Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

[Big Foot]

My wife and I are looking for a bowrider for South Florida intracoastal and ocean boating. Our family doesn't fish, so we absolutely do not want a fishing boat. We like most of the bowrider sportboats in the 25' size but they are all I/O's. We definately do not want an I/O because we have to keep the boat in saltwater. The dual consoles are all 23' or less. The only outboard bowrider boat we have been able to find is the Hurricane 260 deckboat. We don't necessarily want a deckboat because we would prefer a deeper V hull, but this is the best we could find so far.<br /><br />Are there any 25' outboard bowriders?

 

[KCook]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Nope. It's going to be I/O bowrider, or OB Center Console fishing boat with bow seating, or OB deckboat. Or just get an OB Walkaround fishing boat and forget about the bow seating.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[bayman]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Or you could opt for a power catamaran. Here is an example of an outboard powered cat with plenty of seating in the bow:<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/view_photos.cgi?ad_id=65397&img=

 

[jamesgreen]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

What about a fresh water cooled I/O ?<br />just a thought.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Or a Volvo Ocean Series I/O with closed cooling?

 

[mattttt25]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

think you should revisit the center consoles. some are better set up for cruising rather than fishing anyway. you'll get a wicked deep v, tons of storage (fish boxes), no crappy carpet to deal with, and still have plenty of seating (get the comfort package most sell). slap a pair of outboards on a bracket and you'll be set.<br /><br />here's a nice one http://www.robalo.com/r260.asp

 

[snapperbait]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Definately not an outboard boat, or an IO for that matter, but might I suggest a look at a Mastercraft Maristar 280.... <br /><br /> http://www.mastercraftboats.com/html2005/maristar_boats.asp?pmid=43796&contentid=0 <br /><br />article. http://www.boatingmag.com/article.asp?section_id=8&article_id=466 <br /><br />Once you go with inboards (not IO's), you never go back...

 

[Solittle]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

I will become a fisherman when sirloin steaks come with fins & gills. I don't order fish in a restaurant and am not about to buy $2000.00 worth of tackle to go fishing. BUT we do have a 23' center console fiberglass fisherman with twin outboards and love it. It has tons of room to do all the non fishing stuff we want. Oh - - - and most all of our boating in the last 35 years has been in south east Fla and the Keys.

 

[Big Foot]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Wow, thanks for all the great responses! I should mention that I can get the Hurricane 260 for around $51K, and that is my current price ceiling. Also, we have looked at many center consoles, and my wife and I simply cannont talk ourselves into liking them. A couple of posters mentioned I/O's, but people have told me that keeping an I/O in saltwater 24/7 would be their last choice.<br /><br />Since I can't find any other boats in this category, I am not sure whether I have either found my boat, or I should by looking for a different type of boat, like I/O sportboats. After all, the increased deadrise and a deeper V sure wouldn't hurt when the Intracoastal in Broward county has 4-foot or more chop, right? Geez, boat shopping sure is difficult.

 

[KCook]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

At least get a demo ride in a fishing boat to be certain this won't work for you<br />

 

[eddiefebuary]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Hey Big Foot. I'm going through the same problem as you, only my budget isn't as high as yours.<br />I was directed here from another forum so I'm posting a topic under "Hurricane Deck boats in open ocean" if you want to look for it. If you find a solution please let me know. I'm pulling my hair out because I don't like the center console fishing boats normally found in the ocean either.

 

[stevens]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

I think both Big Foot and Eddie would like a White Shark boat. Extremely seaworthy, deep V hull, and fitted out for comfort rather than fishing. Despite their name, they're made in France, and are very popular over here. I am sure they would have an importer in the US as well.<br /><br />See their website:<br /><br /> http://www.whitesharkboats.com <br /><br />There is also Karnic out of Cyprus. Also great seaworthy boats that can be equipped for family use rather than fishing. If they don't already have a US importer, that would be a business opportunity....<br /><br /> http://www.karnicboats.com

 

[93bronco]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

you can also try.<br />they have them both IB's & OB's.<br /><br />www.splendorcats.com

 

[asgrinne]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Love having an OB, We found a 1989 Four Winns 205 Sundowner with 200Hp Rude. Love the combo. I think as the 4 strokes come along, you MAY see OB on the bigger bow riders. We can go shallow, get the motor out of the water when its parked. <br />Up in Northern IL I have seen some pretty nice deck boats with big OB. You may really want to shop the deck boat lines. I sell boats parttime. and just had my 1st ride on Sea RAy 24 Sundeck. It was an I/O but the ammenedites on it were super nice. In fact lots more for your $$$ than a standard bow rider.

 

[earnit]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

We sell these they are a great boat. 25'6" in length.<br /><br /> http://www.azureboats.com/az262.htm <br /><br />Todd

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

Originally posted by earnit:<br /> We sell these they are a great boat. 25'6" in length.<br /><br /> http://www.azureboats.com/az262.htm <br /><br />Todd

Wow, those look very nice.<br /><br />I think it fits the original request as perfectly as anything.

 

[MFG197]

Re: Can't find a 25' bowrider with an outboard

what about a power catamaran like World Cat tons of deckboat like space, outboards, enclosed head maybe a berth in the sponsons, ocean going. more than $51k probably though.