I'm looking for suggestions for a boat to use for my commute. My
commute could be shortened by going by water to 8 nm, and I think it's
worth considering. I would be going from Portuguese Cove to Halifax,
for anyone that's familiar with the area or would like to look it
up...

For it to work out, the boat would need to be economical to run - the
8nm run by water shouldn't cost too much more than the current 17 nm
drive on land - able to run at at least 16 knots in slighly choppy
conditions, and relatively seaworthy. It will also need navigation
lights, and the ability to put some sort of windshield in place will
be appreciated when it gets cold.

I've been looking into RIBs in the 14-16' range, and they seem to meet
the criteria, although they're very expensive to purchase initially,
and I have questions about the longevity of the tubes relative to an
aluminum or fiberlass only boat, but they're a possibility.

Any other thoughts? Are fiberglass "speedboats" out of the question
because of seaworthiness? I've been a sailor all my life, so motorboat
seaworthiness is not something I have ingrained into me.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Chris

On Tue, 23 Sep 2003 12:07:04 +0000, Chris Campbell wrote:

I'm looking for suggestions for a boat to use for my commute. My
commute could be shortened by going by water to 8 nm, and I think it's
worth considering. I would be going from Portuguese Cove to Halifax,
for anyone that's familiar with the area or would like to look it
up...

For it to work out, the boat would need to be economical to run - the
8nm run by water shouldn't cost too much more than the current 17 nm
drive on land - able to run at at least 16 knots in slighly choppy
conditions, and relatively seaworthy. It will also need navigation
lights, and the ability to put some sort of windshield in place will
be appreciated when it gets cold.

I've been looking into RIBs in the 14-16' range, and they seem to meet
the criteria, although they're very expensive to purchase initially,
and I have questions about the longevity of the tubes relative to an
aluminum or fiberlass only boat, but they're a possibility.


I'd think a RIB would be cold in the winter!

Out here on the Left Coast, these are the "standard" commuter boats:
http://www.lifetimer.bc.ca/Our%20Boats.htm

Fast, seaworthy, comfortable, indestructible...Only problem is, Not Cheap.
Also, I think you'd be hard-pressed to beat the fuel economy of a car,
even with 1/2 the distance

Lloyd Sumpter
"Far Cove" Catalina 36 - comfortable, seaworthy, but NOT fast!

Fast, seaworthy, comfortable, indestructible...Only problem is, Not Cheap.
Also, I think you'd be hard-pressed to beat the fuel economy of a car,
even with 1/2 the distance

Taking your boat to work is like riding a motorcycle, fun on a nice day but not
practical any other time.

On 23 Sep 2003 22:22:46 GMT, reg (Gfretwell) wrote:

Fast, seaworthy, comfortable, indestructible...Only problem is, Not Cheap.
Also, I think you'd be hard-pressed to beat the fuel economy of a car,
even with 1/2 the distance

Taking your boat to work is like riding a motorcycle, fun on a nice day but not
practical any other time.

The difference is riding a motorcycle is usually more economical than a
car. The only way a boat would be more economical is if you can really
cut the distance, like if you have to drive around a big bay where a
boat can cut across a narrow channel. Like the poster above said, 1/2
the distance isn't going to cut it. For a "commuter" boat, not just a
small dingy with a little outboard, probably even 1/10 the distance
won't cut it. And that's not just fuel ecomony, but the total cost of
ownership per mile traveled.

Steve

I'd check out the Sea Ranger 19 Hardtop from Arima (www.arimaboats.com). You
can opt for an Alaskan Bulkhead that will make a strong, full enclosure.
These little boats are strong, reasonable priced, and quite seaworthy. They
make a 22 footer of the same model.

James

You're all right, of course, that it's going to be hard to make it
happen economically. I still think there may be a way, so I'm not
giving up just yet. I'm now looking for a 16' open fishing boat with a
raised floor (self-bailing) and positive floatation that will do ~25
knots on flat water with a 30-40 hp four stroke. If that's not
possible, I may have to pack it in.

Thanks for your feedback!

Chris

Yeah, that Sea Ranger mentioned above is a nice looking boat.

I would prefer a water commute over a highway commute even if it was harder,
colder more expensive and took longer. What a great way to start and finish
your day. God that would be nice.



"Chris Campbell" wrote in message
om...
You're all right, of course, that it's going to be hard to make it
happen economically. I still think there may be a way, so I'm not
giving up just yet. I'm now looking for a 16' open fishing boat with a
raised floor (self-bailing) and positive floatation that will do ~25
knots on flat water with a 30-40 hp four stroke. If that's not
possible, I may have to pack it in.

Thanks for your feedback!

Chris

Try a 17.5' Shoal Cat, center console, catamaran hull, with a 50 Honda, 30
mph, between 8 to 10 miles per gallon. Boat, motor And trailer around 15K.

Bill Sheffield