Best dealership in the Charleston or surrounding area with center consoles on site to view. Have time to waste and was just going to look around. Offshore CC’s.
Head south on 17 and there are several dealership within a mile or two- Hankel, Seels, etc. Go another couple of miles south to main road to Butler Marine. They have a ton of boats on the lot. I cannot speak to the others but have done a lot of business with Butler over the years and have been pleased with the boats and service.
Hydra-Sport 3300VX
18 Key West
With the boat show in little over a month you can then see many brands, but not all. Some more dealers an hour away in Georgetown. It’s that time of year; others will be doing the same thing…including moi.
OM
I’ve always been impressed with the professionalism of Butler Marine. They have quite a few used offshore boats there too. I rarely go to the other places.
It’s not necessarily in the Charleston area but I recently purchased a new boat (Xpress H20B Bay boat) at Marshall’s Marine in Lake City (I believe they have another location in Georgetown). They had a great selection ranging from bass boats to offshore CC rigs. I worked with a guy named Lance, who was outstanding, but everyone I spoke with up there was courteous and professional.
In the future, where every stranger poses a potential threat, knowing the predator mindset is the only safe haven.
Xpress H20B Bay Series
Yamaha 115 SHO
I’ll be attending the Myrtle Beach and Charleston Boat show bearing I don’t purchase @ Myrtle Beach. I don’t think I’ll make it to the Columbia Boat Show before purchasing however I’ll be there too as its in my back yard. Thanks for input guys. Was just trying to figure out where to start but it looks like 17 is the spot. The last couple months I’ve been going back and forth between wanting new and used and couldn’t make up my mind so I’m going New and figuring it’s my best bet. Fear is to go used and run into unwarranteed major problems as well as maybe not getting exactly what I want and wanting to trade or sell for a different boat a few years later.
If I were buying an offshore boat today, I’d look at the used market. There’s a ton available right now. You get more boat for your $$. Just be smart about it. Get a warranty if you can. If not, certainly get a compression check or carry it to a local place for a check out. It might cost a little bit, but well worth it considering the investment you’re about to make. Don’t forget if you go new, you’ll need to account for that extra money in outriggers and electronics. Don’t forget the curtains. You’ll need those in a small CC. Without a doubt, the first thing I’d buy would be an EPIRB in your situation.
What’s the price range your looking for?
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“NICE REPORT” LIKKA LOGGA
MY HERO!!!
It looks like you are going “new”, but you really ought to consider a used boat. Look for something 3-5yrs old with 300-400hrs on it and in need of some elbow grease. There are alot of boats 22’ and under out there that you rig out a lot less than you can get a new one for. I can’t speak for other manufacturers, but I can carry my boat back to Pioneer at any time and they will take care of me right away in regards to anything with the boat. The 196sf is not a monster in length, but is an awesome family and fishing machine. Look around and you can find one under 20k. Fight the compulsive bug, really think about what you need/want, and be patient…be patient! Be patient and expand your search to 300-500 miles, looking up around Wilmington and down to central Florida.
quote:
Originally posted by jwshttp://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=158808
Exactly.
How much would that cost new?
I bought several boats from Butler marine, but recently when I needed service they didn’t seem interested.
They also don’t seem to like selling parts.
Hankel seems to be a motivated seller and is always backed up in service.
Seel’s is my current dealer of choice. They are just good people.
Are there other good places to look for used boats, besides this site, Boat Trader, Craigslist?
quote:
Originally posted by 23Sailfishquote:
Originally posted by jwshttp://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=158808
Exactly.
How much would that cost new?
I’ve looked at this several times, I think, on Craigslist. It fits me perfect. If it were me I would have 1 seat, captains chair/bench, but I’m compensating for family and 80-90% lake life parked at Sandy Beach. I’ve got my mind set that I’m going new. Most boats I’m looking at have GPS set. Some come with Hummingbird Helix 7 (something about me won’t allow me to get a Hummingbird. I just view them like I do a Huffy. Others comes with Garmin 741sx. I always liked Garmins but haven’t done much research into this one. I would love a 10-12" screen but again I’m not going to be offshore much more than 6-12 times per year. More likely on the 6 range. I’ve got my heart set on new now. I’m not mechanically inclined which concerns me with no warranty used and I’m just a new guy. This purchase is supposed to last me years and I’ve went back and forth 100 times on whether I should go new or used. Yamaha come Jan 1 is adding 2 more years to their warranty. I’ve narrowed my search to either a 230cc tidewater, 226 commander sea fox and a 22sx Nautic Star. I’m going to also ponder the 246 Commander by tidewater as well. I’ve done extra research into the performance bulletins set by Yamaha on these as well.
Good site as mentioned for the used market;
http://www.thehulltruth.com/boats-sale-wanted-17/
SeaPro 220CC
Dixie Craft-custom flats boat
quote:
something about me won't allow me to get a Hummingbird.
That’s my preference, and I ain’t no newbie. I’ve owned them all. I put Humminbirds on my boats. They work.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper
Good luck with your purchase. I’m just saying it would be hard to pass up a boat like this if I were in your shoes.
quote:
Originally posted by 23SailfishGood luck with your purchase. I’m just saying it would be hard to pass up a boat like this if I were in your shoes.
Hey man, we’re on the same page. It’s just not going to work for me with my family. Happy wife happy life. Gotta keep her in mind unfortunately. I don’t know if I noted earlier but other than the GPS/FF I have other stuff I need like outriggers etc. definitely getting EPIRB, SPOT and whatever else I can get for safety before the first trip out.
The Helix 7 is a great system IMO. I’m with cracker
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com