Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

[newkidontheblock]

So I am lookin at possibly getting a 28.5' Cabin Cruiser with an outdrive. I have had mostly small 16' boats for the last 6 or so years and I'm thinking about getting a Cabin Cruiser to go island hoping with on the coast here. But before I do so, I am interested in knowing some things about a boat this large. First, how deep does a launch need to be to launch something of this size? Like, how low in the water should I expect this thing to sit compared to my 16' boats? I am wondering if I get one that has an out drive, that I can probably launch in shallower water compared to something like an inboard? What is the difference between outdrive and inboard? I tend to like outdrives because I can raise the motor away from the bottom. Without that ability I'd be really nervous. I dont believe an inboard has that kind of capability.

Also, what type of vehicle would be needed to haul something this large? I have a V8 5.7L 2007 Cheep Grand Cherokee. I assume the trailer is probably going to have to have some sort of braking system on it as well.

Another off the wall question, just how shallow can a rig like this go? I'm always conscious of just how shallow I can take my boats and I feel very uncomfortable just going at it blindly by guessing. I'd rather not have to hook a kicker to it, let it drift and see when it hits bottom lol. So a general ballpark of maybe X-Z feet would be cool to know before hand so I know where I can and cant launch this thing.

 

[88wellcraft]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

we had a 28' cruiser for a few years 2855 bayliner with a merc outdrive. if i remember correctly with the drive down we drew about 3.5 feet. 2.5 with the drive up. you'd have to look at the specs on the particular boat you're looking at.

for a boat that big you would need something with a towing capacity of at least 10,000 lbs (thats what our boat weighed) so i'm sure your jeep would not be sufficient or safe to try to tow that large of a boat. (we kept ours in the water at a marina)

i know that our next large boat (hopefully 34-40 feet) will be straight inboard cause everytime i needed to work on the outdrive i'd have to have it hauled out at $200 a pop.

 

[Alan Dykes]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

I've got a 30' Chris Craft. It has two 5.0 L I/O engines in it. Your vehicle would struggle with it, probably to the point of not being safe to tow it. It has a 36" draft, so you can go into fairly shallow water with it. We are consider selling it to actually go a little larger, wanna buy it? We usually have around 10 people that go out with us. It gets the job done, we are just looking for something with a little more space.

 

[mpdive]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

So I am lookin at possibly getting a 28.5' Cabin Cruiser with an outdrive. I have had mostly small 16' boats for the last 6 or so years and I'm thinking about getting a Cabin Cruiser to go island hoping with on the coast here. But before I do so, I am interested in knowing some things about a boat this large. First, how deep does a launch need to be to launch something of this size? Like, how low in the water should I expect this thing to sit compared to my 16' boats? I am wondering if I get one that has an out drive, that I can probably launch in shallower water compared to something like an inboard? What is the difference between outdrive and inboard? I tend to like outdrives because I can raise the motor away from the bottom. Without that ability I'd be really nervous. I dont believe an inboard has that kind of capability.

Also, what type of vehicle would be needed to haul something this large? I have a V8 5.7L 2007 Cheep Grand Cherokee. I assume the trailer is probably going to have to have some sort of braking system on it as well.

Another off the wall question, just how shallow can a rig like this go? I'm always conscious of just how shallow I can take my boats and I feel very uncomfortable just going at it blindly by guessing. I'd rather not have to hook a kicker to it, let it drift and see when it hits bottom lol. So a general ballpark of maybe X-Z feet would be cool to know before hand so I know where I can and cant launch this thing.

Do Not. I repeat, Do Not get a cabin cruiser!
(only because I can't afford one....not fair) LOL
Good luck on your purchase and enjoy.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

It would help to know what cruisers you're looking at. You're quoting a length of 28.5', so you obviously have something in mind. To respond to a few of your questions (all of these estimates will vary depending upon the specific boat):

1. If the boat's beam is greater than 8.5', you'll need special permits to tow it.

2. You're looking at a boat weight (with water and fuel) of at least 8000 lbs., plus another 2000 lbs. for the trailer. Your Jeep is TOTALLY INADEQUATE to tow that load. It isn't even CLOSE to being safe.

3. Trailering and launching a boat that size is a challenge. When i upsized from my 24' I gave up trailering. The boat is docked during the season and hauled and blocked by a marina during the winter.

4. You can expect a boat draft (with drive(s) down) of about 3.5 feet. Minimum safe water will be about 1.5 ft under the keel with the drives raised.

