downeaster/size

[ccb]

What size do you think is best for that type of boat. do you think that 27 and 28 ft. boats are to small for that type of boat. Would 32' and 36' boats ride a lot better. pound for pound which would you perfer. I like sport fishing for stripers,blues,small game fish. that type of fishing. thanks

[marshmat]

Depends mostly on what you want to do with it, where, and how much cash you're willing to drop on it. You can hunt striper from a 14' Princecraft if you want to! Generally, the larger boats will be nicer for open ocean, or long weekend trips, or for when you have all your buddies fishing with you. But they do cost 2-4x as much. Are there any particular models you're looking at?

[mmd]

As Marshmat said, it depends on what your personal use is. Also, the local conditions have an effect on the size choice. If your area is shallow and prone to short-period, steep wind-driven waves, a longer boat with a fine entry (Northumberland Strait type boats, developed in Prince Edward Island for lobster fishing) will provide a more comfortable ride. If you are in deep water that mostly experiences long-period sea swells, a smaller boat with full forward sections will contour the waves quite comfortably (Cape Island type lobsterboat, developed on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia). If you are in protected waters where waves of any type are minimal and speed is a valuable commodity, then a Downeast type with hard chines and long, flat run (developed along the Maine coast, especially the Beals Island type) would be ideal.

Another consideration is type of power installation, A 28-footer with inboard engine loses a lot of deck space and usually cramps the wheelhouse, which is fine for a commercial fishing boat but a pain if used as a social cruiser. An outboard installation on a boat this small is much better for interior arrangements, but brings other problems.

All in all, if one is considering a lobsterboat type between 28 - 36 feet LOA, bigger is better, IMHO. Just don't get caught up in the stampede of lemmings to ever greater horsepower. The hull types weren't designed to go thirty knots, even though some push them to that. If you keep your target maximum speed to below fifteen knots, you will be pleasantly surprised at how little horsepower you will need, how little fuel you burn, and how comfortable the ride is. If you start fretting about the extra time it takes to get somewhere, have a coffee, sit back, and enjoy the view. It's what your out there for, isn't it? <wink>