Newbie need suggestions

[Finz]

Hello, <br /><br />Brand new to this site, but what a great wealth of info out there - you people are really helpful. My wife and I are looking to purchase a 17' CC. We live in the Tampa Bay area and will primarily be using the boat around the bay, intracoastal and rarely more than a couple of miles offshore. Just primarily a boat to do a little fishing and island hopping in. When going out, it'll usually be my wife, myself and our dog - lab retriver. Once in awhile I'm sure we'll take another person or 2 out. So, we want a boat that's big enough for us, but small enough to trailer, park in the yard, and something that won't kill us on gas. We've only spoke with one person regarding boats and we are considering a Boston Whaler or Key West, and definitely used (don't want to pay for that depreciation). Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance to all.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Newbie need suggestions

Finz,<br /><br />Spent quite a few weekends on Tampa Bay on my buddies 19ft Mako, with a 150 merc. Seems like a perfect bay boat. The center console is a good way to go for a variety of uses.

 

[KCook]

Re: Newbie need suggestions

In that small a CC the roll gunnel designs might be more practical than the usual fancy linered deal. Lots to choose from. May as well get exactly the motor you want. Do try to get demo runs.<br /><br />Kelly Cook

 

[Solittle]

Re: Newbie need suggestions

Finz - I am in Miami and we have done our boating in water simular to Tampa (I have a daughter in Tampa). Anyway if you can swing it I would go for one in the 19-20' range rather than a 17'. We had a 19'er which we ran for 15 years. That size is still very trailerable on a single axle.<br /><br />I have a 23' CC now & have had it for 10 yrs & can go most anywhere anytime. Even with the 19'er there were days we wanted to go out but would not as the water/wind was just too much.

 

[Finz]

Re: Newbie need suggestions

Thanks for the input everyone, I appreciate it. This helps, I'll see if I can convince the boss to loosen the bank account for a 19'. I'll keep looking. thanks again.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Newbie need suggestions

You may want to look at a Pensacola built boat--a Cape Horn from Fabbro Brothers. All center consoles, very heavily built and perform well in choppy water. There should be used ones in your area. Am familiar with Tampa Bay and this should meet your needs. Have had mine since 1991 and am very plesed with it. It's almost become the standard on the bay here. They don't do much advertising and the prices are reasonable. I'd go with a 19' if I could possibly swing it. Gives you more leeway when you're a little offshore and the weather kicks up.

 

[DJ]

Re: Newbie need suggestions

Finz,<br /><br />There is a HUGE difference between a Boston Whaler and a Key West. BW being the top of the scale and KW being considerably down the scale. I dare say that a used Whaler may be as expensive a new Key West.<br /><br />There is nothing wrong with the rolled edge boats, had one myself.<br /><br />Stay away from the shallow draft/flat bottom bay boats. They ride terrible in any chop and are bear to handle in tight quarters.<br /><br />If you're looking used, find an aceeptable boat and pay special attention to the engine. That's where the money is.