Gonna be in the market for an upgrade soon

[Andys Delight]

I was planning on upgrading to a bigger, better boat next season.  The V20 has served me well, but I am soon going to have the means to upgrade and would rather have a bigger boat that handles better and can fit more people. 

My budget is up to $30k, and obviously I will be buying used.  I will definitely be getting a marine survey on anything I really am interested in as well.  I wanted to wait till next season, but the used boat market is really favoring the buyer so much right now that I think it makes sense to go ahead and do it this season.  So far the best prices I have seen are in "The Fisherman" news publication classifieds.  I really don't want to deal with the craigslist nonsense if I don't have to. 

I am extremely partial to Grady White's, but willing to look at anything.  The most "perfect" boat I have ever seen for my needs was actually a Tru World Marine that's docked up by the Clam Hut.  It's like a perfect marriage of center console and walkaround cuddy, but I'm sure that would be out of my price range.  I much prefer a walkaround over a CC, especially because I have a young son that likely will need a place to hide from the elements from time to time.  I also think I would prefer outboard over I/O, but willing to look at both.  If you guys know of any good places to look for used boats around the bay I certainly would appreciate the advice.  Also, if you don't mind telling me what model you have and any pro's and con's that you experience.  Optimal size I'm looking for is 23'-27'.

[Luna Sea 5]

you will love the grady and more then fits that price range, used.

[BeN F]

There is a nice Grady for sale at my marina I don't know what he wants for it I'll snap a picture for u when I go down there

[Tacklebox Joe]

i too am in the market. I own a grady now..great boat. Don't hesitate to look out of state such as DE, MD, NC, SC and even GA,FL. The prices down there are cheaper than NJ right now. I'm just waiting on a buyer for my boat. There is a nice 2002 28' Sea Fox Walkaround that i'm keeping my eye on down in GA. 

[Maritime Matt]

i too am in the market. I own a grady now..great boat. Don't hesitate to look out of state such as DE, MD, NC, SC and even GA,FL. The prices down there are cheaper than NJ right now. I'm just waiting on a buyer for my boat. There is a nice 2002 28' Sea Fox Walkaround that i'm keeping my eye on down in GA. 

Stay away from Sea Fox. They may be a better boat now but back then... I just did my neighbors. 04 257 Fox c/c. He bought it down south somewhere. Whoever rigged this thing should be shot.
 
Here goes: Mercs 150hp. Carbed. A good thing.
Motors are 20" shafts. Both tilt units are almost completely under water. They have already been replaced/fixed by some other place/person. It should have a single 250 25" in the center.

Non-counter rotation Port Motor. The steering torgue is unreal even with hydraulic.

They used a splashwell mounted steering cylinder and mounted it wrong. It gets better!! 1 1/2 turns to Port and 4 turns to Starboard. Great rigging job.
Wiring: Horrendous
Should I keep going?
This is real stuff. I know I would not own one.
Capt.Matt

[IrishAyes]

Matt, would that be a reflexion of the boat or the rigger? Or is it be the manufacturer who rigged it? 

[BeN F]

Here's the pictures

[L.T.]

Speaking of non -counter rotating props.  It's a little known fact that the WWII P-38 Lightning twin engine fighter plane, also known as the forked tail devil,  had both engines rotating in the same direction. It was a real bear for rookie pilots to handle.

[Maritime Matt]

Matt, would that be a reflexion of the boat or the rigger? Or is it be the manufacturer who rigged it? 
In this instance I would say the dealer who rigged it. Probably had left over motors laying around and needed a way to move'em.
Even if rigged right, there are better choices. Many of these off shoot boat brands are molds and hulls of companies that are gone or changed their hull design, and then sell the old stuff to a company that puts a new name out there. I noticed a few years back, Sea Foxes were rigged with Suzukis. Now it looks like its Yamahas. Quick change of motor companies. Grady White and Pursuit have been with Yamaha forever. How about Stamas? One of the few family owned boat companies still around producing a good product.
Speaking of Stamas, I have a customer selling a 25' with twin e-tecs. Real nice boat. He is moving up a bit bigger.

[Andys Delight]

Here's the pictures

Hot damn that's exactly what I'm looking for.  Now just hoping he doesn't sell by the end of August and I just might be in luck assuming it's in good shape.  Thanks Ben!

[Andys Delight]

Also, any input on Cobia Boats?  I have a 2001 27' WA with twim Yammy 150 SX lined up for a possible look see that is in my price range. 

[Luna Sea 5]

Here's the pictures

what year? what size?  sweat ride..

[BeN F]

I dono any of the details I think it's a 27 never spoke to the guy I just see it when I walk to my boat it is in great shape

[Andys Delight]

Gonna give him a call, though my gut tells me that's gonna be well out of range.  If that's a 27' in good shape, and seems fairly new......... 

[BeN F]

See what he says you never know

[Andys Delight]

See what he says you never know

Just called him.  It's def out of my range.  Damn that's a nice boat 

[BeN F]

how much does he want

[Andys Delight]

$38k. 

[IrishAyes]

Your budget is 30 and he wants 38...a good salesman would have put you in the driver's seat in a heart beat. 

[Andys Delight]

Your budget is 30 and he wants 38...a good salesman would have put you in the driver's seat in a heart beat. 

I think it's a matter of strong wills colliding.  At least on my end.  I have placed the $30k limit on myself.  I'm not budging over it.  He understandably wasn't gonna drop $8k from the price, that's significant.  Whether the boat was worth $38k is debatable, but I certainly can't claim it isn't without seeing it.