Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigshrimpin
My advice is to keep the boat setup as a seafari. It's much much better for the ladies and pretty damn fine fishing boat for us too. Even if you do an incredible heroic seafari to CC conversion, the ladies aren't going to be happy. That's your best case scenario  I don't need to remind you how expensive the worst case scenario could be 
If you are dead set on your "dreamboat" then you need 2 boats. First make the seafari work right away and keep the ladies happy. Then wait for a 23 cc project. |
I really respect your opinions so let me explain my thinking a little more and see what you think then. The reason I want a CC is maximizing space. Having the bow area easily accessible means it is a great spot for someone to be fishing while someone else is in the stern fishing and even maybe another person midship too. I am thinking bottom fishing for Haddock, Black Sea Bass, Tog, etc., livelining for Stripers, and just two people (bow and stern) casting to Stripers or tuna.
With the cuddy setup I think only one person can be fishing. I am not much of a troller as I prefer to be actively fishing. Assuming a sideways drift, can more than one person comfortably fish a Seafari?
Aside from fishing space, I like the CC layout for spreading people out. A slow cruise and someone or two can be up front checking out the view while someone else or two can be at the stern. Drop a cooler at the transom and you have a seat.
A cuddy will have everyone in one tight spot. Can get a little close for comfort after a while I would imagine.
I do agree the cabin would be better for bathroom breaks and for napping. That is a compromise I am willing to live with for the other benefits I see from a CC standpoint. Protection from the elements is a concern, but I do not see taking the family out when it is crappy out. For me it won't matter. If it rains a little while I am fishing I will put on a jacket. The CC will have a T-top and curtains so running will be fine.
I like the idea of my little stretched 20 CC for its versatility. Fish inshore perfectly and capable to go offshore a little bit on nice weather days. The economy of running it is appealing too. Runs to the sandbar or other locations will be easy and relatively comfortable. I don't see any use for me a 23 will do that the 21 won't. I am not going out in 3-5's and if I get caught in those I am slow going my way in in either.
I thought about a 23 and would have liked to have had one, but the 20 came along. The 23 would also be more expensive; to buy and then run.
I think a stretched to 21 feet CC will be perfect for me for a long time, but am willing to listen to arguments for the Seafari. It would certainly save a lot of time and effort to redo it, but then I am afraid I will want a CC afterward anyway. Maybe if I came across a 23 later, fixed it up the way I want and then sold the 20 it could work...