Looking into getting a new (or used) boat

cranker789

I currently have a 13 ft 1976 whaler. This is my first boat. I've learned a lot in a short period of time on it but i just get so beat up in even a little chop. Looking into getting a bigger boat. budget is around 20 - 25k. 

I live on a lake and it's great for tubing/wakeboarding, so i'd like to be able to get a boat that can do that plus go offshore to fish sometimes. The max size allowed is 22ft. I like the idea of getting a new boat, but it's just so expensive. I've been looking mostly at center consoles. I like the robalo r160. Is this a good boat? How about Bayliners?  Would these boats handle chop well? Also saw a used grady white 208 adventure for around 20k and i like that a lot. What would you do with a 25k budget? Any opinions/input is appreciated, thanks. 

Soda Popinski

I'd buy this

https://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/d/wildwood-21-sea-pro/7248869200.html

or offer 25k on this

https://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/bod/d/lake-placid-2008-sea-hunt-bx21-pro-skuu/7256702195.html

evernic1

cranker789 said:

I currently have a 13 ft 1976 whaler. This is my first boat. I've learned a lot in a short period of time on it but i just get so beat up in even a little chop. Looking into getting a bigger boat. budget is around 20 - 25k. 

I live on a lake and it's great for tubing/wakeboarding, so i'd like to be able to get a boat that can do that plus go offshore to fish sometimes. The max size allowed is 22ft. I like the idea of getting a new boat, but it's just so expensive. I've been looking mostly at center consoles. I like the robalo r160. Is this a good boat? How about Bayliners?  Would these boats handle chop well? Also saw a used grady white 208 adventure for around 20k and i like that a lot. What would you do with a 25k budget? Any opinions/input is appreciated, thanks. 

depending on age of the GW, have a survey to check for water intrusion/ soft spots in hull and transom...!!

cranker789

The GW is a 99'. Looks good, guy says perfect condition, but like you said ill have to get a surveyer/mechanic to look it over before forking over that kind of cash. I'm in no hurry though.

The sea pro looks good, i like all the extras. 

MelbourneMark

I would definitely not buy an I/O!    Not for any kind of use in saltwater at least. 

Why a max size of only 22ft? 

my opinion is that the boat market will drop or stabilize in the next 2 years or so... but thats just my guy feeling.  I think many many folks bought their first boat during covid, and once things settle down a bit, they will try to unload them.  perhaps I am wrong, but time will tell. 

cranker789

Hmm I hope you’re right, boats are pricey. What is I/O? The lake I live on has a max rule of 22 ft boats, and I will mostly be keeping the boat in the water on the lake, but live close to salt also and like to fish. 

MelbourneMark

I/O= inboard outboard. That's a car motor inside the boat with an out drive. Pretty common with lake boats, but can lead to problems in saltwater with corrosion.

Tony Roma

The 22 seahunt with brand new Yamaha looks intersting 

Captkenny22

I have a carolina skiff 218 DLV (google it) bought in 2018 used 12 times hurt back has been setting. Custom wrap on outside. EVA flooring(google) GPS 9inch , 80 lbs trolling motor. Will be k and good to go  eeping the motor. All you would need is a 115 hp. call 504 599 9356 Capt Kenny

Captkenny22

To fix mistake above::::: will be keeping the motor. a 115 hp is all that is needed. Used boat NEW motor is what i do and i think the smartest. that way you know your power plant will get you home. kenny