Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post - Looking for an open bow/deck boat- suggestions?

Boston Fireguy · 01-18-2010, 10:27 AM

I am on my 3rd bowrider. I currently run an older 24' Maxum BR. 24 feet is the minimum length I would recommend for Winnipesaukee. It's big enough to handle the afternoon northwest slop across The Broads and still manageable when solo docking and/or if you trailer. In most boats this size you can seat 8+ people comfortably. It's also a size that's great for pulling a skier or tube or 2.

I would suggest finding a boat with at least 300HP for pulling & cruising ability. Mine has the Mercruiser 454 Big Block Chevy with the dual prop Bravo 3 outdrive. This is my 1st dual prop drive and I highly recommend it both for low speed traction and high speed ability (57 MPH before the speed limit). Fuel consumption is pretty decent, even with the big motor. But I might go with fuel injection on the next boat for maintenance purposes.

There are some very good deals to be had with used boats, especially freshwater ones. My family has always bought used boats since the late '60s. Do not let the age of a boat scare you. A well kept, low hours older boat can serve you well (mine is a '96).
My previous boat was a Chaparral; I would recommend it or the Maxum brand.

I too would also suggest finding a boat with a head. The ladies will thank you. Forget the sink.

01-18-2010, 10:27 AM	#39
Boston Fireguy Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sanders Bay/Naples FL/South Shore MA Posts: 43 Thanks: 8 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Bow Rider I am on my 3rd bowrider. I currently run an older 24' Maxum BR. 24 feet is the minimum length I would recommend for Winnipesaukee. It's big enough to handle the afternoon northwest slop across The Broads and still manageable when solo docking and/or if you trailer. In most boats this size you can seat 8+ people comfortably. It's also a size that's great for pulling a skier or tube or 2. I would suggest finding a boat with at least 300HP for pulling & cruising ability. Mine has the Mercruiser 454 Big Block Chevy with the dual prop Bravo 3 outdrive. This is my 1st dual prop drive and I highly recommend it both for low speed traction and high speed ability (57 MPH before the speed limit). Fuel consumption is pretty decent, even with the big motor. But I might go with fuel injection on the next boat for maintenance purposes. There are some very good deals to be had with used boats, especially freshwater ones. My family has always bought used boats since the late '60s. Do not let the age of a boat scare you. A well kept, low hours older boat can serve you well (mine is a '96). My previous boat was a Chaparral; I would recommend it or the Maxum brand. I too would also suggest finding a boat with a head. The ladies will thank you. Forget the sink.