The Boating Forum - Help a newbie - my mind reels

Speaking as a car guy, I can't believe how many boat manufacturers there are in this world. Even when I narrow down my choices to a centre console, sport fishing boat, there seems to be no end to the choices. A good thing I guess but a little consolidation might not hurt.

So I seek advice from knowledgeable boaters. My needs - inland lakes only, a dry, stable ride, versatility, low maintenance and good value. 18-22 feet. I'll want a boat that will do it all - cruising, water skiing and fishing. I almost had a deal on a Boston Whaler but an unfavourable hull survey killed the deal. It's hard to find BWs in my neck of the woods so I'm looking at alternatives.

What are some good choices in this category of boat? I know Grady White, Proline and Scout. Am I missing any others?

Doral is a common boat in this area because it's made locally (I'm in Canada). Anyone have experience with the Doral Thundercraft 215 center console?

Anyone here with long term ownership of a Triumph?

Any advice/pointers is greatly appreciated. And if anyone is selling within 8 hours drive of Toronto, Canada, let me know.

Henry

Center console is an unusual choice for cruising.* Most folks would want the more comfy seats and windshield of a DC or WA for that.

Kelly Cook

A Cape Horn. They 4 different models in your range.

www.capehornboats.com

Check out the Sea Hunt like of center console boats. They are a mid to top tier manufactuer and their Tritor series boats are some of the best looking center consoles on the market today in my opinion.

Call me a fair weather cruiser. With a bimini top, I think a centre console with rear bench and bow platform would be a very nice day cruiser. Maybe I'm using the term "cruise" incorrectly. Maybe I just mean touring, sort of like Sunday driving.

In Ontario cottage country, centre consoles are becoming very popular. Casual boaters appreciate the low maintenance. The ability to hose out the interior is a strong plus.

Thanks for the added suggestions.

Henry

I'm prejudiced, but look at a big Carolina Skiff. RichG

For dual purpose (day cruising & fishing), I think a properly set up dual console is hard to beat. Check this out.

http://www.seahuntboats.com/escape200.html

That's not what I ended up buying, but it was the boat that got me to start looking at dual consoles. Until I saw it, I had been exclusively shopping for a center console.