Maybe to small...

M

MiLo

New Member
Dec 2, 2009
6
South Fla
Boat Info
2000 215 EC
Engines
5.0 Mercruiser/Alpha 1 genII
Having our 215EC for a few months, thinking "this is a big boat" I joined this site and now thinking "maybe to small to go cruising for the weekend".:lol: Sea Ray makes some beautiful boats. There is only my wife and myself that would overnight. I guess we need to try it and then know for sure. There are several spots in the intercoastal that looks inviting. Any suggestions on what to stock on the boat for such a stay?
 
It all depends on your wallet and/or your adventure level (Grin)

Heck I cruise on our sundeck all the time. Now if the girls are along we have to get a hotel/condo for the night.:smt089
 
For 2 people I would think your boat would be fine for the weekend. You obviously can only pack so many clothes, etc to conserve some room in the cabin. I know 'stuff' just seems to accumulate in my boat so when we're going away for the weekend I spend a bit of time cleaning and clearing out anything we wont use on that trip. My family of 4 plus 2 80lb dogs go overnighting in my 270 so they all get small after a bit! We do not cook at all unless we're grilling while out - we're usually happy to get off the boat and hit a restaurant. That really saves space and keeps us from having to make up the vberth which I usually turn into a bed before we leave and then store things under it. Gotta try it at least once!
 
Ultimately, it's up to you (and, more importantly, your wife:smt001).

But, my experience with that boat: My wife and I had our 215 for 3 seasons. We overnighted on it numerous times - sometimes for the weekend. We were very happy. With only the two of you, there's plenty of room for extra gear and food (an extra cooler, or two). I'm 6' and she's about 5'4". Sleeping was fine. With the camper canvas up, you've got a whole 'nother room.

For just the two of you, IMO, I don't think going to a 24' Sundancer is going to do much. You'd want at least a 26' - and then you might get into problems with towing it, depending on your truck. Just something else to think about.

But, hey, like I said, that's just my (and my wife's) experience and opinion.

Good luck!:smt001
 
hey, we started with a 250 sundancer and a trailer (never again) we have three kids tried overnighters and after two months sold it and got a 320 sundancer still too small, kids want and need to take the entire house with them and friends etc. i understand you take what you need but they do shrink fast. another good thing about a larger boat is the option of a gen set.if your on the"hook" you can power up the boat and have all the comforts of home, if not just enjoy the heck out of the boat you have its all for fun right?:thumbsup:
 
Wife and I bought our used 230CC this last summer. It's only her and I along with our little mut but we spend 3-4 days at a time on the boat. Ours is just a cuddy without the sink or stove but does have the portapot. We usually get a slip for one night of the trip to actually get showers and clean up for a 'date' night. I mounted a removable gas grill out on the swim platform and serves our purposes great for meals. It takes a little planning for more than a couple days but well worth the effort. :wink:
 
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Had our 215 a year and half, then bought a 260. Seemed like a nice upgrade - but then went to a 320. If you really think you might want to move up look to a 280 or 300 minimum. The price on the used ones are unbelievable in todays market.
 
i would test it a few times and see how it goes. if it turns out that you think you want to upgrade, take your time and find the boat that you want.
 
dobson said:
i would test it a few times and see how it goes. if it turns out that you think you want to upgrade, take your time and find the boat that you want.
Click to expand...
+1 on that one. I would try it and see how it goes. Being in Fla you might mind the heat and want some AC one of those carry on units in the hatch should be able to handle nights in FLA in that size cabin. We used one on our old 280 and it did fine for summer nights. It has a standard 3 prong plug so you can plug it in at the dock and run it overnight. That I would imagine would be the biggest complaint from my wife was the sleeping in heat. Sleeping on the boat was great and really I would bet your v berth is fine for you and your wife...
 
skolbe said:
Had our 215 a year and half, then bought a 260. Seemed like a nice upgrade - but then went to a 320. If you really think you might want to move up look to a 280 or 300 minimum. The price on the used ones are unbelievable in todays market.
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Have to agree with Skolbe.

We just completed our third summer with our 215WE. We - admiral, daughter and I - have spent several weekends on her. While it can be cramped at times, we never really had a problem. When possible, we store our overnight gear in the truck during the day freeing up space on the boat. We like trailering so that we can boat on different lakes.

