24', $80k Family Boat - Contemplating the RIGHT One

kaelc said:
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2007 Baha cruiser baha

Baha cruiser fishing boat twin 350s 1000 hours on motors runs perfectly ready to fish 27 ft asking $58000
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troublesome motor year and hours, be prepared for a re-power, the new 350's (2023 and up) are the good ones now.

anyone look at this boat? i kind of want to see its condition etc.
 
trophywife said:
troublesome motor year and hours, be prepared for a re-power, the new 350's (2023 and up) are the good ones now.

anyone look at this boat? i kind of want to see its condition etc.
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seabeyond May have checked it out.​

kaelc said:

2007 Baha cruiser baha​

Baha cruiser fishing boat twin 350s 1000 hours on motors runs perfectly ready to fish 27 ft asking $58000
www.facebook.com
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That boat was Tboned and written off before being "fixed". Floor is buckled, condition is terrible. It does look good from a distance.
 
trophywife said:
troublesome motor year and hours, be prepared for a re-power, the new 350's (2023 and up) are the good ones now.

anyone look at this boat? i kind of want to see its condition etc.
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Very rough shape. This was a guide boat in Ukee (hank's boat). It was hit on the starboard side of the house by a grady in the fog circa 2017. It was a write off but didnt sink. It was repaired (ish), new power hung, and put back into service by someone. Floor is buckled, the cap is very rough. The hull has little to no value. As you noted, those 350s don't have much value either. It's just a mess.
 
seabeyond said:
Very rough shape. This was a guide boat in Ukee (hank's boat). It was hit on the starboard side of the house by a grady in the fog circa 2017. It was a write off but didnt sink. It was repaired (ish), new power hung, and put back into service by someone. Floor is buckled, the cap is very rough. The hull has little to no value. As you noted, those 350s don't have much value either. It's just a mess.
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thank you.
 
kaelc said:
What are you running now? C-dory Venture 23, Cruiser 25 and venture 26 would all check the boxes. You can get them with full canvas to sleep two in the cockpit.
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I’m in a 23’ Sylvan Offshore Fisherman. 25 Cruiser or 26 Venture would work, though a bit more deadrise would be preferred. I’m not sure how much more deadrise the venture has?
Eden Island said:
Larger boats need a suitable tow vehicle and a good ramp but other than that I've found solo launching my 23 @ 7700 lbs with trailer to be not that different than my 16 @ 600 lbs. One I could tow with a Rabbit, the other needs a 3/4 ton.
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Yep will keep an eye for the Hourston as well.

I agree I’ve done enough solo launching to date with my 23… I can manage it fine although I do appreciate being able to drag an aluminium up on the rocks when beach launching. I’m not sure I would be able to pull a 7000lb out of beach launching (i.e cougar creek which I’ll boat to next time)?
 
zurk said:
anything above 21' is a pain to tow and launch. and if its a pain to tow and launch youre going to use it less.
for 5 people i wouldnt do anything less than a 40' if you want comfort.
and youre not going to get anywhere near that if you want to use it on lakes for watersports.
so im gonna go against the grain here and recommend this in 21' - https://sea-doo.brp.com/ca/en/models/pontoons/cruising/switch-cruise.html
easy to launch, has a full watersports package, if you want to overnight just get sleeping bags and the camper enclosure option with porta potty/changing room popup option. slap on the BBQ table option to cook and get the linq cooler to store cold stuff. biggest deck space you can get - even bigger than a 24'. and you can buy it new with warranty for less than your budget. plus it will accommodate a livewell and all the fishing options you can imagine. the LinQ system is brilliant.
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These are cool boats, I have a friend that lives river front here and has been considering getting one. I might consider if it was strictly a Shuswap boat, but that’s not the case. Need to be able to hunt down those west coast fish!!
 
Buy the boat you really need to start. Probably bigger than you are looking at now. Used boats actually seem to be a decent investment especially if it's metal. I paid 90k for mine 2 years old and it has definitely appreciated.
 
the force said:
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.
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Hi The Force!

