16-18' Center console- recommendations?

[chimmike]

Looking for a nice 16-18' center console, something I can fit in the garage on the trailer, so it can't have a tower. Prefer bimini, 4 stroke ~90hp. Probably looking to spend $8-12k. Obviously preowned.

Live in the Sarasota, FL area.

I've looked at Key West models as well as Palm Beach.

Opinions on Carolina Skiffs? Ride quality in choppier waters?

USE: Mostly inshore; Sarasota Bay, Manatee River. Fishing. Anchoring/swimming with the family. Unfortunately the LARGER boat traffic can wreak havoc on the water and make for significant wake to deal with, so i'm thinking a low-bow bay boat isn't going to work so well. Perhaps a model with a shallower draft can help us keep closer to shore and avoid the bigger wake?

Recommendations? Anything to look for or avoid? Brands to avoid?

 

[Jetfixr]

I have a 19 foot wellcraft with a 112 Johnson 1996 vintage I'm pleased with it I am going to run it this season then repower with newer next year but it has live well wash down self balers and a 49 gallon tank. I do 38-42 on a crappy prop it's at the prop shop now. I like it for me or 2.

 

[Jetfixr]

No Title

I have a 19 foot wellcraft with a 112 Johnson 1996 vintage I'm pleased with it I am going to run it this season then repower with newer next year but it has live well wash down self balers and a 49 gallon tank. I do 38-42 on a crappy prop it's at the prop shop now. I like it for me or 2.

 

[saumon]

For CC in the 16'-18' range, the Key West 1720 seems to be one of the best bang for your bucks. Owners rave about them. There's also the Scout 175 with the same rated hp (recommended 90hp, max.120hp). This one looks good:

 

[Triangleboater]

I really like Carolina Skiffs. They have models with the mod V in front that handles chop well. I have seen the 20+ footers troll just offshore in the Wilmington NC area on nice days. Great for the shallows around your area.

 

[hungupthespikes]

Dusky would be another...out of Dania, Florida
Very popular in your state. Be careful, they make them with wood or composite stringers.

ex: http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bod/4504392173.html

 

[chimmike]

Looking at the key largo 180cc.

 

[100333624]

Depending if you can find them close by, you can take a look at the Campion Explorer 165 (I prefer the older ones like 1990-2000) they are AMAZING boats and have a really wide 86" beam for their size and handle rough water very well. I fish with a buddy, sometimes 2 and there is plenty of space to move around and the boat is very stable since it is wide.

I had a little Yamaha 50hp 4stroke and I got 32mph with 3 of us on board, gear, and 3/4 tank of gas. I just upgraded to a 1997 Yamaha V4 115hp 2stroke, and can't wait to try her out on the water! I am looking at installing a leaning post seat as I removed the cooler flip flop seat (which was really nice and comfy btw) but I prefer something to lean against while driving, and it'll give a little bit more space in the back but not like I really need it anyway.

Cool features:

Weighs around 1050 lbs and will handle up to 120hp which is awesome for that type and size boat.

Easy to trailer and fits in the garage. I put a swing kit on the trailer for better fit.

Floor is made of some type of plastic board about an inch thick and its molded with grip pattern making it anti-slip, very solid and no fiberglass in the floor and no wood so no rot!

Self bailing deck feature which is pretty cool!

Nice little swim platform and ladder with cushioned seat at the transom area.

2 live-wells and a cushioned casting deck at the bow with storage underneath.

Removable fiberglass fish/storage bin in front of the console under the seat, and big enough storage inside the console itself.

Multi-leveled boat so you can get high up and see better in the water from the casting deck and the back of the boat also!

Overall its an awesome little boat for what its worth and I have yet to see a 16' that even compares to mine. I paid $5000 for mine which is pretty cool considering it was about $14,000+ new back in 1995 and is in great condition. I find the Scout and Key West nice as well but the side walls just not high enough for the waters I fish. I'm from Ontario Canada so I fish the great lakes and this little boat has always kept me safe and dry! My brother in law liked it so much he bought the 19' version (but I think mine is still better) haha

I attached some pix of mine so you have an idea what it looks like.

Cheers and good luck in your search!

Nick

 

[Chris1956]

I would think a 16 footer will be a bit small for your intended use. Stick with 18 or 19 feet, as 16 feet is a bit dicey in the ocean or rough bay. 90-115HP sounds about right.

 

[chimmike]

I would think a 16 footer will be a bit small for your intended use. Stick with 18 or 19 feet, as 16 feet is a bit dicey in the ocean or rough bay. 90-115HP sounds about right.

yeah we're looking at the 18' now. I think the 16 just won't be enough in terms of capacity. I'm sure the boat will fit in the garage, but we have to make sure the trailer isn't too big! hah.

 

[kjsAZ]

Good luck with your search! My experience is that an 18' boat is a very tight fit in a standard 21'6" garage and it all depends how they made the swing tongue. That's why I went with a 17ft which in reality is a 17.5'. My garage has a little step at the end and the few inches I can't use to lower the drive made it more difficult.