Tell us more about where you live, where you boat (what kind of waters), etc. Are you looking for an express cruiser, flybridge cruiser, trawler?

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

^This. Seriously, a cruiser in the 28'+ range is borderline untrailerable without special permits due to the liklihood of being over the 8' beam. You would need a 3/4 ton truck at a minimum, 1 ton is actually a better bet. In my opinion, there's no point in getting a 28' cruiser unless it's got close to a 10' beam. That extra foot and a half of beam is worth about 3ft in overall length in terms of comfort/stability. Unless you live really close to the water, or already have a HD truck, I'd give up the notion of trailering a boat that big and leave it in the water.

As far as drive systems go, it's really your choice. Inboards are lower maintenance and have fewer things to leak and sink your boat while it sits in the water most of the year unmonitored. I/O's allow a slighly shallower draft and can increase fuel mileage slightly due to being able to use trim adjustments to raise the bow. You really shouldn't be venturing into waters less than 5-6' deep in a boat that big anyway unless you REALLY know the sea floor.

 

[newkidontheblock]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

Well, I have access to larger vehicles for towing, but was curious since I have zero idea what a boat this size would weight. There are several that I've been looking at. I didnt know anything about the 8.5' limit on road towing though, the boats I looked at did indeed have a width of 9'. Some of the specific models though, 1985 Bayliner 2750 (27'), Thompson Daytona 270 (27'), 1985 BAYLINER unknown model (28'), 1996 Bayliner Ciera 2655 Cruiser (28').

I'm surprised at the depths, I didnt realize that they could go this shallow. Thats fairly good to hear because I could easily moor something like that just off my dock close enough to swim to practically (if I wanted to get wet that is lol). I live on a fairly decent sized fresh water lake in maine, it's got an avg depth of 80', but it does run shallow in some shoreline areas (about 4-6' deep in some areas that are 100' off the shore, but I know the lake well and I know where these spots are). But even so, the waters I have planned for this are the coast of maine, probably no further out than 10-20 miles or so. I dont want to end up runnin outa gas and having to float to the UK lol. Most of the islands here are fairly close to the coast and it would be cool to be able to take a boat out around the islands for a weekend of stripper fishing/camping. It would be just myself and the wife, maybe one friend or so.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

But even so, the waters I have planned for this are the coast of maine, probably no further out than 10-20 miles or so. I dont want to end up runnin outa gas and having to float to the UK lol. Most of the islands here are fairly close to the coast and it would be cool to be able to take a boat out around the islands for a weekend of stripper fishing/camping. It would be just myself and the wife, maybe one friend or so.

I would check to see the types of boats folks up there use for offshore, open ocean running. I'd be personally surprised if smallish express cruisers are the popular choice. I couldn't see using mine regularly to run 20 miles into the ocean. Not a problem on a nice day. but nice days don't always stay that way.

My .02

 

[jasperboy]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

+1 on NOT towing. We gave up our trailer boat to go with a 27' crusier and I don't regret it at all. I have a full size F-150 and would never dream of towing my boat, or any other that size. Even if you could get it moving, stopping would be next to impossibele and thus incredibly unsafe.

Agree also that if you can locate a model with a wider beam, you will be very pleased you did. I looked at many in the 27' length (also realize that is the length at the waterline, my boat is actually 29'6" overall and 9'6" beam) before finding the one I have. The extra foot of beam makes a great deal of difference, enough so that I'm already looking to go 31' or 32' with 11' or greater beam.

Again realize you are deealing with a boat that will weigh anywhere from 6500 to almost 10K lbs. A kicker motor won't do much to change or alter your course.

Even with the outdrive your draft will be around 3 feet. Trimmed up it could be 2'6". Have a depth sounder, fish finder, and gps plotter with accurate charts. Up in Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie there are boats that run aground all the time. There are shifting sandbars that are constantly moving, and while large inland lakes aren't "tidal" water levels can change dramatically even with just wind changes.

Welcome and keep coming back with questions. A cabin cruiser is a wonderful way to gain a vacation cottage on the lake, good luck on your search.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

One thing I'll mention that no one else has, salt water is a "B" on outdrives. For that big a boat I'd be strickly looking at an inboard.

I beg to differ. My drives are original. The drive on my '99 Chris*Craft, is original. Most of my friends have boats older than mine... and most of those drives, whether Merc or Volvo, are original.

