Used center console opinions

[jeffhennessey]

So I'm a newbie in the market for a 18ft to 21ft used center console. Looking to spent 20k Or less. Nothing older than 1994. The boat will be used for fishing in the Chesapeake, inshore Atlantic, and possibly wake boarding. From what I have gathered, it seems everyone loves or at least respects Boston Whalers. Key Wests are nice but have electrical issues. Got some good reports on Dusky but can't find too many for sale. Makos are good boats as well, but apparently don't quite stack up with Whalers. I have found( not very easily) what seem to be positive reports on Wahoo! boats, with the exception of the gas tanks eventually leak.
So now I am just looking for some opinions. Which boat is the best bang for the buck in a center console. Whalers are nice but kind of pricey. I have seen some Wahoo! boats on the net for what seem to be good deals. But I know they are not made anymore and don't want to run into parts issues. Also cutting into the deck to repair a gas tank dose not sound too fun. So let me have some opinions. Thanks.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Used center console opinions

Welcome to iboats!


Boston Whaler It is like the Toyota of the boat world..... goes forever and maintains it's value.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Used center console opinions

My humble and biased opinion follows:


http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/adv-search.cgi?id=217157

Now, you're buying at exactly the wrong time of year but you could probably beat him down some.

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/adv-search.cgi?id=277154

Not much info and a foot shorter but much less expensive.



Scouts are fabulous boats. Best attention to detail I've ever seen for electronics and plumbing installation, great motors, quality hardware, heavy duty upholstry -- every bit as seaworthy as a Whaler. Plus, it's a relatively rare boat in comparison to the Whaler (at least up here) so is a good dockside icebreaker, as it were. Go to their website and read up on their build process then try to find some objective reviews online. Only thing I really gripe about are their digital LCD guages. Analog's much better in my opinion.

Only thing I'd caution on the CC is that you're going to have limited seating room for the family, at least on that Bay Scout. I started out wanting the CC, then discovered their bowrider model the Dorado (comes in 17.5 and 18.5) and had to admit it suited our boating profile better although it's not quite as captivating to my eye as the CC. I only mention this because you talked tubing...

Here's one for comparison although out of the price range you were talking:

http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/marine_classifieds/view_photos.cgi?ad_id=217158&img=6&count=7

You still get the great all weather interior that won't get soggy, good nonslip, self-bailing, terrific view from the helm, etc, etc, but more people moving ability plus swivel seats for your tube spotter. That rear seat pops out with a pull of two pins and you have plenty of room to carry the tube and toys. Speaking of pulling tubes the optional stainless ski bar is a work of tubular art...

Not sure where you're located but I trailered ours a thousand miles back to Canada from N. Carolina after searching North America for a good used one. Totally worth it plus I saw some damn fine countryside in the process.

Thus endeth the shameless self promotion...

 

[jeffhennessey]

Re: Used center console opinions

Thank you guys! I appreciate the replies. Anyone else care to throw in their 2 cents?

 

[JB]

Re: Used center console opinions

I have a particular liking for the Boston Whaler Outrages designed by Bob Dougherty. They are the ones with the "smirk" bow.

The best of them were made before 1990, though. Lighter and more nimble than the later designs.

If you look for 1980s Outrages you can probably get more boat for your bux, too.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Used center console opinions

for your use and resale find a whaler. you may pay more, but it will serve you very nicely, and in the resale later. they are the only boat that holds value. let me re phrase that. they are the only hull that holds it value. the rest when buying used you are usually buying the power plant, and the hull comes free. a whaler and 4 strokes yammy, would be a great investment.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Used center console opinions

I wouldn't get to hung up on wanting nothing older than 1994. Condition is far more important than year. That goes for both boat and engine.

If you plan to do much in the Chesapeake or inshore Atlantic, give some thought to a length range of 20-23'. The difference in interior space and ride in rough water is significant.

For what it is worth I run a 1988 23' Wellcraft CC with twin 1987 110 hp OMC OB in Biscayne Bay, near shore Atlantic and the Keys. I pull it with a 99 Yukon.

 

[jeffhennessey]

Re: Used center console opinions

Once again thank you for the replies. Being new to this game the more info I can gather the better. Its funny but the length subject came up today while speaking to an associate at work. He also recommended that I look for a boat between 21 and 23 feet. He said that I would thank him the first time I got stuck in high seas. Perhaps I will broaden my search. Anyone else, feel free to comment.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Used center console opinions

For the the Bay bigger is certainly better and and you want some deadrise. For the condtions found in the Bay it's hard to beat a Grady or a Parker if you can spring the bucks. Both hold their value really well and will handle pretty much anything the Bay can throw at you.

Here's a nice Parker in your price range.

http://www.tidalfish.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=838&cat=4

 

[JRS at OBX]

Re: Used center console opinions

I love my Wahoo. I haven't had any gas tank problems...except for that full tank of bad gas I had a couple years ago!!

 

[Scout Sport Fish]

Re: Used center console opinions

Whalers are nice boats. But I personally like Caravels, Scouts, and Anglers.

 

[Kettler]

Re: Used center console opinions

If you plan to trailer keep in mind weight/size.