through the water. Pounding in chop is not my idea of a good time. Chop is fine, pounding is not.

A definite priority is ease of launch/retrieval (singlehanded) as I have previously kept my sailboats in marinas and not had to deal with trailering much.

One use that may be important is getting back into the thin water areas of the lakes. Those are the quiet, natural zones I like the best. However, I may have a distorted view of "thin" water coming from sailboats. I rented a fishing boat a coule weeks ago and really wanted to explore some backwater creeks. Once the sounder showed five feet, I started freaking out and left the area. I found out later that the boat probably drew only one foot with the motor all the way down!

Coming from the Great Lakes area, I am used to seeing Lunds and Trackers on the road everywhere. I seldom saw center console boats. Down here in North Carolina, the center consoles are much more prevalent but there are still plenty of bass boats and deep v's.

How should I look at choosing between the types? I know that I do not want a blunt bow skiff due to the pounding I assume they take from chop and wakes but the semi v skiffs I have rented seem to have a nice ride.

Are the "deep" v's really all that much deeper than the skiffs? It's not like we are talking six inches vs four feet, right? I can't imagine going into water less than two feet deep anyway.

I did notice much better visibility in the CC's both when poking around backwaters as well as when getting up on plane. On the other hand, sitting back in a comfortable seat on a bass-type boat is nice for a relaxing day on the water.

This note is really getting lengthy but I would appreciate thoughts on just a few more questions.

I know little to nothing about the relative quality of different powerboat brands. For instance, are Trackers and Carolina Skiffs entry level boats in their segments? Can you suggest any place online that might give honest reviews and comparisons? (The boating magazine reviews seem pretty worthless given that they simply gush about every advertiser, I mean boat, that comes along.)

Thanks for any and all suggestions!

I have lived, worked and fished in North Carolina. Falls Lake average depth is about 5 feet, so do not freak out. Lake Jordan is much deeper, but has many hidden objects like snags and stumps. Backwaters is where I do all of my fishing in the stumpy areas, coves, creeks and whatever. I move to the deeper parts of lakes in the hot summer as do the fish. Fiberglass is okay in Jordan lake in the boat runs or open water. Myself I have a 16 foot Crestliner 48 inch width in the bottom of floor and 100 gauge alumium construction. My boat is like a tank in the backwaters when hitting stumps and you will, but as mentioned before, I putt-putt along in the backwaters, maybe 1-2 miles per hour. Use speed in the designated clear boat runs.

Backwaters, Seems to me you scare pretty easy, but when in the backwaters, do not leave your boat. Here in Arkansas I use a pole made from sturdy pvc pipe about 8-10 feet long that helps get you off of stumps. The pole is to keep you out of the water, cause you have the same thing in North Carolina that we have here called ALLIGATORS, and they are indeed in the backwaters. I encounter them all of the time, but they will leave you along as long as you stay away from their nesting areas.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Center console vs deep v

since speed is not your priority, have you considered a 16ft pontoon boat. i have a 20ft pontoon with center console, with a 50hp Johnson, the boat runs +- 18 mph wide open. the ride is smooth, not jarring, 99% just gentle roll, in rough water, and boat wakes. there draft is rather shallow mine is about 14 inches, with motor all the way down. the larger the diameter of the tubes, decreases the draft. they only drawback in small creeks is the boat width.

i have a wireless controlled trolling motor mount in the center of the bow. which works great.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Center console vs deep v

i have had many go fast boats, but have found this is the best all round boat, if you are not into skiing. it will pull a tube.

Friday, i took a 6 hour cruise, out to the ocean, and back. what a wonderful day.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Center console vs deep v

