Have you been on a boat when the sea is really rough? Being tossed by the waves and getting seasick can be a very unpleasant experience.
You might expect to feel the effects of rough seas while on a passenger ferry, but you probably wouldn’t expect a leisurely day of boating to be ravaged by rocking.
Feeling queasy or getting soaked by waves while on a private boat can ruin what is supposed to be a peaceful and relaxing experience. And it could destroy any dreams you have of ditching the houseand living on the open seas.
But luckily a well-designed center console boat can be the antidote. Here’s how to find the best center console boat for rough water to ensure you have the smoothest, safest ride.
Size Matters
Boat size is probably the most important factor when it comes to withstanding rough seas. A bigger boat can handle the waves more easily.
Really rough seas require a boat that has a length of at least 30 feet. The larger the boat the less likely you will feel a jolt as the boat mounts the big waves.
Keeping Dry
Whether you’re cruising around the bay, exploring the Florida Keys or island hopping in the Caribbean, you want to be able to enjoy the view without getting soaked by waves every few minutes.
With two of the best yacht clubsin the world in Florida, boating is a popular activity and boats are a source of pride for their owners. If you want to entertain on your boat, you’ll want to ensure that guests enjoy a comfortable ride on a boat that’s in top condition.
The best way to prevent disappointment is to test-drive the boat first. Most people wouldn’t purchase a new car without the opportunity to test drive it, so why should a boat be any different?
If you take the boat out for a test run and notice water splashing around on the deck, you know it’s probably not going to provide the ideal level of comfort.
Keep in mind that how dry the boat stays and how well it glides across the waves depends on the waters you are testing it in. If you primarily plan to boat close to shore or in places where the waters are typically calm and waters where you are testing the boat are choppy, you need to factor this into your test and make adjustments for it.
A Hull For All Seasons
Another factor that is important to consider when looking for your dream boat is the hull.
Hulls are often the pride and joy of boat builders. Months of engineering and testing can be spent on the hull alone. Boatbuilders work to ensure that the hull not only looks the part, but it can stand up to serious waves and provide a smooth, safe ride.
The Best Center Console Boats For Rough Water
Intrepid Powerboats prides itself on crafting each of its boats with an advanced transverse stepped hull designed to maximize stability to ensure a smooth, dry ride. Top center console models for rough-water performance include the Intrepid 400 Center Console and the 375 Nomad.
475 Panacea
Intrepid’s 475 Panacea is one of the best center console models for handling rough waters at a length of over 47 feet. The higher freeboard of this model provides a safer, wave-crushing, and more secure-feeling cruising experience. Safe, comfortable and family-friendly, the 475 Panacea features a roomy head with sink, vanity and shower, an oversized sun pad, and wraparound seating that creates a VIP lounge, which converts to an alfresco dining area.
375 Nomad
One of Intrepid’s most premium center console models, this boatincludes many customer-favorite features such as integrated wells that can be customized as insulated coolers or baitwells, and a hi-low actuating table that has 3 different settings.
For enhanced visibility, the 375 Nomad features a self-actuating helm sole that raises the cockpit sole height by 4 inches at the push of a button.
There’s also a host of optional equipment that you can install on the boat including mechanical docking lights, a gyro stabilizer, and a pressurized freshwater system. There’s even an option to have a pullout cooler and refrigerator.
Consider Engine Type
One of the most important features you can customize to help you power through rough waters is the engine. Most Intrepid Powerboats models can be equipped with twin or triple engine configurations, while some larger models allow for quad engines as well.
You can choose a long-trusted and reliable Yamaha engine, a supercharged 6.2L v8 Seven Marine or a v6 Suzuki engine, which has a 12.0 – 1 compression ratio and a state-of-the-art dual prop system.
Mercury is another trusted option. It has industry-leading electronic fuel injection, on-board digital monitoring and low fuel consumption.
With Some Boats, It’s Not Always Smooth Sailing
Many boats are built with comfortable features but not all can guarantee a comfortable ride in rough waters.
A sizeable center console boat with a strong, well-designed hull will better flatten the waves.
If you expect to cross rough open seas regularly, invest in a boat of at least 30 feet in length. Remember that smaller boats struggle in choppier conditions.
Be sure to test out multiple center console models and pay close attention to how much water hits the deck, as well as how much the boat rocks.
For more details on center console boats for rough waters built by Intrepid Powerboats, check out our complete range of center console boatson our website.
