Best boat for me?

[Kevin]

Hello, im looking for a nice boat that i could take my parents on and go out to the local reefs about 5-8 miles with and still fish in the manasqaun river with, i currently own a 24 express, but i blew up the outdrive, and i just dont like that boat anymore, it doesn't fit my needs. i was thinking anywhere from 21 to 25ft. center console or walkaround, i like the c/c becuase i can dock it my self, and its more manuverable, BUT i like cabins, so i can over night. decisions, decisions. im sure ill end up with a c/c theyre cheaper too. and i have the Angela Rose to go deepwater fishing with (dang good rough water boat). obviuosly im just a teenager, so i can spend 50,000$ my limit is around 10,000 to 20,000, are theyre any brands to stay away from , any suggestions?  thanks guys             

[CapBob]

While a center console is a great serious fishing boat, I would go with the walk around, had the basic space for the little women and kids to get out of the sun/weather...

Would also stick with an Outboard Yamaha or Suzuki........if your going to take the trips off shore I would go with a 24' minimum.

Lots of good boats out there, Grady White is a great Rough Sea boat as is a Parker, and they are also shallow enough draft for the rivers...........for the price range you are at you can get a real goos used boat, now is the time to buy

[mboy]

A good used 24' Grady or Parker for 10-20k 
maybe from the early-mid '80's to early 90's, but then you are most likely dealing with a 20 year old engine.

I would look for more of a mid tier type boat like a Seahunt, Seaswirl, or even a Trophy in your price range for a used WA circa mid-late 90's.

CC would not be ideal to take your parents out in (and I own one).

[rugman]

talk to catfish ,he is selling a bran new sea boss

[Kevin]

yeah i was going to look for a used 80's parker pilot or c/c or a mid tier boat also, im going to repower, and repaint etc. im going to marine trades invocational for school, so ill bring it in there, and throw a new motor on it, thanks also, i was looking at a 96 pro-line cc for 14,000 with a t-top, not bad, will think about it.

[CapBob]

Yeah a good used Grady for 20-30K, the one I have now I bought 3 yrs ago (24' boat a 1992 and 225 Yamaha 1999) and is pristine for $26K.......like anything that is worth getting, you have to know what you are doing and take the time to search........

Anything worth doing is worth doing right

[mboy]

His budget as stated is 10-20k which means it is most likely closer to the 15k, then it is to 26k tho
Lots of nice 24' boats in the 25-30k range, not so in the 10-20k range.

Not saying it ain't possible, but a 24' Grady with newerish engine is going to be pretty tough and something like that under 20k would get snatched up pretty darn quick (maybe even by me,lol).

[CapBob]

Searching hard, and making contacts, and the right place at the right time......

Secret is to know what you want, look for it and not get all hot in the pants over something

[wb]

I'm partial to the Gradys too but they do get snatched up if they're any good at all. I got a sweet deal on mine with new canvas for $15K-- similar to Capt. Bob's but no hardtop or radar. The Grady WA's are really set up with fishing in mind- built like a brick sh!*haus and more cockpit room than many boats larger in size (and price)-- plus a spot to get out of the sun if needed. Best points are worth repeating- know what you want and don't be afraid to dig around and be patient.

[Ruger314]

Some one who already owns a boat. chip in for cost of a trip!! less headaches..

Be patient and search for one during the off season.. best deals.. or try yatch world

[Luna Sea 5]

wait for the winter boat shows, you can get a great deal especially on a floor model.  They rather sell it then ship it back to the dealer.