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Posted on Jul 1st, 4:19 PM, , User Since 212 months ago, User Post Count: 3221
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I am looking at buying a center console boat in the next 6-8 months and I know there are some pretty knowledgeable folks on here. My budget and experience says 23'-26' and I know there are some knowledgeable folks on here who could offer some great input. I would be mostly near shore but would like the ability to go offshore on good days. What are must have features? Overrated features? Brands? I'm open to new or used.
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Posted on Jul 1st, 4:21 PM, , User Since 270 months ago, User Post Count: 5705
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GraniteWolf said... (original post) I am looking at buying a center console boat in the next 6-8 months and I know there are some pretty knowledgeable folks on here. My budget and ...
so whats your budget?
Posted on Jul 1st, 4:25 PM, , User Since 212 months ago, User Post Count: 3221
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MrCompletely said... (original post) so whats your budget?
100-125ish Would spend less on a used one
This post was edited by GraniteWolf 1 day ago
Posted on Jul 1st, 4:32 PM, , User Since 270 months ago, User Post Count: 5705
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GraniteWolf said... (original post) 100-125ish
Dang, you have a ton of options my friend
I would start with a used Sailfish, Grady or Parker if you can find one. You might be able to find an older Regulator or Contender in that range but I would be weary of the engine status. Be sure you do a full compression test on anything you are going to buy regardless.
Posted on Jul 1st, 4:35 PM, , User Since 271 months ago, User Post Count: 92336
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Does Bayliner still do a center console?
Get back to me.
Sincerely,
Bob
Posted on Jul 1st, 4:53 PM, , User Since 212 months ago, User Post Count: 3221
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MrCompletely said... (original post) Dang, you have a ton of options my friendI would start with a used Sailfish, Grady or Parker if you can find one. You might be able to find an ...
I think the market is getting ready to have a big correction and I expect there to be some better deals than we have seen over the last few years. I have looked at Contender and it is probably a little too much fish on the fish/pleasure scale to suit the rest of the family.
What is a reasonable discount to get off of retail on a new one?
Posted on Jul 1st, 5:05 PM, , User Since 270 months ago, User Post Count: 5705
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GraniteWolf said... (original post) I think the market is getting ready to have a big correction and I expect there to be some better deals than we have seen over the last few yea...
It all depends on the condition and hours of the engine
Posted on Jul 1st, 5:09 PM, , User Since 212 months ago, User Post Count: 3221
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MrCompletely said... (original post) It all depends on the condition and hours of the engine
If I look at a new one that MSRP’s at 150k, what could I expect to be able to buy it for?
Posted on Jul 1st, 5:16 PM, , User Since 251 months ago, User Post Count: 990
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If you are mostly staying inshore & offshore on “good days”, you don’t need to spend 100k or have a Contender/Regulator or a serious deep v hull. You should decide what you primarily want to do with the boat and what are “ maybe’s or every once in a while’s”, then target boats that meet that criteria. Serious offshore, you will want twin engines (newer), a deep v, & a reputation of reliability/good ride. More inshore, a single engine is ok, a modified v, & family seating may be nice. Serious creek/back water fishing, you probably want a flat hull or a serious bay boat or lightweight poling skiff depending on how serious you want to be or how shallow you want to go. All boats are compromises. Serious offshore boats are not good in the creeks and vice versa. The hull truth is a great website for boaters with an active message board. Good luck searching.
Posted on Jul 1st, 5:52 PM, , User Since 249 months ago, User Post Count: 4084
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The Hull Truth is where it’s at… best place for info in the planet. Also invest in a 3rd party sea test and full inspection. It will cost you but the peace of mind is priceless.
Posted on Jul 1st, 7:08 PM, , User Since 271 months ago, User Post Count: 92336
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GraniteWolf said... (original post) If I look at a new one that MSRP’s at 150k, what could I expect to be able to buy it for?
