If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

[Y-O]

and the reason I ask...

going to finally and hopefully be in the market late this year/early next year for a much needed upgrade. USED 21-23 ft walkaround. Partial to an O/B powered boat but would consider an I/O if the deal was right.

What do you like/dislike? What to run from and what to look at?

I realize this debate can get as big as politics and religion, but starting the research and need a jumping off point. Thanks everyone.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

Many similar brands but anything OMC powered run away from.
Or the Merc 470...

My favorite engine drive setup is Volvo,
Favorite outboard is Johnson-Evinrude

Best hulls in my opinion is Boston Whaler first,then boats like Cobalt,the newer SeaRays,ChrisCraft....and on down the list.Too many brands to really think...

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

For an outboard powered walkaround 21-23ft I would have the following as my top 2 with regard to quality and workmanship.

Pursuit OS 235
Scout 222 Abaco


For overall value (great boat for "reasonably" price) I would also look at Key West, Striper, Polar, Rabalo, etc.

There are a lot of great boats out there.

What I am looking for in a walkaround is a flatish foredeck. I don't like the type that have a deep foot well around aroud the cabin. I prefer a flatter deck it feels more open and easier to manuever on and opens up the cabin also. You should only be out there while docking/anchoring anyways.

 

[JB]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

I am very partial to boats designed by Bob Dougherty.

Boston Whaler Outrages from 70s and 80s.

There are several models/hulls, including cuddys, from 18' to 26' if I remember right.

No other boat holds value as well or lasts longer with reasonable care.

I have had 8 Whalers and sold every one for more than I paid for it.

 

[dingbat]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

My top 5 walkaround manufacturers

Grady White
South Port
Pro-Line
Robalo
Parker

 

[IES99]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

1. Floats with no leaks
2. Floats with minor leaks
3. Floats with major leaks
4. Floats at the water line without submersing.
5. Sinks like a rock

5. My neighbor's boat in which he takes me fishing.
4. The boat my dad had when I was a kid.
3. Any boat that I own that is completely paid for
2. The new boat I wished I had
1. Any boat that brings me safely back to dry land.

 

[lprizman]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

Fountain
Yellowfin
Contender
McKee Craft
SeeVee

 

[Y-O]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

Thanks fellas.

Looking to keep it in the 15-20K range. Contender? love to, but just aint happenin!!!

Been doing my homework and getting conflicting opinions from everything I read.....

-Those who HATE Grady saying the hulls pin the moisture meter when surveyed

-Those who LOVE Bayliner Trophy's from 2000 up as far hull integrity goes.

Trying to absorb the info and get and education on boat buying

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

1. A reliable well maintained boat of the style I choose I can pay cash for
2. A reliable well maintained boat of the style I choose that requires very little financing
3. A solid well maintained boat not really the style I want that I can pay cash for
4. A solid well maintained boat that needs only 1 major fix or a couple of small ones that is the style I want that I can pay cash for and afford to make that fix
5. A solid foundation for a restore project that I can afford to actually complete the restore of the style I want..........
6. the rest.............forget it....when I am looking at used I am not as brand picky but rather want well maintained, serviceable, and at least close to what I am looking for to get me what I want to do and where I want to go. Its a tool.

 

[lprizman]

Re: If you had to list your top 5 boat makes??

also check out
Parker
Ocean Scout
Dusky
for walkaround specific

I was on the Parker at the boat show up here,,,sweet boat