Boat Selection Question

[Sirius33]

Hi Everyone,

Long time sailor here about to move into the world of powerboats and seeking your collective advice and recommendations.

We are looking for a solid powerboat, approx 21-23' in length, 200-250hp motor, layout similar to a Grady-White Tournament 225. we want to fish on Assawoman Bay and just offshore of Ocean City, MD, and run around the Bay to restaurants/bars, etc...

We like the open and bowrider layout of the GW Tournament 225 but would rather not pay the premium. Can you recommend a similar boat that would serve the same purpose and provide comparable strength and safety?

We are limited to a 21-23' due to the slip size.

Thanks in advance.

 

[southtexas]

Re: Boat Selection Question

I can tell you from experience they'll be asking for more detail. Inboard? Outboard? Budget? Typical number of passengers? What you'll be towing it with? New vs. used? etc etc etc.

Welcome to iboats---you can get some great info and advice here, just need to provide the experts with enough detail.

 

[Sirius33]

Re: Boat Selection Question

Good advice - here goes:

Primarily bay and coastal fishing. Also some watersports like skiing, wakeboarding, etc...and to get us to/from the restaurants and watering holes on the Bay.

Outboard motors is preferred due to the shallowness of Assawoman Bay.

I'd like to keep the budget below $25K if possible. We looked at a 2004 GW Tournament 225 with a Yamaha 225 motor with an asking price of $40K - that's not "not doable", I'd just prefer not to spend that much if avoidable.

 

[Sirius33]

Re: Boat Selection Question

Bump: anyone?

 

[southtexas]

Re: Boat Selection Question

Wellcraft makes a good boat, so does boston whaler. Bayliner is another (although you'll get mixed reviews here). Check out your local Craigslist and see what's for sale. Go to a showroom and look around. Sometimes boats are geared more toward fishing, and therefore they ignore some of the comfort aspect of boating. Others are completely the opposite.

Once you find something that grabs you, do some research on it---NADA is the "blue book" of boating; just remember that their numbers are estimates, may not be hard and fast. Also, bear in mind that a fair price in your neighborhood may not be a fair price for the same boat in my neighborhood. Do a lot of comparing--CL is the best place to do so.

Also, MOST IMPORTANT, make sure you have whatever boat/motor you like fully inspected by a qualified mechanic. Make sure title is clear, etc.

Once you find something, come back here with some pics and you'll get some good advice.

Check this one out---http://easternshore.craigslist.org/boa/1224474483.html