*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
I am new to powerboating and would like to find a bowrider in the 19-24' range that would be good for both skiing and handling the rougher waters of the Chesapeake; the only ones I have found so far that might be good candidates are B.Whaler Ventura (expensive!) and Seahunt Escape (new model and young company).
Any other ideas/suggestions for other boat brands?
Thanks!
A fair number of builders offer the dual console type bowriders. Key West, McKee Craft, Pioneer, Polar, Robalo, Scout, & Wellcraft should all be under Whaler in price. Let us know what dealers are in your area.
I use the Sea Pro 195 F/S on the Bay and am very satisfied, I come in long before the boat reaches its capacity to handle the chop.. good fishing platform for 4.. with a 150 on the back you will have no problem pulling a ski. Its a mid-tier boat, you will have to glue in some screws etc.. but a good bang for the buck as a true crossover boat.
In addition to the brands listed above Seaswirl and Pro-lines are worth looking into as well. Some of the dual consoles include a head in the port console. Maybe an option looking into if you boat with a family..
I would look used even if it is a year or two since you are new to boating. This way if you quickly decide that another style or brand interests you more, you wont lose your shirt as much. The first owner of a boat usually takes the biggest depreciation hit.
I would also take a look at the boatshows were you can compare brands all under one roof.
Hmmm, well I don't like their bowrider, but if you are interested in a runabout, you may like to check out the Quintrex 190 Coastrunner. It's a light boat (about 1300lb @ 18.5 feet), but has a very fine entry with lots of flare up top and a sharp concave bottom that is carried back to the midhull or so; exceptional freeboard throughout. This gives it neverthless a dry and smooth ride. I have spoken on the telephone with some guys who run 190 series in the Chesapeake, and they said no problems, even on the roughest days.
The CoastRunner can still seat 5, with 3 across a big transom seat, and has a combo ski pole/baitboard accessory... the full width flush transom pod and a bracketed swimladder accessory ease entry/exit to/from water.
It's not a serious fishing boat, but does have a plumbed baitwell and rodholders placed for trolling, and a big open cockpit, so not too shabby on that score.
The bow section is closed, which provides greater seaworthyness, but you can open the windshield center and flip up a deck hatch to walk in a bit and handle the anchor up front.
__________________ When blithe to argument I come, Though armed with facts and merry; May Providence protect me from, The Fool as adversary. Whose mind to him a kingdom is, Where reason lacks dominion; Who calls conviction prejudice, and prejudice opinion.... ;-)
Recommendation for ski/fish bay boat? 
</img> 
