Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

[lorax]

My wife and I have a 18ft open bow. We also have two kids 4 and 1 year.<br />After a summer of boating with the two of them we are thinking hard about the possible benifits of a cuddy. On the one hand it seems like a lot of waisted space up front but on the other hand it seems like it might work out well with small ones. My wife also likes the idea of a porta pot on board.<br /><br />Any thoughts plus or minus?

 

[Capt. T]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

I've got the same situation, except mine are now 6 & 3 and have been boating from 6 months on (within reason of course).<br /><br />Interesting idea, remember who's going to clean the porta-potty <br /><br />Based on my kids reactions they love sitting up front in the bow (or anywhere in the boat ) you might end up moving to a cuddy cabin for a few years, only to move back to a bowrider when they get older. <br /><br />My six 6 year old is starting to think about tubing and I'm sure little brother won't be left behind for long (he never is). After 20 yrs of boating I would not choose to ski or tube with a cuddy cabin. Did look at one though when I bought this boat for other reasons but skiing won out.

 

[ISkiH2O]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

You can get a head on some boats without the cuddy. You can also get a tent to cover the bow area. I wouldn't give up the open space unless I planned on overnighting in less than pleasant weather.

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

lorax----sounds like the beginning of "stepping up" all boaters do it.It is a way to enjoy boating even more.In a few years you may want to go even a little bigger and do some overnights and then who knows???I started out with an 18ft years ago,I went to a 20ft and then a 24ft and began to do overnights without electric or shower.Went to a 27 with electric,shower,aft cabin stove--did many more overnights and started entertaining on board.We are now up to 30ft with 2 showers, stove ,microwave,a/c,tv,a real toilet etc.And by the way we got a 17ft mako and a zodiac for running around.Enjoy!!!!! Charlie

 

[ED21]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

I've noticed kids really seem to like cuddies & to be able to get out of the sun & wind a bit. It give them a place to be snug & color, nap or play a game. I think sometimes kids can get a bit scared from the waves, motion & wind and a cabin gives some retreat. And a porta pot is good. Sometimes they can hold it & sometimes they can't.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

We have a 4yo now... and this was our first season with a boat.. bow rider.... we've talked about changing to a cuddy after our last trip out in the heat, no way to give the critter a nap. no place for him to go and just play with his stuff.

 

[mojokim]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

We just bought our boat at the end of the summer (88 Four Winns 201 Liberator). We had been leaning toward a bow rider when I found a deal I couldn't pass up on this boat. We are so happy we ended up getting a cuddy. We have 3 children, 3,5, and 11. The little ones love the cabin and we feel much more secure with them there as opposed to an open bow. We may well change our mind later as the little ones grow but for now we feel good about our choice.

 

[gewf631]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

My 2 boys are 3 and 5 (or 4 and 6 by next boating season). They both love riding in the tube (slower than dad or mom), and fishing, and sitting, and piloting - after all, the enjoyment is in their enthusiasm. The boat is an 18ft bow rider with a bimini.<br /><br />You've got to ask yourself what type of boating you want to do, and how much time/$ you want to spend. The bigger boat certainly equates to more comfort, but is that what you're looking for? The smaller boat has other high-points. There's many questions you've got to answer (these are only a few)<br />

• <br />
• Where do you boat? <br />
• How do you spend your time on the boat? <br />
• If you trailer, how big is the tow vehicle? <br />
• How much time CAN you spend on the water? <br />
• How many people do you bring on your boat? <br />
• How about your disposable income? <br />

<br />Trade-up, or status quo - ultimately, only you can answer the question

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

Ultimatly knowone is going to be able to pick out a boat for you! Its that time of year where boat shows are going to start popping up! Take the family and go to one even if you are not planning on buying a new boat! You can get in, look around, talk about it, knock around what you hear on the forum, and make up your own mind! Then if you are looking for used there should be plenty to choose from this time of the year! and there is always boattrader.com, I bought my boat there!!<br /><br />LubeDude

 

[lorax]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

I appreciate all the input. It looks like several of you have wrestled with the same decision.<br />The kids really love riding in the bow but it would be nice to have a place where they could take a nap or play.<br />Another factor is the water where we boat. There are so many large displacement boats running around during the weekends,the chop is pretty hairy. It would be nice to have a few extra feet.

