Which is the right type of boat to buy?

[skylacker]

Hi, I am relatively new to boating and my wife and I are looking to purchase a boat for cruising around the islands of the Bahamas. No overnights, we live in Nassau and will be taking day trips to some of the surrounding cays and islands. What kind of boat would be best? My wife likes cabin cruisers but I feel more comfortable with an open boat, like a center console. We think we are meeting in the middle by looking at a deck boat but I am concerned that it is not the right style of boat for handling ocean travel with 3-5 foot waters. Please give your advice on the subject, my wife and I would be most grateful!!

John

 

[KCook]

Either will work. The main problem with a deckboat is that most of the deckboat designs with OB will be "ride challenged". Bigger deckboats with I/O will ride better, but I would not want I/O in shallow water. So my vote was for the center console. Better than either would be a dual console runabout. Ride better than a deckboat and have more comfy seating than a center console. You will find lots of guys with experience on those waters over on the forums at www.FloridaSportsman.com and www.TheHullTruth.com

Kelly Cook

 

[petem]

Trick question. The answer is the one with heads (bog for non boaty types).

Pete

 

[KCook]

Either, as long as its at least the 21 foot size, will have a head compartment. Typically very cramped though, in both types.

Kelly

 

[ajt]

the one your wife likes, then you cannot go wrong