Boat Recommendations

[No Keepers]

I'm looking to purchase a boat. Right now I'm looking at a 2006 Wellcraft 180 Fishermen, 2007 Triumph 195CC or a 2004 Seaswirl 1851CC. Boat to be used in the Raritan Bay and maybe out front on a nice day. Any advice on the pro's, con's or limitations is appreciate. Thank you in advanced.

[Capt. Debbie]

Nothing specific. Some general considerations.

Women on board? A concealed toilet(head).

Dock back bay? Engine's should be on the larger selection side for long run Keyport to Romer's or Shrewsbury Rocks on good days. Sea Tow Insurance.

Trailering or docking?

That size is about right for your use. I always liked higher bow freeboard and flared bow to knock down spray.

Colder rainier fishing? Hard top with side curtains?

[Gerry Zagorski]

All of those boat brands mentioned are in the same general tier of boats.

As Frank mentioned which one would be a better boat depends on how you intend to use them vs how they are laid out and what engines they have on them as well.

Cuddy with an enclosure would be nice for inclement weather and a potti for women and children but a center console in that size is going to give you a lot more fishing room but less protection from the weather.

As far as engines that is a big consideration as well. I would assume these are outboard boats and depending on the year and brand of outboards, there are some that you want to stay away from and other that are more desireable.

[No Keepers]

Thank you for your replies Gentlemen.

My wife is not into boating, just me and my son. The Welcraft has a 150 Yamaha, while the other two have a 115 Yamaha. I know the 115 is a little under powered. Should that make my decision? I currently have a 17 foot center console, so I'm use to getting wet. Just want something a little larger that can go out front. Right now I hardly pass the candle sticks, except for a really nice day.

[MrAC1980]

If you currently have a 17ft then I don't think it'll be worth just stepping up to an 18ft. In short order you're going to want even bigger and in a few years you're going to find yourself back in this same position. I'd rec taking a look at some similar models in the 19-21ft range with 150-200hp outboards. There are some great deals around if you keep your eyes open. If you tell us what your honest budget is we may be able to make some suggestions for you.

[Gerry Zagorski]

If you currently have a 17ft then I don't think it'll be worth just stepping up to an 18ft. In short order you're going to want even bigger and in a few years you're going to find yourself back in this same position. I'd rec taking a look at some similar models in the 19-21ft range with 150-200hp outboards. There are some great deals around if you keep your eyes open. If you tell us what your honest budget is we may be able to make some suggestions for you.

I'm with AC ^^^^

And yes, I would go with as much power as possible. Nothing worse than an unpowered boat, especially when it gets rough. I've always been told you should have at least 75% of the max horsepower the hull is rate for.

[No Keepers]

Thank you Gentlemen.

Would like to spend around $15,000 but could go up to $20,000 without getting the look from my wife. Anything above that, I don't know. Also I would like a trailer and a Yammie. My mechanic works on all engines but really knows Yamaha's.

[Gerry Zagorski]

I think you are on the right track with the Yammie.... 4 stroke would be best, some of the newer technology 2 Stroke HDPIs had issues and you almost cant kill their older 2 strokes.

Whatever you decide on make sure and have your offer pending a survey from a Marine Surveyor or your Mechanic. It's money well spent.

[Suckafish]

15 or 20 can get you a lot theses days you just have to shop a little try boat traders and as jerry said get them surveyed. My last boat was a twenty ft mako with a Johnson 115 and that puppy moved. So a 18 or 19 ft with a one fifty should do everything and anything close to shore. Seriously though shop around and I will looked also I bought my 2004 26 ft angler cc with twin 150 mercs with low hours for 25 ( best money I ever spent) so shop and shop you will find something good luck Pete

[fin_s_guy]

http://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68581

I'm sure you saw this....but this is a solid deal on an entry level boat. Palm Beach boats are well made and this one is set up to go. Get a couple years out of her and get your feet wet. You could probably sell her for as much as you paid with proper maintenance.

If I were looking, I'd buy this in a heartbeat!

[hartattack]

Another great buy from a great NJF guy :)

http://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67734

[Capt. Debbie]

I might differ a bit on this.

Buying smaller than you want is frankly as waste of money. You're disappointed with the boat from day 1 and waiting to move up.

Frankly put you learn the boat your on, it's not theory. It's learning that boat. And it is very very unlikely you will get anywhere near what you paid for it. Don't get your hopes up there. It may happen with a dopey desparate seller. But not very likely. Boats are poor investments on holding value even if you leave it in a garage and never used it.

And yes I do like Palm Beaches too. Very not frills hardy CC boat. A fishing boat.

