Do I need a cabin??

RutgersAl

Member
Jun 16, 2020
65
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This is the question I'm struggling with, as I'm not sure I need this functionality. Have been looking at sundancers and slx boats.

95% of my boat trips are likely going to be daytrips, though I think I'd like the flexibility of staying overnight once in a while. Would appreciate the feedback of those who stay overnight on your boats. Do you find the experience enjoyable? Do you dock at a marina that isn't your home marina? Is there anything a newbie should be aware of when staying overnight on their boat? Thanks in advance.
 
I think a lot depends on where you boat. Big water with chop and waves vs. small lake. A long drive or right in the back yard. I personally like some type of cabin -- someplace to get out of the weather, take a pee, store stuff, etc. Admiral was talking about maybe getting an open bow -- we are on lake Michigan so IMO it's a hard no. I showed her this to change her mind. http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/another-haulover-video.100647/#post-1166499
 
You really need to have a good idea as to your want and needs for sure. If you boat with just a few peeps or solo then a cabin is nice but if you like to take a large group with you on day outings you will need the room on deck for everyone to enjoy. We out grew our cuddy very quickly and once we had our big cabin cruiser we found we wanted a bow rider for zooming around in but used the cruiser as the mothership. Too many variables that need to be answered only by you. Good luck on your quest.
 
This is the question I'm struggling with, as I'm not sure I need this functionality. Have been looking at sundancers and slx boats.
95% of my boat trips are likely going to be daytrips, though I think I'd like the flexibility of staying overnight once in a while. Would appreciate the feedback of those who stay overnight on your boats. Do you find the experience enjoyable? Do you dock at a marina that isn't your home marina? Is there anything a newbie should be aware of when staying overnight on their boat? Thanks in advance.
What size boats are you looking at? This answer makes a huge difference in what your experience will be if you overnight. We have a 40' sundancer and it is our home every weekend. 2br, 2ba, full kitchen, etc.

I suspect you aren't looking at something that large, but if you are looking at a 24' cuddy with a porta potti and a sink, it will be more like camping. The larger you go, the more comfortable it becomes.

For me, I would rather sleep on my boat than at home. The experience of living in the harbor is wonderful.

This summer we had some 2nd hand COVID exposure in our household, so I bugged out to our boat for 2 weeks, still working remote every day. I happened to go to the Dr. because of a shoulder injury just before living on the boat, and then just after. I dont have high blood pressure, but my blood pressure dropped 16 points in the 2 weeks I lived on the boat.

Thay isnt everyone's experience, but it's hard to know if you will like if you dont try it.
 
This is the question I'm struggling with, as I'm not sure I need this functionality. Have been looking at sundancers and slx boats.

95% of my boat trips are likely going to be daytrips, though I think I'd like the flexibility of staying overnight once in a while. Would appreciate the feedback of those who stay overnight on your boats. Do you find the experience enjoyable? Do you dock at a marina that isn't your home marina? Is there anything a newbie should be aware of when staying overnight on their boat? Thanks in advance.

What are the other 5% of your trips going to be like? Pulling into a hotel or marina with on shore accommodations, or sleeping at anchor somewhere? Are you single or married? If married, be sure to involve her in the decision. If you are single / dating, consider the type of woman you usually date. Some women love camping and being outdoors with basic camping style accommodations. Others will be miserable without a "real" bathroom and indoor sleeping arrangements, even if it is just for taking a nap. Nothing will ruin your day trip faster than a woman annoyed because she needs a rest or a bathroom. Do you have kids, or plan on having kids in the near future? If so, you have to consider them. Younger ones need a place to take a nap, or somewhere to keep them safe and dry during the unexpected rain cloud or storm. Teens like a place where they can go to play on their phones, or talk among themselves away from the adults. What about you? Are you likely to take a day trip and have it unexpectedly turn into an overnight trip. I like going to see live bands at some of the local marinas and this often includes having adult beverages. The ability to stay put until the next morning is the only way to go when that happens. I also go visit friends at their marinas. Sometimes, it gets late in a hurry. I only drive the boat at night when I know the location of every marker, floating bouy, unlit pile, and everything about the depth and other obstructions to navigation along the way. If I am not intimately familiar with the route on the way home, I stay put. I've got friends with slx style boats that do this and they sleep on deck. On some mornings, they look absolutely miserable. Some mornings are beautiful for waking up on deck. Others not so much due to dew settling, the unexpected rain cloud, or just miserable humidity or heat. Fishing boats start leaving the marina around 4am. When you are sleeping in a cabin the noise can easily wake you up. If you are sleeping on deck, it is certain to do so. Then there's things like breakfast. Can you make coffee and something to eat? Unless you are close to a restaurant or marina that serves it, you'll need to drive somewhere to get it before starting your next boating day. A grill can be used to make breakfast, so if the boat has one, or a place to mount one, you can go that route as well.

