what brand of boat is better?

[gilbertj77080]

i am looking to buy a new or almost new 22 to 26 foot center console fishing boat. mostly bay and gulf but still able to run offshore to do some fishing as well. i guess an 80/20 mix. there are only 200+ boat makers out there so i am having a hard time comparing them all. any help would be helpfull such as, this brand is great no problems or what-ever you do stay away from that one. thank you

 

[JCF350]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

First off, how much are you willing to spend?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

If money was not a big factor i would look at Boston Whalers..

 

[KCook]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

Also, wut brands are actually available in your area? A lot of the fishy brands are regional.

Kelly

 

[Bamboo]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

There are a lot of good brands out there. Check out some of the saltwater fishing forums (don't know if I can post them here or not) for opinions on boats. Some of these guys are hard core and put hundreds of hours on their boats each year, so they have some insightful points/opinions. Ones in that range that I have experience with, and feel confident saying most owners are happy with, are Pioneer, Scout, Century, and Key West (which I currently own). Lots of other good brands out there, so it is worth your time to fully research what is available to see what is the best fit for your needs. Also, as important as the hull is the motor manufacturer and whether you want a 2 stoke or 4 stroke (which may influence your hull decision). The major brands all offer very good - great motors now-a-days, so sometimes the decision comes down to the quality of the certified service shops in your area, or maybe what is most popular and therefor the local mechanics are most familiar with.

Have fun! Now is a great time to be a buyer as there seems to be a lot of nice CCs for sale...especially 26-36' with twins and trips.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

If you got tons of $$$$$$ Fountain makes some sweet CC's that go like stink!!!!!

 

[erlindbl]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

I would also look at the Grady Whites. I have heard good things about them and I saw some at the last boat show that were very nice. Unfortunately they were also out of my price range.....

 

[cbavier]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

Welcome to I Boats. You don't say. If you want an I/) or OB . We need more information. You get what you pay for in a boat or anything else. You won't find a Cadillac at a Chevrolet price. Look around at fit, trim, layout, amenities you'll soon learn how to tell the cheap boats from the Quality built boats. Take a Power Squadron Class or Coast Guard safety class. Talk to fellow boaters. Hang around a Marina near where you plan to boat and talk to other boaters. Read some magazines about boating. There are far too many opinions and options to consider for anyone to just say buy this boat or that boat. A boat has to meet your needs and desires.
Boston Whaler and Grady White are good ones, there are others also. Stay away from Bayliner and Tahoe. I think you would want a head and livewells.

 

[JB]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

Boston Whaler, Everglades, Grady White, Parker are some of the best boats.

 

[dingbat]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

For a CC in that size range there are none better than a Contender.

I'm a Grady guy thru and thru but did you ever wonder why nobody runs a Grady or a Whaler for that matter on the SKA circuit? Can't afford the chiropractor bills.

 

[gilbertj77080]

Re: what brand of boat is better?

thanks for the info so far. here is more details from my side,,, i live in texas, i am not wanting to go over 40,000. outboard is fine with me. while whalers and gradys have a great rep. they are a little pricey when compared.