Chilling read and boat shopping

diprna · 06-13-2012, 09:44 AM

We are still in the shopping/thinking things over phase. I have very much enjoyed our test runs riding in the bow! It's a whole new boating experience. I agree wholeheartedly that captains skill set/judgment is the most important factor.....regardless of type and size of boat. One brand I hadn't mentioned but actually love is the 22' Searay Sundeck. We plan to get out in a Formula before final decision is made....have heard nothing but wonderful things about that brand. Not feeling as nervous as I was previously about the potential for swamping....all the boats we are considering sit higher out of water than I had envisioned. Funny aside...10 years ago when we were boating newbies....our inside joke was always that for some reason hubby's boat driving abilities always improved substantially after I had a glass of wine!! Haha!

John A. Birdsall · 06-13-2012, 01:29 PM

I went from a 12' rowboat with a 1 hp outboard, to a 6 hp outboard, then to a 6' boat with the 6 hp outboard, to an 11' plywood boat with the 6 hp, to 12 hp, to 18 hp and had a degree of fun with all three boats. But the 11' with the 18 was the best of the three. I would take the 11' out and go all over the lake. When gas was expensive .35 per gallon inc. oil we went thru 600.00 in just four months. (that was accountable, how much more unaccountable we will never know.) I read that it depends on the experience of the operator and perhaps that is ever true. I can recall capsising my 16'6 sea sprite in the ocean when trying to get my daughter wet. I will tell you that scared the daylights out of me.
Is bigger better? I seen some people out there with some pretty big boats that should not even be in a row boat.

Rangervx · 06-13-2012, 03:10 PM

as with any boat...just you your head and be smart about it. open bow wouldn't worry me...i've operated a bass boat on LW for 20 years this year...and open bows prior to that...never an issue. buy a boat that fits your needs and wants...and enjoy!!!!

Formula · 06-13-2012, 05:29 PM

We plan to get out in a Formula before final decision is made....have heard nothing but wonderful things about that brand.

I am on my second formula boat. As you said they have a great brand and second to none in quality.
They have a great new boat warranty if you go in that direction.
Kory at PBM is great to work with.

Enjoy the shopping

06-13-2012, 09:44 AM	#1
diprna Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Meredith Bay/Bow Posts: 20 Thanks: 33 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thank you all! We are still in the shopping/thinking things over phase. I have very much enjoyed our test runs riding in the bow! It's a whole new boating experience. I agree wholeheartedly that captains skill set/judgment is the most important factor.....regardless of type and size of boat. One brand I hadn't mentioned but actually love is the 22' Searay Sundeck. We plan to get out in a Formula before final decision is made....have heard nothing but wonderful things about that brand. Not feeling as nervous as I was previously about the potential for swamping....all the boats we are considering sit higher out of water than I had envisioned. Funny aside...10 years ago when we were boating newbies....our inside joke was always that for some reason hubby's boat driving abilities always improved substantially after I had a glass of wine!! Haha!

06-13-2012, 01:29 PM	#2
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	small vs not so small I went from a 12' rowboat with a 1 hp outboard, to a 6 hp outboard, then to a 6' boat with the 6 hp outboard, to an 11' plywood boat with the 6 hp, to 12 hp, to 18 hp and had a degree of fun with all three boats. But the 11' with the 18 was the best of the three. I would take the 11' out and go all over the lake. When gas was expensive .35 per gallon inc. oil we went thru 600.00 in just four months. (that was accountable, how much more unaccountable we will never know.) I read that it depends on the experience of the operator and perhaps that is ever true. I can recall capsising my 16'6 sea sprite in the ocean when trying to get my daughter wet. I will tell you that scared the daylights out of me. Is bigger better? I seen some people out there with some pretty big boats that should not even be in a row boat.

06-13-2012, 05:29 PM	#4
Formula Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 183 Thanks: 12 Thanked 28 Times in 16 Posts	Formula We plan to get out in a Formula before final decision is made....have heard nothing but wonderful things about that brand. I am on my second formula boat. As you said they have a great brand and second to none in quality. They have a great new boat warranty if you go in that direction. Kory at PBM is great to work with. Enjoy the shopping

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06-13-2012, 03:10 PM	#3
Rangervx Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: VIRGINIA / WINTER HARBOR Posts: 82 Thanks: 28 Thanked 28 Times in 15 Posts	as with any boat...just you your head and be smart about it. open bow wouldn't worry me...i've operated a bass boat on LW for 20 years this year...and open bows prior to that...never an issue. buy a boat that fits your needs and wants...and enjoy!!!!