Help selecting a boat....

[NASAGeek]

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

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

I would seriously look into the walk-around cuddy market. Depending on your financial situation, this could be anywhere from a Bayliner to a Sailfish, to an Angler, to a Grady White.

The walk around cuddy is a bit smaller than on a typical cuddy styled boat, but if you're spending the night, they are still big enough (in the 28-32' range) for a comfortable space. The cockpit is a bit more open with minimal seating at the transom to allow more fishing room. Portable heads are iffy. In that size range, you will probably have a small fixed head with holding tank and shower. That is a good thing!! I would also look at dual outboards. More interior room, easier maintenance, and the redundancy of engines is a solid piece of mind, let alone easier to maneuver in tighter quarters.

Don't forget your boater safety course and operational training on a bigger boat. It's way different than your 15'.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Help selecting a boat....

I'd go for dual outboards on a boat that size and your range.

The best advice isn't going to come from "here" which is Arizona, Minnesota, Virginia and New Jersy, but from local fishing forums near you. Around here, people go 20 miles out into the Atlantic in much smaller boats, but I'd guess that 26' is probably optimum on the small side--if it's designed correctly.

Unless you have done it before, trailering a 28-32 is no small feat, hardly convenient, and not likely something you will want to do daily. Consider a slip or if not, a "dry slip" which is secure boat/trailer parking at the ramp. You are going to be spending big bucks for a reliable boat like that, so may as well do it right.

Personally, I'd look for a smaller boat than that. A good Carolina flare on a small boat will be better than a cruiser design on a big one.

 

[NASAGeek]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

Still researching.... and I appreciate the comments.

Walkaround Cuddy is definitely a good fit for my needs. Walk around enables fish better... cuddy is a necessity for the creature comforts for my wife. So... walkaround cuddy is a winner.

Length remains the question. 28-32 brings with it towing capacity issues. I am estimating a rig that size will be in the 7000-9000lb range loaded. Thus, I'd need to buy something big enough to tow it. I can do that, but it becomes problematic.

The places that I want to go are 30-50 miles offshore. I don't mind limiting myself to only good weather conditions but still, I feel like 24 feet would be a minimum. If not dual outboards, certainly a single outboard and a kicker. Dual outboards would be heavier for towing and less MPG boating, but faster to get out there and back. I am kind of up in the air on motor selection.

Smaller also has the advantage that if I want to pull the kids on a tube or do something else besides offshore, it isn't too big.

Thus, my next question... is 24 too small for my planned needs? if so, when the above poster said "good Carolina flare" I am assuming that is bow shape... please elaborate. Deep-V?

Current conclusions:
Configuration : walkaround cuddy
Trailor : Galvanized trailor, dual axle, breaks (?)

Next questions:
24-28 or 28-32 where 28-32 will require the purchase of a suitable truck.

Key thing is the ability to get 30-50 miles offshore in <4 ft seas, targeting 1-2 ft seas. I figure if the forecast is 1-2 it is safe to go out. If the forecast is >3, I just won't go out.

Thoughts?

Thanks again,
Mark

PS -- Also... what should I look for on the trailor... brakes?
PPS -- What should I look for in Electronics? GPS/Radio/etc.

 

[NASAGeek]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

BTW... currently, I am thinking a boat like this one...

http://boats.iboats.com/2001-trophy-boats-2509-walkaround/965795.html

would that be safe for a trip 30-50 miles out??

Mark

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

That is exactly what I was referring to. I would look into the 25' range, but interior space and layout varies with manufacturer. Look around, different brands carry different amenities. 25' would be a decent sized boat for towing, but you might suffer a bit in comfort out on the seas. 28' would be a bit more stable, but you suffer in the towing department.

The price on that specific boat seemed a bit high, so I would shop around a little more. With that tag on it, it should have twin engines. Twins might burn a bit more fuel, but the workload on the engines is half of what it would normally be. Manueverability is better with 2 as well. Plus, the redundancy with a second engine is a nice piece of mind, especially when you're 40 miles offshore.

Regarding your trailer, a 25' rig will require a double axle and trailer brakes. A 28'+ rig will require a triple axle trailer and brakes. Depending on the ramp that you plan to load & retrieve, your tow vehicle better have the guts to pull it back up the ramp without slipping backwards into the drink. If you opt for the 28', I would seriously consider the option of either a wet slip or possibly a dry rack storage. Calling ahead will allow them to have it in the water before you get there.

