[620443]

I am a complete novice when it comes to buying a boat. I am hoping to buy my first boat by the spring. Obviously, the main use of the boat is fishing, fly and spinning tackle. But I want to make sure that my wife and child will be comfortable too.
What are your experiences with different fishing boats? What would you recommend for a boat that can easily go from norwalk,ct. to glen cove, long island. I am also looking for people's opinions on walkaround cabins vs. center console.
So far I have looked at the obvious, grady white, mako, bayliner. They seem great but even a used boat is awfully expensive. Any suggestions of best bang for your buck.

thanks for the help....

Mitch Kopelman

 

[ks6449]

boats

I have a 2000 aquasport center console with a 200 johnson and trailer for sale. I just put a custom t-top, with enclosure, and custom leaning post on it last month. Raytheon fishfinder and radio. The engine also has an extended warranty till 2005.

 

[LkyLindy]

First Boat

Mitch-

Try the Ny Boat show at the Javitts center -last week of Dec. -first week of Jan--Any and All Boats you can think of--Consider a Striper seaawirl-a lot of bang for your buck

 

[MakoMatt]

Mitch, IMHO, without a doubt, for the type boat you mentioned, the best bang for your buck is with Dusky, visit www.dusky.com

Matt

 

[leakyrivot]

first boat ideas

For starters you definitly should decide what you'll want to be using it for primarily - figure out what you can and can't do without. I'm assuming you are probably looking at something in the low 20's somewhere, as you've stated CC or walkaround.

The boats that make the best "family" boats are probably going to have more seating, bimini tops, a head and more space dedicated to cushions, cup holders, carpeted floors and comfort paraphenalia etc..

The boats that make the best fishing boats are going to have pleanty of space for storage, flow through livewells, clear open decks and surfaces that can easily be washed down. A fishing boat should be simple and rugged in design.

CC's are nice in that, if layed out well, you get the most usable space for your buck. You lack the headache of being confined to the back 1/2 of the boat.. anchoring is easy, they fish better than anything, you can literally do laps around the boat. A potti can easily be added, with a nice little tent for privacy.. not bad for a first family boat. I suppose the downside is with a CC, you are a bit more exposed to the elements.. unless you go putting a bimini on it and then I'm not sure if it's really a CC anymore.

The walkarounds are about the same way.. easy access to the bow, not quite as easy to do laps, but it's not a problem. Depending on the size of the cabin, you get a little more shelter and some trully dry storage. Dry storage really is great if you like to bring it all with you. The downside is a little less space.

Something else to consider is probably the bow riders and standard side consoles, that is the ones that are designed as fishing boats. There are a bunch of aluminum models like that out there (ie starcraft) and fiberglass as well (ie striper). Nice fishing boats, I think that design is a little shabby on space efficiency, compared to a CC, but in the ballpark with CC's or Walkarounds.

Another thing too, if you are planning on mostly fishing inshore/fresh water take a look at the aluminum lines. They are lighter, allowing you to enter less water, and take less to power, so they do more for less $$. In addition, they're easier to pull if you plan on trailoring and are much more difficult to damage than fiberglass.

Jon

 

[fishologist II]

1st boat

Here is my two cents.
I'm 51,been on the water and on boats all of my life.I started with rowboats and skiffs,working my way up with 18' runabouts,to a 23' walk around to my present 29' walk around.
First thing is to read every boat atricle and review that you can find in the various magazines.
Then go to several boat shows and climb aboard anything that looks good to you thats in your price range.
Then ,and this is the most important thing,take a boating safety course from Coast Guard Auxilliary or US Power Squadron.This may help you from getting in trouble,or worse.It will also get you a break on insurance.
Talk to a load of boat owners.Go for as many rides as you can.Do all of this before you put that deposit down.
Now,for a family fishing boat,I think you would probably be better off with some type of cabin,with or without a walkaround.A cabin will give you shelter,some privacy while using the head,and a place to lay down if needed.Stay away from carpeted boats,bait smells are forever.Any teak needs alot of maintenance.Swim ladder and platform may be desirable.Don't forget the electronics.Basic are VHF radio,depth finder,and GPS,and radar is also nice.
Well,thats about all I can think of now.
Good luck.
Pete

 

[Hipshot]

Talk to as many boat owners as you can-1st. decide on what type boat fits your need. 2nd. look at all the boats in that catagory. 3rd. talk to as many boat owners that have boats in that catagory-THEN ask them what they DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOAT!!! Very IMPORTANT!!!,as most boat owners will only mention what they LIKE! Remember, there is no such thing as the perfect boat. After you buy one,you will findout about it's shortcomeings and want a bigger boat or a different type. It's all part of the game!
SINCERELY-GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE!!!

 

[613098]

mkopel,
OK, I'll go out on a limb here. I would suggest ANY good make of boat in a 21 to 23 foot walkaround configuration. With a wife and child, the cuddy cabin is a must. They need a place to get out of the weather, and the privacy of a Porta-Pottie is essential for most women. The walkaround is a lot safer in terms of getting to and from the bow.
I wouldn't worry about having great cooking or sleeping accommodations, because it is unlikrely that you'll go overnight cruising at first. Make sure there's a good boarding ladder or platform, both for swimming and for safety. You probably won't need as much power as a lot of folks will suggest. You won't be racing or running to the Canyon.
Most important suggestion I have is to sign up both you and your wife for at least a basic course from the Coast Guard Auxilliary or the Power Squadron. The knowledge you get will make the use of any boat safer and more enjoyable. Good luck.
Paul

 

[Scratcher]

Its a big investment, so you owe it to yourself to become an educated consumer. Its fine to talk to folks about their boats, but there are so many makes and models out there that most people only have knowledge of a handful. There are some excellent resources that will tell you about quality of construction, resale value, and design. The first to look at is Power Boat Reports Magazine. Find it at a library near you and read every boat review and article you can. They are the consumer reports of boating. The do have a website where you can order back articles, but that could get pricey fast. Also go to www.yachtsurvey.com and read every article you can stand to read. The boats he reviews are larger than what you want, but you'll learn a lot about the, what to look for and what to avoid in a boat. Best of luck, and let us know what you decide on, and why.

