Messing About in Small Boats

Most boaters would agree that small boats lend themselves to “simply messing about” with ease and versatility.

Several well recognized and awarded boat manufacturers started with the simple desire to get as many people as possible to mess around in boats.

The very first Boston Whaler was a 13-foot skiff that was designed by Dick Fisher with help from his friend, naval architect C. Raymond Hunt. It was made in the late 1950’s with polyurethane foam and fiberglass which were new materials at the time. Fisher’s goal was to put the boat in production as an affordable boat so almost anyone could enjoy boating.

Today, Boston Whaler, along with their proven offshore models, continues to produce small boats that are designed for fun. The Super Sport models range from 13-feet to 17-feet offering great fishing and water sport options. The Boston Whaler Montauk series has all the hallmarks of the classic Boston Whaler with practical design, rugged utility and an easy “hose-and-go” cleanup capability. Montauks range from 15-feet to 21-feet and also offer many fun sports and fishing options.

Started in 1959 by C.N. Ray as Ray Industries, Sea Ray was one of the first companies to adopt fiberglass and other high-tech composites. The company’s continuing commitment to innovation, style and performance has allowed Sea Ray to become one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pleasure boats.

Sea Ray has recently introduced a lineup of affordable sport boats including the 19 SPX and the 21 SPX with either stern drive or outboard propulsion. Sea Ray also offers the Sundeck line with stern drive and outboard propulsion options. All are great choices for boating with friends and family.

The first modern Scout was built by Steve Potts in the late 1980’s. It was modeled after a modest 14-foot boat that Potts had admired in the 1960’s called the Scout. The Scout design and name disappeared during the 1970’s; however, Potts had such fond memories he decided to continue the name. With his wife, Dianne, and a helper or two, Potts built a small network of South Carolina dealers.

Scout Boats has grown to become a sophisticated, innovative, luxury fishing boat company. However, they still produce affordable and fun smaller models including center consoles like the 175 Sportfish, 177 Sport, 195 Sportfish, and 210 XSF along with dual console models such as the 210 Dorado. They are all designed with fishing and fun in mind.

In 1959 Glen R. Grady and Don F. White formed a partnership to build a “strong, seaworthy craft.” The first two models were a wooden craft 16-foot runabout known as the Pamlico and a similar 17-foot model called the Hatteras. Today, Grady-White offers three models under 22-feet, the center console Fisherman 180 and Fisherman 209 along with their recently introduced 191 Coastal Explorer.
There are many other boat manufacturers like Sailfish that make fabulous and affordable small boats that can be messed about in. Visit with your local MarineMax and explore all of our new and previously loved models under 22-feet.