How's the Tournement 185 handle in chop?

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sconthecape

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I'm considering the purchase of a Tourn 185 and wanted to see if anyone has experience with this boat in chop? I boat in Falmouth / Marthas Vineyard area and it gets pretty rough at times. Currently have a 16' Boston Whaler and likely I need to move to bigger boat

Thanks
 
I know the area well and in my opinion you are pressing the envelope at that size, for the calm days you are ok but when it whips up without notice into those snotty short steep slammers you need more boat. If you’re running from Falmouth to VH, OB or way down to Wasque you need to pick your days and be very alert for the wind shifts just like you need to with your current Whaler. If you can swing it I would look in the 23'+ range for your playground.
 
thanks - I was concerned that the 185 was still too small - I think I may need to lookin the 20' range - i prefer to trailer my boat so anything larger than that is too big
 
Tashmoo is right on! I have boated in that area for 30 years and an 18.5 ft. (even a Grady White) motor boat is too small for comfortable and safe boating when it dusts up a little. Twenty feet may also be a stretch. Sea trial 20 to 24 footers and you may find what you are looking for. Cataumet Boats (near you) has a pretty good selection of used Grady White boats in the 20 to 24 foot range. May be worth a look see.
 
As I think more about your question I have a couple of suggestions for DC's that in my opinion will meet the safe threshold for you in your water. The GW 205 with at least a 200 hp engine and for a used boat if you can find one a Pursuit 2150 DC, again with at least 200 HP. The reason that I say 200 Hp or more is that with a small boat in potentially nasty water there is no substitute for horsepower. I think the 150 will be enimic for your needs. I think these are good examples of your baseline sized boats given where you will use it.

Good luck!
 
The 20'er probably isn't enough of an upgrade in size. Things can happen very fast in that area from decent seas to pea soup fog. We used to go out in an 80's vintage 24' Aquasport which did a good job as long as you didn't do anything stupid. How about a 22'? What's your tow vehicle?
 
I have a 185 and it is used mainly in Buzzards Bay. We all know how nasty the bay is in the afternoon and we haven't had any problems. It handles a chop very well, it has a smooth ride and I have found the F150 to more than enough engine for that boat. The 185 rides like a bigger boat. It has been run from N. Falmouth to Popponessett Island in New Seabury. As with all boating days on the Cape, pick your days and watch the weather.
 
I have boated out of Westport, MA for many years with a 1996 Tournament 192 with a 150 Yamaha Saltwater Series II. Although the ride can get pretty rough on a SW course once it starts to blow, the boat is probably the most solid and safest 19' boat anywhere for the money.

I took it to Menemsha one day in 20 knot winds with 2-4 foot chop. I generally run it with the bow cover on and the windshield closed to keep the spray off. You can always slow down to 7 or 8 knots and not worry about a thing. I call it "sailing" ;)

That being said, if I had the money to spend, I would buy a 22' Tournament in a heartbeat, but it's hard to justify the additional expense for the slip, fuel and tow vehicle.

I generally burn about 7-8 gph at 22-23 knots, so it's hard to give that up.
 
Thanks for all the excellent advice! I'm going to consider a 20-22ft (most likely 20ft - doesnt need to be Dual Console but, I prefer that)

I tow with a Sequoia so weight is ok - I prefer not to go too big for handling purposes.

Thanks again
 
I have the 180, same hull as the 185 and agree with the previous comment that it feels bigger.

That said, I don't think the 20 footer is enough of an upgrade. You won't leave the dock in a 20' boat in seas that you would not take the 18'. You will be slightly better off getting home with the 20', but I would argue not much better if its that bad.

The 185/180 hull is superb and will get you home (may not be pleasant), but I would look larger than a 20'.
 
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