Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

[edshoc0]

So, I have a good problem.

I recently purchased a 2004 Bayliner 185 (4.3 Merc), upgrading from a 1991 Bayliner 175 (3.0 Merc).

I always felt like my 175 was too small, and I hated the "standard" seating. Over the last few years, we have rented 20 ft boats with "sport" seating, and I loved the improvement.

I can only store up to a 19-19.5 ft boat in my garage. This led me to the purchase of the 185 with sport seating.

NOW, someone wants to buy my 185 for a price I almost can't refuse. This puts me back on the market for shopping for a new (used) boat. The only time I have ever had my 185 on the water is when I test drove it so I never got a feel for the amount of space on it.

Should I take this opportunity to narrow my search to 19 footers? Or should I continue to look for 18 or 19 foot boats?

BTW, I typically have about 4 adults, no kids, couple skis/towables, and associated cooler/lunch supplies.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

This is a very broad question. It is so dependent on the the boats in question.

My 19ft Larson has a lot more space inside compared to my 18ft Four Winns. They both have back to back seating. The big difference is that the Larson is an outboard so there is no engine taking up precious space inside the boat and it has a full bench across the back of the boat. If the Larson was an I/O they would be pretty similar in the main cockpit area.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

I am very pleased with the room on my 1900SR3. It has an added swim platform which adds great space when doing water sports. But, with the platform the LOA is 21.5 feet.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

A folding or detachable trailer tongue might allow you to store a bigger boat in your garage.

 

[Triton II]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

Also remember that for the same nominal length, an IB is generally shorter overall than the I/O version and the I/O is generally shorter than the OB, but, as previously pointed out, OBs have more internal room per foot of length than I/Os.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

unless ya just like shopping for boats and changing often. i think ya should at least give what ya got a chance. who knows, ya may like it real well. since your max length is 19' and your almost there now. unless ya get a total different layout inside the boat or go to a o/b, i can't imagine an extra 1/2 foot doing much for you.

I typically have about 4 adults, no kids, couple skis/towables, and associated cooler/lunch supplies.

that seems like a pretty good load to me. i usually have 2 onboard + a cooler and day gear bags. no water toys. my 19' seems fine space wise with that load. anything more and it starts to feel cramped imho. fwiw, my 19'er is a closed bow i/o. so i don't have up ft. seating and only ya max cap. of 6.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

you want more space, go outboard.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

The garage space will limit your ability to get much bigger. Not sure with the trailer that you could even get an 18' outboard in there. Before I sold mine, I'd take a look at several and bring a tape measure. I'm surprised that your current boat fits. Typically, add 3' for the trailer to the overall length (only 1.5' with a swing away tounge). I had a 165 in my 20' garage and it was pretty tight. Unless you mean you can only store a 19.5' boat figuring a 22.5' trailer.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

Well it looks like you are asking for someone to tell you what size boat YOU want....... you don't need to be on the water to get an idea of the size..... call your buddies and get a case of your favorite beverage and sit in the boat with what ever gear you would have along.... see if you feel crowded..... As for 18 or 19.... not gonna make any real difference.... layout matters way more.....

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

The size of your garage shouldn't dictate what boat you purchase, imo. It doesn't usually cost very much to rent a space at a storage facility, or even a storage shed. Do you have space beside your house that you could back the boat into (i.e. make a wide gate)? I think the 20' boat class offers A LOT more boat choices and such. Your choice though, but I'd spend an extra $20/month to step up to something a bit larger. Half a foot isn't worth it unless they're paying you more than what you think you could sell it outright for.

 

[Bearfan]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

All that said, it would be nice if you have the garage space to store it for free. I slip because I live in a suburb, only have a 2 car garage and figure if I'm going to pay to store it off site, I might as well skip trailering all together.

 

[edshoc0]

Re: Bowrider size - 18ft vs 19ft

you don't need to be on the water to get an idea of the size..... call your buddies and get a case of your favorite beverage and sit in the boat with what ever gear you would have along.... see if you feel crowded.....

That is an excellent idea! It would also be pretty funny to show up with all that stuff at someone's house that was selling a boat no where near the water. "Do you mind if we sit in your boat and eat a ham sandwich before I decide if I want to buy?"

Thanks for all the replies.