Go to a nearby marina and walk the docks. Look at some boats you might be interested in buying and ask folks about the pros and cons of their boats. Most of us are more than happy to talk to folks about them.

When I bought my boat, my intended purpose was day tripping. When I was shopping for it, the 260 had the minimum size cabin that provided adequate sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities. It turned out to be the absolute perfect boat for me. I wouldn't give up any of the space or features it has. I've occasionally thought about getting a larger boat (as does everyone), but every time I do I reach the same conclusion. I did good on my initial purchase and there is no need to upgrade.
 
We have had a 27ft and a our now 340. We do mainly day trips out in the bay a mile or so from home. Raft up, swim, eat, etc. The cabin is great to get out of the heat (turn on genny and ac), to prepare food and drinks, sit down and enjoy your lunch/dinner, etc. We also do weekends with a few other boating friends at marinas 20 or so miles away as well as at least one 7 to 10 day summer trip stopping at several different towns/marinas. For us the 340/cabin works well. Big enough to be comfy, small enough to not be overwhelming as a day boat. Oh and yes - there is the bathroom that is most convenient. As others have said. It is really for you to decide as it depends on your style of boating. We love our 340, it is the right fit for us.
 
We used a boat in a slip as a weekend retreat for 25 years. The marina life is something we really enjoy. Boaters, at least in the Great Lakes, are a very welcoming group for the most part. We now live where we can dock the boat at our door but still plan to utilize the area marinas for specific periods. We try to coordinate visits with special events at the port communities. We are fortunate to have numerous ports to visit within an easy cruise.
 
One thing about a cabin that the ladies will appreciate is a bathroom on board.

first boat was a bowrider, kept it 5 weeks with the wife saying "i gotta pee!", then i traded it in on a cabin boat. if its just you and the frat boys, no you dont need a cabin. got a woman?, get a cabin boat. They tend to like enclosed private toilets. Women are funny about those kind of things.
 
PS, and if you think they will just squat over the side, how many girls you know that are willing to pee in the front yard grass at a block party? cause thats what they will encounter when anchored out with other boats around on a sunday afternoon. Get the boat with a cabin, and enclosed porta-potti. Or you and the dog will be sharing the bed that night.
 
I think a lot depends on where you boat. Big water with chop and waves vs. small lake. A long drive or right in the back yard. I personally like some type of cabin -- someplace to get out of the weather, take a pee, store stuff, etc. Admiral was talking about maybe getting an open bow -- we are on lake Michigan so IMO it's a hard no. I showed her this to change her mind. http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/another-haulover-video.100647/#post-1166499

Definitely big water with Chop, as I'll probably be situated somewhere in/around Barneget Bay in NJ, with access to the Atlantic Ocean. Thanks for your feedback.
 
You really need to have a good idea as to your want and needs for sure. If you boat with just a few peeps or solo then a cabin is nice but if you like to take a large group with you on day outings you will need the room on deck for everyone to enjoy. We out grew our cuddy very quickly and once we had our big cabin cruiser we found we wanted a bow rider for zooming around in but used the cruiser as the mothership. Too many variables that need to be answered only by you. Good luck on your quest.

Mostly a few peeps, but would like to have a large group every now and then, if possible.
 
I always wanted a power boat, go fast, spend lots of $ on fuel, party, etc. I went out with a friend on his cruiser one day, a week later we bought a 30 cabin cruiser. 3 boats later we have a large cabin boat. Every time we go to the boat, from the first one, we always stay on it, either at dock or at anchor. I have always been on lakes, no issues sleeping. I can't speak to staying on the ocean. Best of luck in your search, as most here, you will most likely go through a few before you find the one that fits your needs the best.
 
What size boats are you looking at? This answer makes a huge difference in what your experience will be if you overnight. We have a 40' sundancer and it is our home every weekend. 2br, 2ba, full kitchen, etc.

I suspect you aren't looking at something that large, but if you are looking at a 24' cuddy with a porta potti and a sink, it will be more like camping. The larger you go, the more comfortable it becomes.

