Small (16'-19') bowriders

[?ommon?ents_]

Just wanted to see how many of you guys have, or had, a small bow rider. I just picked up a really clean sunbird 17' with a Volvo I/o and wanted to hear your best, and of course your worst, stories of this type of boat, as well as where you've put in and regretted. I want to hear it all, funny, scary, down right dumb...hopefully this gives me a nice summary of the class. Thanks!

 

[eavega]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

I own a 17.5' bowrider (Stingray 176), and for my family of 4 and my situation, it is "just right" I can keep it in the garage, push it around on the trailer, tow it easily with my truck. Launch and retrieve is a cinch and beaching is no big deal. It is powerful enough to ski behind, loads of fun for the kids on the tube. Its not the best platform for fishing, but with no more than 3 of us it gets the job done. I can carry another 3 people in relative comfort when the need arises (doesn't leave much room for anyone, but as long as we are all seated its good. Its a freshwater-only boat, so no special maintenance other than the usual annual inspections, oil and gasket replacements so far.

Because it is so small and light, it does get tossed around a fair bit when the water gets rough due to boat traffic and wind, but all is well if you throttle back. The 3.0 L will burn through less than 10 gallons of gas in a full day of skiing/tubing/cruising.

I will probably upgrade to something 20' or bigger once the kids get high school age (in about 4-5 years), but that would only be if they continue to enjoy boating. Otherwise, I'll just keep this one as long as it lasts.


Rgds

Eric

 

[?ommon?ents_]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

My usual load of passengers will be 5. Myself, my wife, my oldest and her "besty" (they are 11) and my 2 year old. Biggest lake it'll ever see is lake Winnipesaukee in NH. Where do you boat most?

 

[Slip Away]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

Choose your days carefully on Winnie with that boat. Many busy days there, it's too rough for a 24 ft. bowrider to have a comfortable ride.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

The choice of a bowrider in that size is a good one. Unfortunately, your I/O will take up a lot of space in a 17 footer. However, you should have some fun with that setup.

Something to consider in a few years. I upgraded from an I/O 18' Bowrider to a 21' OB Dual Console. The interior room seems to have doubled.

 

[?ommon?ents_]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

That's good stuff. Been goin to Winni for years and years. My old man used to rent a pontoon boat, but that was the mid eighties. I've done lots of canoe and Jon boat trips. Keep mostly to the western islands and bays. Ill avoid the broads if at all possible. Did the widest part of winni in a 10' flat bottom Jon pushed by a 70's minn cota 35...that was a trip! When I called my folks from the weirs...we were staying in tuftonboro...with a dead battery and some very wet gear, my dad asked if I had money for dinner. No I said. Well, hope you ate enough here, we will get you AFTER we eat...I was 15

 

[bouch1]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

I have a 18' bayliner outboard, only run on local lakes (central Ma./s N.H.) and Connecticut river, boat handles pretty good in the chop I'm in, gets tight with 2 kids, there friend(s), sometimes wife, with friend(s) and their kid, constant redistributing of weight/seating. My friend has a 19' Bayliner with inboard and seems to have much more space, amazing what a foot can do.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

Bowriders in that size have been in the family for years.

My Avanti was listed as a 17', however was just a tad shy. the SeaRay was a 19'

I liked the Avanti, mainly because it was underpowered with the 3.0.

I loved the SeaRay, great power, could take it in skinny water, great for tubing, skiing, and cruising.

Best thing I did was a keel guard so I could beach it

Worse thing I did in either one was get caught in a wind change on the Bay of Green Bay and end up in 5-7' swells. White-knuckled both boats over 20 miles taking a few waves across the bow.

Many times I wish I still had the SeaRay

 

[bajaunderground]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

My previous boat was the Baja listed below, I loved the speed, layout and portability. It was a relatively shallow 'V' compared to my CC. It only got a little hairy landing in big waves, but I never hesitated to take her in 3-4' waves, by myself, and have a little wave jumping fun...I even managed to scare my self a few times! Overall, in Colorado, anything much bigger is not worth the hassle as the lakes are far and few between, winters are long and the 16-20' seem about right for the lakes we're in.

My wife's from Rochester, NH, there are so many lakes/ponds! I've been on lake Winni a few times (The Mount Washington), it's beautiful and large! Overly regulated, IMHO!

~Brett

 

[?ommon?ents_]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

Scott...thanks! Been thinking bout a keel guard. Which brand did you go with?

 

[southkogs]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

I grew up with runabouts and bow riders smaller than 16'. Ran 'em all over the lake our cottage is on. My first boat was a 15' with a 65HP - Tri-Hull. Used it almost completely on inland lakes, but the PO used it to fish Lake Huron with down riggers.

Current boat is a 17' and we boat with 5 people and two dogs (kids are all teenagers). It gets a little tight every now and again, but it's rated for 8 and we've had it loaded to that before. Still makes for a decent cruise. It tows and stores easily and is pretty easy to maintain. I've been stuck in 3'ers one time with it. It's bumpy, but didn't scare me. Wouldn't seek that kinda' water out intentionally, but wasn't bad for what it was. Don't really ever plan on putting it in the ocean or Great Lakes, but getting into some of the bigger inter coastal stuff wouldn't be bad on easy days.

I'd like something a little bigger someday, but especially for my current situation the 17' is perfect.

 

[dls322]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

I really liked my 18' Maxum (actually was closer to 17'). Only downside was space and power with more than 3 people aboard. It was super easy to dock, and easy to navigate. It also was not as much of a chore to cover as larger boats are..much less snaps!!
We are a pontoon family now, but i still would like another bowrider down the line

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

Scott...thanks! Been thinking bout a keel guard. Which brand did you go with?

MegaWare

 

[?ommon?ents_]

Re: Small (16'-19') bowriders

Thanks! Same brand was recommended locally. Always good to have a common opinion on good products. I'm enjoying all these responses, can't wait to get out on the water!