1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

posting pictures : you can up load to a free service like photobucket.com then you choose the pictures you want( clik the little box at the bottom left of the picture) scrool to the bottom of the page, clik generate html, it will take you to the next page, scroll down to thumb nails clik on that and copy, then insert it into your post.

also if you are planing on posting pictures, you can use the Blue post reply or the go advanced, there you can upload directly from your computer. besure you pictures have been resized to fit the format. 640x480 max.

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Dingbat
Thanks for input. I believe your pictures did not appear for the reasons noted
by tashadaddy, but I sense what you are trying to tell me. Glad I found this forum before I wrote a check. With each passing day the prices seem to drop. Now all I have to do is make the correct decision!

Meanwhile, if I buy a Hinckley, it comes with a joy stick they have been using for a number of years, so I will not have to worry about Axius sterndrives--a busy post that seems to be getting lots of attention!

 

[KCook]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Err, the Hinckley may have a jet drive? THAT is a whole other discussion in its own right !!!

Kelly

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Yes I know. I was just having a little fun making reference to the posts on the Axius issue which seems to have developed a life of its own!

 

[seabuddy]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

To make another suggestion and in a different direction, may I suggest that you take a look at a 268 or 278 Monterey? It has the big head for your Admiral within a bowrider or cuddy cabin hull that does well on the Chesapeake Bay. The bow rider verison makes for easy line handling around the marinas/lunch stops.

Are you looking for a new or used boat?

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Seabuddy
Thanks for the thoughts. the Monterey looks very nice. There are so many makers I find it hard to distinguish the good from the ordinary.
I started looking new but many folks have advised I look at used since I have not done any boating in many many years. The thought being that I will not feel so bad if I have some "incidents" with a used boat.
I have also been told that two engines makes docking a lot easier but I assume I can relearn from my old single outboard days.

 

[KCook]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

I don't think single engine docking is all that difficult so long as the boat is not real tall, or huge. Most single engine sport boats have a strong power-to-weight ratio. Which means you can kick the rear around as needed.

Kelly

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Thanks. Seems most of the used center console boats I have looked at are twin outboats, but most of the bowriders or cuddy cabin boats are single engine I/O.

 

[KCook]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

A center console would be an unusual choice for entertaining. Though there are a few stylish OB express models.

Kelly

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Understand, but I have seen a number of center consoles that seem to be outfitted mostly for cruising and not for fishing. At the Annapolis boat show Pursuit was showning just such a boat as a "new model". But as I noted the choices are somewhat overwhelming for a new comer.

 

[KCook]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

A CC is fine for warm days. But on the run back from a restaurant on a chilly evening I suspect your guests will be cursing that itty bitty windscreen.

breezy Kelly

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Good point. I have been asking about the various covers and enclosures as part of my learning process, but of course the CC sellers never mentioned the small area that might be enclosed by their covers.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

have you considered a walk around Cuddy Cabin. gives deck space for lounging, sunning on bow deck, yet the retreat to the cuddy on a fast run on a chilly night of the sudden rain shower, also the potty.

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Tashadaddy,
Yes, part of the learning process exposed me to walk arounds. A number of excellent boats including some walk arounds seem to becoming even more "available" now that winter is around the corner. Old news to you experienced boaters but I find I am getting very popular with sellers who do not want to store their boats over the winter. Like buying a convertible car in January in Rochester N.Y.!
Thanks for all the good advice from forum members.

 

[KCook]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Walkarounds tend to be more fishy oriented. A similar size express may offer a little nicer amenities for guests and entertaining.

Kelly

 

[dingbat]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Thanks. Seems most of the used center console boats I have looked at are twin outboats, but most of the bowriders or cuddy cabin boats are single engine I/O.

Most of the CC you see on the Bay are used offshore as well so that's why the prevalence of twins. Not many people taking their bow riders or cuddy cabins 35-40 miles out to the Ham Bone

 

[seabuddy]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Here's another one to take a look at. Twin engines, cuddy, good hull for the Chesapeake Bay. Regal 3350. Great cockpit. really great cockpit. You can fully enclose about 14 guests under canvas when it gets cool or windy.

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Do not know where Ham Bone is so I may need some direction once I make sure I can handle whatever... A 3350 looks great but looks a little big to start with--maybe next step after I learn to dock a Whaler or Carolina Skiff!

 

[mattttt25]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

well, i have a 24' grady with your name on it...

dingbat has explained it well, the bay is a great place to boat, but can get nasty on a windy day and really ruin the experience. if you stay to the rivers, you're usually fine in any boat 20-23' in length, but that's no fun.

that's why the fish boats are so popular. not only do we love our fishing here in the chessie, the fish boats get you out in the bigger water and handle it well without needing that 30' plus boat.

i think a 23-29' cc is the best boat for the bay in offering options- lots of room for cruising, good running characteristics, fishing friendly, etc. but it sounds like no kids for you and the wife wants a decent head. you may want to look at a tiara or pursuit, which offers more accommodations. good luck in your search and see you out there-

 

[dmccorki]

Re: 1st boat suggestions-Eastern shore, Md.?

Mattttt
Thanks for input. With all the help folks are providing my learning curve is improving rapidly. The Tiara looked a little large for a first time boat but it certainly has been recommended by a number of folks, and does have weather protection. Looked at the Pursuits which were at the Annapolis show--they seemed to be a direct competitor to the Regulator.
As noted earlier the CC boats do provide some bad weather comfort challenges, so lots to balance. Certainly a fun project trying to pick the correct boat the first time.
Doug