 

[mk5381]

What do you want it to be?

I agree with a lot of the posts here. First though, figure out what ypou want the purpose of the boat to be. Do you want a pure family oriented boat where primarily you will always have your family or little ones on-board? Do you want a multi-purpose boat where sometimes it's family fun and sometimes you want to do some serious fishing? Will you be fishing the sound, ocean or bays?
I started with a 22' center console before kids and it was a great fishing machine but you are exposed to the weather and privacy (exposed porta potties for women are not ideal). When the kids came I sold the cc and now have a 25' Aquasport Cuddy Cabin. This is a multi-purpose boat. I fish from March to Dec but my family only comes out in nice weather from June-Aug. The cabin is perfect for the little ones to sleep, play or go to the bathroom while there is still plenty of room in the stern to fish or relax. The majority of the time though, is spent fishing alone or with friends and a 25' cuddy can fish 4 very comfortably. It's also an easy boat to handle solo. With the proper power, electronics and care, you have a very safe, reliable, multi-purpose vessel.

good luck in your quest.

Fatal Attraction

 

[614048]

Denmark Paul hit the nail on the head. The length of your planned trips and the fact that wife and family will be on the boat dictates that you have a boat no smaller than 21 foot. You also do not want an open boat with the spray from waves splashing your family when the weather turns on a long run home. I've sailed in that area long enough to have experience times where in a matter of one hour or less the wind direction turned completely around and kicked up to the point where a ride on all but the largest (ie 28 feet or better) open is unpleasant. All it will take is one such experience of starting out for a boat ride on a nice day and returning in wet ugly slop on a small open boat to forever change their opinion of boating. For your needs a WA or pilot house is a must.

My advice would have been completely different if it was just you and your buddies going out on the boat.

 

[623162]

First boat New boat

I love my new Auqua Soprt 22 c/c 175
But if you have a wife and children you are going to need a Head Happy wife = Happy life

 

[616357]

You are so correct about the wife only going in fair weather. We decided to buy a used/new motor 25' Grady Sailfish based on the resale value and enclosed head. You will be the one useing the boat most often to fish so give your wife what she wants in the boat take her on a cruise every now and then and fish. Used and new motor is a nice way to save a butt load. It took me 2 years to find the deal I got. Take you time.

 

[623885]

I just picked up my first boat this year,a Grady White 208. It is 20' walkaround with a hardtop and canvas enclosure,there is a portapoti in the cabin, it is a great boat! Perfect for a family of 4.Make sure what ever you get, take for a ride, and take a safety course. Good Luck

 

[leakyrivot]

Guys.. what's all this pleasing the wife about?

I allways thought the boat was an escape from it all; isn't it an excuse to get away from the wife? No wife here, and no plans anytime soon, but I got it figured out allready. Buy the most uncomfortable fishing boat in the world and then make her feel bad for not wanting to come along . It took 3 trips out on my craft to get things straight with my girlfriend and I permanently... she gets sea sick in 20 minutes, she gets sick from the exhaust and gasoline, she gets sick from the bait.. oh.. and I was mean to a dogfish (a "baby" dogfish). She has vowed to never board a boat of mine ever again.. ****, too bad.

Jon

 

[GoodnightMoon]

LeakyRivot, what you don't know about women is a lot!

You got the GIRLFRIEND under control - sure, maybe - but the WIFE is another kettle of fish entirely. Take it from the WIFE, I knoweth what I speaketh! (This may be why some men take up a girlfriend AFTER they get a wife!)
By the way, I let my husband come along for the fun - besides, I need a strong fella to haul up the anchor and clean up the boat at the end of the day.
And don't be mean to any fish! Or we're gonna git cha!

Best wishes,
Goodnight Moon

P.S. I'm gonna hear it when he reads this post! Love ya, honey - SMOOCH - LOL

 

[loonzter]

mkopel, I saw from your initial post your also a Fly Fisherman, from the previous posts it would seem a walkaround cuddy has got the knod, I'm not sure that fits your Flyfishing plans but definently works better for the family. I always wanted a CC for the pure fishing platform but after spending alot of time on many different boats I've got to say theres definently
something to be said for being able to sit down comfortably out of the weather. This is also a great opportunity to get the boat you want at a good price, all to many people go out and buy boats without the realization that they have to pay that monthly nut whether they use the boat or not. Then they find on their weekends (usually their only days off during the week) they need to fullfill other obligations like birthdays, communions, weddings, conformations, etc. With the market the way it's been lately alot of these boats are up for sale the owners would rather have the money. I suggest you take your time and look around real good, chances are if you spend the time you will find the right boat at the right price. Good luck

 

[longcast]

New Boat Search

I am also in the hunt for a new boat for next season. I have looked at all of the usual "household" names. Recently, I saw a 22 foot center console manufactured by Palm Beach Marine in Georgia. Has anybody heard of this company, and/or purchased a boat from Palm Beach. There is a dealer in Oakdale. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Longcast

P.S. I also went to the Dusky Site. Just not sure if I want a boat with an outboard on a bracket, but thank you.