Proline WA questions

[tbrooks1015]

Currently own a 21ft 1987 Bayliner Trophy hardtop with a 3.0L. In the last 3 1/2 years I've lost my 2 guys that would be ready to fish no matter the timing, way to early. With that being said, its pretty much impossible to take the Bayliner out with me and my 8 year old. I'm looming at some walkarounds and a 2000 20 foot Proline has caught my attention. I'm more interested in how it will ride compared to my current boat. I fish the Great Lakes and i know what i can and can't do in my current setup.

 

[dingbat]

A lot will depend on the power on the Proline. Would want a min. 150 hp. 175-200 hp preferred

 

[tbrooks1015]

150 on the few ive been looking at. I'm in no rush, but thats what ive seen so far. Would prefer to have a 200 Yammie, but im considering everything

 

[Sprig]

I don’t understand the reason You are changing boats. What is impossible about taking your 8 year old out on your Bayliner but would not be impossible on a 1 foot shorter boat. I’m just trying to understand the reason for a different boat before I comment on your question.

 

[dingbat]

What is impossible about taking your 8 year old out on your Bayliner but would not be impossible on a 1 foot shorter boat.

Length isn’t everything.

My 20’ Grady was considerably more boat than my bf’s 21’ Trophy in terms of weight, seaworthiness and length at the water line.

 

[tbrooks1015]

With the big hardtop, its like a sail in the wind when it comes to docking. Its not the easiest boat to steer. It'd be nearly impossible to set lines without someone at the helm. Ive considered an autopilot but at this time id rather go with a newer boat. Plus it wouldn't help with docking. Also looking to go to an outboard for early spring fishing. (I'm in northern Michigan) It has really nothing to do with length. Its more of an ease of use. I'm lookinh between a 20-24ish.

 

[Chris1956]

My neighbor had a 21 foot Proline center console Circa 2006. Terrible boat in anything but calm water. Wind pushed it around while on plane. Pounded way more than it should have, and was slow with a 150HP Optimax. He was afraid to take it into the ocean.

As an added attraction, every time you hit a wave, with the correct wind, water would come up the hull, hit the SS railing, split in half, with the inner half hitting you in the face. A good time for all.

 

[dingbat]

With the big hardtop, its like a sail in the wind when it comes to docking. Its not the easiest boat to steer. It'd be nearly impossible to set lines without someone at the helm. Ive considered an autopilot but at this time id rather go with a newer boat. Plus it wouldn't help with docking. Also looking to go to an outboard for early spring fishing. (I'm in northern Michigan) It has really nothing to do with length. Its more of an ease of use. I'm lookinh between a 20-24ish.

Don't know what to tell you about maneuverability aside from props and technique make a huge difference around the docks. As does practice, practice, practice

Fished for years by myself on my 20ft. Used my weight at the back of the boat to steer while trolling. Only went to the helm for major corrections.

I now a 22ft. walk-around with a hardtop and full enclosure. Don’t fish by myself anymore. The extra weight increased seaworthiness tremendously but the trade off was too much boat to handle by myself. Can not longer use my weight to steer from the transom.