Brad

I just started a new job in Coral Gables and would like some feedback from locals. I currently have a 25 Powerplay, should I go ahead and sale the boat for something bigger, or would this be a fun boat for the area! I would eventually like to have something like a Don Smith 42 or Cabo express for fishing! Keep in mind I have owned go- fasts for over 20 years and ready to slow down. I appreciate you input.

Brad

pstorti

iTrader: (2)

That is a perfect boat to get to know a new area, you will have to pick your days offshore, but who really wants to be out when its rough anyway. Keep it until you decide what kind of boat you will need for the boating you want to do. The Don Smith is an awesome boat. Better to get to know where it is shallow ect with a single.

FIXX

iTrader: (2)

not from the area but you will mis it for a quick cheap day out and wanting to get places on the water then the big fat boat will get you their...

fastdonzi

I grew up down there, We had a 15' Boston Whaler with a 90 hp Merc & a 16' Manta (it is a Knock off of a 16' Donzi ) We boated 5-6-7 days a week. We went out in any weather, We water Skied out Haulover Cut with the tide going out and the wind coming in ... When you'd look back for the skier all you could see was the ski rope going straight back "through the waves" you couldn't tell if the skier was on or not until either the boat or skier crested a wave .. I know we'd be arrested for that sh*t now. The 16' & 18' Donzi's where designed for boating in Biscayne Bay where there's usually a 1'-2' Chop. A 25' Powerplay will Su*k Up that chop and boat wakes like it's nothing. When I raced "A" Class (24'-29' single engine V bottoms) we raced against a 25' Powerplay, The rough races is where that boat really shined. In Ft Meyer's Tropical Storm Allison was coming in, We Raced anyway, The first four boats... 1st Powerplay 2nd Corsa 3rd Corsa 4th Corsa.. Anyway, That's a fine boat you have. It was designed to run in the water you are wanting to run it in, you can't get a more perfect combo...Enjoy

Brad

Thanks for the feedback! One of the things that really surprised me about my Powerplay is how much air-time I got hear on Lake Murray, a 2 foot chop would get some serious jumps. My boat has twin 200 Optimaxs and does not burn much fuel, could be a lot of fun for cruising to the Keys!

rchevelle71

iTrader: (1)

Great boat for a run to the keys, plenty of nice days to run the bay down here, let me know when you get down, and we'll show you the way..............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-_4V9zkVgQ

Brad

Thank you , rchevelle71 would really like to meet some boaters with local knowledge!
Thanks
Brad

sprink58

Keep the boat...you will enjoy it here more than you ever have. Learn the charts...lots of places to go but also learn to know where the shallows are. Lots of shallow spots at low tide to run aground.

limegreenstare28

Hey Brad,

I'm in the Coast Guard here in Miami beach and just wanted to say welcome to boating heaven. I'd say because of your geographic location, Haulover Sand bar is a great place to start and meet some new people. It's a gorgeous place to hang out for the day and honestly is a 5 min idle from the ramp. Bring a little cash on you and you can get hot dogs and food from the local floating hot dog stand that goes out there all the time. If you want to run off shore the inlet is right there.

A great place to get some real food and hit the pool is at Montys right on the water in Miami Beach marina.

Also another great place would have to be Bay Side Marina, they have music and dancing on friday nights with many shops and resturants there.

If you want to head north of Haulover, about a mile up on the left under the sunny isles bridge there is a place called Duffys... Great out door sports bar, they have something like 300 TVs and a pool.

A few things to watch out for, the cruise ship channel is closed if two or more are moored up so you'll have to go around the south side of Dodge Island, AKA the cruise ship terminal.

And finally, take atleast at hand held VHF radio with you if you want to communicate with the marinas. When pulling into these places its always way easier if you let the dock masters know as you're coming in... The VHF Frequency needed is usually posted as you enter the marina on a day board; If not try chanel 16.

I hope you have fun and be safe! Boating here on the weekends its a crazy day of jet Skis, go fast monsters and cruisers. I'd say the 25ft is a perfect boat to learn the area. If you just google all the places I mentioned you should find them no problem.

Give us a wave if you see the CG.

~ Chuck

Questofpower

A few things to watch out for, the cruise ship channel is closed if two or more are moored up so you'll have to go around the south side of Dodge Island, AKA the cruise ship terminal.

What is the safety zone around arriving and departing cruise ships, last cruise we were on. A big CC came flying up the last cut between I think fisher island and the cruise ship terminal. As soon as our CG escort RHIB saw him, I seriously thought they were going to ram him. Nothing but wide open, lights, sirens and a what looked like a big 50 cal pointed right at him until they were about 75 FT away and the CC slowed down and changed course.