Type of boat needed

[Oliver67]

My family has a house on Lake Winnipasaukee. We only access the house via boat, currently a Wellcraft 210 Sportsman or a 16' Sylvan fishing boat. The house is used from ice out to ice in, so the boat needs to be able to handle whatever the lake dishes out. The boat commute is about 3 miles of hugging the shoreline; venturing out into the Broads of the lake is typically a choice not someting that we need to do. The boat we are thinking of replacing is the Wellcraft.<br /><br />Boat needs to be in the 20' range with amble beam for the big lake (8' or so). I would like a hardtop, an outboard with enough power to get on a plane quickly, the ability to safetly haul 7 - 10 passengers and their assorted gear, and an open interior suitable for hauling stuff. Finally, it needs to be light enough to be pulled in and out on the mooring by one person.<br /><br />Any suggestions as to makes and models would be most apreciated!

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Type of boat needed

Don't know if you would consider a pontoon or not but it is an option.<br /><br />Otherewise what about the new generation of deck boats. Harris Kayot<br /><br />This doesn't offer a hardtop but it is still something to consider. 225 HP O/B possible and 13 people possible.

 

[Oliver67]

Re: Type of boat needed

I'm not interested in a pontoon boat; my neighbor had one and traded it in for a 16' McKee. In terms of the link you had, the interior of those boats seemed too "nice". We often are hauling tanks of propane, lumber, garbage, a BIG (200 lbs) dog, etc. Our boat is more utility than cruiser.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Type of boat needed

Yeah I re-read you post and realized I was probably off base.<br /><br />I have some other ideas for you I will post them shortly.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Type of boat needed

Boston Whaler Ventura<br /><br />Boston Whaler Conquest<br /><br />Wolf Aluminum Boats<br /><br />EagleCraft Aluminum Boats<br /><br />Are these getting closer to what you have in mind?

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Type of boat needed

I sold my 20' Lund Alaskan to someone in a similar situation, course there was no top on it......<br /><br />I'd think a heavy duty aluminum rig would be the way to go. They can cut through thin ice without doing any damage.........

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Type of boat needed

Hey!!! I read that book! “Shipping News” … and saw the movie with Kevin Spacey in it. When the water freezes, you and you family need to tie ropes to your house and drag it across the ice to the other side and anchor it on top of a big rock. Definitely get a boat that will float. Quoyle had a real problem with that.

 

[Oliver67]

Re: Type of boat needed

Very helpful thus far. I must admit, I have always wanted a Boston Whaler -- ideally I would like to replace the 16' Sylvan with a Montauk 17 or the newer 170. We looked at the Boston Whaler Ventura (both sizes) and ended up buying the Wellcraft. The Conquest, while an awesome boat, is too big. I'm intrigued by the Wolf and Eaglecraft lines; this is kind of what I had in mind. <br /><br />A key feature to keep in mind is ease of pulling the boat in off the mooring (the mooring is a rope on a pulley). I can manage the Wellcraft most times, but when the wind is blowing straight in, it is tricky to get the boat unhitched and tied up -- my parents simply cannot manage it without help (and they are the ones who are there most of the time).<br /><br />Thanks, and keep the suggestions coming!

 

[DustyJacket]

Re: Type of boat needed

Sounds like that Wolf Aluminum Landing Craft would be what you want.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: Type of boat needed

Man that Conquest looks NICE! What a perfect striper fishing boat! Maybe it's time to sell the Formula Why did you have to post that link RoatryRacer

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Type of boat needed

Other aluminum boats:<br /><br />WorkSkiff<br /><br />Marathon Marine

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Type of boat needed

Originally posted by Ralph:<br /> Man that Conquest looks NICE! What a perfect striper fishing boat! Maybe it's time to sell the Formula Why did you have to post that link RoatryRacer

Now don't blame me. You are the one that clicked on it.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Type of boat needed

We have some folks up here who live year 'round on Warren Island, and they all have 20'-ish aluminum boats, hardcore rigs like the Wolf. Its about the only way to go up here for breaking ice and handling how rough it can get. I'd definately go aluminum hardtop, can't get more burly than that.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Type of boat needed

those wolf aluminums are hard-fuc#!ng-core ! ! !

 

[Oliver67]

Re: Type of boat needed

The Wolf hardtops are what I had in mind. Anyone know of similar fiberglass models? Looking forward to spending the winter months researching and dreaming about boats...

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Type of boat needed

Arima Boats<br /><br />The aluminum boats would be more durable. However, I don't know what the cost would be.

 

[chadchurchill]

Re: Type of boat needed

Check out Black Lab Marine . I've passed by their shop many times and are they truely beautiful boats and they will take you out for a test ride if you're interested. Not sure where you are in Mass, but they are only 15 minutes north of Portland, ME.