Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

[nicotroop]

My husband and I live in South Florida (Deerfield Beach) on a saltwater canal with direct intracoastal and ocean access and are finally in a position where we can buy a boat. We have a 16 month old child and this would be our first boat ever. We started with center consoles but didn't like the lack of creature comforts. Then we looked at Deck boats that have tons of creature comforts but are not safe in the ocean. Lately we find ourselves looking at bowriders but are not sure these are seaworthy? is a Bowrider an option for cruising the intracoastal and heading out to sea for fun in the sun. any words from the wise? suggestions?

 

[HeadHunt]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

They are not. Good salt water boats have self bailing cockpits in case you stuff the bow into a wave or take one over the side. Saltwater boats also have deep cockpits, high gunnels for safety. Take your time, do some research, see what everyone else in your area is using and then you can make an educated choice. Even on the best weather days the seas can change in a matter of minutes, even inshore and especially going through an inlet.<br /><br />HeadHunt

 

[KCook]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

As for bowriders or deckboats "heading out to sea", this is mainly a matter of size and distance. It's not uncommon to see the larger boats like this on short jaunts on the ocean. Just for recreation, not really voyaging. These will be boats over 20', the more over the better. Dubious choice for more distant missions for the reasons already cited by HeadHunt.<br /><br />There are also fishing type bowriders, dual consoles, that range from 17' on up. These are setup better for open water than the usual pleasure bowrider. Here is another thread that goes into these - Hydra-Sports, Seaswirl and Others Opinions and Advice <br /><br />Find a dealer who sells various types of boats, not just one type. See what his advice is.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[migue]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

Take a look at cuddy cabins...I haven't had a problem with my 16ft bowrider in the intracoastal or biscayne bay. But i wouldn't go out more than 3 miles in the ocean with it much less with a little baby, and please take a boat safety course!!

 

[Solittle]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

First a big WELCOME!!!<br /><br />You can help us help you by telling us a bit more of your situation. Are you thinking new or used? Any thoughts on size? What kind of creature comforts are you looking for? Trailerable? (tow vehicle?).<br /><br />My 35 years in south Florida would agree with HeadHunt. I might add think of 22-26' and outboard powered - either twin outboards or one V6 with an auxiliary. I would stay away from bow riders - I had a 19'er for 15 years. Many times I wanted to go out but could not due to rough water and concern about taking a wave over the bow.<br /><br />I have a 1988 23' Welcraft CC with twins & love it. Our 32 year old (now) went out with us when she was less than a year old.<br /><br />A suggestion - pick up a copy of Boat Trader magazine at any convenience store. Also visit your nearest public ramp and talk to folks who have a rig that strikes your fancy. <br /><br />Last suggestion - spend a few HOURS rummaging around here at iboats. Lots of folks have asked similar questions to yours.

 

[nicotroop]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

Thanks for the replies. Creature comforts, place to lay back and relax, head. this is why the bowriders were appealing. however, everyones replies seem to confirm our hesitation in purchasng one. We are thinking under 26 feet. We would need bottom paint or we would have to cut back on the cost of the boat to have a lift put in. one boat we looked at that we haven't been able to find anyone who has ever heard of them is a 25 foot Baja Islander. any information on these? and finally, we are definitely going to take Boat 101 and Boating safety courses before we do anything. thanks again for the info.

 

[stevens]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

If you'll leave it moored in the water, consider sticking to an outboard engine. It will be less prone to marine growth and corrosion as it lifts out of the water every time you leave it.<br /><br />A self-bailing cockpit is great both for seaworthiness and for hosing it down.<br /><br />The longer the better - and there is a huge difference between how a 20' behaves relative to a 25'.<br /><br />Also, don't forget that width adds stability, and a deep V-hull adds ability to handle the rough.<br /><br />Don't buy a boat without trying it out, also in some rough seas to see if you are comfortable with the ride. Good luck, and please let us know how it goes.

 

[KCook]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

These are both by Baja and both around 25' -<br /><br />

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<br /><br />Very different boats though, which did you have in mind?<br /><br />Kelly

 

[nicotroop]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

The picture of the first Baja is the one we have looked at. (center console). the one we looked at has a nicely cushioned bow for the little one and plenty of storage. Our goal is to have a safe boat with room for a few friends. Primarily a comfortable boat for relaxing in the ocean and sandbars. Secondly, we are divers (our only boating experience) so we wanted something that could accomodate 2-4 divers max at a time and not be unsafe. once again, this is a great forum, you guys (and girls too) , thanks.

 

[stevens]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

....the one we looked at has a nicely cushioned bow for the little one....

No, I don't think so. Up front is where it gets the most bumpy, most windy, and most dangerous in the waves. That's no place to put a baby or a small child. Better then to buy a boat with sufficient seating aft, behind the windshield and inside sufficiently high gunwales to make everyone feel protected and safe.

 

[KCook]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

Stevens makes a good point on bow seating. Ok for while the boat is just puttering around. Thrill ride for teenagers at speed. Not the safest or most comfortable place for tots.<br /><br />Sounds to me like you are headed for a Dual Console, but nobody has shown you one yet? Like a regular bowrider they have a roomy cockpit behind the windshield. Big DC models are available from Boston Whaler, Grady-White, Polar, Robalo, Scout, Sea Hunt, Seaswirl, and Wellcraft. Unfortunately dealers are not always eager to stock DC models. So you may have to hunt around to find some to look at.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[pine island fred]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

First things first. Start getting the lift installed now. That should give you about 2 years to search for the boat that suits you. Trick is to try to get it right the first time. Should be some nice used o/b powered ctr consols in your area. Expect a long delay in the permit process for that lift regards fred

 

[nicotroop]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

From some of your replies, it would seem that I am not explaining myself very well. The bow seating is for when we are at rest or cruising the intracoastal. We are new at all of this and don't see ourselves flying like bats out of H*ll with or without our daugther. With that said, we are sure there is a boat out there for us that we don't have to wait 2 years to get. Kelly, you are correct about the DC's, not one dealer even mentioned them to us. that will be our next search. thanks again.

 

[KCook]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

It's not only a matter of flying like a bat out of heck . While up on plane, even at modest speeds (say over 20mph), a nasty wake can literally bounce passengers riding in the bow up in the air. How they come back down is often painful. But teenagers luv this. I'm still siding with Stevens on this issue.<br /><br />Of course if your waters are wake free, that would be a whole other matter. I've never had such luck.<br /><br />Kelly

 

[Solittle]

Re: Newbies in S. Florida looking for a boat

Even at "no wake speed" a wave can come over the bow. <br /><br />We had a 19'bow rider for years. Everyone wanted to be up front. That of course brought the bow down. It dosen't take much to have a wave come over and with the weight of the people forward plus the weight of the water you can get into a dangerous condition quick. Often I had to move kids or aadults to the back.<br /><br />I am not against bowriders but they are a lot less seaworthy than a conventional hull especially if you plan to go out into the Gulf.