How much boat?

[LongBeachTom]

We'll be down in a few weeks and would like to rent a boat out of Marsh Harbour for the day and "explore" to the south with the ultimate goal of catching a late lunch at Pete's. Interim stops might include Hope Town, Lubbers, etc. We're not experienced fishermen (nor boaters), but might bring along our gear and attempt a little trolliing along the way. There'll be four of us including our 16 and 21 year old. I'm inclined to rent from a Forum sponsor but don't know how much boat we'll need for such an adventure. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

[Myra]

As big as you can afford?

[DrRalph]

For a party of four, and a long trip, I'd go at least 23-24 feet.

[anchor out]

Honestly, Myra's advice is pretty spot on.
Ken

[coolchik]

we did a 20" the first time...stayed in elbow and went to guana and treasure and no problems. The second time we had a 23" and went to guana, treasure and green turtle.

Get the BIGGEST boat you can afford.

[LarryT]

Hi LBT,
As a relatively inexperienced Abaco boater I though I would give you my biased input.
Although the bigger boats are stable in a straight line with bad weather, they are more difficult to maneuver when you are docking and in shallow water, especially if you are not an experienced boater (my wife and I had never piloted a boat until our first rental in Abaco). They are also more expensive to operate.
We have rented the 22 foot twin vee with twin 115 Yamaha 4 strokes from Rainbow rentals numerous times and we have always been able to go where we wanted regardless of weather. Having good rain gear makes the trip more pleasant when wind and waves or rain kick up. This boat is also very economical as far as fuel and a relatively shallow draft. We also liked the redundancy of twin motors. We have traveled from GTC to Little Harbour in the 18 foot Boston Whaler from Waterways rentals when we just have the two of us.
Both Waterways and Rainbow are excellent companies and the rates are reasonable. Rainbow rentals is located in Marsh Harbour. Waterways also has a 23 foot Albury Bros. for rent.
Pay close attention to the weather on the cruiser's net, miami radar, tides, wind and also your own common sense. The boating section in Dr. Ralph's boating guide is probably the best reference to read before the trip based on our own personal experience.
Have a great time!
LT

[BahamaAngie]

Our first time we did a 26' and then afterwards did a smaller, I think it was 24'. Were happy with both! We had never driven a center console before only cuddy's but we did well. Have a great time!!!! I'm jealous. I love boating in Abaco, the water is so beautiful. Once you have boated there it is hard to go back on brackish water!

[CR]

I agree with LarryT,
In all but the worst weather a smaller boat makes more sense.

The smaller boat is easier to maneuver and anchor in tight spaces, will draw less water, and will burn less fuel.

If you do get caught out in a squall just slow down - I have never seen the inside rough enough that I would not take out an 18' boat unless there was a tropical disturbance.

Remember your most efficient cruise speed will be around 75% of the wide open speed, when docking take it slow and easy and you will be fine.

R.

[Chillax]

Last year I rented a 26' with twin 200s from rainbow. The gas cost was ridiculous. The best boat I ever rented for hopetown was a 26' Scorpion from B-B rentals on Marsh. Boats were in great shape with built in GPS

[Charlotte Couple]

Albury 18.5 from Waterways gets us anywhere we want to go in Abaco, and is very efficient on fuel, with a very comfortable ride. We don't go out when it's really choppy, (20+ knots) in any size boat.

[CR]

Charlotte Couple,

An 18.5 Albury with a 100 HP Yamaha 4 stroke is what we do most of our fishing out of - great, strong boats.

Regards,
R.

[LongBeachTom]

Great input. Thanks to all. We'll report back via a trip report.

[Local Knowledge]

Unless the weather kicks up you would be fine in an Albury 20. You may want to check with the folks at Lil harbour re their closing date as it may be (according to Pete) August 14th. Sea Horse Boat Rentals offers 35% discount on all rentals beginning 15/08 and they are located on the East side of Marsh Harbour at Abaco Beach resort & Boat harbour and they are a forum sponsor.

LK

[wilbur]

Back in the day all we needed was 17' or 19' Boston Whaler for 4 people. The lower freeboard was ideal for snorkeling.

[Myra]

We have rented the smaller 15 and 18 in the past and I stand by rent bigger "if you can afford it" The larger boat is more comfortable in the ride and usually the bimini provides more shade.

[SamFamAustin]

Good info here, and it's a compromise between sea handling and fuel consumption. A single engine Albury or similar is possibly a favorite for cruising "the inside." For going out the passes at Tilloo or MOW Channel, if they even let ya, you really need 2 engines of higher horsepower and some more freeboard (the height of the sides of the boat).

My dad's boat is an Aubs 18-20 and it's great for checking out the snorkeling at the underwater parks, Tahiti Beach, Nippleys, Hopetown, Cracker P's, searching for the old Yahooie's, and making the provisioning run to Marsh Harbour - goodness the cases of beer and wine us kids can consume! Even with that, the 18-20 has a large fuel tank so my dad pays for $100 a fill-up, and it goes quite fast.

CR, someday we shall meet and compare rides and try to snag a few fish steaks for supper, maybe we could get a Albury regatta together! Something about how the bubbles work on those traditional hull designs, they just seem to attract fish. -sammie

[Lancen]

Our first outing was in a 20 ft. center console and we got pounded, and drenched. Then we rented a 26 ft. and the ride was so much better. Then we bought a 35 ft. Intrepid Walk Around - perfect.

[Guess Who]

I was looking at the Intrepid website earlier today, day-dreaming, enjoy the fine boat that you have.

[Lancen]

Yea, the Intrepid really is a great boat. There is enough of a cabin that overnights are enjoyable. I've got twin 275 hp 4 stroke Verado engines which are smooth and quiet. The bow thruster makes it really easy to dock in tight places.