Posted on Jul 1st, 9:21 PM, , User Since 256 months ago, User Post Count: 600
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I have owned a couple of Sea Hunts and they have performed well for me...Take a look at this one, well below your budget...Get the biggest engine they will allow, you will never regret it.
Posted on Jul 1st, 9:51 PM, , User Since 200 months ago, User Post Count: 33776
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GraniteWolf said... (original post) I am looking at buying a center console boat in the next 6-8 months and I know there are some pretty knowledgeable folks on here. My budget and ...
Going offshore even on “good days” is not a fun ride unless you have a 27’+ deep V. Especially if you are talking about NC and going out 40-60 miles. And another poster’s point about two engines if going offshore is a really, really good point.
Contender recently came out with their bay boat.
Also, look at Pathfinders. They may really good bay boats and also hybrids…mostly for inshore.
Posted on Jul 1st, 10:22 PM, , User Since 271 months ago, User Post Count: 5210
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I have had three boats, the last two being Sea Hunts that I bought from Chatlee in Sanford. I presently own a 255SE Ultra equipped with outriggers, bait wells, ceramic toilet, and hopefully soon, radar.
It's a fun boat and while I usually trailer it to Washington or Swanquarter, it works a 1500 series pickup. So take weight into consideration unless you store it on a lift, have a short drive to a dock, store it in a stack, or in a slip.
I take it across Pamlico Sound to Ocraco*ke and go out Ocracke inlet. I pick my days to go, but it's lots of fun. If you see a boat named Salty Wolf with a wolf silhouette, that's me!
Posted on Jul 2nd, 12:23 AM, , User Since 175 months ago, User Post Count: 10166
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Actually my boat may be what you need. I have 2023 Pair Custom 24MV with a 300. The design of the boat makes it fish and feel much bigger than 24. It is a great all around boat. My boat catches a lot of fish from inshore to gulf stream. It's for sale BTW.
Posted on 19 hrs, , User Since 166 months ago, User Post Count: 10689
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ABCDFan said... (original post) Actually my boat may be what you need. I have 2023 Pair Custom 24MV with a 300. The design of the boat makes it fish and feel much bigger than 24. ...
These are great boats, essentially it's a Sea Ox. 13 has a Pair Custom as well and he can tell you his experience.
I think the most overrated feature of a boat is a console head. Just a pain in the ****. I pulled mine out of my Sea Hunt to have more space in the console. Carry a 5 gallon bucket or have them jump overboard. If anything you'll probably have a raw water wash down if they have to pee. Just rinse the piss out the back.
If you are going to be doing bottom fishing, a trolling motor is certainly a positive opposed to throwing an anchor.
Personally I would avoid "COVID era" boats from your entry and mid tier builders. The quality control definitely got put on the back burner.
Once you do get your boat, don't skimp on safety if you plan on going Offshore. Having the proper equipment literally could be difference between life and death.
This post was edited by DDDNCSU8 20 hours ago
Posted on 18 hrs, , User Since 260 months ago, User Post Count: 22690
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Tidewater makes a great center console. Had the chance to go out on a neighbors 2700 Carolina bay. Great boat for family and for fishing.
Posted on 18 hrs, , User Since 260 months ago, User Post Count: 22690
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We owned a 2006 seahunt 217 center (have a Robalo 247 dual now). I agree with others. I wouldn’t take anything less than a 27” with twins very far off shore.
This post was edited by NNSH93 19 hours ago
Posted on 18 hrs, , User Since 200 months ago, User Post Count: 33776
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NNSH93 said... (original post) We owned a 2006 seahunt 217 center (have a Robalo 247 dual now). I agree with others. I wouldn’t take anything less than a 27” with twins very far o...
Biggest thing I’ve been offshore in is a 35’ Contender, and even then, I was wishing I was on a big sport fisher.
Posted on 18 hrs, , User Since 142 months ago, User Post Count: 14863
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packfootprint said... (original post) If you are mostly staying inshore & offshore on “good days”, you don’t need to spend 100k or have a Contender/Regulator or a serious deep ...
