So many choices...
15 years ago I had a small Boston Whaler.... nice boat... used it for fishing in Galveston Bay, Texas. Have not been involved in boating since then... but am wanting to get back involved... this time though my needs are different and I am trying to figure out what I really want... the thoughts and advice of more experience boaters would be appreciated.
Things that I know I want...
1) Boat large enough to safely go offshore to the oil rigs and small enough to pull on a trailer and store. I am thinking 28-32 feet.... Thoughts there?
2) Boat will be used for fishing and scuba diving.
3) Extremely rarely overnight trips. Almost always trips will be one night trips. Head (portable or fixed) is a must for my wife. Some like a cuddy would be good for storage, to lay down out of the sun or for the occassional overnighter.
4) Used boat... not interested in the markup for new. In fact, simpler and less expensive the better. Something that needed interior fixup would be fine. But hull and engine need to be in good shape.
Things that I am confused about...
1) Engines?? Do I want inboard/outboard... dual outboards.... single outboard and a kicker? I know that I don't want to risk getting stuck offshore do to an engine failure.
2) When buying a boat how does one go about getting the boat inspected... seaworthiness, engine, etc.
Other than 28-32 cuddy's.... what would you recommend that I look at?
What else should I be considering??
Thanks in advance for the inputs.
Mark
15 years ago I had a small Boston Whaler.... nice boat... used it for fishing in Galveston Bay, Texas. Have not been involved in boating since then... but am wanting to get back involved... this time though my needs are different and I am trying to figure out what I really want... the thoughts and advice of more experience boaters would be appreciated.
Things that I know I want...
1) Boat large enough to safely go offshore to the oil rigs and small enough to pull on a trailer and store. I am thinking 28-32 feet.... Thoughts there?
2) Boat will be used for fishing and scuba diving.
3) Extremely rarely overnight trips. Almost always trips will be one night trips. Head (portable or fixed) is a must for my wife. Some like a cuddy would be good for storage, to lay down out of the sun or for the occassional overnighter.
4) Used boat... not interested in the markup for new. In fact, simpler and less expensive the better. Something that needed interior fixup would be fine. But hull and engine need to be in good shape.
Things that I am confused about...
1) Engines?? Do I want inboard/outboard... dual outboards.... single outboard and a kicker? I know that I don't want to risk getting stuck offshore do to an engine failure.
2) When buying a boat how does one go about getting the boat inspected... seaworthiness, engine, etc.
Other than 28-32 cuddy's.... what would you recommend that I look at?
What else should I be considering??
Thanks in advance for the inputs.
Mark