[FishMonger]

As an avid fisherman I constantly find myself thinking of my next boat, bigger, better, and the like.

I currently have a 24 footer and off shore excursions are limited at best for a variety of reasons, mostly because I do not trust a single engine 11 year old I/O off shore.

Funds are limited, but how much would one need to spend on a reliable, comfortable and most importantly safe off shore vessel of about 30 feet, used, that is fully fishing ready and rigged. I know it's a loaded question, but I really have the itch. I like the Bertrams and prefer a cabin for those times when I am taking the family out or just want to spend a night on the boat.

Why did I need to go and get involved with such an expensive hobby

 

[FishMonger]

The more I think of it, here is some more info...

Price range would be about 50K. Doable? Or would we be talking about vessels that would cost mucho dinero in "unforeseen" costs right up front.

I look at used boat adds and listings and you do see some pop up in a livable price range, but used boats scare me. And new ones cost ALOT!

 

[Mad Mahi]

Got to DO Your Homework

Fishmonger-
If you look hard enough, and long enough, you can find alot of boat for little money as well as you can find little boat for a lot of money.

Your best bet is to see what is out there. Try WWW.NADA.com and WWW.BOATTRADER.com to see what type of used boats are out there. Get a feel for price ranges, makes,models, styles. equipment,etc.

Ask a lot of questions. There are knowledgeable people on this forum. You can also check out WWW.THEHULLTRUTH.COM, WWW.IBOATS.com and WWW.BOATTESTS.com to gather information, opinions, suggestions, owner tips,pros/cons, etc. Be prepared to see negative and positive response to your queries.

After some time, you will get a feel for what you are looking for. It may include Bertrams or it may not. You might be surprised at what you may learn.

Prepare a "short" list of the boats and equipment that you want. Then go look for, and AT them!!

WIth the bad stock market conditions, sources in the industry are predicting that there are going to be a surplus of good new and used boats available by the end of the season.

Above all, sea trial the boat and have it looked at by a good surveyor. The sea trial should not be done on a perfect weather day, and it should be done with the boat loaded similar to how you would take it on an offshore trip.

Do the math on financing, and good luck with whatever you decide upon!!