Best boat for Florida

[DTYRGUY]

I just bought a condo in Fort Myers Beach that came with a boat dock and 7500lb lift. I want to buy a boat that I can use for day cruising the intercoastal, boating to restaurants for dinner, and getting back into the hobby of fishing. Don't care about going out into the gulf very far. Also don't care about going fast. The most enjoyable time on my Carver 32 aft cabin on Lake Erie is the no wake 2 mile cruise on the Grand River to get to the lake. Don't need the cabin comforts of the 32 because with the dock under my condo lenai we won't be spending nights on the boat like we do up north. Would like something with enough bimini cover to protect passengers from the sun and a head of some kind.

Ideas?

[tomschauer]

For the use you describe there are a lot of choices. Center console, dual console, bow rider or even a pontoon.
Try to get to a couple boat shows and dealers and see what's out there that meets your needs. Figure your budget and go from there.

Let us know what you end up with.

Good luck!

[Cooler]

I am a big fan of Grady-Whites center console series. Structural integrity second to none, design of hull allows for a nice ride and a dry ride in most water conditions. Most center consoles are kinda wet rides due to water spray, but GW takes pride in pushing water away from hull. Your comments on speed allow you to stick with single motor application, which will help with the $$ commitment. The only thing you may need to do is expand on the bimini protection, but that will be easy enough. Can get to 28 foot, 9.5' beam, and still be at the lift capacity. Finally, there are a lot of GW's for sale. Would be great if you could find a fresh water boat, outfitted with saltwater power. Should be available as a lot of owners live in fresh water areas and run saltwater infrequently. Good luck! Wish I could assist with your selection. That process is always a lot of fun for me. Just stay away from any boats with cored hulls. They get compromised pretty quick. er

[Midnightsun]

Small world, I have a place on Estero Blvd towards the south end of the island. +1 on the Grady White. Go to Fish Tale Marina and rent a 20' Grady for the day and see how you like it. i believe there is a 150 Yamaha on the back. Nice boat, sip gas and can take you out on the ocean no problem. I normally rent one there for a day or 2 and venture to secluded beaches past the end of Captiva.

[bud37]

I agree with all the above....just spent time at the boat show looking at just those types......center console with an extended hard top and a couple outboards......seems like lots of those in Florida....good hunting.

[SplashyLady]

Check out an Aquasport Explorer in 25 or 26 foot size. Your lift will handle it. These are very roomy boats with a nice cuddy cabin, porta-potti, and some have hardtops - all have biminis. They handle water well and you could go offshore if you wanted. Prices are good these days too - try to find one with twin outboards if you want the best setup. Good luck!

[SplashyLady]

This came up today - this is a sweet setup at what looks like a good deal - no affiliation but you might check it out:

1983 Aquasport 246 Express Fisherman Walk-Around for sale. Twin 2004 Yamaha 115 four strokes with less than 150 hours. Loadmaster aluminum tandem axle trailer with torsion bar axles and brakes. Air conditioning and heat, galley faucet, microwave oven, dual battery charger, ice box, high definition digital sonar, 12” chart plotter, vhf radio with remote microphone, raw water wash down, Yamaha fuel management system, brand new OEM 120 gallon gas tank. Will cruise at 32+ mph and 3 gallons/hr with 4+ people and luggage on board. Sleeps two easily. Well cared for and loved by my family for the last 23 years. (Used for 600+ hours with previous motors/trailer.) Recently cruised 300 miles in July, 2018 with no problems. Currently located in Bluffton, SC but moving to Columbia,SC next week. Priced to sell at $14,500.00.

Webmaster: If allowed please include my email address for questions: craigalancalvert@gmail.com

[DTYRGUY]

So I've got the Condo all redecorated and it's time to get the boat thing done. But I've run into a problem. When I bought the condo I was aware that the 7500lb lift was nearly new and little used, and that the dock itself had just been redone. What I wasn't aware of was that the slip/lift was so narrow. Right now there is 110" center to center of the pilings, which leaves about 102" between pilings. That limits me to a 8' beam. I'm having discussions with the company that installed the lift about widening 6 to 12" it but it appears the only way to do that would be to narrow the shared 3' decking between the boats which I'm not sure the adjacent owner would agree to. I was thinking about a 22-24 deck boat but even those appear to be at least 8' 6" beam. Thoughts?

[Cooler]

Is it possible to lower the height of the supporting posts to get lower than the widest point of the boat, considering how low the cradle needs to get to load on? The beam is measured at the widest point of the hull, so you may be able to gain a foot or more if the hull design narrows down from the beam, and keeps the beam above the posts when landing. I'm sure your lift guy will consider that. er

[km1125]

How deep is the water in the well? We have a couple lift in our marina that are hydraulic scissor lifts so you don't need any pilings on each side.