the force
Crew Member
Yep, another boat thread and a long one at that...but hey 'winter is coming' I know there are at least a few on hear that have struggled through this contemplation.
I've been scoping out used boats for quite a while now, currently planning to make a purchase in the first 8 months of 2026. I am currently in a 23' x 8'6 aluminum sterndrive and would like to go slightly larger and ideally to an o/b. I live in the interior so winterizing needs to be simple (I don't like the risk of freeze damage and feel I miss out on some shoulder season with the I/O). The boat is trailered everywhere so 8'6 max and less than 8000lbs loaded with gear on the trailer.
Usage: Family of 5, ideal year looks like 4 day trips to local lakes cruising, tubing and fishing (shuswap), a couple local 2-night boat camping trips, a week long boys fishing trip to the island or central coast (self-sufficient sleeping on the boat), a 10 day island trip with the fam and in-laws (variety of day trips and 2-3 day excursion), and a 3 day trip to sandheads sleeping on the boat again. Most of our use is fair weather, though when on the island we are bound to whatever weather is present.
Hull: My preference is aluminum, as they are lighter for the size, better for beaching (do this often in the interior lake) and less prone to rot/freeze-thaw damage however, for the amount I'm willing to spend I will likely go glass. Glass boats seem to have better lay-out for what i'm after, they are warmer (lots of bare feet), quiter, ride well, more commonly self-bailing and clean easy. I just need to keep the weight reasonable.
Layout: Ideally ability to sleep 3 adults comfortably, I'm starting to accept sleeping our family of 5 is unlikely to be reasonable. Decent sized cuddy (but not with the sink and stove in the cuddy, that is not logical in my mind), hard-top (precip resistance, ability to carry paddleboards/traps out of the way and option for heat) and likely an open cabin back (better for fishing, solo docking, communicating, enjoying nice weather and tubing. Ability to have a slope back canvas for trailering and sleeping on deck?).
Power: Ideally a single O/B, 200-300hp tied to a kicker with rear helm (or at least rear steer), in my mind the extra effort and maintenance of twins isn't worth it. I would only consider an i/o if the engine and outdrive were essentially new, with full freshwater cooling (needs to be easy to winterize) and easy maintenance (remote oil filter, etc).
Trailer: Pretty sure I want bunks as they are easier but not actually sure for a 25' boat...does it matter? Being able to solo load is important (i've been doing this for 15 years).
So, assessed options thus far:
Top candidate: Monaro 255/257 (24 would also work), nice ride, open back and not too heavy. Close considerations, Campion 682 or EX24 style without the small galley in cuddy. I also like the NorthCoast 235 @barkerfam what's the review?? (though not many older hulls and likely out of my price range).
Dream boat: Hewescraft Pacific Crusier 240, 26' Almar Sounder, Weldcraft cuddy king 240 or Kingfisher 2525 (cuddy a bit small)...can't justify $120-180k for a (well) used one, and the more I think about the full aslaska cabin may not be ideal (Nice to lock up and walk away but seldom leave a boat moored).
Other considerations:
Trophy 2359 - liked the idea though i/o, not as functional for fishing with rear bulk-head and a bit heavy.
Seasport 2400 or Seawest - on the heavy side and rear bulkhead
Tomcat 24 - seriously considered one of these for the functional interior/space and reasonable weight. Twins and ease of trailering were negatives
Striper 2301 or trophy 2502 alaska cab - too heavy and seating not ideal for >2ppl (less ideal layout)
Steiger Craft Miami 255 - nice layout but too heavy
Grady stlye - don't like the layout/lack of alaska cab
Double eagle 206 - like these boats but just too small
Others I should watch for? Any holes in my logic or suggestions? Currently I have more time then $$ so will be waiting for a good deal or ideal platform, I can run my current boat one more season if need be. Sorry for the long winded post, though this helps me to crystalize wants and needs. All input welcome.
I've been scoping out used boats for quite a while now, currently planning to make a purchase in the first 8 months of 2026. I am currently in a 23' x 8'6 aluminum sterndrive and would like to go slightly larger and ideally to an o/b. I live in the interior so winterizing needs to be simple (I don't like the risk of freeze damage and feel I miss out on some shoulder season with the I/O). The boat is trailered everywhere so 8'6 max and less than 8000lbs loaded with gear on the trailer.
Usage: Family of 5, ideal year looks like 4 day trips to local lakes cruising, tubing and fishing (shuswap), a couple local 2-night boat camping trips, a week long boys fishing trip to the island or central coast (self-sufficient sleeping on the boat), a 10 day island trip with the fam and in-laws (variety of day trips and 2-3 day excursion), and a 3 day trip to sandheads sleeping on the boat again. Most of our use is fair weather, though when on the island we are bound to whatever weather is present.
Hull: My preference is aluminum, as they are lighter for the size, better for beaching (do this often in the interior lake) and less prone to rot/freeze-thaw damage however, for the amount I'm willing to spend I will likely go glass. Glass boats seem to have better lay-out for what i'm after, they are warmer (lots of bare feet), quiter, ride well, more commonly self-bailing and clean easy. I just need to keep the weight reasonable.
Layout: Ideally ability to sleep 3 adults comfortably, I'm starting to accept sleeping our family of 5 is unlikely to be reasonable. Decent sized cuddy (but not with the sink and stove in the cuddy, that is not logical in my mind), hard-top (precip resistance, ability to carry paddleboards/traps out of the way and option for heat) and likely an open cabin back (better for fishing, solo docking, communicating, enjoying nice weather and tubing. Ability to have a slope back canvas for trailering and sleeping on deck?).
Power: Ideally a single O/B, 200-300hp tied to a kicker with rear helm (or at least rear steer), in my mind the extra effort and maintenance of twins isn't worth it. I would only consider an i/o if the engine and outdrive were essentially new, with full freshwater cooling (needs to be easy to winterize) and easy maintenance (remote oil filter, etc).
Trailer: Pretty sure I want bunks as they are easier but not actually sure for a 25' boat...does it matter? Being able to solo load is important (i've been doing this for 15 years).
So, assessed options thus far:
Top candidate: Monaro 255/257 (24 would also work), nice ride, open back and not too heavy. Close considerations, Campion 682 or EX24 style without the small galley in cuddy. I also like the NorthCoast 235 @barkerfam what's the review?? (though not many older hulls and likely out of my price range).
Dream boat: Hewescraft Pacific Crusier 240, 26' Almar Sounder, Weldcraft cuddy king 240 or Kingfisher 2525 (cuddy a bit small)...can't justify $120-180k for a (well) used one, and the more I think about the full aslaska cabin may not be ideal (Nice to lock up and walk away but seldom leave a boat moored).
Other considerations:
Trophy 2359 - liked the idea though i/o, not as functional for fishing with rear bulk-head and a bit heavy.
Seasport 2400 or Seawest - on the heavy side and rear bulkhead
Tomcat 24 - seriously considered one of these for the functional interior/space and reasonable weight. Twins and ease of trailering were negatives
Striper 2301 or trophy 2502 alaska cab - too heavy and seating not ideal for >2ppl (less ideal layout)
Steiger Craft Miami 255 - nice layout but too heavy
Grady stlye - don't like the layout/lack of alaska cab
Double eagle 206 - like these boats but just too small
Others I should watch for? Any holes in my logic or suggestions? Currently I have more time then $$ so will be waiting for a good deal or ideal platform, I can run my current boat one more season if need be. Sorry for the long winded post, though this helps me to crystalize wants and needs. All input welcome.
