Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

[highN'dry]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

The same reason that cars, trucks, homes have gotten larger not to mention the girth of the rear ends of most people. I suspect a new era of austerity is upon us and people once again learn to appreciate modesty in many aspects of their lives including the size of their boats.

Once upon a time a 19 footer was huge, today it is considered small, yeah, I understand exactly what you are saying.

 

[22E6441]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

The same reason that cars, trucks, homes have gotten larger not to mention the girth of the rear ends of most people.

haha.....too true.....

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

Gee, I always thought the bow rider area was just a place to screw down a piece of plywood and attach the 200 qt cooler for bait and beer?

If I'm spending my hard earned money to buy a boat, it's going to suit me, not the other half or anyone else. Lots of fishing room, lots of storage and plenty of power. No fluffy padding, no wrap around bench seats, and no bright flashy colors.

The way I see it, if you can't fish off it, it ain't worth having.

 

[jdlough]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

I agree with Home Cookin.

Newer boats are just way too damn puffy, and silly. And have way too much vinyl. Just looking at the new boats in the showroom, I think "This thing looks like a chunk of expensive furniture just looking for mold to attach to, that you Have to keep inside." Where do new buyers keep these things? I can not get over being stunned at the prices of new boats, which don't look like anything special - except the vinyl.

Just like trying to buy a serious truck now. Too damn puffy.

Seriously, the more boat manufacturers get rid of the vinyl puffy crap, and add stuff like fiberglass self-bailing decks, the more I like the 'less is more' boats.

I tried to buy a bowrider. They all had carpeted decks and lots of vinyl seats. I ended up with a SeaSwirl DC 2100. No carpet. No vinyl. Fiberglass self-bailing decks. Felt like a serious boat right off the bat because it had no 'puffy stuff'.

My only concerns with older boats is that, according to the Coast Guard, people were skinnier back then. I just bought an '85 Wahoo for the teenagers, rated for 5 people, max 600lbs. So, people in 1985 weighed 120lbs? The Coast Guard doesn't know my kids.

Jim

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

Just like trying to buy a serious truck now. Too damn puffy.

HOW TRUE! I want a regular cab, long bed, V8, 4x4. IS THIS SO FRIGGIN' hard?!!!! It practically doesn't exist. The only company that has even a few of them on the lot is Dodge. Ford? Forget it. Chevy? Only if I want a V6, no A/C and a vinyl bench seat.

 

[22E6441]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

I want a regular cab, long bed, V8, 4x4. IS THIS SO FRIGGIN' hard?!!!! It practically doesn't exist. The only company that has even a few of them on the lot is Dodge. Ford? Forget it. Chevy? Only if I want a V6, no A/C and a vinyl bench seat.

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[JoLin]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

Changing tastes and a (generally) more affluent customer base. Whether manufacturers create consumer "wants", or design to them is open to debate, but the fact is that people want more and more creature comforts and "fancy". The "utilitarian/functional look" isn't in style now.

I object to a lot of it. My C-C, for example is compromised in some areas. IMO, stylists and marketing people had more influence in the layout than they should have had, the result being that some basic functionality was lost to swoopy styling. Placement of cleats, deck fills, hatches, anchor locker, etc. are not what I would consider "user friendly", but are for the most part no worse than in other boats of the same age and type (small express cruisers built in the last 10-15 years).

I bought it because my wife likes the fact that there was tons of seating and it all looks really "rich." Whether I liked all of it or not, there was a compromise to be made. She's my partner. I concentrated on build and matrials quality, hull design, and the mechanicals... all of which are the best I've seen in this class of boat. The boat is built like a brick-you-know-what. The rest can be worked around or modified- I'm already making some plans for this winter.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

It seems like newer boats are more purpose built, most of our vintage boats can easily be all purpose vessels, but too many boaters today would just never think about dragging in a live fish or cutting bait on deck.
It would be a major catastrophe if someone got bait or blood on that fancy vinyl upholstery.

On most of my boats, the upholstery is the first thing to go, then the carpet and anything that I can't hose down at the end of the day.

I always figured the size explosion is just a marketing ploy. Many people shop for the biggest boat they can afford I guess.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

It seems like newer boats are more purpose built, most of our vintage boats can easily be all purpose vessels, but too many boaters today would just never think about dragging in a live fish or cutting bait on deck.

+1

Good observation. When I was shopping for a weekend cruiser, the ONLY "newer" boat that impressed me as being suitable for a wide range of activities was the Bayliner Ciera Classic. The wife and I nixed it because it's a hardtop and we like top down boating. it's a well thought out design with very nice accommodations for its size.

 

[_chris_]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

This weekend I am gonna start working on cutting a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet to go over my nice carpet in the boat and fashion up my cutting board to cover the doghouse just so that I can go fishing and not have to worry about the mess.

 

[jkust]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

Ha Ha, I always seem to find a reason not to pull out the fishing poles when both my 8 and 4 year old are on board. One or the other is managable. A hook in the vinyl would just kill me. Count my bowrider as not purposed for fishing. I wouldn't mind having an old aluminum fishing boat too.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Why are newer boats bigger than older boats.

Different strokes for different folks is my attitude.

I personally am redoing my boat to include some nicer things down below. I like having comfy seating, nice woodwork, plush carpet etc, etc. Not everyone is hardcore and wants no frills... I only fish because I'm on the boat, not the other way around. I want my family and friends to come enjoy the boat with me, and they are more of the hang out, grille, tube, swim type, than the 4 A.M. rod and reel and hit the big water type. I'm planning to have a boat for this style of boating.

I agree on the newer boats being bulky vs the space they provide. But newer boats also seem to make better use of the space. Putting more into less. It's not everyones style to have a cockpit full of seats, tables, mini bars and carpet/vinyl, but if your out on the water enjoying friends, food, drinks and music... you probably prefer it?