Inboard boats in that size range are typically equipped with V-drives. Nothing wrong with that necessarily, but they tend to be less robust than direct drives, and a lot harder/more expensive to repair. They sit under the engine, which must be pulled to fix them.

My .02

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

The 28'8" cabin cruiser in my sig is for sale, if your interested.

I will say, the outdrives will give you a bit less draft, but my boat with prop pockets drafts well under 3'. I have had her in 4' of water with no issues. An outdrive equipped boat can sit in shallower water, but I'm pretty sure the outdrives have to be down to run, and they wouldn't be able to power the boat in shallow water? I could however be wrong.

A single engine boat has pros and cons as well. Less maintenance, less parts that can break, less weight, etc... I like having the twin engines for manuevering, security of assuming both motors wont go down at the same time, etc.

 

[Skagit]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

...and it would be cool to be able to take a boat out around the islands for a weekend of stripper fishing/camping. It would be just myself and the wife, maybe one friend or so.

This post leaves me with so many questions...

You take your wife with when you go stripper fishing? Would the one friend be the stripper that you caught? How do they get along once you get the stripper in the boat?

Seriously, 28' is big to trailer. We have a 24' and it's borderline...$2000 a year for a slip is starting to look more and more reasonable every time I pull the thing.

Like has been said, you'd probably be best off with a 1-ton to pull that thing.

And, I agree with the 5'-6' minimum safe water depth.

Good luck!

--Skagit out.

 

[newkidontheblock]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

I'm probably more of an outdrive or outboard person. My cousin has had 3 inboards and every single one of them has been completely destroyed from simply getting stuck in shallow water. In shallows, if you cant lift the motor above the hull, you might as well anchor it right there and pull the drain plug because it's not comin out without causing extremely costly damage to the shafts/props/whatever u got down there. At least with the outboard or outdrive you can raise the prop and maneuver the boat. I regularly maneuver my 16' boat (with outdrive) in 1-2' of water with the engine running. Simply trailer the thing, put it in gear just above idle, and creep along like a canoe. I've rubbed the bottom on many occasions and gotten unstuck a few times using this capability. One good example is beaching the boat in tidal waters. I beached my boat once like a retard at popham beach here in maine (it's a river outlet into the ocean) and the tide was going out. I came back after eating at a restaurant to find the boat completely stuck on the beach lol. I stuck a 2x4 under the hull, rocked it for like 30 mins, and gave up. So I decided, hell with it, I'll try powering it out. I had the outdrive trailered so it was never in the sand, I hit the key, put it in reverse and what happened? It picked the back end of the boat right up off the sand a bit and didnt budge. So, I told the wife to give it gas and as she did, it picked the boat up, I kicked the front of it a little and out it went. This is not something I could have ever done with an inboard. I'da been up dodo creek royally. I dont ever see myself trying to beach a 28' boat, but the concepts are the same. If it ever got beached like that, at least I'd have some sort of help getting it unbeached or have the ability to maneuver in unexpectedly shallow water. Another reason why I wouldnt want an inboard, I tend to visit areas that I'm not familiar with, so being able to quickly raise up the main drive is essential. I havent really heard any good pro's for an inboard other than the ability to turn on a dime. Even with a depth sounder, that wouldnt do any good. "Yep, we're in 2ft of water, now what. Hit reverse?". Yea, that scenario wouldnt end well with my luck. Simply knowing you're in shallows isnt enough in my book lol.


So it sounds to me like I need to be looking at a smaller boat. Maybe a large cuddy instead. I dont yet want to have to get a slip. We get bad weather here often and I wouldnt feel comfy leaving the thing hangin in the wind out on the water. I dont even do that with my small 16' here on the lake. I like being able to trailer my boats. Boats here in maine dont have to be titled and boat theft here is very common. Simply take the boat out of the slip and you have yourself a new boat. Anyone can register any boat since it has no title requirements. You can report it stolen until you are blue in the face, but it's not going to do you any good. Thus, putting a boat in a slip is to risky for me personally.

All I really want is a good weekend type boat (thats not a sailboat lol) that can be trailered and isnt going to cost like $50,000. I've seen some fairly decent 27' boats here for 7000-12000 that would be perfect. I even test drove one today. They guy was selling it for 8500 cash. If I had a truck that could have towed it with me, I'da probably bought it lol. I would use it for weekend trips, cruising around, maybe pulling the neices/nephews on the tube every once in a while, and fishing/trolling.

