Walkaround or Center Console (SoCal) - The Hull Truth

Surfhunter · 04-07-2006, 04:52 PM

I am look to buy a boat for use in the San Diego area. I will use the boat for getting to surf spots off Point Loma, Cruising out to Catalina, and after work Cocktails. I am looking for something trailerable around 22 feet and am torn between buying a center console and a walkaround.

Walkaround (Pros) Added wind protection, birth for fishing poles and nights in Catalina
Walkaround (Cons) Cramped helm, Less social, less comfortable forward and off center driving position, little more expensive

Center Console (Pros) Light & easy to handle, Open and versital deck space, A forward enclose could creat a usable birth,
Center Console (Cons) Little protection from the elements, No birth for the girlfriend

Any additional thoughts?

TOP DOG · 04-07-2006, 05:43 PM

Walkaround has lockable surf board storage.Also much better for overnighting at Cat.

spear-it · 04-09-2006, 08:34 PM

how about a piolot house? I have a c-hawk 222port cabin with a honda bf150.
it has a nice cockpit,v-berth, yet lots of deck space for the surf boards and diving gear .
I tow it with a isuzu trooper, the boat gets almost 4mpg and handles the seas well,
try maycraft,c-hawk, jones brothers,steiger craft , all of those boats are back east .

Eric

Bullshipper · 04-16-2006, 04:45 PM

CC are cold for your area, but WA/s as rough riders. Look at a Seacat WA catamaran.

toleary · 04-17-2006, 12:54 AM

Unless you only want to use the boat on sunny calm days, go with the WA. It's just too darn cold out here.

Tom O

FearNaut · 05-09-2006, 06:14 PM

I vote WA - a lot more confortable (drier/warmer) when it's snotty out.

wet debt · 05-11-2006, 03:02 AM

Unless your girl is a radical tomboy, you will not get her out on a CC more than once or twice unless the conditions are perfect.

Go WA. Locking storage is a bigger plus than you might think. In Mexico, running into the super to get ice and lunch, at the guest docks, at the courtesy docks, etc.

I used mine much less than expected for sleeping. But, no matter. As a wind block it was invaluable.

BestDay · 05-31-2006, 02:27 PM

WA is a much better way to go. Protected from the elements, open deck space and a lot more comfortable for your girl friend. CC imho should only be considered if your a hard core fisherman.

welder · 06-02-2006, 01:43 AM

Look at a Pacific 2325 with a pilot house.

Plate aluminum boat [aka tank] great MPG

Pacificboats.com and there is a dealer in Costa Mesa , Tradewind inflatables and marine

SSheila · 06-26-2006, 10:53 AM

Hmm......I don't think of myself as a radical tomboy, but I certainly don't require hotel-style accommodations on a boat!

FearNaut · 06-28-2006, 11:18 PM

You may be one of the few exceptions to the rule though Sheila

SSheila · 06-29-2006, 09:03 AM

Wouldn't be the first time....

tightlines1973 · 07-31-2006, 04:28 PM

As a hard core fisherman/avid boater my whole life in San Diego, I wouldnt take anything less than a CC. Cuddy's and WA as far as I am concerned are a waist of space (at least for anything under 30 feet). Everyone thinks they are going to use the space but turns into a garage.

My girlfriend loves the Center and is far from a hard core tom boy.

To each is own but CC all the way for me!