On the hunt for a boat

Chummer

Chummer

Member
I’m in the market for a “new to me” boat and I’d like to get some input as I know there’s a ton of experience here. This might be a little long winded as I’ve got some thoughts to get out so bear with me

Right now I have a 1986 17ft arima sea chaser. It’s been a great first boat for me fishing the local waters and gaining some experience. I’ve made the decision to look at getting something else for a couple of reasons
  1. I’d just like something a bit bigger, everyone understands that. I’d also like the ability to spend the night in the cuddy
  2. We somewhat recently moved basically across the street from reed point marina. My current boat is too old to get in there (they have a 30 year old rule)
Currently my boat is dry stored without a trailer. It’s stored a distance from our house and is a bit of a hassle to launch and retrieve. This has made it so we don’t end up using the boat as much as we’d like. Now that we live 1 minute from a marina we would love to get something we could moor there and try to use it as much as possible. Basically really try jumping into the lifestyle and see if we get full use out of it.

I first started looking at the class of boats such as the campion 542 and double eagle 185. I’ve realized I don’t think sleeping in these would be very comfortable (I’m 6’2) and I also wonder if I would immediately have 2 foot itis again since it is not that big of a jump from what I have now. Maybe I’m incorrect in this, I’d love to hear from people who have them. Thinking a step up into the 21-23 ft range may be better

I’ve seen a seaswirl striper 2101 and Wellcraft coastal 232 recently that checked a lot of the boxes I was looking for but they both got snatched up quickly.

The boat will definitely be used for fishing but will also be used to just cruise and explore so some extra comforts are a plus. Basically not looking for a 2 seater. Hard top or full Alaskan cabin are also a big plus to make the boat more comfortable year round. The boat will primarily be used in local Vancouver waters and Howe sound

Looking to stay with outboard power as it’s all I’ve ever known. There definitely are a lot more options in boats that I’ve been seeing with inboard power though, so I am open to hearing peoples experiences. Also primarily looking at fibreglass for ride quality in the size range

Trailerable would be nice. I have the ability to tow around 7000lbs comfortably. This is not an absolute deal breaker for me. In my mind I’d like to be able to tow it to a destination a couple times a year and be able to take it out myself for maintenance and storage at times. But ultimately I would consider trading that for a better option that I couldn’t trailer

I’d like the boat to be as new and good condition as possible (who wouldn’t) but I am realistic about boat prices and my budget. I’ve had experience with dealing with gremlins from previous owners and I would like to avoid as much of that as I can this time around

Lastly I’d like something that will reasonably economical to run. Reed point is long run from most of the fishing grounds so I’m not looking for a monster that will cost $500 every time I take it out

Budget would ideally stay under 60k. It is possible to stretch it a bit more for a really great option but I’d like try to not have that creep. Since I do currently have a boat to use I’m willing to be patient

Sorry for the long winded write up and potentially crazy list. I’ve been doing as much reading as possible of similar threads that have come up over the years and have become addicted to looking at listings. Any recommendations of boats I should be looking at that may fit the bill (or ones I should avoid) are much appreciated. Also any general boat buying tips or listing sites I may not know about would be great.

Thanks in advance for any input and advice
 
Stick to fiberglass boats,you won't find an aluminum that suits you in your budget.Go as big as you can if you plan on over nighting,a 20 ft. boat is pretty small for that.You,ll very likely be looking at 20 year old boats ,hopefully with newer power. It can take a very long time sometimes to find the right boat at a price you can live with.With new outboard prices being what they are ,you want to be sure that you won't need to repower any time soon.It can turn a $30K boat into a $70K boat that you will never recoup the cost.Of course do all the due diligence to inspect for rot or low compression etc..Find a boat that the owner has spent all his money on so you don't have to.
 
At 60k plus, you should have no problem finding a decent boat in the 20-24 ft range, boats cost money to keep going, so don’t be delusional thinking once you buy your done spending, haven’t seen too many of those in the used department
 
brutus said:
At 60k plus, you should have no problem finding a decent boat in the 20-24 ft range, boats cost money to keep going, so don’t be delusional thinking once you buy your done spending, haven’t seen too many of those in the used department
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Absolutely. In no way do I think buying a boat is the end of the spending. Just looking to try to make the best decision I can
 
Most people find that boats up to 24 ft are too small for more than a very occasional overnight. With few exceptions, everything up to that is built to be a day boat. You'll find the occasional hardtop in the 23-24 ft class that can be made to work, but really the features that make overnighting reasonably comfortable don't start to appear until 25 ft and up. If it's just you and spouse, you might get away with something 22-23, ft but you'll be doing some DIY to add items like fridge, sink, etc.

