CC Opinions Welcomed

B

bbwhitejr

Well-Known Member
Apr 14, 2013
4,305
Lake Lanier GA
Boat Info
2003 420DA, 6CTAs
Engines
NA
Since SR does not make a CC, I am forced to learn more about other manufacturers. THT is full of various opinions, but I have been around here long enough to come to believe in the opinions of you guys.

We are on a large inland lake and plan to trailer the boat as there will be trips to the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. I used to fish a lot and have a hankering to learn to striper fish here on Lake Lanier. Boat will also be used at times with the Admiral, kids, and grandkids. Never more than 6-7 on board. Still a little torn between the bay boats and the deeper hulls, but really not in love with the bay style boats.

From my little research and my own taste, I really like the Key West boats specifically the 219fs and the 239fs. ProLine, Robalo, and Cobia are also on the list to dig into. Tide Water appears to be a lower end boat. Something in the 21-23'range that is very easily trailered.....no bottom paint, porti-potti, 2-5 years old, etc. Not a fan of Suzuki's big outboards nor Honda. Easy to find service locally on Merc or Yamaha.

Anyway, I welcome all experiences and opinions.

Bennett
 
Your question is to vague. As the year of the CC means which one is best. While Grady WAS a great boat in it's time, especially for fishing. Todays CC's are a whole lot different and cost as much or more then houses. So your price range is needed to answer that question.

But I would think a 24' is the smallest you could go, as the admiral will still want an on board head I would think. The newer Scouts seem to be that way to go, although years ago I would go near one. Tough market to enter.
 
SKybolt said:
Your question is to vague. As the year of the CC means which one is best. While Grady WAS a great boat in it's time, especially for fishing. Todays CC's are a whole lot different and cost as much or more then houses. So your price range is needed to answer that question.

But I would think a 24' is the smallest you could go, as the admiral will still want an on board head I would think. The newer Scouts seem to be that way to go, although years ago I would go near one. Tough market to enter.
Click to expand...

Most of the 21'+ have some sort of head. Porti-potti is fine. Not interested in vacuflush. For starters, kind of targeting the $60k range for 2017-2020. Let somebody else pay the biggest chunk of depreciation. I am drawn to the models with the cushions for the bow that can be removed and transom seating that either folds out of the way or has removable cushions. Ones that can convert from fishing to a family outing easy and quick.
 
Why does everyone think a CC is the best option if they don’t specifically use it for fishing? A dual console has similar or the same level of seaworthiness and way more comfort. It sucks to be on a center console in the rain, especially if its cold outside. A dual console affords much better protection from wind, spray, and the elements.

My only advice is to do some real sea time in both and figure out how you plan to use it. I even prefer a walk around over a center console in all but the nicest summer days.
 
Do you plan on regularly fishing out of this boat with 6-7 people aboard? If so anything under 24 will be too small.

sea hunt, tidewater, keywest are all roughly about the same quality. Good basic boats that need a little more care and upkeep if you keep them a long time.

If you are looking for a CC to handle both fishing and family you need to go about 3’ larger than what you think will work. My 21’ seahunt will sit eight people, but it’s a struggle to fish with more than two active people fishing. Too much family seating that can’t be removed and we are constantly shuffling around each other, and moving equipment out of our way. Bilge access is also a joke.


Now that my son has grown up and mostly just me and the wife spending time on the boat, I would love to replace my sea hunt with a Cape Horn 22OS.
 
I could not agree more, the dual consoles are the best of both worlds. As long as your not looking to be a serous fisherman. But bay hopping and an occasional fishing spot is great for that type of boat. I have a Key West CC but is is solely a fishing boat. It does not seat many at all. But great for fishing.
 
I'm biased. I had a Cobia and the gel coat and workmanship was excellent. A forward opening console is a huge plus. Squeezing through a side door sucks unless your young or little. Yellowfin if your budget allows. I see a lot of Robalos but never checked them out.
 
jmauld said:
Do you plan on regularly fishing out of this boat with 6-7 people aboard? If so anything under 24 will be too small.

sea hunt, tidewater, keywest are all roughly about the same quality. Good basic boats that need a little more care and upkeep if you keep them a long time.