For me, I would rather sleep on my boat than at home. The experience of living in the harbor is wonderful.

This summer we had some 2nd hand COVID exposure in our household, so I bugged out to our boat for 2 weeks, still working remote every day. I happened to go to the Dr. because of a shoulder injury just before living on the boat, and then just after. I dont have high blood pressure, but my blood pressure dropped 16 points in the 2 weeks I lived on the boat.

Thay isnt everyone's experience, but it's hard to know if you will like if you dont try it.

Like 32' to 37'. I've taken out a 21' a number of times, and it just feels like I'm piloting a bathtub, so I think I'd like something in the 30's. Thanks for sharing your experience.
 
What are the other 5% of your trips going to be like? Pulling into a hotel or marina with on shore accommodations, or sleeping at anchor somewhere? Are you single or married? If married, be sure to involve her in the decision. If you are single / dating, consider the type of woman you usually date. Some women love camping and being outdoors with basic camping style accommodations. Others will be miserable without a "real" bathroom and indoor sleeping arrangements, even if it is just for taking a nap. Nothing will ruin your day trip faster than a woman annoyed because she needs a rest or a bathroom. Do you have kids, or plan on having kids in the near future? If so, you have to consider them. Younger ones need a place to take a nap, or somewhere to keep them safe and dry during the unexpected rain cloud or storm. Teens like a place where they can go to play on their phones, or talk among themselves away from the adults. What about you? Are you likely to take a day trip and have it unexpectedly turn into an overnight trip. I like going to see live bands at some of the local marinas and this often includes having adult beverages. The ability to stay put until the next morning is the only way to go when that happens. I also go visit friends at their marinas. Sometimes, it gets late in a hurry. I only drive the boat at night when I know the location of every marker, floating bouy, unlit pile, and everything about the depth and other obstructions to navigation along the way. If I am not intimately familiar with the route on the way home, I stay put. I've got friends with slx style boats that do this and they sleep on deck. On some mornings, they look absolutely miserable. Some mornings are beautiful for waking up on deck. Others not so much due to dew settling, the unexpected rain cloud, or just miserable humidity or heat. Fishing boats start leaving the marina around 4am. When you are sleeping in a cabin the noise can easily wake you up. If you are sleeping on deck, it is certain to do so. Then there's things like breakfast. Can you make coffee and something to eat? Unless you are close to a restaurant or marina that serves it, you'll need to drive somewhere to get it before starting your next boating day. A grill can be used to make breakfast, so if the boat has one, or a place to mount one, you can go that route as well.

Go to a nearby marina and walk the docks. Look at some boats you might be interested in buying and ask folks about the pros and cons of their boats. Most of us are more than happy to talk to folks about them.

When I bought my boat, my intended purpose was day tripping. When I was shopping for it, the 260 had the minimum size cabin that provided adequate sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities. It turned out to be the absolute perfect boat for me. I wouldn't give up any of the space or features it has. I've occasionally thought about getting a larger boat (as does everyone), but every time I do I reach the same conclusion. I did good on my initial purchase and there is no need to upgrade.

Thanks for your extensive feedback. Walking the docks is a great idea. For the 5%, I'm hoping to visit other marinas, and stay overnight. Atlantic City Marina is something that comes to mind. I'm pretty handy in the kitchen, so I can cook simply things. Hoping to get a boat with a grill. I've got a girlfriend, sister and brother in law with nieces, and an elderly mother, whom I will likely entertain from time to time.
 
We have had a 27ft and a our now 340. We do mainly day trips out in the bay a mile or so from home. Raft up, swim, eat, etc. The cabin is great to get out of the heat (turn on genny and ac), to prepare food and drinks, sit down and enjoy your lunch/dinner, etc. We also do weekends with a few other boating friends at marinas 20 or so miles away as well as at least one 7 to 10 day summer trip stopping at several different towns/marinas. For us the 340/cabin works well. Big enough to be comfy, small enough to not be overwhelming as a day boat. Oh and yes - there is the bathroom that is most convenient. As others have said. It is really for you to decide as it depends on your style of boating. We love our 340, it is the right fit for us.

I'm thinking 32'-34' is probably the optimal size for me. I'll probably be using it the same way you're using your boat, though i probably won't be able to take a big summer trip. It will mostly be used on weekends, either a day trip, or Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Thanks for your post.
 

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