Tashasdaddy points out a boat I have never tried ,but owners love em.Especially lake use,shallow draft,stable,.You asked about deep V vs c/console.My last 2 boats are c/c's.I ,and others have long found ,boats with a deck,or v/berths are more roomy for those whom anchor and party/fish.More room in the cockpit it favorable that having the skipper aft and the fun forward.Thats my opinoin.There are the semi v's also.I had one called a T-Craft.Best boat I ever had.If you can find one get it.The 21 ft,was easy to haul,but big on the water.Unfortunatly that hull is no longer made since the 80's.I prefer outboards,#1 I live in saltwater.2#I tend to go shallow and outboards are easier to get off.Most of what your looking for,and I would agree about the 20'with 150 hp would be great.As for brand.I really think for a lake,it would be personal preferance.If you like upulstroy with stereio's drinkholders fluff and buff which is great.Then shop for it,get a cover,protect it and you will enjoy yrs of service.I like Yamaha outboards,but am familiar vastly in Evinrude/Johnson.I dont know about the E-tec engines.Told the Ficht engines are to avoid.Prior to Ficht and after about 1980,I knew E/J's also known as OMC,which was bought by Bombardier ,the jetski people.I loved the older OMC's because I knew them to be maint.freindly.Why Yamaha,I live in the Florida Keys,the fishing guys used Mercury ,OMC and most run Yamaha now.And,many got their Mercs and OMC's for free,but changed.Center consols give you access to bow with ease in anchoring,docking,fighting a big fish which allows angler to fight fish and skipper to chase fish down.Very popular for Sailfish down here.But again,I cuss my boat when a few of my buds are out anchored up bottom fishing.The cockpit gets small with 3 225 pound ,hot tired middle aged guys.Take your time,shop around.Dont know about where you are.But Boats are more than plentiful these days,and boat sailsmen are hurting worse than the auto industry.Shop and deal.I'd bet you could save a bundle shopping in Fl.and towing or shipping.Good Luck.

 

[QC]

Re: Center console vs deep v

a guy here called qc said the other day ....he likes a smooth ride so much he goes at minimum 21 deg dead rise now......thats a (deep v)

Yeah, actually my number is 20 degrees . . . You'll find a lot of boats under 18 ft. with around 18 degrees, they will be fast, but that 2 degrees will make a huge difference in big chop. Also, I like to run 40 MPH in really big chop and 20 degrees is the only way. If you aren't concerned about going over 20 MPH, and the chop is minimal, then 18 may be OK. Also, the more deadrise the less stable at rest.

Another thing, for low speed cruising, on plane. Nothing is better than helm adjustable trim tabs. Passive tabs like Smart Tabs are a close second, but they can make a big difference in variable water conditions.

Oh, and a center console can be much easier to retrieve single handed because you may be able to get to the winch from inside . . .

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Center console vs deep v

I boat the Raleigh lakes a lot, I think you might actually like a Carolina skiff. Unless you are going across the fattest part of lake Jordan, you will never encounter a lot of chop in the local lakes. Falls has very few areas that are subject to any kind of chop. These boats draw about 6", and combined with an electric trolling motor can get you as far back into the coves as you want. Another great thing about the flat skiff is they are perfect for exploring the sounds behind the Carolina barrier islands. The low draft is even more important there than in the lakes (they are very shallow at low tide). Some of the best times I've had in a boat were looking for sand dollars on the sand bars in the Back Sound by Beaufort.

The flat boats also get on plane quickly without the need for a large motor, so they are easy on gas. They also are really easy to launch and retrieve, and moving around on them is also a breeze.

Yes, they will pound you if don't watch the weather and you get into some chop, but I prefer to boat on the sunny days anyway.

 

[mthieme]

Re: Center console vs deep v

since speed is not your priority, have you considered a 16ft pontoon boat. i have a 20ft pontoon with center console, with a 50hp Johnson, the boat runs +- 18 mph wide open. the ride is smooth, not jarring, 99% just gentle roll, in rough water, and boat wakes. there draft is rather shallow mine is about 14 inches, with motor all the way down. the larger the diameter of the tubes, decreases the draft. they only drawback in small creeks is the boat width.

I don't recall the pink flamingos on the last set of pics you posted...new addition?

Pontoon is a great choice.

 

[tparrent]

Pontoons

Pontoons

I have considered a pontoon because I have a toddler who would love to go out occasionally as well as a dog who would love to go out all the time - a pontoon would be great for them and not a bad platform for the lazy cruising I like.

The only thing that has held me back is ease of launch/retrieval. I have no idea how difficult it is to tow, launch and retrieve a small pontoon. What I do know is that I don't often see people doing it. Is it any more difficult than a heavy skiff?

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Pontoons

Re: Pontoons

with the trailer set up properly, it is no harder. i launch and retrieve mine, alone all the time. as you can see in my pictures, i made 2 sets of guide ons. this lines the boat up perfect, as i idle on to the trailer, then step off the bow, and winch it the last couple of inches.

launching, i get the trailer in the water, get on tongue of trailer, release the bow strap, and board thru the bow. back off trailer, dock, and move vehicle.

i now use 2 inch muffler clamps, and piece of all thread, to mount my guide ons.

 

[kandil]

Re: Center console vs deep v

I think if this is your first boat you should get a used one to learn on and get more comfortable with the powerboat and gain some experience so if you mass up you would not feel as bad as if it was a brand new boat and then you can sell it or trade it in for a new one however if you want to buy a new one right now you can get great deals for under you budget.