Thinking about a boat

[ChrisL]

Well dreaming about a boat is more like it.
In the next year or so I'd like to try to get a boat if things go well.
Growing up we had a 16ft aluminum v hull with an outboard.  We mostly used it for fluking Raritan Bay.  Something along those lines is all I need.  Maybe a center console. 
I'm not looking to venture out front at this point, just bays and rivers.

Problem is, I don't know much about boats.  So I'm looking for a little guidance/advise.  I know I can on you guys to point me in the right direction.
Anything I should be looking for or avoid as far as brands, style,s etc.
What should   look out for when looking at used boats and motors?
For a small simple boat, is insurance necessary?

[Takes Prizoners]

wait for the boats shows to come up. If you're looking into a used boat, better to spend the coin and get someone to do an inspection on it along with a long sea trial.  As for style and size, that all is going to depend on where you want to use it.  I started with an 18' runabout and found it was really too small for 3 people, a cooler, and a bait bucket.  Moved up to 25'.  Insurance is always good to have.  If you're going to slip it, the marina is probably going to require insurance.  Even if trailering, I'm pretty sure the boat wouldn't be covered on the road with your auto insurance.  It's not as expensive as car insurance.  Atleast for me anyway.

[ChrisL]

Definitely be trailering it.  And launching at local ramps.  Mostly in Barneget Bay, Manasquan River and Toms River.  Maybe an occasional trip to Raritan Bay or down to S. Jersey. 
Looking to be able to go for fluke, bass, blues and crabbing in the above mentioned areas.   Mostly solo trips or me and the wife. 

Does boats insurance usually just cover damage & loss or also cover liability like auto insurance?

[wb]

Ya Sista's A$$ has liability insurance thru my Homeowners policy. It's reasonable. I recommend it highly, especially if you own a house. Thankfully I haven't needed it yet.

[bassnblues]

I'm also looking for something like that next year.

Definitly take it for a trial. Aluminum boats are riveted and are prone to leak. The only small welded aluminum that I know of is Starweld which is a division of Starcraft.

As far as brands go, IMO, Lund, Starcraft and Duranautic are the best Aluminum boats.

 

[Takes Prizoners]

I don't remember much about the insurance.  I do remember I choose to cover fishing equipment to $5k.  All in all, I paid about $1k for the year.  When I get working again, I'm downsizing to a 20'. 25 is too big for me alone

[Andys Delight]

My recommendation is buy a used boat first.  Reasons:

1:  You're learning in this thing.  All those dings and smacks into docks, into the trailer, etc will look a whole lot worse on a new boat.  Andy's Delight I had a ton of battle scars from my "lessons".  

2:  You're very likely to realize the boat is not what you want in a couple years.  No matterhow many times you look at different boats, only real world on the water experience is going to tell you what you really want and you're probably not gonna have it all on your first boat.  Andy's Delight I lasted about 2 years for me before I realized what I really wanted and upgraded.  

3:  You'll be far more likely to get your hands dirty in a used boat, meaning if the engine has troubles you can take it on yourself instead of just submit to warranty.  Now this may seem ridiculous because a newer boat may not present problems and obviously not having to deal with fixing it yourself is nice, but keep in mind getting your hands dirty is how you learn.  Years ago when I joined this site I didn't really know how to do squat on a boat.  Now today I can do pretty much anything my boat needs from electrical, fiberglass, and engine short of cylinder work.  It's nice to know things about how it works because no matter how shiny and new your boat is it WILL do something that needs your attention on the water eventually.  

[Takes Prizoners]

My recommendation is buy a used boat first.  Reasons:

1:  You're learning in this thing.  All those dings and smacks into docks, into the trailer, etc will look a whole lot worse on a new boat.  Andy's Delight I had a ton of battle scars from my "lessons".  

2:  You're very likely to realize the boat is not what you want in a couple years.  No matterhow many times you look at different boats, only real world on the water experience is going to tell you what you really want and you're probably not gonna have it all on your first boat.  Andy's Delight I lasted about 2 years for me before I realized what I really wanted and upgraded.  

3:  You'll be far more likely to get your hands dirty in a used boat, meaning if the engine has troubles you can take it on yourself instead of just submit to warranty.  Now this may seem ridiculous because a newer boat may not present problems and obviously not having to deal with fixing it yourself is nice, but keep in mind getting your hands dirty is how you learn.  Years ago when I joined this site I didn't really know how to do squat on a boat.  Now today I can do pretty much anything my boat needs from electrical, fiberglass, and engine short of cylinder work.  It's nice to know things about how it works because no matter how shiny and new your boat is it WILL do something that needs your attention on the water eventually.  

very true.  the 18' boat i have was bought for 300 with minor engine problems. If I could take pictures of it now, It would break my camera.  2nd time we went out, my buddy ran it into the rocks near the dock.

[Ms Fish]

Solid advice for sure!!! 

