16' vs 18' ?? How wide to go?

[shallowskiff]

I understand that 18' wide gives more interior volume.Does the extra width help with ride?Does it help with stability at anchor?How big of a difference?Any other benefits?

[riverrandy]

I find the extra width gives more then interior room, it translates over all 3 decks. When calculating stability beam is a major factor, and 2 extra feet can add a lot of stability mathematically. I have not been on a 15'10" boat in a long time, so I cannot speak to the ride, but in almost every case the ride is better (smoother). Best thing to do is find some boats in your area, and beg a ride. Most Hatteras owners love to take people out.

[Boatsb]

The math wont lie.

Wider will mean better stability and reduced roll. Narrower will mean softer entry into a head sea. Since a boat at anchor will usually take waves to the bow wider boat will rise and fall more IF the hull is the same.

As far as rolling it's all about the cob vs cog. Build it higher it will rock. Keep the bottom wide and the weight low and it will rock less. Then15.10 boats roll much more than the wider boats.

[shallowskiff]

I think the wider boat may be my best choice. It would probably work better with a larger dinghy also.River Randy I have a crazy July with no time to look at boats until August but I would gladly pay for fuel for someone to take me on a demo ride. That is a great idea.

[carolinacoast]

marina slip widths where you want to cruise should be included in your analysis. We cruise in places where an 18 or wider beam would require the face dock.
much more limiting.

[shallowskiff]

[QUOTE=carolinacoast;352221]marina slip widths where you want to cruise should be included in your analysis. We cruise in places where an 18 or wider beam would require the face dock.
much more limiting.[/QUOTE

That is a good point.

[riverrandy]

I think the wider boat may be my best choice. It would probably work better with a larger dinghy also.River Randy I have a crazy July with no time to look at boats until August but I would gladly pay for fuel for someone to take me on a demo ride. That is a great idea.

if you ever get to Houston, look me up.

[shallowskiff]

if you ever get to Houston, look me up.

Thank you for the invitation!