Re: Is there a boat that has what I need?
OK, I can see two options because it seems to me that ride quality in the chop is really the defining issue. You don't need to carry 10 people, you're not interested in fishing, and you don't need to tow tubes or wakeboards. That narrows it down.
Option 1: A 20-22 foot cuddy. Solves the enclosed head problem AND everyone is behind the windshield or can go below if things get a little sloppy. Put a good canvas top on her and the cockpit is a great place to hang out.
Personally, I have a Welcraft Eclipse 220 and the ride quality in the chop is lightyears ahead of any bow rider I've EVER been in. despite looking more substantial, the cuddy doesn't actually add that much weight because the cuddy is mainly air.
Option 2: A center console in the same size. You can get an enclosed head that's below the console, there are many models that offer excellent ride quality, if you get one with good V-seating in the front, there's places to hang out on the hook.
The downside of the center console is you don't get easy top options that will keep 4 people out of the sun and all seated togother. On the positive side, as far as ride quality the fits your other criteria, this is another that pushes most of the buttons.
To the folks that are suggesting a walkaround, I hear you but the reason I'm not suggesting this is that I tried with all my heart to figure out a way to make a WAC work as a cruiser. There are just too many compromises with trying to get a comfortable and workable seating arrangement for 4 people hanging out in the cockpit. You end up either being too far apart, or you have to do lots of custom work to make an arrangement that's workable. Obviously, there are a few exceptions, but I just couldn't see this option working better than a cuddy that was built more for this purpose. A WAC is just trying to make the shoe fit when you know it's not the right size, IMO.
Pontoons? Avoid! Sorry, pontoon guys, but there's a difference between what you CAN do and what you WANT to do if you're trying to have fun. Yes, you CAN (and I have) run a 'toon in rough stuff. And it sucks. The thing is pitching like an aircraft carrier in a hurricane, people can't move around without risking a fall, it's an absolute pain to dock the thing, it's just too much work to call it fun.
Now before all the pontoon guys think I'm dissing thier ride and get on my case, I love the dang things, OK? Calm day, lots of sun, lots of people, wanna party? A toon rocks, OK? Fantastic choice, tons of space, big sun coverage, great for kids, etc, etc But 2 feet of the sloppy choppy stuff? Denied.
Grouse
