Walkarounds

[Beefer]

Wife and I plan to upgrade the boat, and we have different wants. I'd love a center console or a 48'+ Hatteras Sportfisherman (in my dreams), and the wife wants a 'lay out in the sun' boat. I've always like Grady Whites, and there was one at the marina today. I pointed it out to the wife, and she liked it. Trouble is, we want to stay no larger than 18' as our marina has a very affordable rate for 18' and under (we're not rich by any means). Does anyone know of any brands of walkarounds in the 17-18' range? Also, we're open to suggestions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Walkarounds

there are few cuddys/walkarounds in that size.

 

[frankie g]

Re: Walkarounds

Trophy... good boats

 

[trayscool]

Re: Walkarounds

I just purchased a Striper 21' walkaround and its great! I dont think any 18' cuddy or walkaround is going to be good since there is not any room inside the cabin. I looked at a trophy 18' and it was wayy too small to fit inside. You better look into 21' or bigger

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Walkarounds

I agree on not finding any walkarounds in the 18' range that are useful. Several manufacturers are making dual console boats that have a good fishing layout at the stern and a raised/padded deck at the front.
I just recently went from a center console to this model to suit my family as well as my fishing needs.
There are some good buys out there, and several good manufacturers other than Key West are making this model. Also, this link may help to choose as far as layout, quality, etc. Good luck!

http://www.jdpower.com/boats

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Walkarounds

We spend weeks at a time on our 1850. It sleeps 2 comfortably. We have a portapotty, fresh water tank, cooking capabilities and it's air conditioned.

My previous boat was an Arima - 15'11" cuddy. Now - it was a little small.

We also like the Trophy 1802 - it's bigger than you think.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Walkarounds

Hey Beefer, You need to choose a boat based upon the way you want to use it. A walkaround has only a few places for folks to sit, but has some protection from bad weather. An equivalent size deck or bowrider has twice the seats or more, but lacks some weather potection. Center console boats seat more than W/As, but less than BRs.

I recomend you identify criteria to assist in your decision. Some of these are what kind of weather will you go out in (summer, fall winter...)? How many folks do you plan to bring? How many want to lay out? Do you want to fish in cold or inclement weather or only in warm weather?

I personnally think a walkaround is the worst choice of the three, since a BR provides almost the same protection from cold/rain as a W/A, but seats more and is more flexible in use. Also, you cannot fish on the bow of a W/A in any kind of waves. it is illegal and dangerous.

A CC is a very good fishing boat, however, only in warm weather. A CC also carries a fair number of people, in relative comfort. How many are comfortable in a W/A? Four at most? maybe less....

My 21' BR can legally carry eight adults. Three adults can sit in the bow, four in the middle, and two in the stern jump seats. You can carry a bunch more kids, obviously.
With this load you can water ski or cruise. Five or six can fish comfortably in nice weather. Four can fish in nasty weather, protected by the windscreen.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Walkarounds

Hey Beefer, You need to choose a boat based upon the way you want to use it. A walkaround has only a few places for folks to sit, but has some protection from bad weather. An equivalent size deck or bowrider has twice the seats or more, but lacks some weather potection. Center console boats seat more than W/As, but less than BRs.

I recomend you identify criteria to assist in your decision. Some of these are what kind of weather will you go out in (summer, fall winter...)? How many folks do you plan to bring? How many want to lay out? Do you want to fish in cold or inclement weather or only in warm weather?

I personnally think a walkaround is the worst choice of the three, since a BR provides almost the same protection from cold/rain as a W/A, but seats more and is more flexible in use. Also, you cannot fish on the bow of a W/A in any kind of waves. it is illegal and dangerous.

A CC is a very good fishing boat, however, only in warm weather. A CC also carries a fair number of people, in relative comfort. How many are comfortable in a W/A? Four at most? maybe less....

My 21' BR can legally carry eight adults. Three adults can sit in the bow, four in the middle, and two in the stern jump seats. You can carry a bunch more kids, obviously.
With this load you can water ski or cruise. Five or six can fish comfortably in nice weather. Four can fish in nasty weather, protected by the windscreen.

Boy, I'm confused. The walkaround I'm running isn't anything like this description. Maybe he's confusing a W/A with another design?
FWIW: . I have cushioned seating for 7 people and the cockpit and 3-4 kids can ride down below in comfort. On top of that the cockpit will accommodate 2 full size chase lounges or 4 folding chairs should you choose to relax on the hook.

I also has a full size sun pad on the bow but I hear you can't fish or lay up there because it's dangerous and illegal.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Walkarounds

We spend weeks at a time on our 1850. It sleeps 2 comfortably. We have a portapotty, fresh water tank, cooking capabilities and it's air conditioned.We also like the Trophy 1802 - it's bigger than you think.

I stand corrected from my previous post about the usefulness of a smaller walkaround. Looks like jeffnick has had good luck with his. I had a bad fishing experience on an 18wa and just didn't feel it would suit your needs. Thanks for the posts and update, jeffnick.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Walkarounds

triumphrick,
Thanks for recognizing that some of us make good use of Walkarounds. In all fairness, ours is a 2 person boat and we don't fish or have any water toys. We use it as a camper both on the road and on the water. The trailer has over 60,000 miles on it.

The boat has been in Alaskan waters

and waters from Block Island to Key West and the Bahamas.

much of the Gulf Coast, and parts of Lake Michigan and just recently to Lake Powell, the San Juans, San Francisco/Delta, Long Beach/LA and Catalina, San Diego and Lake Havasu.

That trip was 7,900 trailer miles and over 900 boat miles.

It's a great boat, both on the water and on the trailer.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Walkarounds

Jeffnick, that's some traveling you have done with your boat. I know people around here who wouldn't venture atrip to the Bahamas with anything less than a 25'. That was quite a run..how many miles and how much fuel?? Can't see the size of the Johnson, but must do pretty good on fuel.

The Lake Havasu trip must have been neat...that's a lot of traveling and boating. Hadn't heard of using the cuddy for a camper, either..quite a feat and imagination.

Thanks for the posts..pretty interesting read.

 

[jeffnick]

Re: Walkarounds

It's only about 50 miles from Lauderdale to Bimini. That trip was done with a 115 Ficht. I've replaced it with a 115 E-Tec. Both motors cruise about 5mpg.

This pic was taken about 5 miles out with the motor off. Note the Gulf Stream is pushing me north at over 3mph.

More here.
http://www.geocities.com/jeff_nicholas/BahamasMagic.html