However, we want to experience more of the "social" side of boating. With that in mind we are looking to upgrade and eventually will get a slip at a marina on Lake Erie.

We thought the 260DA would be suffice, but we are now focused on a 280DA just to have more room.

Enjoy the 215 - it is a great boat for its size.
 
Captian Willy

what size is that flag....???

thanks...
 
Most people here would say there boat is too small and want a bigger one.

For weekends your boat will be fine. My wife and I and our dog spent three weeks on our 230DA this past summer and while we were the smallest boat in the anchorages we never found it to be too small. We stayed all but 3 nights on the hook and carried most of our food for the 3 weeks on board. You do have to be somewhat organized on a smaller boat though.

Would I like a bigger boat? Yeah it would be nice but then I would have to either worry about finding dock space somewhere and leaving the boat 1200 km from home. The 230DA is about all I can tow with my present truck.

Having a smaller boat doesn't hurt as much when you stop at the gas dock either.

The interesting thing that I saw while anchored out was alot of the people in the "big boats" would sit inside in the evening and watch TV. My wife and I would explore the islands in the evening on foot and then sit in the back of the boat with a beer and watch the sunset and the seals playing nearby.
I guess it all depends on what you want your boating experience to be.
 
Bill & Pat,
The flag is 18 X 24.....and we fly it PROUDLY any time we're on the water. Thanks for noticing! :thumbsup:
Bill & Becky
 
Westie said:
Most people here would say there boat is too small and want a bigger one.

For weekends your boat will be fine. My wife and I and our dog spent three weeks on our 230DA this past summer and while we were the smallest boat in the anchorages we never found it to be too small. We stayed all but 3 nights on the hook and carried most of our food for the 3 weeks on board. You do have to be somewhat organized on a smaller boat though.

Would I like a bigger boat? Yeah it would be nice but then I would have to either worry about finding dock space somewhere and leaving the boat 1200 km from home. The 230DA is about all I can tow with my present truck.

Having a smaller boat doesn't hurt as much when you stop at the gas dock either.

The interesting thing that I saw while anchored out was alot of the people in the "big boats" would sit inside in the evening and watch TV. My wife and I would explore the islands in the evening on foot and then sit in the back of the boat with a beer and watch the sunset and the seals playing nearby.
I guess it all depends on what you want your boating experience to be.
Click to expand...

I agree - my 260 was plenty of space, the move up to a 320 was pure luxury. I really liked my 260 - moving up is expensive and the used 300's are very reasonable.
 
You didn't say whether the inviting spots on the ICW were marinas, or if you were going to stay on the hook.
If on the hook, I'd say that a power inverter ( and perhaps an additional battery bank)should be considered. You can bring (and use) a lot more "creature comforts" when you have 110v ac power available.

The subject of "too small" has been discussed before, and is all a matter of preference.
One thing for sure- full camper canvas, especially on a small boat, is a big "+". Expands the living space of the boat- particularly helpful when the weather doesn't cooperate.
No matter how close you and the Admiral are, spending an entire day in a small cuddy when it's raining outside will test the limits of patience- being able to expand that space to include the entire deck area makes for a lot more room.
 
CaptianWilly said:
Bill & Pat,
The flag is 18 X 24.....and we fly it PROUDLY any time we're on the water. Thanks for noticing! :thumbsup:
Bill & Becky
Click to expand...

Thats the perfect size for your boat. i'm looking for a flag about that same size...and will also proudly fly it will on the water
:smt001
 
We had a 195 Four Winns Sundowner for ten years, and went all over Puget sound, and drug around to a couple lakes and had lots of fun. Listened to a client , 30 yr long boaters say "if you are going to move up, do it ten feet at a time or its not worth the trouble" . (but they have more money!) We are in a 290 sundancer and love it . the 24-26 are too big for watersports, yet miniature cabins and can't stand -up heads, and take a lot more to trailer. If you go up, I suggest try the 27 or 29
Do not miss the boat ramp on Staurdays At All.
(rack storable, now in the water)
Enjoy what you have regardless!
 
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