Boat Question (Osprey: houseboats, gas, ratings)

[Salty Dave]

Hi all,

I was wondering what would be a good boat for the area? I currently have a 175 Aquasport Osprey, but it has a 5 person load limit and would like to have something that would take a few more passengers. We are going to be close to the Eljobean (sp) bridge.

Thanks
Dave

[bbronston]

What kind of boating experience are you looking for? If you are into fishing and diving, you'd probably want something pretty different than if you wanted to entertain. If you want to go offshore, I'd personally want two engines or at least an auxilliary. I've had a sailboat, a 17 CC, a 18 bowrider, a 21 walkaround and even kayaks and dingies!! My dad's had houseboats, cruisers, walkarounds, etc. All have plusses and minuses but you should start with the use and then let the manufacturer's ratings determine the size based on the capacity plate.

[Salty Dave]

Yeah I would like to fish also entertain when family visits. Hope to find a boat that would work for both. I have a couple of Craigcat's one gas 15hp one electric also, might keep one for the river.What I am tiring to do is have only one boat. I guess more to the fishing side as that will be what the main use will be.

Originally Posted by bbronston

What kind of boating experience are you looking for? If you are into fishing and diving, you'd probably want something pretty different than if you wanted to entertain. If you want to go offshore, I'd personally want two engines or at least an auxilliary. I've had a sailboat, a 17 CC, a 18 bowrider, a 21 walkaround and even kayaks and dingies!! My dad's had houseboats, cruisers, walkarounds, etc. All have plusses and minuses but you should start with the use and then let the manufacturer's ratings determine the size based on the capacity plate.

[bbronston]

I had the same problems back in the day. I wanted a flats boat, settled (family) for a CC, and was told it wasn't comfortable enough so we got the bow rider which was awful for fishing. It had nice carpeting and cushy seats but it was a ski boat, not a fishing boat. Most fishing boats won't seat many people though. I've seen versions of bow riders (sometimes called dual console) that are able to handle more people but they are really 'dressed' for fishing so that might work. You'll have to decide on the size but these have baitwells, rod lockers, they are lower if you have to deal with bridges and they are easy to clean up.

Wellcraft | 210 SPORTSMAN

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