Boat for the Chesapeake

[captmike84]

Do you guys have any ideas as far as storing her? I originally wanted to keep her on a rack but it looks like most of the rack places within an hour of DC are only in operation from april to october and I'd like to go a little later into the season than that. Also I'm assuming trailing a boat from Montgomery county to an Annapolis ramp and back on a weekend must be an absolute bear?

[cletus9000]

I'm at the Atlantic Marina, rack stored. The company actually has two locations, on the Magothy and on the Patapsco. I spend most of the year on the Magothy because I often fish BB and below. The Patapsco location, however, is open year round so last year I moved the boat there in Nov. to keep on fishing the rest of the season. Both ought to be within 60 mins of DC. Happy with quality of the people working there and level of service so far.

http://www.atlanticmarinaresort.com/

[Wild Bill]

First big decision is whether you want to be out in the open all year or want protection. It may depend on how much the wife and kids really want to go. I know guys who wanted a CC for fishing but bought something else for the wife and kids. The wife decided she really did not like fishing and the kids wanted to do other things with their friends instead of being "forced" to go on the boat. This happens more than your think. Only you can answer those questions.

I prefer all open boats and fish all 12 months in the bay and ocean. Yesterday I was having pizza and a brew with a bunch of fishing buds and they ask about fishing in winter. The questions is always don't you get cold. I can honestly say no except for finger tips once in a while. I try to pick days that will get up in the 40's or higher. That is not too hard in VA and NC.

Today clothing is so much improved. You can stay warm and dry with much lighter clothing than years ago.

Once you decide on open or some enclosure, there are loads of good boats to select. Many of them have been listed. I am very happy with my all open 23 Parker SE with Yammy F225 that now is eight years old and has 2250 hours on it. The boat is very versatile from the skinny Susky Flats to ocean. There are a number of others that also fill the bill including the Sea Hunt that you seem to favor.

[bfox]

I'm looking for a new boat for the bay. My initial inclination was to go with a parker, jones or may-craft. I love the fishability of these boats and their friendliness towards fly and light tackle which is what I mainly do.

CC and 'fishability' go hand in hand. this is a true statement.

I've also been considering grady, sailfish, sea hunt as they are more family friendly and comfortable.

this is also a true statement

I was hoping to get some input as to how the CC would be in terms of how late into the season I could fish comfortably. The CC layout offers better fly and LT opportunites and it's easier for me to put back on a trailer I'm just concerned about missing some good parts of the season.

as a few have stated already, CC's can be fished year round with no issues assuming you pick your days to go out and have warm clothing on board

I would also venture to say that there is no 'perfect' boat for the bay or anywhere else in the world for that matter...I am pretty sure a 'perfect' boat does not exist, that is, good for all conditions (sunny, rainy, hot, cold, windy, flat, etc, etc)

Do as others have stated and sea trial several CC's and walkarounds, then decide which will fit your fishing style and needs the best.

Good luck and let us know what you decide

[flycatcher]

Most boat insurance policies only cover you from April 1 -15 until Dec 1. If you want to fish the winter check with your underwriter to be sure that yo are covered. If fuel use is a concern I'd recommend reconsidering on the Judge. I get 2.5 to 3.0 cruising my 27 Chesapeake with a Honda 225 at 24 - 28 mph. Their 22 or 24 footers should do even better. Otherwise look at the hull configuration of the other models you are considering, the deeper the vee the more likely it is to use more fuel.

[captmike84]

Thanks guys. How do the field storage places seem to work out? Being in DC I would think that somewhere a little south of Annapolis would be good?

[gchambers]

My Sea Hunt is still for sale. Price dropped to $18K. Might be some thing you might be interested in.

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/show...72-22-Sea-Hunt

- - - Updated - - -

My Sea Hunt is still for sale. Might be something you might be interested in. Price dropped to $18K.

http://www.tidalfish.com/forums/showthread.php/319672-22-Sea-Hunt

[Fishn Lion]

For storage if you want to be south of Annapolis you might want to check out marinas on the South River of even farther south. Easy access from 50/214. I am at Turkey Point on the South River, about 1 mile from the Bay. Lift slips and regular slips. South River Marina next door has rack storage. Easy ride from DC. Lots of safe storage options.

For boat advice, I think folks have pretty much hit on it all. My two cents - used is the way to go though, you get a rigged boat with at least some electronics for half price of new, look around for a good deal. I have a 24 cc and troll, jig, live line, chunk etc and it works great on the Bay. Fished until Christmas last year in comfort (did extend my insurance as recc'd above). I think curtains are a must though. There is not a CC out there that will not get at least a little wet when running across a good wind or when it just gets snotty out.

Good luck. Feel free to PM me if you would like additional info about this area.

[captmike84]

thanks again guys. Anyone hear anything about pier 7 marina?

[screwyardwork]

I have fished the last day of rockfish season in a 19 cc. Cold but manageable .But these days its a 25 pilothouse.its hell getting old.