Boat Recommendations

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

Originally Posted by 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!

[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! 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.