 

[newkidontheblock]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

I just looked at the door in my jeep and it has a tow capacity of 7,200lbs and a tongue weight of 1080lbs (It's a V8 5.7L 2007 Limited edition). It's not a light vehicle by any means compared to the older cherokees. It weights 4705lbs, fairly close to most modern trucks which are about 5000-5500lbs unless its some ungodly huge truck. Does anyone have any ideas on something that would fit this range? I would like to at least be able to haul it around without having to ask my dad to haul it with his Peterbilt.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

Okay- ability to cruise 10 to 20 miles offshore on a reasonable day. To me, that dictates dual engines for the safety factor. Relatively light weight for its length, with a cabin of sorts. I'd want to keep total weight of boat and trailer at around 6000 lbs for that tow rig. You aren't just dealing with the towing capacity of the Jeep- you also need to contend with the Jeep's short wheelbase as compared to a full-size truck. You don't want to have the tail wagging the dog.

I think I'd be looking at twin outboard walkaround cuddies in the 25' range. A little bares bones where amenities are concerned, but they (generally) have a seaworthy hull. Think Grady White and similar boats.

My .02

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

JoLin might be on the right track there, maybe not a full cabin cruiser, but a multipurpose type boat.

I honestly think any 26+ boat is going to be a chore for the Jeep to tow. Figure most of them are going to be 5000 lbs dry, before the trailer. Add trailer and gear and your looking at 7500+. A smaller 23-25' Cruiser might work, but twin motors (if it is something you want) will be few and far between (although out there). If your ok with the single motor option, this might be the size to look for.

A big cuddy is a whole different animal than a cabin cruiser. A cuddy won't have standing or moving around room, will probably only have a porta potti, and will really only be a good place below decks to sleep or store stuff. A cabin cruiser is more designed to have people and "living" space below deck.

Keep us posted on what your likes and dislikes are.

 

[alexr254]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

I own a 26ft Imperial family cruiser with a 10ft beam. I trailer this boat with my 1999 land rover discovery, i just need to begin braking waaay early. But overall it trailers very well.

That said, its a real PITA launching, and i only trailer the boat now because we are doing repairs on her engines, once all repairs are complete she will be sitting in a wet slip 12 months a year...

 

[newkidontheblock]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

The Discovery is about the same size as my jeep and very close in similar tow capacity. What issues do you have launching that make it difficult? Is it just the pulling out piece, or both put in and out thats difficult? I have also broadened my searches to include 22-25ft large cuddies and have also seen some quite spacey looking small express cruisers in 24-26 ranges that seem to fit the capacity I can handle (with a breaked trailor). It should also be noted that I also have a 32' Camper, it doesnt weight anything near 10000 lbs (I think its about 5700 fully loaded), but I am able to tow it easily. Just hold on the the wheel if an 18 wheeler flies by though because it can and will let you know that you're tail end is way back there. I've only had it fish slightly when being passed by large trucks which isnt very often and I didnt really find it that difficult to handle anyway. I dont normally take highway roads to get to the water, I just drive down my driveway lol. My launch is in my backyard for the lake, and to get to the coast, I live about 8 miles away on a fairly decent main road to get to a large coastal launch. The longest towing I'd expect to do anytime soon would be getting the thing home.

 

[alexr254]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

The discovery is rated up to 10k lbs. I have absolutely no problems pulling the boat which weights roughly 7k lbs. The only issues i have with launching is my laziness, it takes up time and energy i would much rather spend out on the water

I pulled this boat from NY taking I95 down to FL with a rented F150. No issues.

I am not sure what your truck is rated for, but if its like the discovery, i can tell you from experience from my size boat, you will not run into any capacity issues. That said, i also do not have brakes on my trailer, they are useless after 3 launches in salt water anyway.

 

[newkidontheblock]

Re: Cabin Cruiser advise anyone?

I am going to be going to look at a 23' 1994 Bayliner Ciera tomorrow. I dont know if it's a sunbridge or not, but it seems to be a 2355 of some sort. It's currently in the water and will be test driving it tomorrow. Comes with the original trailer I guess that has brakes on it. From the photos it looks to be in quite nice shape although the photos were a little grainy. http://maine.craigslist.org/boa/2551134262.html I am hoping I can talk him down to 6500 or at least 7000 depending upon the condition of the trailer and the engine/outdrive. If it runs as good as he says but needs some interior work or something, I can probably deal with that. Even if its not a winner, I think this might be the right model to be looking for. Seems to be just the right size. Not to big, not to small, and comes with a smallish cabin probably enough for 2.