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Category: Power Boats
Asked By:
Ron Sosnowski
Date:
23/06/2010
Boat:
Phantom
Hi,
I'm looking for a power boat to cruise the Chesapeake Bay area. It will be a couple cruising, but a part-time live-aboard for one person. We were focusing on a '80's vintage Hatteras 55. But I'm finding it difficult to find a marina with enough water and big enough slips. That's telling me that a boat that size isn't popular in that area and maybe we should be looking for something smaller. I've seen some Down-easters, like Alden and Wesmac that look good in the 42-50 ft range. I like the Wesmacs, but several of them have jet drives. The jet drives are a plus in that they don't draw much, but I'm concerned that the jets will be problematic in the Chesapeake due to sucking up mud and weeds in the low water. So my general question is, what is the largest cruiser to be recommended for our purposes and specifically, should I rule out jet drives in a low water, high vegetation area?
Best,
Ron
I'm looking for a power boat to cruise the Chesapeake Bay area. It will be a couple cruising, but a part-time live-aboard for one person. We were focusing on a '80's vintage Hatteras 55. But I'm finding it difficult to find a marina with enough water and big enough slips. That's telling me that a boat that size isn't popular in that area and maybe we should be looking for something smaller. I've seen some Down-easters, like Alden and Wesmac that look good in the 42-50 ft range. I like the Wesmacs, but several of them have jet drives. The jet drives are a plus in that they don't draw much, but I'm concerned that the jets will be problematic in the Chesapeake due to sucking up mud and weeds in the low water. So my general question is, what is the largest cruiser to be recommended for our purposes and specifically, should I rule out jet drives in a low water, high vegetation area?
Best,
Ron
Answer:
"
Hi Ron,
As far as size is concerned 42' is plenty for a couple to live aboard comfortably, especially so in a power boat. It's also going to be a lot easier finding a slip for it. Alden and Wesmac are both quality designed and constructed boats and either one would be a good choice and provide a lot of enjoyment. I would recommend walking the docks at your local marinas and talking with boat owners in the size range you are thinking about and pick their brains about size and drives.
Moving to your drive question - - while at speed, it is difficult for a jet drive to suck in debris; your only worry would be at low speed in shallow water where the chances increase. I'm a bit old school myself, so my choice would be an inboard - - if you foul the prop you can always dive on it to remove the debris. Also, an inboard solution is always less expensive than jet drive. The trade-off is always draft; if you will be in really shallow water much of the time, then jet drive is your best solution. But, if most of your time is spent with at least 4 feet of depth under your keel then an outboard should do fine and be less costly in the long run.
Drop me a line and let me know what you decide, I'd be interested in your solution.
Best,
Captain Craig Bliss
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