Bow Rider vs. Closed Bow

[randalnh]

Had a cuddy cabin (21' Chapparal) for 15 years at the lake. Only buried the bow once after 2 - 30 footers crossed my path. It was unexpected because the wake from the 2 boats added up and caused a huge swell. I was pretty happy to see that bow rise back up.

Got no dog in this fight, but my preference would be a closed bow boat. I have seen that lake get pretty rough between the wind and all of the wakes hitting from different angles. Also liked that the cuddy had a lot of freeboard so there was less wash over into the boat. In the end, it is personal preference and knowing how your boat reacts to the various conditions on the lake.

[SAB1]

Ha ha this akin to the great debate ....................Ford or Chevy LOL.

Boats are so expensive now if you have no experience with them it could be worth renting each type for a day or find some friends who have each and tag along.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by randalnh

Had a cuddy cabin (21' Chapparal) for 15 years at the lake. Only buried the bow once after 2 - 30 footers crossed my path. It was unexpected because the wake from the 2 boats added up and caused a huge swell. I was pretty happy to see that bow rise back up. Got no dog in this fight, but my preference would be a closed bow boat. I have seen that lake get pretty rough between the wind and all of the wakes hitting from different angles. Also liked that the cuddy had a lot of freeboard so there was less wash over into the boat. In the end, it is personal preference and knowing how your boat reacts to the various conditions on the lake.

Neither design can escape the violence of today's wakes. Try a quiet moment stopped anywhere for a floating snack, and you're lucky to keep from being ejected.

Today, being chilly and overcast, hasn't been so bad.

With the exception of pontoon boats (of any size), there are simply too many over-sized boats out there. (Over-sized boats don't even have to behave to ruin someone's afternoon ).

[Juiced06GTO]

I am a big fan of the dual console designs coming from the likes of Pursuit, Key West, BW, and GW to name a few. All built on self bailing cockpits and ocean worthy hulls so no worry about stuffing the bow with the open seating up front since they are designed to self bail. Check out the new DC246 from Pursuit, she's my dream as far as an all purpose, family/fishing/lake/ocean boat... https://www.pursuitboats.com/DC246.php

[Cal Coon]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

I am a big fan of the dual console designs coming from the likes of Pursuit, Key West, BW, and GW to name a few. All built on self bailing cockpits and ocean worthy hulls so no worry about stuffing the bow with the open seating up front since they are designed to self bail. Check out the new DC246 from Pursuit, she's my dream as far as an all purpose, family/fishing/lake/ocean boat... https://www.pursuitboats.com/DC246.php

That is a sweet looking boat. I have always been a big fan of Pursuit and Hydra Sports boats. Don't see them on the lake much, but you see them all the time on the ocean. Notice the arm rests for the two seats in the bow!!

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Juiced06GTO

I am a big fan of the dual console designs coming from the likes of Pursuit, Key West, BW, and GW to name a few. All built on self bailing cockpits and ocean worthy hulls so no worry about stuffing the bow with the open seating up front since they are designed to self bail. Check out the new DC246 from Pursuit, she's my dream as far as an all purpose, family/fishing/lake/ocean boat... https://www.pursuitboats.com/DC246.php

That is a beauty! I have a Tiara 2700 Open that will be on the lake this fall breaking in a rebuilt stbd engine. S2, parent of Tiara and Pursuit just agreed to sell Pursuit to Malibu. They are built like tanks

[DesertDweller]

I had an open bow/dual console boat for several years and it's a very practical layout. Very family friendly. Pretty much can do anything with it.

[Woody38]

Many good comments here. Really a personal preference. Had a Boston Whaler Revenge on Cape Cod. Everyone loved the cuddy as when it was too hot on the beach, cuddy was the place to go. Great boat, unable to sink the bow in high seas, soft riding and good handling. I found that trimming the engine worked well with lowering or rising the bow as needed. Trim tabs were not necessary.
A friend took me out in their bow rider. Scared me silly sitting in the bow in seas and looking up to see the water was many feet above me. Not for me.

_____________________________


I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Woody38

Many good comments here. Really a personal preference. Had a Boston Whaler Revenge on Cape Cod. Everyone loved the cuddy as when it was too hot on the beach, cuddy was the place to go. Great boat, unable to sink the bow in high seas, soft riding and good handling. I found that trimming the engine worked well with lowering or rising the bow as needed. Trim tabs were not necessary.
A friend took me out in their bow rider. Scared me silly sitting in the bow in seas and looking up to see the water was many feet above me. Not for me.

Trim tabs are underrated both for levelling and running rough seas in stern drive or outboard boats. I will always have tabs on a boat!

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

Trim tabs are underrated both for levelling and running rough seas in stern drive or outboard boats. I will always have tabs on a boat!

I have to agree, but only on boats over a certain size, not sure they are worth the cost on say an 18' boat used on a pond.

But for any 23' or larger boat and on somewhere like Winnipesaukee, they are a great asset.