Best family / fishing boat

Doulos said:

I have been pondering the 282 Sailfish and other cuddly cabins but I’m looking for suggestions

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Please do your self a favor and go out on a cuddy cabin boat when it's sunny and hot and try to stay in the cabin for more than 10 minutes.
Most smaller than 30ft cuddy cabin or WA boats i know of have the cabin looking like a warehouse, but if you your your wife is very orderly and you carry only minimum boating and fishing stuff the space below can be usable if not too hot and stifling.

Would a dual console Freedom model not be the better choice?

Chris

I have a 1997 268 Islander which is basically a narrow beam Sailfish. Twin F150 Yamaha's. It is the smallest GW made with an enclosed head. It is a cuddy cabin that I use primarily for fishing so the cabin is a big tackle box. The built in rod holders are great. Microwave removed and converted to a tackle box. No A/C or generator so cabin can get hot - but there is a forward hatch. Also replace enclosure to get more air into helm area. Most of the time I don't use side panels. If this model appeals to you I would look for a 270 Islander with a little more power - 200's or 225's straight 4-cylinder no V-6's (beam too narrow).

I would stay away from the older Islander and Sailfish models. GW was still using plywood/Greenwood the transom's. Seeing a lot of $10,000 transom replacements on this site and many more in "denial".



I think Chris's point about looking at a Freedom model is a good one. More open layout, a little smaller, trolling motor capable. You can add aft and forward cockpit shades if you are not running around too far or fast.

Good luck!