Beginner, buying advice needed

[tuthelimit]

Hi,
Total beginner here with a few questions. My father and I are planning to buy a small boat and we can't seem to find unbiased answers to our questions.

We live in Charleston South Carolina which has a nice 9+ month boating season. The boat would be for 4 people including my parents and wife. No kids yet. We enjoy sightseeing and cruising around the harbor and creeks. My dad enjoys inshore fishing, but we are by no means fishermen. We don't ski or do any water sports. The women want comfort. They need cushions and places to relax while underway. Oh and the boat has to be reasonably priced!

We've been debating between getting an 18-20' Center Console by either Key West or Sea Hunt or an 19-21' Bow rider by Regal or SeaRay. All four of those brands have great dealers in the area and we plan to have the boat professionally serviced. What are your thoughts on new versus used?

My father wants to keep the boat in the garage (9' doors), but we're also considering dry storage. Either way, it won't be kept in the saltwater when we're not using it.

I suppose the natural question is, outboard versus I/O? My father likes the idea of the outboard, but he's starting to realize the benefit of having a clean transom and the additional space the 'sun pad' gives. I/O dealers tell us outboards only last 4 years, and outboard dealers tell us I/O only last four years. What gives? If we keep the boat serviced and out of the water, is engine style a non-factor?

Is it better to cruise on a fishing boat or fish off a cruising boat? How will the various hull designs preform in the chop? Charleston can be windy and the ride can be rough. We have been warned that this is a major factor when crossing the harbor and that small bay boats just get hammered. I've seen some CC hulls that are duel consoles. Still not as plush as the Regal, these boats offer a little more ride comfort than a CC. However, they lose the ability to REALLY fish, so, its like, whats the point? May as well go with the nicer bowrider, right?

Thanks for your thoughts. I know there may not be one perfect boat for us. Eventually, we may get two boats. A small fishing boat and a larger deck boat for entertaining. Until then, we're looking for something that will get us into the water come spring.

-Richard

 

[QC]

Re: Beginner, buying advice needed

I'd say if you are serious about the ladies, then I would go I/O and bowrider. If the carpet is removable, I see very little real difference between that and a Dual Console. Maybe deck drainage favors the OB. Live wells etc., for sure not gonna find as is on a bow rider.

Full snap in bow cover and full enclosure if there is a chance of rain or cool breezes. Another comfort thing.

20 degree bottom for the chop OB or I/O. I/Os tend to be smoother and more stable underway because of the low center of gravity and weight.

We don't really fish off of my boat, but with snap in carpet I wouldn't care too much. If it was just me and the boys, I'd got OB and a little more of a work machine than a comfort day cruiser, but it isn't . . .

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Beginner, buying advice needed

well who ever is telling you that the drives, either outboard or I/O, only last 4 years, is a complete LIAR. if they will lie about that, what else are they lying about.

both drives have there advantages. the outboard is easier and less costly to maintain. the i/o is harder to get to the engine, and the exhaust manifold have to periodically need to be changed, more often in salt water.

you get more usable deck space with the outboard.

the women will not be happy with a center console boat.

also look at the Bayliner 204 fish n ski. it has both features.
http://www.bayliner.com/ski-n-fish.asp?modelid=122479

http://www.bayliner.com/ski-n-fish.asp?year=2009

 

[WadmalawJoe]

Re: Beginner, buying advice needed

I agree with TashasDaddy.
My father-inlaw and I just went through the same thing. I live in Charleston as well by the way. We went with a center counsole because we do more fishing then cruising, but we went with a 20'6 boat that has plenty of seating places for when the family comes along to cruise. The Yamaha 4 stroke is awesome and quiet (our first 4 stroke). Go to nada.com and run the numbers you do not need to pay more than book (be sure to include boat,motor and trailer). There are too many deals out there. Its near the end of the year, taxes on the boats will be due and boating season is wrapping up for the year. Motors do last far more than 4 years.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Beginner, buying advice needed

For your needs, I would go with one of the dual console fishing boats. Just enough creature comforts for the ladies but utilitarian enough to be a great fishing boat. I have a preference for outboards but that's just me. Just a quick google search brought me this http://www.mako-boats.com/boat/?boat=3055 I think the layout of this type of boat would be the closest to meeting all your needs. All boats are a compromise. As for new versus used.....hardly anything depreciates as much as a boat (except maybe RVs) so you can get a well maintained couple year old boat for drastically less than a new one.

 

[gbb]

Re: Beginner, buying advice needed

Pontoons are great for family, my wife loves ours.

 

[Beefy1]

Re: Beginner, buying advice needed

I/O Bowrider

It's probably one of the most versitle options you listed and it definately gives you room to grow in the future with an expanding family and all

We had a 16 foot outboard bowrider before our current boat but when we brought more than our 3 person family on it, it got heavy. 20feet is a good range to consider

 

[Les Robb]

Re: Beginner, buying advice needed

Bow rider or not my choice is an outboard and since you are novice boaters I would suggest at least a year of dry storage. The ease of calling the marina and having your boat in the water when you arrive will really make the ladies happy. Any modified V hull will handle a little chop and the main thing is to keep you and your passengers free from the resulting spray and comfortable. Center consoles leave little cover in an angled wind from over spray.

My rule of thumb is since you have the lengthy season, start out with fair weather sailing only and as you and your shipmates gain knowledge and experience go with those iffy days that might bring a little higher winds and waves. Remember to always check your weather and if the forecast is 15-25MPH with the seas 3-5 or more and it blew all night, you might want to stay home.

Best of luck to you and if it's doable, go with the new boat

I won't say there will be no kinks to work out but at least it will be under warranty and to be up front with you, buying a used boat can be a real roll of the dice.