Pontoon Boat

Grady223 · 03-18-2008, 09:54 AM

That is a tough trip in windy weather. Once you pass Sewell Point you have about 17 miles of fetch in a northwest wind - it's not uncommon to get 4 footers especially in the fall. I have a 22 foot Grady White (designed to handle the notoriuosly rough Cape Hatteras waters) and have enough fun just getting to Barndoor some days - I would not want to have to go all the way to Rattlesnake. I would suggest something built for rough water rather than a pontoon boat if you plan on making that trip regularly.

Dave M · 03-18-2008, 05:11 PM

You may want to look at a tri-hull deck boat. Better in the rough weather. My nephew has a Hurricane, its a small one but has plenty of room.

Dave M

Rattlesnake Guy · 03-18-2008, 05:28 PM

We have a deck boat and love it but....

I am not sure it is the "safest" boat in rough water. It is probably not the smoothest ride while slapping either.

We all saw what happened last year when someone took a wave over the bow.

When we come across when the water is rolling I thank God that I have trim to lift my bow up to keep the waves on the outside. Well for the most part.

Formula260SS · 03-18-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grady223

That is a tough trip in windy weather. Once you pass Sewell Point you have about 17 miles of fetch in a northwest wind - it's not uncommon to get 4 footers especially in the fall. I have a 22 foot Grady White (designed to handle the notoriuosly rough Cape Hatteras waters) and have enough fun just getting to Barndoor some days - I would not want to have to go all the way to Rattlesnake. I would suggest something built for rough water rather than a pontoon boat if you plan on making that trip regularly.

I completely agree, If your crossing the broads to get to your cottage a pontoon boat is probably not the best choice. Last year the waves cooperated pretty well in the broads but, all years are not the same.

Orion · 03-20-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Formula260SS

I completely agree, If your crossing the broads to get to your cottage a pontoon boat is probably not the best choice. Last year the waves cooperated pretty well in the broads but, all years are not the same.

True, if you HAVE TO regularly travel to an area such as the Broad side of Rattlesnake. If that is the case, then you would need a true rough water boat. But, for most cruising, the pontoons provide the smoothest ride, especially on busy weekends. They tend to slice through all the wakes and moderate chop and you get no pounding. If there is any significant wind, you will get spray though.

Bottom line....there is no perfect boat for all conditions or situations. That's why I have more than one

. But that's true of most islanders.

03-18-2008, 09:54 AM	#1
Grady223 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New Hope, PA & Barndoor Island Posts: 465 Thanks: 93 Thanked 24 Times in 18 Posts	Wolfeboro to Rattlesnake That is a tough trip in windy weather. Once you pass Sewell Point you have about 17 miles of fetch in a northwest wind - it's not uncommon to get 4 footers especially in the fall. I have a 22 foot Grady White (designed to handle the notoriuosly rough Cape Hatteras waters) and have enough fun just getting to Barndoor some days - I would not want to have to go all the way to Rattlesnake. I would suggest something built for rough water rather than a pontoon boat if you plan on making that trip regularly.

03-18-2008, 05:11 PM	#2
Dave M Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 395 Thanks: 4 Thanked 26 Times in 24 Posts	You may want to look at a tri-hull deck boat. Better in the rough weather. My nephew has a Hurricane, its a small one but has plenty of room. Dave M

03-18-2008, 05:28 PM	#3
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	We have a deck boat and love it but.... I am not sure it is the "safest" boat in rough water. It is probably not the smoothest ride while slapping either. We all saw what happened last year when someone took a wave over the bow. When we come across when the water is rolling I thank God that I have trim to lift my bow up to keep the waves on the outside. Well for the most part.