Looking for a Used Fishing Boat with $10K Budget - Any Suggestions?

[SDSeville]

I usually take my 19' Sea Ray BR out to the kelp beds (southern CA) 6 to 10 times a year and go out 5 to 10 miles a couple times on real smooth days. The tuna fishing is so good lately that I am considering buying a purpose built fishing boat rather continuing to try my luck so often with my BR, which was obviously built for closed water.

I need something that will be comfortable going about 10 to 15 miles out. So far, I am looking for a center console about 21' to 24'. My budget is about $10k. I know I will have to go pretty old at that price.

Any suggestions wold be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[aspeck]

Yes, you will need a center, or dual console boat for that. To me your thought process sounds logical. You will just have to keep watching the classifieds and craigs list and you will eventually find what you are looking for. Don't expect it to fall in your lap, you will have to do your due diligence. But be patient, you will find the right fit!

 

[SDSeville]

Thanks aspeck. I'll keep looking, but I may have to wait until winter for this one. Fishing boat prices are through the roof out here since the fishing is so great. We are catching fish at 5 miles out that you usually have to go 50 to 60 miles out to get.

It's hilarious, everyone is calling their boat a "fishing boat" and jacking the price up. Boats like my BR are all over CL labeled as fishing boats. And the real fishing boats are of course priced even higher, regardless of the age.

 

[mr 88]

You can also look on this site in there Boats for Sale section and Boattrader.com. Are you looking for a trailerable boat or one thats docked ? I have seen quite a few late 1980's 24-28 real fishing boats going in that price range.They give you all the comfort, safety, fishing storage room [ and a bathroom] you need while heading offshore. I would also suggest a survey being done unless buying new.

 

[aspeck]

I will have to look around here for you ... I could go for a "fishing trip" in your area on your dime to deliver a boat!

 

[dingbat]

I don't understand...there is no difference if your 3 miles or 30 miles out. A boat can capsize, sink, or breakdown no matter how far you are offshore.
The only real requirement is a self drawing cockpit and a very reliable motor, or two. Something that needs work isn't an option. Your life depends on that motor. A breakdown at an inopertune time could cost you your life.

Self draining cockpits are easy to find in that price range. Finding a boat that you would bet your life on, not so much

 

[SDSeville]

You can also look on this site in there Boats for Sale section and Boattrader.com. Are you looking for a trailerable boat or one thats docked ? I have seen quite a few late 1980's 24-28 real fishing boats going in that price range.They give you all the comfort, safety, fishing storage room [ and a bathroom] you need while heading offshore. I would also suggest a survey being done unless buying new.

Wow, you are right. There are some pretty decent offshore boats for close to my price range. The only problem is that I need something I can tow with my GMC Sierra 1500 and those boats all look too big. I would consider putting one in a slip, but the only way to get a slip at my local marina is to buy a boat that is in one (no waiting list). ...and you usually pay a premium of at least a few thousand dollars on any boat with a slip.

 

[SDSeville]

I will have to look around here for you ... I could go for a "fishing trip" in your area on your dime to deliver a boat!

:thumb:

 

[mr 88]

My 22' rig weighs 3600 dry,with trailer and equipment I am pulling 5,000lbs easily with a 1500 Chevy powered by a 5.0. No problem. When looking at a boat you can get specs/weight and a price guideline at www.nada.com. also good for checking out what the towing capacity of your vehicle is.I also have found that most people asking over 10 grand know that they are going to be talked down at least 1 grand depending on how long they have been trying to sell it.I recently bought one that had a asking price of 13,500 and got it for 10g. So dont be afraid to look at boats in the 12g range and just offer them 10,most will take it. A survey will run you 18-25 a foot and is worth it if you haven't been around boats for any length of time.It is usualy required if your going to insure it as well.

 

[SDSeville]

My 22' rig weighs 3600 dry,with trailer and equipment I am pulling 5,000lbs easily with a 1500 Chevy powered by a 5.0. No problem.

What gearing do you have in your 1500 mr 88? I have 3.42, but will be changing over the winter.

 

[mr 88]

Not sure,its my sons rig, never looked,the capacity should be in your manual,if not just google it.I did just buy a 03 GMC 2500 powered by a 6.0 but thats for towing a 28' fishing machine, 9200 lb load including trailer setup.I will be only towing that a few times a year,not every weekend. Or you can ask away in the trailering forum on here