First boat decisions, decisions

[Obi-juan de fuca]

Hey guys, I’ve read a few of these threads on here and didn’t want to jump on someone else’s advice thread.

I’m looking at buying my first boat. I live in Victoria and will likely moor it at oak bay marina as I don’t have a tow vehicle currently. Primarily used for fishing and day trips but would like to overnight as well. Family of 4 with young boys. Tall order for a boat under 30’ I bet.
I’ve been checking out Striper 2101’s, trophies, campion explorers etc. I’m wondering if a small cabin cruiser would be better for overnighting. A striper 2601 or bayliner discovery?
My budget is a lot closer to 30k than it is to 60k

Any advice is appreciated. Abuse welcome as well Thanks guys!

Jeff

 

[Eden Island]

I think if you're looking at sleeping 4, a cabin boat is most likely to meet your needs for more than just a year or two. And unless you're going to be at a marina [ie. if you're going to anchor out] you're going to want a galley and head of some sort.

My 23 Hourston will sleep 2 in the v-berth + my daughter from about 4-6 years old. Now the 3rd person sleeps on the galley table berth, and there's room for a 4th on the engine cover, with the cockpit covered by a slope canvas. Diesel stove/heater, sink, head keep the family happy.

There are lots of boats with similar layouts, but my impression is that older boats are more likely to have those amenities. A lot of newer ones seem to be more aimed at day trip fishing and less at overnighting. I'll wait for others to jump in and correct me

 

[Squire]

Although your limited budget comes with some trade-offs there are some boats out there that would suit your needs.

One possibility for example:

28' Bayliner 2858 Ciera - Thunderbird Marine

thunderbirdyachtsales.com

 

[Aquaholic]

Although your limited budget comes with some trade-offs there are some boats out there that would suit your needs.

One possibility for example:

28' Bayliner 2858 Ciera - Thunderbird Marine

thunderbirdyachtsales.com

A sunbridge cruiser design by Bayliner or the same model length by Maxum would also work.

 

[kaelc]

https://www.facebook.com/share/LeLfFemy3XmdcRgb/?mibextid=79PoIi More than you want to spend but sleeping 4 isn’t easy and newer engines will be cheaper in the long run. Also using a trailer to take your boat to a mechanic is cheaper than a haul out often.

 

[MRWood]

https://www.facebook.com/share/LeLfFemy3XmdcRgb/?mibextid=79PoIi More than you want to spend but sleeping 4 isn’t easy and newer engines will be cheaper in the long run. Also using a trailer to take your boat to a mechanic is cheaper than a haul out often.

That would be quite the first boat.

 

[zurk]

cabin cruiser or trawler. go as big as you can. realistically you arent going to be towing that thing anyway.

 

[Obi-juan de fuca]

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Thoughts on this one?

 

[Obi-juan de fuca]

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Or this?

 

[Obi-juan de fuca]

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This caught my eye too.

 

[baddogg]

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Thoughts on this one?

Looks well maintained

 

[kaelc]

Do you have a good friend who has owned a moored inboard outboard for 5+ years? It’s worth talking with them about the total cost of ownership. My brother owns few years newer Bayliner ciera without the fly bridge and the nice thing about it is the multiple berths sleeping areas. He keeps it moored in north Saanich much better for getting to the gulf islands Sidney spit Portland island quickly. Way more room on the Cierra than the other two you posted. The cooling system maintenance history is really important for all three. Age of the canvas is important, looks good in the pictures but replacement cost is $$$$. I think my brother has a bigger engine, worth discussing fully loaded performance numbers with the owner.