Where do I start?

[MisterNixter]

We would like to get a boat for fishing the Indian River Lagoon area around Titusville, Florida and occasional trips to the Keys or Gulf Coast. We have no interest in going too far off shore, chasing marlin, or skiing. We're more interested in fishing the flats and maybe doing some snorkeling, and it would seldom be more than my wife and myself. We want more than a simple aluminum boat, and are thinking of something in the 18-22 foot range, and probably used. I was interested in a friend's 1992 Mako 211 center console, but several people said we'd be limited by the shallow water in Florida Bay in the Keys. Someone else recommended a bay boat or a deck boat. I've stopped at three boat shops here in the Keys, one wanted to sell me a 25 foot center console with an I/O, which was more boat than we want or need. Another had a used Tracker deck boat, but I've heard some bad things about them. Te one today thought an 18 foot Hurricane was right up our line. I'm so confused I don't know where to start looking or what to look at. It's all a bit overwhelming. I would appreciate any suggestions or opinions anyone has.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Where do I start?

What about something like THIS? It's a reasonable size Center Console that looks like it was well kept. It shouldn't be too shallow for that one in most places.

THIS Dual Console looks like a nice option too.

For a gulf/coastal boat, I'd be looking that sort of a direction or a walk-around.

 

[MisterNixter]

Re: Where do I start?

Thanks, I appreciate your input

 

[MisterNixter]

Re: Where do I start?

Does anybody have any experience with the Kew West 186 bay reef? FRom what I've seen, they look pretty impressive.