Is a 21ft cabin cruiser too big to manage, fishing, camping on the water, famialy fun?

Question

Hi, Im looking too buy a boat and im thinking of a 21 ft cruiser. I have had 2 boats both 17ft. I would like to have it to drop in at rio vista, lake orville, folsom lake and drop in at discovery park in sacramento to anchor and striper fish. I have 3 fisherman in the famialy and 3 others that dont fish. they wont all be on the boat at the same time but Im looking for a boat that everyone can be comfortable while fishing. oh ya my beutiful wife will come along. I would like to pull some all nighters at rio vista and local lakes. Now for questions. How does everyone like there 21ft boats? are they way to big? unmanagible? Want to know how people like this size boats pros cons? Thx so much for your time.

Answer 1

it is too small for your needs. a 28 footer would be suitable but will be cramped with 6 on board for sleeping. if you plan on trailering you will be limited by weight and beam width. a 28 ft. can weigh as much as 10,000 lbs. needing a heavy duty trailer with electric brakes and a truck with 4 wheel drive for steep ramp s. why not check local dealers to get advice.

Answer 2

It's a great size for day use. Small enough to pull behind a regular vehicle (non truck) but big enough for big water. Although "cabin cruisers" in this size are made, you'll be better off with a cuddy cabin model. It has berth cushions and windows and a head forward but plenty of room in the cockpit. 25 is about the smallest for a real cabin. Also 20 ft can be outboard while bigger tends to be inboard, heavier but more fuel efficient. Avoid inboard/outboards on used boats.

Nothing in that size range will be realistic for six people to sleep. Not even a 21 ft houseboat. If you really want everybody to stay on the boat you need to go much bigger or everyone will be miserable, especially you.

Answer 3

I agree with the other posters, I think the boat will be too small for your needs. i Have a 25' cabin cruiser it is nice for the family and fishing, but not for 6, unless 3 will be on deck and the others will remain in the cabin. 6 on deck is too many for a 25' also no way 2 adults will be comfortable in a 21 sleeping, or doing anything else.  I would suggest something larger about 28' but then you have alot of additional expenses.

Answer 4

Nothing wrong with a boat that size. If i were having that many on board i would get one even bigger..28 ft! Make sure you have all the safety equippment on board and obey the rules of the sea and you will be ok.I have a 30 ft house boat in Canada and love it. Im looking for one even bigger!

Answer 5

You didn't say what you're going to be towing the boat with, but keep an eye on the total weight of the boat, trailer and equipment.  Make sure you don't exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle you're using to pull with.

A 21-25 foot boat sounds about right for two adults and several kids. If you want something that can accommodate 4-6 adults on an overnight, it's going to be a bit cramped.

Answer 6

mines a little bigger, it's 95ft and sleeps 28 plus crew.  It's comfortable but i'm tired of fishing.  and fuel is expensive.