Purchasing openfish 21-22 feet, need advice

[jlmestres]

Hi all, I am in the process of buying a new boat. Do not want to spend more than 30K for boat. I am looking for a dependable 21' open fisherman to use for fishing, diving, cruising, etc. Live in Miami will use in both bay and offshore. I have been to a lots of dealers and everyone thinks there is the best. From Wellcraft, Trophy, Maco, etc. I would really like some independent advice.Thanks so much for your help. Joey

 

[RJS]

Re: Purchasing openfish 21-22 feet, need advice

Sounds like you don't want a pure fishing boat. Try a dual console. Take a look at the Scout Dorado (Dual console). Nice boat, not that expensive.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Purchasing openfish 21-22 feet, need advice

Since you're from M.B., check out Angler and Dusky, a couple of local companies, with good, reasonably priced boats.

 

[wimpie]

Re: Purchasing openfish 21-22 feet, need advice

Check out the Pro Sport boats, I basically just went through the same thing trying to find an all around boat for my use as Deep Sea fishing and the wife wanting to stay in the bay and river, I just bought a 22 cuddy cabin and was very impressed with the ride when we went on a Sea Trial. The workmanship is great and all hardware seems to be done right.

 

[DJ]

Re: Purchasing openfish 21-22 feet, need advice

I agree with RJS. The Scout line of boats is VERY impressive. The attention to detail is very good and the glasswork is outstanding.<br /><br />The Dorado is a fine boat, the layout is very fishable and the dual console provide some good protection from the elements.

 

[jlmestres]

Re: Purchasing openfish 21-22 feet, need advice

After much research and looking we found a 1999, 19 foot Mako with all the works. The seller was asking 21K and got it down to 19K. the hull as 10 years left on Warranty and the engine as two years left. It has less than 90 hours of use. The boat looks brand new. The engine runs great. We are very excited and we feel that we made the right choice. Its not new but we got a good solid boat with a great resale value for the future. The engine is a 150 Merc. Salwater Series. The dealer is Bass Pro in Fort Lauderdale. They only sell Sea Craft and Mako. They have only sold two used Mako since they have been in business. It wierd that I had been there so many times and that a used Mako was never a boat that was there or that we thought of getting. So thanks for all your advive. I will keep you updated on its going. We are going today at 3 to look at it and run the engine in their testing pool. Wish us luck. Thanks, Joey