Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

[Chris N]

We're getting back into Pacific Northwest boating after many years of living inland. We can't believe how things have changed. Back in the '70's and '80's you could rest assured any well built 21' boat such as a Sea Ray or Hourston would stand up to the sudden storms we experienced and would be capable of safely getting it's occupants to a sheltered harbor or anchorage of some sort. Well,,,, we just looked at some modern 21' and 22' Sea Rays and we have our doubts that these boats would survive anything but a perfectly calm day in the straights.. I guess they just don't measure them like they used to. Even the interiors don't have the same room in the cuddy areas. The freeboard is nowhere near what it used to be either. Do these newer boats have more flotation or more buoyancy than their older counterparts? Or were we just so young and foolish back then that we'd go out on the water regardless of safety issues. Help !!! We need a good, seaworthy cuddy type boat up to 15 years old but we have no idea what we should be looking for. Who makes good hulls these days??

 

[ricohman]

Re: Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

Have you looked at a 22ft Islander bracket?

 

[Chris N]

Re: Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

Have you looked at a 22ft Islander bracket?

There aren't any of those out in these parts. We see a lot of Sea Rays, Four Winns, Cobalts, Formulas etc. I googled the Islander and it LOOKS like it would stand up to the task. Thanx.

 

[crabby captain john]

Re: Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

Check 22' - 28' EdgeWater and McKee Craft. On the less expensive side search for a Cobia. On your list-- Formula should do what you ask.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

in the late 70's or early 80's "they" changed the design of bowriders to drop the bow to an unseaworthy scoop. Didn't notice the rear freeboard but now that you mention it...since you are on the coast, get a well-designed hull with an outboard.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

Its not just the boats, the people have taken a huge change to, and not for the better.

 

[spoilsofwar]

Re: Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

The Pacific Northwest has got to be the mecca of offshore capable aluminum outboard-powered boats. I would be looking for a used one of those, although if you're looking for pure comfort I can see why you wouldn't; most are somewhat utilitarian. If I were boating up there, though, I dont think you could get me to buy anything else.

Maybe expand your search to include walk-around cabin fishing boats, they will accomplish most of what a cuddy cabin will as far as interior space, are generally powered by an outboard that I would personally prefer if boating in the salt, and should handle the conditions better.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Yikes,,, has everything ever changed since the '70's

I guess they just don't measure them like they used to.

They don't! For a while in the 70's manufacturers got a little crazy with their 'sizing'. My first boat was a 1970's trihull. Officially its hull length was 15.5 feet. (which also got it by with fewer regulations) The tip to tip length, not counting the motor, was about 18.5 feet. LOA, which would include the outboard, would have probably been about 20 feet! All from a measly little 15.5 ft trihull.