I'm looking for an open water boat with some cargo room. I like the Trimline Sea Ranger from Wayland Marine, but I'd like to know what other boats are available that are similar, and I'm having trouble locating information. What kinds of boats are comparable and do you have a preference? If anyone has one for sale (or something similar) please email me with details.

-- Barbara Mayer (barbaram@csufresno.edu), May 18, 2004

Answers

Hi Barara, If you are looking for a wherry type there is also the Skua, and, an Adirondac Wherry. When you say "cargo" that's pretty open ended. And "open water" is too. So how much cargo and how rough the water is will help you chose what boat is right for you.

I've got most of the manufacturer's web sites listed here.

http://www.geocities.com/garylambda/OtherBoatBuilders.html (Also the previous thread by Sharad has a number of listings that you might find interesting.) -Gary-

-- Gary Powell (gwpowell@hotmail.com), May 18, 2004.

I'm looking for something that will carry about 350 lbs and be stable enough for a dog or child as passenger, and will be rowing in salt water, some chop and small rolling waves.

Bobbie

-- Barbara Mayer (barbaram@csufresno.edu), May 18, 2004.

Then you should also look at a 14ft Whitehall as an option. There are at least two manufacturers of glass ones. http://www.whitehallrow.com and http://www.ghboats.com.

The Skua may also work for you as well. It's been raced in the open ocean. Contact Andre for more information.

On the last there is nothing like trying the boat yourself. A visit to a Local "Traditional Small Boat Association" meeting might get you a chance to try some varieties of boats. And a visit to the boat builder.

-Gary-

-- Gary Powell (gwpowell@hotmail.com), May 19, 2004.