I feel your pain! It's great that you have specific needs in mind. I've owned the northcoast 235HT for 18 months now so can give replieas to your wants.

First, there are VERY few NorthCoasts on the west coast! The new price is around $140k USD - before adding electronics, kicker, etc. I think the only place to find used will be on the east coast.

I can fish 5 easily and even spent a week at nootka with 6 adults on the boat. Surprisingly doable. Dance floor is huge. Can seat 4 easily and 6 with some squish in the dry. I slept on the boat (6'2") for that week. would NOT be able to sleep two at my height in the cuddy. Sleeping 3 adults in thhe cuddy would not be possible unsless modifactions to boat or bodies were done. In general, this is not a boat that is setup for living aboard - at least for more than 1!

Tubing would have to be done from the transoms hold downs. it does not have a ski or tow pole.

It can handle any weather. really. the hardtop and glass are awesome. One of my wants was to have an open back of the helm. I love it. Have ot used the drop down curtain yet.

The hull is great for trolling - 10 degrees at the transom making it very stable at slow speeds. The bow has a very sharp angle so needs to be down when cruising. cruises at 26 mph in 2' chop comfortably and at 2.7-3.0 MPG depending on our load. I have the yamaha 250 as main. No problem at all even with 6 adullts and full gear from gold river to the lighthouse.

Bunks on the trailer. best loaded by powering up. Easily done solo.

After 2+ years of searching, I am happy with my decision. It met most of my needs. Not sure it will meet yours due o your desire to sleep multiple people on the boat. They could all EASILY fot on the dance floor! But you'd need to rig an awning or something to keep them dry.

Hope this helps. If you have other questions fire away!

Howard

Some friends on the dancefloor!
IMG_8886.jpeg
 
barkerfam said:
Hi The Force!

I feel your pain! It's great that you have specific needs in mind. I've owned the northcoast 235HT for 18 months now so can give replieas to your wants.

First, there are VERY few NorthCoasts on the west coast! The new price is around $140k USD - before adding electronics, kicker, etc. I think the only place to find used will be on the east coast.

I can fish 5 easily and even spent a week at nootka with 6 adults on the boat. Surprisingly doable. Dance floor is huge. Can seat 4 easily and 6 with some squish in the dry. I slept on the boat (6'2") for that week. would NOT be able to sleep two at my height in the cuddy. Sleeping 3 adults in thhe cuddy would not be possible unsless modifactions to boat or bodies were done. In general, this is not a boat that is setup for living aboard - at least for more than 1!

Tubing would have to be done from the transoms hold downs. it does not have a ski or tow pole.

It can handle any weather. really. the hardtop and glass are awesome. One of my wants was to have an open back of the helm. I love it. Have ot used the drop down curtain yet.

The hull is great for trolling - 10 degrees at the transom making it very stable at slow speeds. The bow has a very sharp angle so needs to be down when cruising. cruises at 26 mph in 2' chop comfortably and at 2.7-3.0 MPG depending on our load. I have the yamaha 250 as main. No problem at all even with 6 adullts and full gear from gold river to the lighthouse.

Bunks on the trailer. best loaded by powering up. Easily done solo.

After 2+ years of searching, I am happy with my decision. It met most of my needs. Not sure it will meet yours due o your desire to sleep multiple people on the boat. They could all EASILY fot on the dance floor! But you'd need to rig an awning or something to keep them dry.

Hope this helps. If you have other questions fire away!

Howard

Some friends on the dancefloor!
View attachment 122509
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Awesome. Thanks for the detail Barkerfam, appreciate you reading through my long post and hitting on all these points! There is actually a 2017 for sale in Washington currently, that I’ve been watching for a couple months… $95k usd. Will continue to watch it as we approach Christmas.

Only remaining question is about the freeeboard, no concerns?

The pic is priceless, money well spent.
 
