cullen_simpson

Hey guys,
I am a new member here and looking for some advice about boat selection.
I live very near Lake Harney (part of the Intercoastal) and I am planning on buying a boat soon.
I initially thought that I wanted something like a 18 to 20 foot bay boat that has a shallow draft so that I can go exploring in the creeks along Lake Harney and the local Intercoastal area.

Then I realized that most of the bay boats have very limited capacity for passengers.
Also, I would like to have something that can handle a little chop because I would like to occasionally travel up through Lake Jesup and Lake Monroe toward Lake George.

I have no desire to go into the ocean, I don't plan to go out any further than something like the barrier islands in Ga.
I am not really into fishing or skiing , just like to cruise and take pictures of wildlife and such.

So, what kind of boat should I be looking at that can handle the shallow creeks, moderate chop (like on Lake Monroe), and has room to take a couple of passengers. I am thinking in the 16 - 20 foot range and I was thinking a center console, but that is not a hard requirement I guess.

Thoughts?

kingair

Sounds like your looking for a pontoon boat?

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cullen_simpson

I have thought of that, but I was concerned that they are too big to navigate the creeks.
I am from Savannah and I am familiar with the twisty creeks there, but I really don't know what the creeks around the Central Florida area.

I also thought about one of those deck boats that looks more like a cross between a pontoon and a more traditional boat.

Does anyone know of a good place in the Orlando area to rent boats of various styles. I figure that way I could try out a few different styles and see what floats my boat, so to speak.

kingair

I used to fish on shingle creek in Kissimmee. I saw alot of pontoon boats. I am not sure were you can rent boats in that area. There are alot of boat dealers off of I-4 just before you get to the city going north.

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MrPat

Maybe a deck boat. CC boats are usually a deep "V" hull and that may be too much draft for the river between Lake Harney and Lake Monroe.

http://www.boatsnsuch.com/century_de...model=2160deck

Seacat FL

Just to be technically accurate Lake Harney is part of the St Johns River which does not connect to the Intracoastal Waterway until you get to Jacksonville.

You could always tow it over to Cocoa, New Smyrna or Titusville if you want to get in the Intracoastal/Indian River Lagoon/Mosquito Lagoon

Andrewcaml2

I would say a pontoon boat would be a good idea for you very stable shallow draft lots of room for company and w/ a 40 hp they move pretty darn good

cercon

pontoon boat if you want cheap. Deck boat if you want nice. Both canbe used for fishing if you choose.

Sea Six

I don't think you want a center console. They don't tend to have comfortable seating as they are more intended for fishing than sight seeing. I agree with the pontoon or deck boats.

foxbo

Might look at a Triumph 170 dual console. Nice seating, draft is only 7", and a 60 horse will push it to 34-36 mph. The hull also has a lifetime warranty.

foxbo

Forgot to mention the 60 horse Yamaha will get 4.5-5 mpg on this boat. I bought a center console 170 and it will run a long time on 6 gallons of fuel.