When checking the offshore forecast, remember to look ahead by hour at the projected tidal action. 1-2' in the morning may mean 4-5' in the afternoon. Conversly, I've been offshore 20+ miles in 3-4' seas to have they lay down flat as glass in the afternoon. Just remember that it can change in a matter of hours. Always file a float plan with the family or friend prior to going out that far.

On your electronics, I would definetly have a quality color GPS/chartplotter (and a handheld GPS as backup-$100), A DSC VHF radio with extended antenna, ship-to-shore radio or satellite phone, and even consider radar for weather watch. Safety and peace of mind can get $$$.

 

[NASAGeek]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

Here is a candidate.

http://houston.craigslist.org/boa/2479233352.html

I won't offer his asking price, but if I could get that for $10-11K, that would seem to fit the bill.

Thoughts?

Mark

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

That is a perfect rig for what you want to do. Check it out in person. If it's as clean as it looks in the pics, I would assume it's worth close to his asking price. Get comparisons off line at boattrader.com, NADA, etc.

Have a marine survey done, it's worth the $200-$300 for piece of mind when you're dumping $12,000. It can save you literally thousands down the road.

Just a couple of question to ask about that boat:

1) Length of anchor rode & chain. Should be about 20+' of chain and 300+' of 1/2" to 5/8" rode.

2) Is there a cockpit enclosure to go with the bimini top? Rain isn't the issue, you can always drop anchor and go below during downpours. But getting off shore in the early mornings can be bitter cold and front curtains will make all the difference between being comfortable and being freezing cold & angry. If they're not available with it, it will cost about $500 for a decent set of custom zip/snap on front curtains. Get that off the asking price. If he has the remaining enclosure, prepare to pay extra over your offering price. Worth every penny.

3) Maintenance records. Hopefully he has had annual service and kept records. If not, find out who did the service work and ask them about the boat. If it's not available or convenient, after the survey & purchase, drag the boat to a qualified mechanic for immediate spring service. Thermostats, plugs, impellers, lower unit gear oil change, prop shaft seals, carb cleanings, etc. 40 miles from home is a terrible place to be stranded, especially in water to deep to anchor.

Last thought, then I'll shut up. VHF traffic is sketchy and phone signals are non-existant that far out in open water. If you go, PLEASE consider bying an EPIRB. They are available for around $450 (a lot of places even rent them; look online) and they are a great piece of mind. Immediate GPS and radio signal with strobe light in the event of trouble. Coast Guard can typically find you in a matter of hours vs. not at all.

Good luck with your boat. Have a blast!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

That's a heck of a nice boat. I agree that his asking price is probably quite fair.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Help selecting a boat....

very nice!
Your motors are pushing 20 years so get them checked thoroughly, and budget to replace one. Same goes if the electronics are old.
But 200 gallons of gas is nice!

 

[NASAGeek]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

Thanks everyone.... appreciate all the comments. EPIRB is a no-brainer. Safety first.

That post is basically the prototype of what I am looking for. Now to start shopping amongst various similar candidates.

More later...

Mark

 

[NASAGeek]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

BTW NADA Price versus Asking versus Offer Price

Avg NASA is $9300
Trailor +1000 to $1500
Electronics +$1000 to $2000

$10300 to $12800

Thus, I offer $9-$10K and accept something in the $10-12K range....

versus his Asking of $14900.....

Seems like he should be able to come down some....

Thoughts...

M

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

NADA is worthless. Seriously.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

Cash talks. Everyone (i.e. EVERYONE) ups their price when posting, knowing they're going to get lowball offers. If you go look at the boat and you truly like it, simply ask him "I want to buy it. What do you have to get out of it?" I said this when I bought my Carver and the guy immediately dropped $15,000 off the price because he knew he had a sale, not just tire kickers (so to speak).

 

[NASAGeek]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

My soon-to-be new boat!!

I went and looked at this boat today.... awesome boat....

Radar, GPS, Fish Finder, A/C, Stereo....

Engines just tuned up... new carb, pumps, etc.

Taking it for a water test drive tomorrow... and to my mechanic to check out the engines on Monday....

AND.... $12,000 Sales price....

Whoop!!!

Fishing next week!!!!

Mark


PS--- It needs a some TLC and upgrades... a minor leak in the cuddy from a screw that needs to be sealed (no water damage).... it needs a ladder added to it... and I don't like the radar antenna mounted on the post... will get a hard top and move the antenna.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

Nice!!!!! Good luck with it.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Help selecting a boat....

Nice buy! When do we go fishing in return for all of the advice??!!