Opinions on which boat to buy.

Ofc Noobie · May 14, 2009

Hello,
I'm looking to buy my first boat, but can't decide what type of boat would be best. As of right now, it will be just me 90% of the time, with only occassional guests on board. Primarily, I'll be cruising the lake and fishing about half the time. I've narrowed it down to either an open bow or center console. I've mostly been looking at boats between 16 and 20 ft. Both types appeal to me, but I've never been on a center console. Does anyone have opinions on which would be best for my uses, especially since it will primarily be just me. Also, any thoughts about max length would be greatly appriciated, since I will of course be launching and recovering alone.

Bob_VT · May 14, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Welcome to iboats !!

Open bow is nicer to cruis with friends and the Center Console is a true fishing boat.

It's personal choice and you might want to consider the weather conditions. A center console with a bimini top or a bow rider with a regular top and bow cover.

Where are you boating? The bigger the better in big water. There are some die hard Boston Whaler lovers here that will tell you that's the best........

Launching and recoving any boat alone is easier with a bow rider or cc vs a closed bow boat. If you master launching a 16' a 20' will be no easier.... I consider them the same to launch.

ezmobee · May 14, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

If you're going to be doing mostly fishing with 0-1 passenger I would think a CC would be the ultimate fishing machine.

Knot Waiting · May 14, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Center console is probably your best option. They are nice and open for fishing but that extra room will come in handy to move about when docking and loading by yourself. I'd probably start with a smaller boat first then let expirence and onefoot-itis trade you up in size.

ondarvr · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

If you live in the south, boat only in warm weather and do certain types of fishing, then a CC is a good option, anyplace else and you won't like it much.

slasmith1 · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

If you boat or fish somewhere where the weather gets cold and or wet you may consider a walk around as the best of both worlds.

Ofc Noobie · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Thanks for your opinions gents. I do live in the south....South Carolina to be exact. I'm a northern (Ohio) transplant, and was surprised at the number of CC on the water. They apparently don't get much use back home, as I had never really seen one on the water.

I'll have to keep looking, as there doesn't seem to be many that I like in my limited price range.

ezmobee · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Ofc Noobie said:
I'll have to keep looking, as there doesn't seem to be many that I like in my limited price range.

If you don't mind a project you could always find a hull and convert it to a CC. A lot of the aluminum Starcrafts lend themselves well to this kinda of conversion. Over in the restoration section there's even a guy converting an old Maxum bowrider to a CC.

MudSkunk · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

if your launching and recovering by yourself a smaller boat in the 16foot range is much easier than a 20 footer. i used to solo launch and recover a 23footer back in texas for gulf and bay fishing and some lake fishing and its a right pain to do by yourself at times.

the real difference is if the boat is v-hull or flat bottom for fishing. center console is nice as are bimini tops but the more you add up top the harder it is to fish the boat solo. if your doing saltwater fishing a center console with top is nice to keep the heat off but so are hats and the newer uv proof clothing.

trolling is an issue as well the boat hull and layout can help or hinder trolling style fishing. freshwater lake fishing where you do a lot of low speed troller motor trolling or drifting with a good field of view for casting bass style deck layouts cant be beat. if your into fishing flats and only good whether then flatbottom style is nice. if you do a lot of river fishing or getting up in choked spots then aluminum hulls are the thing. tough as hell as boat fishing hulls go.

it just depends on what your gonna with it as to what wiill fit ya best. it sounds like you still have a bit of thinking to do and some research.

IVAZ · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Like everyone is saying, if you want a fishing rig cc is the way to go. I have a bowrider because I always have passengers and we sometimes just stay out on the lake relaxing. I still fish off of it but its not as comfortable and its not as easy to clean out.

Nico2112 · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

ezmobee said:
If you're going to be doing mostly fishing with 0-1 passenger I would think a CC would be the ultimate fishing machine.

+1

There's nothing than a CC for fishing. A 20' Deep V (not a flat boat or bay boat) should be great both for lake and big water cruising.

Cheers!

RotaryRacer · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Another option would be a Dual Console salt water fishing boat. Look at any of the manufacturers of center consoles. They also have dual consoles that give some of the benefits of both a bow rider and a center console fishing boat.

Mike Robinson · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

I agree with cc idea.

Also, especially when fishing alone always wear a pfd and it's a good idea to have a waterproof, portable vhf radio clipped onto it!

halas · May 15, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

For one person it is hard to beat Mako 17.
It cost half as much as a Whaler and it will hold its value well.
If I lived in the south that is what I would get for all around fishing. That boat can take some big water yet practical in the shallow flats.

Ofc Noobie · May 20, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Thanks again for everyone's opinions. It seems a CC would be my best bet, and I'm definately leaning towards one. Unfortunately, there seems to be more open bows in my price range than CC.

Ofc Noobie · May 31, 2009

RotaryRacer · May 31, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

I would go with the 98 Glastron with the Johnson Outboard.

http://charleston.craigslist.org/boa/1194132592.html

If the boat is in good shape that seems like a great deal.

With all the options on the market right now avoid boats with Force outboards. There was a Maxum and a Bayliner that had Forces. Just look past those.

ezmobee · May 31, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

1. No (old bayliner with Force -- stay away)
2. Looks pretty good
3. I like outboards so I'd definitely be checking that one out
4. New engine and drive? If the guy has receipts, that's a steal!
5. Good price, good power
6. Sunbird's are lower quality entry level boats and that one shows signs of being left uncovered. Wouldn't be on my short list
7. Looks well maintained
8. Looks fairly old and beat compared to the others. Fair price but not in the league of your other options.
9. New motor is awesome if he has receipts. Trailer and interior look like they could be dodgy
10. Very nice for an older boat. Good price
11. Looks beat
12. I cannot begin to describe all the issue here. FAIL
13. I have always found this era of SeaRay to be very sharp looking and that one has great outboard power. Floor looks like it could be dodgy
14. Looks good
15. OMC outdrive. Parts and service becoming tougher to find. Looks like it could be a very nice boat though so if you didn't have any other options it is fair price.
16. Make sure it really is a Mercury outboard and not a Force. (probably is since force didn't make a 115) This is the rough era of Bayliner so check carefully for rot. If it was well maintain this is a great price.
17. Says Volvo but shows Merc and it the dreaded 470. RUN RUN
18. Upholstery is shot. Would make me concerned about other rot. Has real nice potential though.
19. Looks good

ezmobee · May 31, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Just remember......a new motor or outdrive without receipts IS NOT a new motor/drive.

Ofc Noobie · Jun 1, 2009

Re: Opinions on which boat to buy.

Thanks for the input guys! I really appriciate you taking the time to look at all of those ads and give me your feedback!

Opinions on which boat to buy.

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