This is what I'm going to be looking for in the next year (inshore, single engine). Looking to go used, in the $50-$60k range. Seahunts are pretty popular around here for this type of use. 99.9% a family boat. Will use it several times year for trips on the Intracoastal (Georgetown and Beaufort) and island camping trips. Want it to be big enough to comfortably transport 6 (adults) or 8 (four adults, four kids). Heavily monitoring the used market right now. Is the best time to buy after the summer season is over?
Posted on 18 hrs, , User Since 271 months ago, User Post Count: 5210
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DDDNCSU8 said... (original post) Once you do get your boat, don't skimp on safety if you plan on going Offshore. Having the proper equipment literally could be difference between ...
If going offshore, add handheld radio for backup and ditch bag, get Mustang or similar type self-inflating life preserver to wear all the time, get a messaging/tracker device such as Garmin Mini 2, have an EPIRB on the boat in the ditch bag or self-deploying, have dealer install MOB kill switch in the event you fall out of boat (it happens and people disappear but boat goes on). I would have 2 MFD's, at least 12 inch. Ask questions about locations of all filters, battery types, house battery capacity, digital steering, wiring and plumbing.
If you have a brand or even model in mind, there are Facebook groups you can join just to learn issues people are seeing. The Hull Truth is another good site. Happy boating!
Posted on 18 hrs, , User Since 251 months ago, User Post Count: 990
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ctownpack said... (original post) This is what I'm going to be looking for in the next year (inshore, single engine). Looking to go used, in the $50-$60k range. Seahunts are ...
I have a Sea Hunt 234 ultra, it’s been a great boat. Perfect for what you describe, but not great for serious offshore or skinny water fishing. It’s pretty good for most things, just not really made for serious offshore/inshore. The wife loves the seat backs though, & great for sandbar/cruising with friends. I‘ve been offshore on calm days, but I really prefer inshore fishing. I’m thinking of getting a smaller more inshore fishing setup or a 2nd cheap skiff for the skinny water. Another thing to consider is storage/towing/dropping. If you don’t have a boat slip, boats larger than 22’ ish are difficult to drop by yourself. Storage can be an issue. Wet slips require bottom painting annually. Renting/ buying slips is expensive, but the convenience is unreal compared to dealing with the public boat ramp.
Posted on 14 hrs, , User Since 142 months ago, User Post Count: 14863
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packfootprint said... (original post) I have a Sea Hunt 234 ultra, it’s been a great boat. Perfect for what you describe, but not great for serious offshore or skinny water fishin...
Yeah...I'm not messing with busy public boat ramps on the weekend. We have a wet slip option that is only a few blocks from the house and a dry dock marina that is a two miles from our house. Also contemplating splitting the boat with another family that we get along really well with. I'd like to have the boat solo, but might do this for a couple years while we're feeling out solo boat ownership.
Posted on 14 hrs, , User Since 200 months ago, User Post Count: 33776
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ctownpack said... (original post) Yeah...I'm not messing with busy public boat ramps on the weekend. We have a wet slip option that is only a few blocks from the house and a ...
I’m sure as an attorney, you’ve already thought about an LLC or a type of contract where if you partner with someone, you both put money in escrow to handle repairs, insurance, and such? Even for a $50K Sea Hunt I think I would have to do that no matter how much I trusted the other person.
Posted on 13 hrs, , User Since 142 months ago, User Post Count: 14863
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camvilpack said... (original post) I’m sure as an attorney, you’ve already thought about an LLC or a type of contract where if you partner with someone, you both put money in escr...
Fo Sho. Luckily he's a long time boat owner that does most of the repairs himself. He's looking for an upgrade on quality and size (has a 19' center console right now). We both could do it solo, but this gives us the opportunity to get a little bit bigger/nicer and save a few bucks. Good thing is our families get along really well (my oldest is best friends with his youngest) and we're both pretty busy on the weekends. So there will be plenty of opportunities for both families to have the boat for ourselves...but we'll also take it out plenty together.
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