Centre console or cuddy cabin, family boat.

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alrooga

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So still on the hunt for our first boat, just wondered peoples experience on having perhaps both these style boats, centre console and cuddy cabin, which they prefer for day to day boating and for what reasons. I realise everyone's preference is different. Boats we are looking at are a 19ft centre console or 20ft cuddy cabin.

I like the idea of an open boat being functional, i.e. walkaround to make things easier etc. , and having more deck space but wondering that there could be some days you'd wish for a bit of shelter for all on board in the form of a wrap around windscreen. (but perhaps would really only be out in light winds anyway...)

Anyone wish they didn't bother having a cuddy? I see it could be useful but the one we are looking at is quite cramped.

Be great to have anyone's opinion from their experience. thanks.
 
It’s a tricky one this, being a subjective topic. I’ve had a variety of vessels from a 16’ Seadoo to 36’ twin engined flybridge. I’d say the most ownership enjoyment I had was with a 6m (centre console) rib we owned for about five seasons. I was apprehensive about buying a rib, I initially viewed them as a one-trick pony but was soon proved wrong.
 
What country are you using the boat in? And do you want to overnight on it?


Centre console (at the length) gives more usable space, at the expense of nowhere to sleep (or shelter) in if you're going to overnight.

Two different types of boat, so work out how you intend to use it and go from there.
 
I had a cap camerat 625 walk around which has an offset helm giving space to walk to the bow. It also had a small cuddy below so some shelter.

I boat on the Solent and the small screen of the boat wasn't suitable for the Solent chop so it lasted a season only, before buying a 7 metre sports cruiser which has a much bigger windscreen offering more protection.

Where do you plan to do your boating?
 
@gravygraham what was it about the rib that made those seasons enjoyable? The one I’m looking at is a high sided grp centre console.

@julians I’m in the uk , will be moored in Poole harbour. I think it will mostly be a day boat with the family, in and out the harbour , along the coast but I guess an overnight somewhere could be possible. It was more of a question of open boat or something with a closed front and a windscreen.

@Hot Property thats interesting , when you say Solent chop was it a problem of spray? Will be boating in Poole harbour and along the coast.
 
alrooga said:
@gravygraham what was it about the rib that made those seasons enjoyable? The one I’m looking at is a high sided grp centre console.
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Several things I think, the hull was very confidence inspiring (Ribeye) and after a 33’ walk-around and a 36’ fly I found the naked simplicity exhilarating. My brother-in- law had a cuddy many years back, albeit only a 14’ boat iirc and the front was only ever used to store marine detritus!
 
If with family a loo is essential....

Yes spay from the short sharp waves of the Solent was a problem, not much protection at all. Ribs are great but no loos in most, exhilarating ride but there is more to family boating.

Your wife will decide what sort of boat you will buy, keep her on side and she may not notice the £££ you may wish to spend!
 
Centre consoles evolved for owners who are die hard fishing folk - many builders will offer alternatives.
For instance, you might also be able to have a 'dual console' version - still an open boat, but more focused for passenger comfort than on fishing, yet still able to go fishing when required.
Grady White in the USA are good at this re centre or dual console versions.

Here is a 21' dual console -
https://www.gradywhite.com/models/dual-consoles/freedom-215/

And a 21' centre console -
Grady-White | Fisherman 216 Center Console

And for good measure, a 20' cuddy cabin -
https://www.gradywhite.com/models/walkaround-cabins/adventure-208/
 
Hot Property said:
If with family a loo is essential....

Yes spay from the short sharp waves of the Solent was a problem, not much protection at all. Ribs are great but no loos in most, exhilarating ride but there is more to family boating.

Your wife will decide what sort of boat you will buy, keep her on side and she may not notice the £££ you may wish to spend!
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Haha yes well she thinks we don't need a loo.... which i think we'll regret. Although the cuddy boat we viewed the cabin was cramped I couldn't really see it being 'easy' to take a leak in the porta loo!

I noticed from your other posts you have a saver cruiser? Do you still have it and has it been a good boat? I have seen one for sale, although £35k for a 2009! thanks.
 
take into account how cool you can be at 20 knots without shelter from the wind even on a warm summers day in the uk------see if you can get a test run somewhere to find out what i mean
 
alrooga said:
Haha yes well she thinks we don't need a loo.... which i think we'll regret. Although the cuddy boat we viewed the cabin was cramped I couldn't really see it being 'easy' to take a leak in the porta loo!

I noticed from your other posts you have a saver cruiser? Do you still have it and has it been a good boat? I have seen one for sale, although £35k for a 2009! thanks.
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Yes I have a saver 690 with 200 Verado.

Brilliant boat, has separate loo, fridge, hob and sink plus 2 v berths. Big cockpit for socialising - 7 people max.

Been to Brixham from Hamble and back, 200 mile trip.

I had a Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser with outboard., Cap camerat 625 with 135 Honda and now the Saver.

It's like a bigger Fletcher really... Not planning to sell it soon!
 
Hot Property said:
Yes I have a saver 690 with 200 Verado.

Brilliant boat, has separate loo, fridge, hob and sink plus 2 v berths. Big cockpit for socialising - 7 people max.

Been to Brixham from Hamble and back, 200 mile trip.

I had a Fletcher 19 Sports Cruiser with outboard., Cap camerat 625 with 135 Honda and now the Saver.

It's like a bigger Fletcher really... Not planning to sell it soon!
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Looks like a nice boat, alot going on for 7m, and its an outboard too. Do you mind me asking what you paid for it and when? In all this, its interesting to see how much prices are inflated at the moment!
 
alrooga said:
Looks like a nice boat, alot going on for 7m, and its an outboard too. Do you mind me asking what you paid for it and when? In all this, its interesting to see how much prices are inflated at the moment!
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£16k 3 years ago. Some upgrades to navigation kit, diesel Heater and new hood.

Probably worth £22-24 k without trying too much today...

But I'm very happy with it. Nothing else close to it in the market. Stern drive boats of similar size make me shudder at the maintenance costs.

Do you have a link for the £35 k saver?
 
Hot Property said:
£16k 3 years ago. Some upgrades to navigation kit, diesel Heater and new hood.

Probably worth £22-24 k without trying too much today...

But I'm very happy with it. Nothing else close to it in the market. Stern drive boats of similar size make me shudder at the maintenance costs.

Do you have a link for the £35 k saver?
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Wow, that's officially depressing for new boat buyers... what year is yours?
2009 Saver 690 Cabin Sport, Neyland Pembrokeshire (Sir Benfro) - boats.com
 
we used to have a number of "sportfisher" models;
Fayton630, Fayton730 and Karnic2660

those have a bit of both,
a bow cabin, AND walkaround, kids can sit on the bow,

on all those boats we had a bow cushion
 
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