All around Gasparilla Island is awash in a Boaters' Paradise.
But what is the right boat to take advantage of everything Southwest Florida has to offer? Is there really the perfect boat?
There is if you look at a few important points.
Article Photos
Capt. Tom Healey
Budget is always first on our mind but don't get too caught up in that until considering other equally important aspects of the boat-buying decision.
What are our expectations of our new boat?
Will it be the family ski boat taking us to and from Gasparilla Island-area beaches?
Fact Box
Tune into Capt. Tom Healey's radio show at 8 a.m. Saturday and 9:06 a.m. Sunday on WENG radio AM 1530, FM 107.5 or go to wengradio.com to listen in. Call Capt. Tom Healey at (941) 626-3741 or e-mail tom.theboatman@gmail.com.
Maybe it's an offshore battle wagon searching for an elusive sail far from shore?
For those on Boca Grande, it usually must be an excellent fishing boat.
Know how you plan to use your new aquatic escape vessel before worrying about cost. Then you'll be looking for the right craft rather than letting price make all your decisions.
More basic elements to consider:
Where will the boat be stored? On a trailer, behind the house, island marina?
How will it be stored? High and dry, on a lift out back or floating at the dock?
If the boat is going to be floating at the dock keep in mind it is going to need bottom paint ($30 to $40 per foot on a new boat ) and a drive system designed to remain in salt water.
Will you need an outboard that can tilt out of the water or an inboard system designed to remain in the water for extended periods of time? This opens the opportunity to buy stern drive or jet with a remote flushing system (estimated $300).
In trailering a boat the deciding factor is the size and type of tow vehicle.
The waterways you plan to do most of your boating is another key factor. Draft could be an issue getting to or from your favorite spot or dock.
Keep in mind the time of season you will be boating. If doing most boating during the winter a boat with a larger windshield area will extend your cruising season.
There are many factors to consider so don't get hung up on price. Think it all over.
What is a perfect boat? I say without hesitation the Boston Whaler 23 Dauntless.
If given only one boat to own in Charlotte Harbor, Lemon Bay and Boca Grande Pass, the 23 is for me. The Boston Whaler is a true family boat with great fishability. There are live-well fish boxes and rod holders and storage galore.
There are two forward reclining backrest seats like on a deck boat, a large flip up aft seat and grab rails everywhere they should be.
The center console conceals a generous-size head - important to my wife and children.
Two years ago we supplied the Florida Sportsman's Shallow Water Angler TV series a 23 Boston Whaler Dauntless for filming. We went 55 miles out and did some great grouper digging and back the followng day up Catfish Creek across 8 to 10 inches of water with three adults for a bit of backwater fun - all comfortably seated.
The 23 Dauntless has a smooth, dry and stable ride thanks to the patented Accutack hull.
So we have a family deck boat with head, easy beach acess via the low bow rail option a great fishing platform and did I forget to mention the activity tower ski option? It's truly a boat that can do it all.
What boat is right for you? It's a lot of fun finding out.
Tune into Capt. Tom Healey's radio show at 8 a.m. Saturday and 9:06 a.m. Sunday on WENG radio AM 1530, FM 107.5 or go to wengradio.com to listen in. Call Capt. Tom Healey at (941) 626-3741 or e-mail tom.theboatman@gmail.com.