The other issue is power. You're going to find mostly I/O power as the budget/size equation drives you into older hulls. Outboard power was rare in those size classes in that era because reliable large outboards in the 250-300 hp range were only just starting to hit the market. Certainly, take the time to seek out a hull set up for OB power; the engine/s will be older, but repowering will be cheaper than podding an I/O hull.

There are several threads on this board detailing the journey from buying an older inboard hull with failed power all the way through to splashing a minty podded rig hung with new outboards. Pro is you know you have reliable power and sound transom and stringers, cons are you spent a lot of cash to get that work done.
 
@sly_karma thanks for the write up. I know it might not be realistic to have a boat of that size that to comfortably sleep in it. The majority of the time would likely be tied up in a marina somewhere so I’m not expecting to have a full kitchen set up. Maybe if things go well and we are loving it that would be on the list for a future upgrade. The sleeping set up may be something that move down the priority list as time goes on but right now I’m still dreaming. Choices to be made, no perfect boat at my price point

SpringVelocity said:
Whatever you do just don't get any boat with inboard power. I speak from experience. From owning one for years before re podded to outboard I don't recommend them to anyone.;)
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Honestly the perfect answer I needed to hear. I didn’t really ever have interest with inboards but there’s so many out there I had to ask. Case closed

brutus said:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EPHuXY2Sh/?mibextid=wwXIfr, this gulfstream is what you should look at, more then your budget but new power and way better hull IMo
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Awesome boat. Maybe with a couple more of those prices drops I’ll be in business 😂
 
There is always the trophy 2359. We overnight 3 or 4 days at a time. Unfortunately they only came in I/o. But all the other boxes are checked.
 
kaelc said:
I'm surprised that 232 is still available. I have a friend who wants to buy a 255 and repower. The math on 50k in new power and the wide beam, combined with a guide proven hull with a trailer makes that boat a close to no brainer.
Click to expand...
 
Toba said:
There is always the trophy 2359. We overnight 3 or 4 days at a time. Unfortunately they only came in I/o. But all the other boxes are checked.
Click to expand...
That was one of the boats that had me asking about inboards. Love the look of the layout and the package you can get for a decent price
 
kaelc said:
I'm surprised that 232 is still available. I have a friend who wants to buy a 255 and repower. The math on 50k in new power and the wide beam, combined with a guide proven hull with a trailer makes that boat a close to no brainer.
Click to expand...
Ad says no trailer. Maybe that’s why it hasn’t sold at that price point??
 
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kaelc said:
I'm surprised that 232 is still available. I have a friend who wants to buy a 255 and repower. The math on 50k in new power and the wide beam, combined with a guide proven hull with a trailer makes that boat a close to no brainer.
Click to expand...
It always makes me wonder when you see an older boat with new power for sale, who sinks $50k and then immediately decides to sell…? The skeptic in me says they noticed a soft transom or stringers during repower.
Not at all suggesting that’s the case here but maybe someone can help me understand this type of older boat with <100hrs on power.
 
the force said:
It always makes me wonder when you see an older boat with new power for sale, who sinks $50k and then immediately decides to sell…? The skeptic in me says they noticed a soft transom or stringers during repower.
Not at all suggesting that’s the case here but maybe someone can help me understand this type of older boat with <100hrs on power.
Click to expand...
My guess is the wife found the receipt for the repower lol.but all kidding aside, I wonder the same, WTH would you repower them sell before using it
 
brutus said:
My guess is the wife found the receipt for the repower lol.but all kidding aside, I wonder the same, WTH would you repower them sell before using it
Click to expand...
Sunk costs. Good economic theory, worth 1/2 my degree and it took minutes to learn. Bought the boat for too much. Old engine blows and might as well repower, can’t get anything for a boat without an engine….. maybe there is another story but that’s all I got.
 
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