 

[flashback]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

I LOVE MY CUDDY! 21ft chris, cuddy is a great storage area, I have wake boards, skis, fishing poles, coolers, porta pot, etc etc etc, Yea its a great place to store things..............wouldn't be without it.......don't want a bow rider, who needs folks sitting in front of the guy who,s driveing. block vision etc.......

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

I have an open deck 16 ft. and my kids are 10, 12, 14, years old. We use the boat to tube, kneeboard, and just drive around. I don't live in the boat all day and don't care to(for now).<br /><br />My kids choose to sit up front in the bow. (It actually makes the boat plane faster on take offs!)<br /><br />If you spend all day in the boat, a cuddy sounds nice.

 

[bluewater19]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

Hey there,<br />I have one of each. I love my blue water cuddy for fishing cruising and overnighting with or without the Kids. It isn't very fun to ski or knee board behind though as it throws up a pretty big wake. My 6 year old love to tube behind it though. If you are looking at watersports only I would go with a nice bowrider that has a bimini. My 2 year old doesn't care where he is when he gets sleepy we just put him on the floor in the shade with a pillow and it nighty night for him. What ever you decide make sure it has at least a v-6 because those kids of yours won't get any smaller and pretty soon they will want to start bringing friends. Most of all Have fun with the little monsters

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

We started out with a 21' cuddy when our daughter was young and it worked out fine. Great for storage. The downside for me was the anchor. You had to climb over the windshield, over the skylight on wet deck to let the anchor out or pull it in. Not only was it dangerous it was a big pain in the butt. Something to keep in mind.<br /><br />

 

[flashback]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

I have to agree with ya ladyfish, a cuddy is tough to get to the bow... my old chris is somewhat unique in the fact that it has a opening center panel in the windshield, and a hatch that slides forward and allows you to walk thru the windshield and get within 2 feet of the bow. the down side is the deck is a little weak, but i solved that prob. by glassing some carlins on the under side of the deck..........

 

[pburchett]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

Here is my opinion on a cuddy. I have one a Sea Ray SevilleII CC 20 ft and two children Ages 5 and 2. <br /><br /> It is good for the price I paid, but often find myself wanting an open bow, for the single reason of beaching. It is a pain in the butt to try to get through the windshield and over to the bow to tie up or to get out on the bank. I think a cuddy is perfect for docks, but not good for beaching. <br /><br />The kids love it as they can: get in out of the sun (little ones burn so easily), wind, rain, fog, damp… They can often come up with a million games to play. They often refer to the cuddy as “The Bear Cave” It always holds their toys. Naps are great. Has a nice light that keeps out the monsters….<br /><br />Mom likes the potty, even though Dad does not like to clean it. Clothes changing can be a plus in the cuddy. Mom likes the deep design of the boat and everyone feels more secure in the deep boat. Kids like to poke their head out the hole in the deck. <br /><br />All in all I think I would like a bigger Cuddy Cabin and a lot more motor and let it stay at the dock, besides I do not beach often.

 

[CKBREW]

Re: Kids - cuddies - opinions . .

I bought my first boat 2 years ago. 19 ft bayliner cuddy. At first, I was looking for a bow rider & dead set against a cuddy. After alot of looking around, I decided on the cuddy. The reasons- I have 2 kids 3 & 6. if they get tired & want a place to sleep & get out of the sun, there you go. Put them in the cabin & don't wory about them going overboard. With little kids, comes lots of "stuff". Think about your last long road trip in the car. Same thing. The cuddy gives you more space to store the stuff. The wife wouldn't agree to getting a boat unless it had a place to pee. She was also at first was dead set against getting a boat. Her fater had one and was captain Blye. I made a deal. She takes care of the provisions, keeps an eye on the kids when we are under way, & I take care of everything else & promise not to yell at her. Now she loves the boat & even helps out with the anchoring!