Size Range Poll

[blared]

Well it really depands on what u wanna do with it and how much u want to spend.

[Penfold]

Remember - the amount of fun you have in a boat is inversely proportional to it's length! (remember the things we went to 'sea' in when we were kids on school holidays!?) So how about a less than 25' voting box!!! Your average 14 foot skiff is a whole lot of fun! (mind you when it's kite's up it is nearly 25' long!)

[mackid068]

That's true. A tiny little boat is often more fun than a cruising yacht.

[Wavewacker]

Sorry, kinda old, but no consensus on length? I'd go for 28 to 30, there is no substitute for cubic inches (LOL) and you can carry a fun boat. Please inform me if I'm wrong, but it seems it takes at least a 12' to get a comfortable cabin, queen size berth, head and galley with a small seating spot. To me cruising means at least on occassional overnight or weekend out and while you can use a sleeping bag, a nice berth/bunk would make me want to go out more.

Has this been decided elsewhere? If so, sorry.

[FAST FRED]

queen size berth,

So the boat will only be used dockside with no use for a sea bunk?

[Lister]

Originally Posted by duluthboats

Why a longer hull? I may be wrong, (it has happened before) but it’s my thought that as the length to beam ratio is increased and if we keep nearly the same volume, we will be able to reach the speed goal with a smaller motor(s). (cheaper) This also puts the motor(s) farther away from the main cabin, and might allow for an aft stateroom, which would isolate the motor(s) even more. All of this just by stretching things a little.

There are many members here. I would like to hear your opinions. Don’t forget to vote on your choice.

Gary

I like it, good thinking
Lister

[Wavewacker]

Originally Posted by FAST FRED

queen size berth,

So the boat will only be used dockside with no use for a sea bunk?

A hammock stows away....

[Submarine Tom]

No mention in the poll of BOAT length so my vote is for 8 inches. I'm quite happy with it and so is my wife.

-Tom

[Pjitty]

I'm looking for a 28' x 8'6" cruiser. Must be Seaworthy, Fuel efficient, and sleep 2 comfortably. Not looking for a speed demon, but would like to be in the 12 to 18 mph range. Oh yeah, not cost a small fortune.
Just as a side note, will use it for coastal cruising from New York to the Keys, not looking to cross the ocean. Also would like a traditional look. Not to impressed with the modern style of boat witch looks dated in a few years...

Joe D

[FAST FRED]

We had similar requirements and chose a used Regal 26.

The interior is fine for 2 because of the sleeping area partially under the cockpit.

That means the fore peak does not have to double as a cabin , so the table can stay in place.

A 305 chevy (volvo duo prop) is about as efficient as can be done for low bucks.

Looked at dozens of manufacturers , this was the one.

It fits nicely on a trailer and cruises fine above 15K on the plane.

$6K to $8K will buy a cream puff.

With a full canvas covering on the outside areas , operation in rotten weather can b e comfortable.

If FW cooled a simple box heater can warm the outside covered area underway , allowing early or late cruising in comfort..

FF

[Pjitty]

Fast:
I got a 2004 Regal, 2465, great boat but we are looking at something like the Ranger Tug/27', seaworthy, diesel power, all the options, etc. only problem is the one we saw was $190,000. I got the plans for the Great Alaskan, and I'm looking at some Downeasters, the only problem with the Downeasters is the engine box in the middle of the deck. I think after I finish my 19' Downeaster I'm going to have to build the 28 footer, [first I have to restore my T-Bird] The only way I can get what I want in a boat. I would like to have an inboard, but I'm not partial to any power system. Looking for the Holy Grail in efficient boat design, Maybe a cat or a tri, gotta keep looking...

Joe D

[FAST FRED]

"looking at something like the Ranger Tug/27', seaworthy,"

No more "seaworthy " than a Bayliner.

A cute shape and advertising hype do not make a "seaworthy" vessel.

SCANTLINGS and proper construction are required.

Look at the local Coast Guard or Pilot boats , if you want a view of all weather boats.

Seaworhy in advertising has the same meaning as HI FI , nothing.

"Looking for the Holy Grail in efficient boat design,"

First you must decide on the speed required.

FF

[Pjitty]

As posted in post #24, I'm looking between 12 and 18 mph. What boat at 28' is really Seaworthy. From the info I gathered so far a Semi Displacement hull like the maine Lobster Boats is probably the closest. I'm no NA and I don't profess to be, just looking to go out on the water and be reasonably safe...

Joe D

[FAST FRED]

Many many 28 ft sail boats have made long blue water passages.So are seaworthy.

Of course none will cruise at 15K.

The usual concept with a tiny power boat is never to "slug it out" , but to avoid being there.
A Ranger will be rolled as easily as a Bayliner.

BOAT Speed and weather reports usually serve to solve this problem.

Most tiny cruisers do not have the internal volume , or weight carrying ability to have enough fuel to go far enough to get into trouble.

The minor draft of many of these boats allow the boat to hide behind land or an island , tho you may have to move 3 or 4 times as a storm clocks to stay in the lee.

Even beaching is possible instead of slugging it out.

The NJ sea skiffs were famous for their beachability.

Google the Atkin ,RESCUE MINOR , and think along those lines if you desire to build from scratch.

FF