~25 foot cuddy options; family and fishing

[GeeRay]

I’m looking at getting a used boat, looking at a few different options in the 25’ fibreglass cuddy cabin with OB power area.

Had a look at a 2003 BW 255 Outrage which needed more work than I’d like to put into it (fibreglass, cushions, electronics, switches, power to follow). I am looking at some other options, including a 232 Gulfstream and R265 Walkaround. Lots more information available on this forum on the Whaler and Grady than the Robalo - has anyone got some experiences they could share?

 

[kaelc]

How big is your family and is it summer trips only? Any overnights?

The 232 has one of the widest beam of any boats under 30 feet, uses more power but a nice amount of deck space.

I'm a fan of enclosed cabins, the 24 seasport xl but have never been on one outside of the boat show and the 25 C-Dory. Seating for 3-4 at the table in the cabin, +1 at the captains helm.

This might face duties

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[GeeRay]

We are a family of 3 plus a 60lb dog. We spend a lot of time on the water already on a 21foot CC Ironwood, which we largely use on short 10 minute runs to our cabin in Howe Sound, or fishing and trapping in the area. Rarely do we venture further than the mouth of the Fraser, due to the size and exposure of the boat, but also because the cabin is boat-access only so taking the boat deprives the rest of the family of the cabins use.

The intention is to buy something bigger that we can use to explore beyond Howe Sound together - Gulf Islands, cross the Straight to fish, and generally use to “car camp” rather than sleep onboard. That said, I’ve been tempted by some of the options at 30 feet, but am concerned about being able to dock it at the cabin and think it’s better to work up rather than down.

I am not keen on a fully enclosed cabin, preferring to be closer to the action at the back. I need to be able to handle the boat, fishing gear, rods and net all on my own!

At this point I’m not hoping to trailer and tow the boat, preferring to pull out from the marina.

As far as duties go, I’ve largely been looking in the US and went so far as to get a survey done on the east coast. Still waiting for the deposit to come back!

 

[Eden Island]

We have a family of 3 and live aboard a 23 Hourston for 10 days at a time - staying mostly at anchor, with maybe 2 nights at marinas for showers and to give the cook a break. Having a 60 lb dog would push me toward something bigger -- 24-26. eg. Sea Sport, Seaswirl, Commander, Hourston [this model might suit your preference for more connection between helm and cockpit]:

26' Hourston Glascraft Island Runner (Diesel Power) - Thunderbird Marine

thunderbirdyachtsales.com

 

[GeeRay]

We have a family of 3 and live aboard a 23 Hourston for 10 days at a time - staying mostly at anchor, with maybe 2 nights at marinas for showers and to give the cook a break. Having a 60 lb dog would push me toward something bigger -- 24-26. eg. Sea Sport, Seaswirl, Commander, Hourston [this model might suit your preference for more connection between helm and cockpit]:

26' Hourston Glascraft Island Runner (Diesel Power) - Thunderbird Marine

thunderbirdyachtsales.com

Nice boat! Far from the Hourston’s I jockeyed around Sewell’s as a kid.

Definitely leaning toward something in the 25’ range, and resisting the temptation to get up any bigger (at the moment).

Thanks for the ideas - I’m familiar with Sea Sport and Sea Swirl but not Commander so will check them out.