Need advice buying a boat
ProYak
Posts: 297 Officer
Just sold my Hobie Adventure Island that carried me safely out a couple miles beyond Hillsboro Inlet, FL into about 150-300 depths in 2'-5' seas with 10-15 mph winds. Unfortunately the lengthy setup/teardown launching times (an hour minimum) with hakas that held a Minn Kota RT55/St/IP and Scotty electric down-rigger, was too tedious in our 90 degree Florida sun. I need a small boat that can handle that same conditions, and accept my Minn Kota and Scotty!
Because of my age, I need an easy to launch boat & trailer, that runs on the smell of an oily rag, that I can store inside my 18' carport.
I only have $5000
What hull design and reliable & fuel-efficient outboard combo would you suggest?
I do not want or need to go anywhere fast, I just need enough power to buck the outgoing tide thru the inlet that often runs @ 5 knots.
Thanks!
Because of my age, I need an easy to launch boat & trailer, that runs on the smell of an oily rag, that I can store inside my 18' carport.
I only have $5000
What hull design and reliable & fuel-efficient outboard combo would you suggest?
I do not want or need to go anywhere fast, I just need enough power to buck the outgoing tide thru the inlet that often runs @ 5 knots.
Thanks!
Replies
Yes I like the BW hull, and I always pick my days and nights!
I don't really want or need a big motor that most of these 17-18 footers come with - any ideas where I can buy just a hull, and put on smaller motor of my choice?!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPfQDyvnDp0
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted/590071-1999-sailfish-154-w-yamaha-f50-5550-a.html
I've been daydreaming about this one. Looks seaworthy, well built and the 4 stroke 50 will sip gas.
Still, it's a small boat but it will get you there and back on decent days.
I would watch for something like the ones posted above. Great for inshore, and good for off-shore when you pick your days. Very easy to operate by yourself, but yet room for others. I would think you should have no problem finding something within your budget if your patient. Don't just go buy something, put some time into research and be sure you have the engine looked at by a mechanic. You don't want to have to buy another motor soon after purchasing a boat.
Good luck.
"17.5 Mckee craft new bimini last year, removable igloo cooler seat, 27 gallon livewell in hull, ..., motor runs but lower right cynd bad compression needs repair or replace can start it if u want, trailer good have title 2500 obo"
I thought I could sell the motor for parts as it may be too costly to fix, and put on a new 25 hp Tohatsu 4-stroke as I mostly troll and don't need to go far or fast - thoughts?!
Mckee Crafts are much like the Whalers as in they are really solid boats. While they may not be unsinkable if you are going to take something under 18' offshore, they would top my list of boats to go with. I probably wouldn't be comfortable using a 25hp on a boat that size nearshore but since I have never tried it I cannot say it won't work.
As someone pointed out engine size has more to do with how well a motor in its sweet spot pushes a boat. Most engines do not last long when pushed and I am guessing a 25hp with that weight hull in 2'+ seas is going to be asking a lot. This is just an educated guess, a boat this size probably does best with a 90hp or something in that neighborhood.
2000 Sailfish 188 cc Yamaha 4 stroke 100 HP
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/clt/4482843071.html
97 17ft Cobia cc with 80 Yamaha
http://fortmyers.craigslist.org/col/boa/4427825941.html
"Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." Niels Bohr
I think the 97 is way over priced. 4000 tops
Just make sure you have tow insurance, a good anchor and plenty of line, a VHF and a PLB. Old engines and wiring systems can be finicky. I had an older 18 foot boat and engine and it was great for inshore and lakes. It worked well off shore out to 12 miles, but a few times it took a while to crank, the lights would go on and off on their own and I needed to be towed once because the engine wouldn't start. I lost confidence in that boat and now just a yak and shore fisherman.
PS. I really don't miss paying taxes, insurance, and upkeep on a boat. I'll rent when I need one.
"Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." Niels Bohr
If you make a list of what you want and add a point system to it, with the higher points for things you feel are higher on the list it can make looking at boats easier and makes comparing them really easy.
From the sounds of it you might want to look into an aluminum boat, much cheaper and run fine with smaller motors.
Snookman, what are you referring to?!