Samnjoe said:
Buy the boat you really need to start. Probably bigger than you are looking at now. Used boats actually seem to be a decent investment especially if it's metal. I paid 90k for mine 2 years old and it has definitely appreciated.
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I hear you, and have heard this before… I like to hope the more extreme Covid boatflation was a one time thing though yeah nothing is getting cheaper. I’m trying to envision/find a boat for the next 10years but man life changes as kids grow and hard to say which way we’ll go.
 
the force said:
I hear you, and have heard this before… I like to hope the more extreme Covid boatflation was a one time thing though yeah nothing is getting cheaper. I’m trying to envision/find a boat for the next 10years but man life changes as kids grow and hard to say which way we’ll go.
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If you can swing it get a boat the fam can sleep on. That's how my kids grew up and now it's my grandkids.
Saves you a ton on accomodations.
 
the way i see it there are 2 types of boats - dayboats and yearboats. if you get a dayboat youre not going to be able to sleep comfortably on it. but you can tow it and explore areas which would be inaccessible to a larger boat. you can get a yearboat which is 10+ tons and needs a tractor trailer to tow where you can spend months on board in comfort. the rest of the boats fall somewhere in between. all boats are a compromise. the main question is what sort of a boat you want. for the PNW i would get a dayboat if you want to putter around the coastline. if you want to spend your kids holidays on board etc i would get a yearboat - like a 40-60' nordhavn trawler or something which can handle PNW weather, has HVAC for heat/aircon and can comfortably accommodate sleeping / cooking etc on board for months. best way to go is of course to own both. but its twice the headache and 10X the cost. if you can handle it though thats the way to go. if you spend 3-4+ months on board your yearboat and 3+ months using your dayboat then the way i see it is thats it worth owning. if you dont then not so much. 25% annual utilization of a vehicle is pretty decent from an economical standpoint. The average driver does 600 hours or 12,000 miles annually on their car. 600/8=75 working days of use annually or 2.5 months of 8 hour days which is basically slightly less than 25% annual utilization and above the 16-20% annual depreciation.
 
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I know a lot of people on here have a hate on for Kingfishers but.... My wife and I spend 6 weeks a year living on our 2825. Huge cuddy and double dinette bed. Fridge Wallas stove Espar heat and hot water. We have slept 4 adults on the boat and you could do 2 adults and 3 kids in a pinch. Floating camper.
 
the force said:
Awesome. Thanks for the detail Barkerfam, appreciate you reading through my long post and hitting on all these points! There is actually a 2017 for sale in Washington currently, that I’ve been watching for a couple months… $95k usd. Will continue to watch it as we approach Christmas.

Only remaining question is about the freeeboard, no concerns?

The pic is priceless, money well spent.
Click to expand...
The freeboard is great. No problems at all.

Oh, didn't mention the scuppers. Becasuse of the boat design, they don't work great - meaning if you are standing in the aft corner, you probably have water around your feet. They drain fine, but on drift (halibut) you will have water. Might try the ping pong ball scuppers this year.

hb
 
I owned a C-Dory Tomcat 24.5' and it was great for my family of four and towed and launched just fine. The cat essentially gives a queen sized bed up front and the layout was pretty dialed. It was hard to beat for ride quality and fuel efficiency. The main negative is the boat doesn't sit up quite high enough so you get some tunnel slap while trolling and at rest. It would also be tricky to sleep five unless you canvass the cockpit and sleep someone on a cot out there.
 
barkerfam said:
The freeboard is great. No problems at all.

Oh, didn't mention the scuppers. Becasuse of the boat design, they don't work great - meaning if you are standing in the aft corner, you probably have water around your feet. They drain fine, but on drift (halibut) you will have water. Might try the ping pong ball scuppers this year.

hb
Click to expand...
Mine has external covers that prevent water from coming in the scupper drains in a forward direction, however, if I ever have to back up to chase something down or whatever the reason, it is a scoop. More so with 3 guys at the stern.

Scupper.jpg
 
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