[paul-e]

Good luck with your search Chris

[Salty Dog]

Chris ,I have a 16' Starcraft w/25 hp Yamaha .Put new Axle ,bearings and hubs on trailer last year .All runs good .Asking $3,500 or OBO .It's a tiller .Motor is an elec start ,but I never used it ,easy enough to pull start .Comes with other stuff .

[Hunter 2]

    Stews boat is a good bay boat.

I am also partial to the Parker 18' Center Console. It's not too big and will give you the piece of mind if the weather turns for the worse. It's a no frills fishing boat with a shallow draft and a single axle trailer.  An older used one should be pretty cheap.

    You really have to figure out what fits you.  Your a tall guy and low gunnels might not suit you.

Be careful  buying a post storm boat too. It might look great but could have been full of saltwater . Damaged wiring and fuel cells etc..

[Luna Sea 5]

Do not buy new.  You will get a bigger bang for your buck going used and make sure its surveyed.  A good starter size boat, in my opinion, a nice 21-23' class CC.  The reason I say CC is because it will give the beginner boater the space to get to the bow for docking and anchoring purpose.  Once you get used to it, then you can get larger in a few years.  Most beginner boaters will up grade after just 2 years, with that said, don't buy new yet until you know you are at the max size boat you want and completely finished upgrading.

I wouldn't go any smaller then a 21' because, you want to learn how to boat, meaning docking, launching, etc.  Any smaller, you won't get a chance to learn what you need to know.  Example, anyone can launch and fish a 16' rental skiff.  You want to practice on a boat in the 23' class, because once you do learn about a boat that size, going into a 25' upgrade down the road will not be much different.  For me, at the age of 40, I had a 16', 23', 25', 26', 28'. Do you see the pattern?  lol 

I also suggest the fist season, have a skilled boater along with you until you get to know your boat from bow to stern..

[ChrisL]

Chris ,I have a 16' Starcraft w/25 hp Yamaha .Put new Axle ,bearings and hubs on trailer last year .All runs good .Asking $3,500 or OBO .It's a tiller .Motor is an elec start ,but I never used it ,easy enough to pull start .Comes with other stuff .

Something like that is what I had in mind I think.  
Just not in the position to move yet.  I'm in the research phase.  But I'll keep it in mind.  

Motor size is another question I had.  On something like a 16 aluminum, what hp is appropriate?  Is 25hp on the low, middle or high end of the range?

Thanks for all the input fellas.  

[Salty Dog]

Boat is rated for up to 40 HP .With Ben ,myself and all the gear ,cooler with ice and bait etc. ,it'll go 25 mph .I'm really not ready yet ,looking for something in 20' or bigger .Cruise all day on less than 6 gallons .Always carried a small spare can,but only used it when I ran out at the sailboats in Keyport once .

[fellinger]

All sound advise...

Chris:

From those inlets you are 3 miles from great inshore reefs. IF that is something you have in mind avoid the smaller boat. Rule of thumb is buy 2' larger than you think will work. I think a 21' - 23' center console might be good for you. You can do the bay, river for crabs, and still make all the inshore areas.

As far as make, model, etc - get what you LIKE! I bought a brand new 19' Sundance when they first came out (owner was original partner in Carolina Skiff). It had no bells or whistles, cheap as dirt and did exactly what I needed it to and was affordable.

Good luck! Be mindful now if buying in NJ. I am sure there will be some shady people out there trying to sell boats that had been sumerged or lightly damaged that will not tell you about it!

[Luna Sea 5]

buying a 16' boat is nice, but it will limit you to nice days and flat seas.  It will also limit you to the local wrecks and reefs that are very close and an easy run.  If a 16' is all you can afford, hold out and wait for just the right boat for your liking. 

Keep this in mind also.  Even while riding in the bay in a 16' boat while going crabbing, you will get swamped by the larger boats and your day will be miserable. 

In my opinion, 18' and under is strictly for the lakes, 19- - 23' you can enjoy the inshore fishing and able to deal with the boat traffic, 24-28' you can go offshore to the mudhole etc..   Now all you have to do is decide what type of fishing you want to do and then get a boat to match what you do.

[Fishin Dude]

All good advice above. let me throw in my 2 cents worth. Whatever you buy, make sure you get on the water towing insurance from either Boat US or Seatow. Towing fees are outrageous without it.

[ChrisL]

Oh yeah the tow insurance is a definite.  
And I'm definitely looking used not new.

I'll probably look for a boater safety course over the winter so that's out of the way whenever I find something.

I'm a pretty simple guy and like simple things.  I'd be perfectly happy just being able to get around the back waters.  I'm ok with not being able to leave the inlets.  
I'm sure I'll want to upgrade at some point, but that can wait till retirement.  

[BigAl13]

Im also selling my boat. Its a 25' Wellcraft coastal w/ loadrite trailer looking to get 4,500 obo for it