Any chance of wifey to watch fireworks? Then you need a pee closet. :)





http://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68581

I'm sure you saw this....but this is a solid deal on an entry level boat. Palm Beach boats are well made and this one is set up to go. Get a couple years out of her and get your feet wet. You could probably sell her for as much as you paid with proper maintenance.

If I were looking, I'd buy this in a heartbeat!

[fin_s_guy]

That's what I meant more or less. He is looking at 18-20' boats and starting out on the water. Learning the boat is the first lesson. Learning the waters, trailering, launching, maintenance, reading GPS, weather conditions, boating etiquette...etc. There's A LOT to learn.

For $5000.00 you get the boat, motor, and trailer. What's not to like about that?
You dont have to be a woman to know when on the water and you have to go...you go! :D It's the red ring of shame. AKA....Bucket Ring! Haha!!!

He could always go bigger later.

[Bass_Appeal]

15-20k budget can get u a nice 21-23 ft center in this economy ...keep ur eyes out , dont rush into buying something just to get outnon the water i looked for almost a year prior to buying mine . check the fisherman for classifieds , boat trader , craigslist , ebay .... deals are out there just need to fined them. my buddy just got the deal of the century , 1000.00 for 2000 seaswirl striper ,150 ocean runner all in great shape...boat was worth 10-11 on nada ...he even got a trailer in perfect condition ...with the sale ...will u get that kind of deal prob Not but tje deals are out there keep your eyes peeled

[dory24]

i saw a 23 or 24 pursuit, late 80's or early to mid 90's on mantaloking road the other day.it was a straight inboard with tons of room and a small front cuddy if I saw it right. the boat was immaculate and hull was in good shape. the reliability of a straight inboard is comfort most wont know on a smaller boat like mine, also a 24 foot inboard, and yes the extra room and length really wont hinder you going solo. take it from some one who goes solo all the time the extra 2 or 3 feet make a huge difference in comfort and security.

[Katie'sKatch]

I bought a 2005 pioneer 197 sport fish last year I also had a 17' skiff these are great boats. I also looked at a lot of the boats u are looking at I have the boat at atlantic highlands if u would like too check it out. It has a 150 optimax on it lots of power great in bad weather. Theses boats have great reviews check out pioneerboatowners.com great site. We fish with 5 of us some times lots of room and the family loves it. Good luck with your choice.

[No Keepers]

Thank you Gentlemen for the advise. I really appreciate the listings and I will not rush into anything. However, with the amount of money I'm planning to spend, I'm looking for something less then 10 years old.

I will also start looking for a larger boat. But I don't want to go to big. I believe the cost of running and maintaining a boat has a direct relationship with its size. I have had my 17' cc for 10 yaers and really love the boat. But it has limitations. Right now it costs me $60 in gas per trip and I don't think twice about going out 2 to 3 times a week. However, if that moves over $100, I might have second thoughts. I was hoping to hear from people who have been on the types of boats I was looking at and hear if they are capable of making a run to the rocks on an average day.

[Suckafish]

Anything really under twenty ft you would have to pick ur days. my 26 ft with twin150 will get 2 mpg so they don't burn to much. maintenance is a different story two motors is double a single motor really no matter the size is still same maintenance I would recommend at least a twenty ft boat for the Money your spending and if you would like to explore a little more of the ocean side. As someone said you don't want to keep upgrading get something you can use everywhere. I'm not saying it's a good idea but I've seen single motor 22 ft boats in the canyons stupid yes but shows they can do a lot again good luck pete

[Life of Riley]

I don't know if this helps you, but I had a 22 ft. Keylargo WA with a 150 Yamaha 2 stroke. (2002). Took many trips around the Hook in some fairly snotty conditions. The boat handled the conditions well at 18-22 mph. It cruised at 22-24 mph at 4000 RPM and burned about 8 gallons/hr. A 4 stoke will give you better performance. I now own a 23' Tidewater w/ a 250 Yamaha that burns around 9-10 gph at 4000 RPM and cruises at 27-30 MPH. My personal opinion and comfort level would be a boat in the 22-24 foot range with a high freeboard. I think this size range would allow you to fish on days that are a little sporty and still feel safe.
I hope this helps. Good luck on your search.

John

[shrimpman steve]

Picked up my 19 foot polar (my first boat) for $5000 with trailer and motor. Boat and motor are 2004. Love it. This is my second season with it. I take it outside the hook often. The boat has high gunnels and a nice size beam for a 19 footer. I even had it out to the SRR once (18 miles out). The nice thing with the 19 is I can trailer and launch in different places. Also nice to work on her in the back yard. Great size to learn a the basics and I learned quick. Still learning but having fun while doing it.