Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

[beauski83]

Hi Everyone,

1st post. There seem to be a lot of knowledgable boaters on this site. I'm very optomistic!

I just moved to Annapolis from Meriden, CT. In CT, my dad and I had a 2002 Four Winns 200 Horizon on the CT river. I am looking at purchasing my own boat now that I am down here, but it seems like a 20' boat may be a little "iffy" for the bay.

I'm looking to keep the purchase under 20K. Right now I am looking at 2 vastly different boats. 2001 Wellcraft Excalibur 23 and a 2002 Chaparral 216 SSi. I guess my question would be, how big of a boat is "big enough" to handle normal conditions on the bay. I'm just looking for something to cruise around on and explore the area, but at the same time, I don't want to spend most of my day getting tossed around.

Any advice would be appreciated...especially by those who are familiar with the bay/south river area.

Thanks,
Adam

 

[arks]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

Welcome to iboats, Adam!
If you intend to go out only on good days, either boat would work. The question really becomes "How comfortable do I want to be?" A couple additional feet in length makes a big difference. You also need to consider the hull shape. A deeper V will ride softer than a shallow V in rough water.

As I'm sure you know, on any given day they'll be many other boats out there, each generating a wake. In addition, the Bay can be VERY unforgiving when the wind and tide are opposing. Just because it's warm and the sun is shining doesn't automatically mean it's a "good" boating day on the Chesapeake.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[beauski83]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

Thanks Arks. I appreciate it. I'm very used to driving a regular bowrider and think I would feel right at home w/ the Chaparral 216 SSi. However, I think, for a few bucks more, the benefits of having the Wellcraft Excalibur may out weigh my lack of familiarity with the style of boat. From what I've read on this site and others is that it handles chop very well.

The marina in VA is asking 19,995 for the 2001 Wellcraft Excalibur. It has 296 hours, 7.4 MPI Merc w/ 310 hp. Boat was sold from the same marina in 01, has been kept in the boatel there, and has had all its service done there. Price does not include a trailer. I think if I can get the price down a little bit, I'll be able to pull the trigger.

Any advice on where to get a decent trailer? I wont be trailering the boat for very long distances. My neighborhood has a ramp less than a mile from my house.

Thanks!

 

[tmh]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

Is the Wellcraft a cuddy? Wasn't the excaliber offered in both cuddy and open bow? Anyhow, from your discussion, i guess it's likely a cuddy. For cruising around, some hanging out, etc. the somewhat larger, cuddy would be my choice on that bay. Kids love the ride in the open bow, but if for you, buddies, your dad or whatever, the open bow is more a convenience for docking, etc.

Many boat buyers underestimate how much effect rough water can have on their experience. It starts off as an uncomfortable feeling out there sometimes, and winds up being a boat you don't use much! WTrying to go boating based on "is it going to be a nice enough day and low boat traffic" means not boating much!

23', heavy deep v, bigger water boat is my vote.

Price? hmmm.... trailer is a good negotiating item. The marina can get one easily, so work on that. Also, salt water, 8 year old boat, raw water cooled?

 

[beauski83]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

Hi TMH. Thanks for the input.

You are correct. The Excalibur is available in a bow rider as well. The BR is considered the "sport" model. The one I am looking at is has the closed cabin. I'd prefer the bow rider, but that raises the price and availability.

The boat was kept on the northern Potomac river, which I'm pretty sure is fresh water. It also was kept in a boatel, so it's very clean.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

Well, I cruised down the uppr bay from Conowingo Dam to Annapolis in a 15 foot closed bow. It is do-able BUT: My son was driving and he only knows one speed. When I got home, my butt was actually bruised from bouncing in the seat.

20 feet will do it, there are a lot of them out there and I use a 21 foot cuddy BUT: There is a LOT of traffic on the bay and many times it looks like diamond plate with 2 foot diamonds. Not comfortable even in a 20 footer.

Wait until your first experience in "Ego Alley" Annapolis.

 

[beauski83]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

Thanks, Frank. I'm not sure where "Ego Alley" is, but I've got a pretty good idea of what it must be like. I moved down here without knowing a thing about the area, except that Annapolis remided me of Portsmouth, NH where I lived after college. Beautiful area and for the most part, the people are great. But there are a few I wouldn't mind nudging off the bay bridge!

Typically, the boat will get the most use Friday-Sunday. It's crazy how difficult it is to pull the trigger and actually buy a boat! I just want to have a boat that runs well and, on most days, keeps my passenger's and my *** relatively bruise free!

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

I'd take a look at the boats in slips at the marinas,
and get an idea of the average size of them boats.
Good starting point...

 

[beauski83]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

makes sense!

 

[INJUN]

Re: Help choosing a boat for Chesapeake Bay!

Having grew up on the Bay, a Deadrise or BayBuilt is the way to go (my preference). But those get pricey.

The choices you are considering are good.

When the Bay gets too uncomfortable there are numerous places to go and still have a good day. The Severn River was one of my favorites at Annapolis.

Enjoy the crabs.

I wish I could move back there, but I'll have to settle for Fisher's Island Sound (for now).