boat style choice... HELP

Travis91

Cadet
Joined
Aug 6, 2012
Messages
26
So im in the market for a used boat.. I live in South Alabama about 65 miles from West Bay(panama city area) I want a boat that is comfortable to fish from for 4 people.. but would like to find a boat that lets say 6 of us could use just for pleasure boating, riding to shell island, cruising the bays.. Ive been looking at 16' Tri-Hull outboards. as well as a few 14-15 foot center consoles.. i dont want anything smaller than 5 person rated. we fish the bays mainly and ive been fishing on the bays alot but mostly on a 1967 plywood 27 foot Chris Craft walk around cuddy with a chevy 327 inboard.. i want to fish near the flats, the bays, and possibly up to 2 miles out on a glass calm day. what should i be looking for? nothing over 19 foot hopefully because the tow vehicle won't like it
 

southkogs

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Jul 7, 2010
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14,968
Re: boat style choice... HELP

Welcome aboard Travis!

I get to go down to the Panama City area and fish each year, and I would really suggest something 19' or so (top of your size limit), V hull for sure and probably a center console with an OB. We usually go out with about 6 on one of those and fit fine (though there's typically not a lot of seats). I don't know that I'd like going out into the gulf in something smaller than that.
 

DC20

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
361
Re: boat style choice... HELP

So you want a cruiser for the family and a fishing boat for shallow water and still able to go offshore.
What you need is a dual console with an outboard.
 

the vision

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 9, 2011
Messages
164
Re: boat style choice... HELP

You might want to look at 18ft center consoles. If you go aluminum they weigh less so you can get longer. Mine is 20ft dry weight 1200lbs. It's rated for 8 persons and all four of us fish with plenty of room.
 

Travis91

Cadet
Joined
Aug 6, 2012
Messages
26
Re: boat style choice... HELP

oh and i need to keep costs under around 1500 bucks.. sounds crazy but one thats not running is fine.. i have a deal worked out with a mechanic.
 

DC20

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
361
Re: boat style choice... HELP

oh and i need to keep costs under around 1500 bucks.. sounds crazy but one thats not running is fine.. i have a deal worked out with a mechanic.

Well that might be a tall order to fill.
My experience with used boats, is do you want to pay your money on the front end or the back end.
 
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