Question:
I have a Proline 201 Walkaround now and I love it...great boat except that I
don't feel comfortable enough to take it 20-30 miles offshore in the Gulf
(Sarasota, FL) for diving and fishing. I'm thinking about a 25-26' center
console of some kind but I remember reading an article a few years back
about a cat-type hull center console fishboat and they raved about how great
the ride was...like a boat that was much bigger.
Anybody have experience with these or know/recommend any brands? I've seen
a few at boat shows but didn't really pay much attention to them. Anyone
using one now in the Gulf...I'd appreciate hearing from you on how well they
do in 3-4 footers, how fast can you run without beating your brains to mush,
etc.
Answer:
-The Glacier Bay 26 is a great boat. It has an exceptionally good ride. I
have not been in the other brands such as Worldcat. I like the way the
Glacier Bay is laid out for fishing. You could not go wrong with one.
-do some more checking on glacier bay cat I found a 8 page report that was
not to good and a 26 ft with motors was over 75 k
- the center console designs are a liability above 18'. They usually
have a lower freeboard than other designs and with all the open space they
can take up water rather quickly in a cross-chop or similar bad condition.
Sea Ox makes some good ocean going center consoles but I'd stick with your
cuddy cabin.
If you're worried about taking it offshore, why? What type of engine do you
have? That's the most important thing. A good engine, VHF (with boost
mast), cell phone, GPS, an offshore signaling kit and Type I Offshore life
jacket should be all you need. Much cheaper than a new boat. A cuddy cab
makes a great offshore boat btw. In the NE people take them beyond the
Nantucket shoals to go tuna fishing in them. That's around 70 mi.
-I suppose you aren't aware that most "cuddy" cabin fishing boats are built on
the same hulls as the center console fishing boats? Or that center console
fishing boats are the most in demand for coastal and offshore fishermen? Or that
there are center console fishing boats these days that are 35' long, and quite
capable of handling any sea conditions a traditional sportfishing boat of the
same length can handle?
