Starter boat shopping questions.

[bulletbob]

I have a 17 aluminum CC and its good in calm water, but it gets bounced pretty bad in a chop...

You are close to the water anywhere in NJ, weight should not be that big a factor in a 17-18 foot boat.. I would buy a clean fiberglass 17-18 CC with a 90/100 HP.. You can't beat an aquasport,older Mako,Wellcraft, and many other builders .. I had a 175 Aquasport Osprey and it laughed at rough water, and was easily trailerable.. $4-5 K will get you a pretty nice rig in NJ if you look around... bob

[Capt. Debbie]

Also keep in mid that certain brands like Boston Whalers or Grady Whites will always cost more than a Mako or Wellcraft or Aquasport .


Also be mindful of that privacy issue for pottie with women. You have to consider it or you're going to get push back.

Originally Posted by bulletbob

I have a 17 aluminum CC and its good in calm water, but it gets bounced pretty bad in a chop...

You are close to the water anywhere in NJ, weight should not be that big a factor in a 17-18 foot boat.. I would buy a clean fiberglass 17-18 CC with a 90/100 HP.. You can't beat an aquasport,older Mako,Wellcraft, and many other builders .. I had a 175 Aquasport Osprey and it laughed at rough water, and was easily trailerable.. $4-5 K will get you a pretty nice rig in NJ if you look around... bob

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Capt. Frank

Also keep in mid that certain brands like Boston Whalers or Grady Whites will always cost more than a Mako or Wellcraft or Aquasport .


Also be mindful of that privacy issue for pottie with women. You have to consider it or you're going to get push back.

I like Whalers but they are overpriced for certain... Can't beat an aquasport.. Rugged as hell, good in a chop, readily available, and not expensive.. Capt frank makes a great point.. if you are going to be taking a woman out fishing/boating regularly, consider something with a cuddy .. most ladies do NOT want to pee in a cup out in the open while fishing, and you'll be selling the CC for a boat with a cabin in very short order... bob

[Charlie B]

The cabin comes in handy for a lot more than just a potti. Lockable storage or a place to duck out of bad weather or change into dry clothes can be mighty nice at times. But it does come at a cost. You do loose some fishing space. Everything on a boat is a compromise. Chose what is important to you...Charlie