I am thinking about purchasing a boat that will serve a few purposes and I am looking for suggestions. Price should be $25K or less. 1. Take the family and maybe a few friends (7-8 total) out on the inter-coastal and bay on days when there is no surf. Drive around, pull up to sand bars and barrier islands, wake board/ski, drink, eat and maybe fish. 2. Take surfboards (4+) and family across inter-coastal to the good southern NC surf spots only accessible by boat when there is surf. Thoughts/recommendations?
So fishing is not too high on your priority list correct? Not now or in the future? Makes a huge difference
not high at all, but not saying that we won't occasionally cast a few lines out though. I forgot to mention, plan is for salt water 95% or the time and I want to trailer it. I live less than 5 mins from multiple insert points.
Whatever you do, stay away from an orange-jumpsuited-man claiming that his 40' jumble of kindling could easily have a motor installed upon it as the answer to your dreams.
What's your boating experience? Have you ever owned a boat? Inboard or outboard? Just guessing you may be looking at a 18 to 20 foot center console with a t top or removable Bimini top for shade with some storage for beverages and such with a 90 to 115 hp 4 stroke in my humble opinion would suit you best. If you do your home work you can find a great used boat in your area for around 10 to 15 k. Boat trader is a good place to start. One more thing, get to know your engine so you can take on the spur of the moment repairs and don't use ethanol gas use the rec 90 or non ethanol fuel , it's more expensive but solves a lot of problems before they happen.
Boats are alot of fun but just keep in mind how expensive they can be to own.Started fishing when I was around 7 to 27.From time to time I think about getting one but its just so much money between gas,Dockage(which you would trailer)repairs and up keep.The old sayings are a hole in the water that takes your money or The Happiest days of a boat owners life is when he buys it and sells it.Ive had some incredible times on the water with my old man through the years just keep in mind how expensive it can be.
use my boat for pretty much everything you are looking to do. I fish alot though. Its a used maritime skiff i found pretty cheap and put a new 4 stroke outboard on it. you'd be set. Its an easy low maintence set up and can go everywhere. If you are looking at new boats Check out the Carolina skiff website. They don't make the maritime. but they have even better models suited for what you are looking for.
I have a 21 center console that I love. For me it's the perfect boat, but it's not what you're looking for. It's a fishing machine. But not something you're going to take the wife kids and friends cruising on for the day. There's no real seating on them. I don't care, because I want a wide open deck to fill with blood and meat. You (from your description) are looking for more of a cruiser. You're not comfortably taking 8 peeps out for the day on a C/C A bow rider is more suited for what you're looking to do. Or even something with a cabin if you have little kids. Sea Ray, Four Winns or something like that. They're also much better for Wakeboarding too. C/C's don't throw much of a wake.
If you get a boat with a new motor it's all about maintaining it properly. If you buy a used motor, have a good mechanic that you trust look it over. If you don't know one, good luck. You never know how someone treated it. I got mine new in 06 with a 4 stroke Yamaha and have never had an issue. Hasn't cost me a dime aside from normal maintenance
If you cant afford a new boat motor trailer combo forget it. Plus 7 people on a boat is a disaster, unless you want to get rid a few of them. Get a kayak. No mechanical problems, and you'll become a better waterman, instead of another chenk of human cholesterol clogging up the water way and clueless at that. But good luck and have lots of fun
