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
- I’d just like something a bit bigger, everyone understands that. I’d also like the ability to spend the night in the cuddy
- 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
