Best boat for Florida

[DTYRGUY]

So I had the dock guys come out and measure between the pilings and he got anywhere from 8'7" to 8'8". He seems pretty confident that a boat with a 8'6" beam will fit. Well it better, because I just bought one. I had hoped to find a broker down here that I could develop a relationship with like my broker in Cleveland and I did. Super guy with a wealth of knowledge. The kind of guy that can help a fresh water guy learn the ins and outs of taking care of a salt water boat as well as learning the navigation of these waters. Anyway, he had a 2018 Hurricane 21 CC with around 300 hrs at a reasonable price. This boat checks off all my needs. Nice go to dinner boat but converts to a nice little fishing boat as well. Next Friday the dock guys will be here to service the lift, set the bunks, and make sure the thing fits. A question though. Considering it will be tight, I was wondering if anybody knows of a material that could wrap around the piling that the rub rail would slide easier on than the bare wood. It would have to be some plastic material, very pliable and slim.

[Cooler]

Had a similar issue a couple of seasons ago with rail rubbing on wood. May not be good for you, but it worked for me. I bought a few lower priced Polyform fenders with smooth finish. Cut the eyes off, and slid them over the post. They slide up and down on the post as the rub rail requires depending on water level. They also spin on post like a dock wheel as needed. Just food for thought. There are probably a number of products out there. Your dock guy should be aware of something. er

[DTYRGUY]

Update. I still have a problem with the width of the slip. Turns out the association wouldn't let me reposition the pilings to achieve more width. I did have a company put a cross brace between the front [shore end] pilings which spread them out a bit. I now have about 3" per side clearance on each side. They also lined the inner side of the pilings with a slippery plastic material. The problem is it's nearly impossible to dock between the pilings without someone in the bow pushing or pulling to guide me in. It's basically like a controlled crash every time. I definitely am wary about taking the boat out by myself and docking upon returning.
I'm trying to figure out what can be constructed to act as a guide to funnel the boat between the pilings. I've thought about having 2 of those PVC guide poles installed about a foot out in the channel and another 10 inches or so wider per side than the pilings. It would be much easier the hit a 128" target than a 108"'. Also, I can't believe how much harder it is the dock a small 21" outboard compared to my 32" Carver aft cabin. I thought that with all my experience with the bigger boat the smaller one would be a breeze. Boy was I wrong.

[bud37]

Now thats a fit !!!!
Funny heh, but I agree, the smaller boats move around so easy with the wind/current, low flying birds etc.

Our dinghy is impossible to dock, the fishing boat is ok but still bad....the big boat much easier. The damage caused by missing is the other way though, dinghy =zero, fishing boat =very little......big boat = big mess...

[tomschauer]

Grease up those pilings and slide right in there!