Looking at upgrading current open bow to an actual CC fishing boat. Some of the prices out there have been insane between Pioneer, SeaFox, Sea Hunt, etc.
Also, it seems like a bunch of the 18’ models seem under powered with 90hp outboards.
What makes/models and years do you suggest looking at. I will be pulling boat in and out and do NOT have a monster truck or SUV so I am limiting to 19.5’.
Thanks
Key West Bay Reef
Are you looking for a new boat? There are a lot of CC bay boats for sale locally. I’m about to put my 2001 18.5 Sea Pro with Yamaha 115 4stroke on the market.
It looks like the Key West Bay Reef is a very flat hulled boat. Even at 196 model. Looks like I could still lose fillings attempting fun at the near shore reef. Price does look nice in the 10-20k price range without having to get into the early 2000’s.
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/2006-KEY-WEST-196-Bay-Reef-102831457
Newer boats are just outside my desire as I do not do loans. Prices do see to really skyrocket with particular boat makers like Pioneer, Grady White, and Edgewater. One of my fishing buds has a dream for a Pioneer but woah…
I have been told anything really offshore (5+ miles) you need a minimum of 22’. I cannot pull 22’ so I am leaning closer to the 19’ and being able to take friends and family to the NSR or even the Gardens for fun.
What are you going to use the boat for 90% of the time? Really think about that. Answer that first, then let’s narrow down your search.
To be honest with you (I’m no expert at comparing boat makers) that key west 196 looks like a somewhat similar hull as my Sea Pro. A 115 four stroke is plenty of power to push a boat that size, and I don’t think I would want any less HP than that. I have loved fishing it over the years and frequent the nearshore reefs many times a year. I constantly take it out of the North Edisto River to Edisto nearshore reef, 4KI, and even to the Charleston 60, which is 12.5 miles past the jetties. You don’t need anything more than an 18-19 ft boat to enjoy the nearshore reefs, just need to pick your days. I have taken a total of 4 people on my boat to the nearshore reefs on days that were a little rough and it was still a comfortable ride for everyone, so don’t think you need a bigger boat, just better weather. And the great thing is with a boat in the 18-19 ft range is you can fish the nearshore reefs and finish the day fishing for reds on the flats. Bay boats are very universal for this area and the only thing it limits you from is fishing the blue water, but that’s why I have friends with the blue water boats 
But whatever boat you get, trim tabs will help smooth the ride, or if your like me and don’t want to spend the money on trim tabs, a hydrofoil on the lower unit has worked wonders for boat porpoising and planing faster and at lower speeds. Just my two cents on all that. Sorry for rambling.
Pioneer 197 with a 150 is probably the most capable nearshore boat you will find for 20’ or less and not break the bank. Just depends on what you want to do. Should be able to tow it no problem with a 5k capacity vehicle.
Just depends on if you want CC or bay boat. Also, if you can live with a liner style boat you can get a cheaper CC. Just depends on what matters to you as there are so many different boat builds that cater to different folks.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115
I can’t see any 18’ boat being a dream to cross big water. I had a 2012 Scout 201 Bay with a 115 and felt it was a little under powered for the weight of the hull. At the same time, I wouldn’t have taken that boat any further than a mile or two offshore. I’ve been offshore when a bad storm kicks up and you really want to be in a larger boat that can span the swell.
If you’re going to be fishing the Jetty’s and inshore for trout and reds, as well as spending some time at the sandbar with friends and family than any 18’ with 90 or 115 should be fine.
Scout 201
Yamaha 115
http://charleston.craigslist.org/boa/5928597711.html
This looks to be a good deal…
Sea Hunt 225
Yamaha F200
That’s a good deal.
“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115