If you are looking for a CC to handle both fishing and family you need to go about 3’ larger than what you think will work. My 21’ seahunt will sit eight people, but it’s a struggle to fish with more than two active people fishing. Too much family seating that can’t be removed and we are constantly shuffling around each other, and moving equipment out of our way. Bilge access is also a joke.


Now that my son has grown up and mostly just me and the wife spending time on the boat, I would love to replace my sea hunt with a Cape Horn 22OS.
Click to expand...

The norm would be the admiral and I and mostly me. Not looking to get to serious with any of it. Family, being a total of 6, would be to ride to the sand bar for a swim, and ride back to the trailer maybe stopping to eat-4 adults and 2 kids.

What would the 3-upper end boats be?

Thanks,
Bennett
 
Jus Cruisin said:
I'm biased. I had a Cobia and the gel coat and workmanship was excellent. A forward opening console is a huge plus. Squeezing through a side door sucks unless your young or little. Yellowfin if your budget allows. I see a lot of Robalos but never checked them out.
Click to expand...

I did notice the forward opening hatch on the Cobia video and that does look to be much better than the side opening on most as I am not young nor little! The used Cobias also seem to be a little better priced.

Thanks!
Bennett
 
SKybolt said:
I could not agree more, the dual consoles are the best of both worlds. As long as your not looking to be a serous fisherman. But bay hopping and an occasional fishing spot is great for that type of boat. I have a Key West CC but is is solely a fishing boat. It does not seat many at all. But great for fishing.
Click to expand...

We are talking 85% fishing and 15% other....I will look at the dual consoles...

Thanks Orlando!
 
We picked up a 219fs Key West last season and absolutely love it. We use it 10X more than the Tiara. We can run across the lake with 6 no problem and have had 8 on board but it is too tight to enjoy for any decent distance.

Most of them have the Yamaha. Ours is a 200 hp 4 banger and it scoots right along.
 
I would be looking at dual consoles if it were me. When the day comes that I retire and hopefully move near the coast, this is the type of boat I would want. Grady White (Freedom is what they call their dual console) is at the top of my list. But, before I spent that kind of money I would also look at Scout, Boston Whaler, Sea Hunt and Pursuit. There are probably others and I have not done any real research other than casual looks at boat shows. A friend has had several Grady Whites and that is where my affection comes from. I think it is a good all around type boat, however if you are more fishing and less cruising might want to go the center console route.
 
No doubt the dual consoles offer much better wind/weather protection and are more family oriented. We had a 24' Four Winns prior to the current boat. Not a good big water boat but the layout was essentially the same as dual console. We don't fish but we moved to a CC for the sea worthiness and ride.

The one thing I hadn't expected to enjoy as much as I do is the ease of getting on and off the boat from whatever configuration of the dock you hook up to. No elongated side windows to block your access. Also, when scoping out sea life your family can run up and down the sides of the boat and keep with the creatures. Moving around the boat is easy because you have two paths forward. The girls love the bow and seating and the seat ahead of the console. Biggest drawback is the lack of a great swim platform. We have a hull side door and it's 'ok' but nothing like sitting on the back platform and dangling your legs in the water.
 
Personally I prefer the look and feel of the center console. I've owned a 23 Tidewater for 5 years and the boat is awesome to run around on. While I'm really not a fisherman the CC is nimble, looks cool and I can load that thing up and go anywhere! Mine's got a 250HP Yamaha and it absolutely does the job. It's got a nice big flare on the bow, handles the chop and it'll also get into the shallowest of waters.....it's especially great for sandbar get togethers..... My best advice is do not go too small and do not underpower it.
 
Not sure what you are expecting with the porta potti option but they are not exactly easy access. Be sure to try getting in and out before you buy. We use a 25’ Sportsman CC and it’s harder than it looks to get in and out. You’ll find a big difference coming from your 420!
 
Timeflys said:
Not sure what you are expecting with the porta potti option but they are not exactly easy access. Be sure to try getting in and out before you buy. We use a 25’ Sportsman CC and it’s harder than it looks to get in and out. You’ll find a big difference coming from your 420!
Click to expand...

As mentioned earlier, the front of the console opening on the Cobia looks much easier than the side entrance. Of course, going from 2-heads to a portipotti will be a challenge…

Bennett
 
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