mdrobe2

Guys I need a bigger boat and I have to keep it in the garage.I figure anything will be better than my 14 footer. I LOVE my boat, but it gets a little crowded at times as I expand my repertoire to include Pensacola Pass fishing. I have looked at the Boston Whaler 17 Montauk- it's 30K and I don't like yankee boat names. I know I will probably have to have the trailer rigged with a folding tongue to fit the garage but that's OK. I am looking hard at the Cape Horn 17 at this point, as well as Bay Stealth and Blazer Bay 18's, if they will fit. I hope some of you wise old salts can help me find a dry, smooth riding boat.I know it won't be perfect, but it will do better than my flat bottom 14 for what I want to do, and I can keep it at home until I get in a position to have something larger stored off site. I was pretty high on the Carolina Skiffs but a friend told me they ride wet and rough. I need the voice of experience here folks. Let me know...

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Mike
2009 Key West 1520 Pro
2009 70 HP Yamaha 2 stroke
Garmin 540S GPS/Bottom Machine
Sound by Clarion and Bazooka
Coastal Night Lights Transom LED's
Minn Kota Riptide Co-Pilot/Auto Pilot GPS Enabled Remote Control Trolling Motor

X-Shark

The garage is your limiting factor. That's why I don't live in a subdivision with all the HOA rules.



Measure the garage and measure the garage door height clearance when the door is open.



A removable trailer toung will let you get a little larger boat in there.



I think you will find that your pretty much limited to a flats style boat.



The consoles and console grab rails on others will be to high to clear the open garage door.

Jason

I heard that!!! HOA would crap a few bricks if they had to deal w/ my yard....My best suggestion would be a 16-17 ft skiff w/ a folding tounge....

ElJay

I had a similar issue in that my garage is the limiting factor. This is my experience:A removable tongue is more of a pain than a folding one, its heavier etc, but on therigs i tried they gave a shorter overall length. That is from end of motor/prop to where the garage door goes down.

I was able to squeeze extra 18 inches LOA in by parking at a slight angle and wife and i park outside the garage. That may not work for you but remember that is a decision that sticks once you make it. There is extra depreciation on your car etc. Plus your hood may not be as safe as mine.

If, like i had, you have a workshop at the end of the garage and it has double doors, you can back yourmotor into it. The downside is: the motor had better be well drained as in the 'up' position that water with or without salt in it is not doing you any good.

The hassles are still worth it though.

wflgator

Take a look at the Parker 18. I know the Ships Chandlers over in Destin is runnning a sale on a 2008 1801 CC w/Yamaha F-115.

http://www.parkerboats.net/pages/boa...l.jsp?boatid=1

Peter Wright
The Ships Chandler
Destin, FL
850-837-9306
www.theshipschandler.com

carter1

There is a post for an 02 17' cape horn that looks pretty sharp. Check that out

seminolewind

You could always go with a Carolina Skiff they are reasonably priced and they make 100 different models.

seminolewind

Nevermind just read the last sentence of your post :banghead The 17 Cape is a great little boat good for fishing the bay but can run offshore weather permitting.

sniper

If it was me I would tear out the back of my garage and back it into on through.

Can you fit a Cape in the garage with the height?

Maybe consider getting the boat you really want and not settling and storing it at a marina or storage area.

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WW2

Exactly what I was thinking. Knock the back outta that thing.



I would lean towards a bigger skiff. Seems like you're gonna have to decide if you want a LOT better ride or a little better. Most anything will get you a little better but the skiff is not likely to be a bunch better.