How does GS 24 handle big water lakes for cruising

[Nautique Bob]

How does a GS 24 handle big water lakes when being used for cruising with family

[Nautique Bob]

Considering replacing my Chaparral 277ssx and Nautique 230 to provide more recreational activity for the grandkids. We boat on a large N ID lake, Lake Pend Oreille. My wife and I want to reassure ourselves that a GS 24 will be enough boat for us to COMFORTABLY cruise play etc. we use the 80% of time for non sports grandparents boating. Thanks

[GMLIII]

Considering replacing my Chaparral 277ssx and Nautique 230 to provide more recreational activity for the grandkids. We boat on a large N ID lake, Lake Pend Oreille. My wife and I want to reassure ourselves that a GS 24 will be enough boat for us to COMFORTABLY cruise play etc. we use the 80% of time for non sports grandparents boating. Thanks

Based on your comment a GS 24 may be a good fit, but I would take a hard look at the 23 or 27 Bryant (manufactured by Correct Craft). This line has come a long way in recent years.

https://www.bryantboats.com/models/c7

[Nautique Bob]

Hello Jon

[bturner]

I just looked at the new Chaparral 277. There is no way a 24' G is going to ride like that 27' boat. Apples and oranges. If you're looking for COMFORT and want another boat then you need another 277 or as GML suggests a forward drive Bryant, a Chaparral 29 Surf or a Cobalt R7. That boat is a monster with incredible dead rise. The G is very capable and is going to be fine in 2' - 3' chop but it's not going to handle it the same way. That 277 is going to cut through it the chop with that deep V dead rise where as the G is going to ride more on top in comparison with that squared off nose. I'm not saying the boat won't handle it, I'm just saying if COMFORT is your goal then the 277 is going to be the leader in this race.

It's always a trade off between water sports and deep water capability. If you're budget and situation allows for it you might want to consider staying with the 2 boat thing for playing with the grand kids and keep the 277 for rides with your wife.