New to boating...

[DavidBrent]

I am looking to buy a my first boat:

Use: Family trips, fishing.

Where: RI/Mass Naragansett bay to Buzzard's Bay

Length: 16-17'

Weight: light...to be towed by car.

I have looked at Bristol skiffs, and like the look. I understand that the flat bottom of Bristol Skiff can make for v. bumpy ride. It seems that V-hulls are too heavy for towing in my case. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: New to boating...

I haven't boated in that area, but I'm sure some of the local folks will show up soon. From the uses that you are describing, it sounds like a bow rider or a fish & ski may be what you are looking for. However, the only way that I would even consider taking a small open bow boat onto open water such as a bay is in perfect weather with no wind. And I would have a snap on bow cover on board.

If you dip the nose into an oncoming wave with an open bow boat, you will instantly have between 5 and 200 gallons of water in the boat adding anywhere from 40 to 1600lbs of weight which will cause it to sit lower in the water making it much more likely to take the next and each successive wave over the bow. Also think about this, a 500 gph bilge pump will only pump out a little over eight gallons a minute (about 60 lbs of weight). I'm not trying to scare you, but a novice boater in a small boat on open water usually ends up involving the Coast Guard if any weather pops up.

If you stay in relatively protected waters (lakes and smaller rivers), you will be just fine. Keep your learning curve relatively flat by playing it safe to start out with. Then as your skills in boating grow you can take on small challenges. One other thing, take the CG's boating safety course (may be mandatory up there)! It covers much more than just safe operation of a vessel.

Lastly, what will you be using as a tow vehicle? I see that you said a car, but that can cover a LOT of ground.

 

[KCook]

Re: New to boating...

Bays can be quite rough, rougher than lakes for sure. So a bigger boat is needed, which in turn will need a truck/SUV for the tow. If this is not practical, then consider renting boats instead of buying one you can hardly ever use.

wude Kelly

 

[Five O'Clock]

Re: New to boating...

i boat in the boston harbor, and up in this area, i'm sure as you know David, the weather changes in an instant. marine weather had said perfectly clear day a few sundays ago... next thing thunderstorms rolled in and lightning crashed overhead, not to mention buzzards bay isn't the smoothest water either.

i would only use the skiff's in lakes/rivers like everybody else was saying, and think about getting a small fish and ski like wingnut said

 

[Kessi]

Re: New to boating...

I run primarily in Narragansett bay and would strongly advise against using such a small craft in the area especially if you are a beginner.
As stated before conditions can change quickly and the bays are know to be a tad rougher.