Looking at buying a new, well new to me boat in the next couple of weeks. Been looking in the 23-25 range with single or duals. Looking at a couple boats, 2003 ProSports 2550 with twin Yamaha 150’s , 2005 Pro Line Sports 24 with 225 Merc, 2002 Proline 23 with twin 150 Merc … Wondering would you choose a little never boat with a single engine, or slightly older with Duals. Looking to offshore fish mostly, jetties and maybe Intercoastal some…thanks for any input, Bryan
IF you plan on going offshore mostly on an older boat I would go with something with twins. Maintenance will be more costly but you will have the piece of mind of having 2 engines to get you home.
Thank you JWS for your input
175 Scout SportFish
welcome to the online fishing/spelling site. As for what boat to get what you feel comfortable with going offshore in and that is within your budget. I run a 20 ft CC single engine out as far as 60 miles on good days and feel comfortable doing it. Your next question should be on safety equipment whick is more important than what motor. Good luck in your search.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
opps. I just PM’d you about a great local boat for sale fairly inexpensive.
19ft. Carolina Skiff
w/115hp Yamaha 4stroke
27ft. Contender
w/twin 225hp Yamaha 4stroke
Skip, my advice would be sure to factor in maintenance cost. I have a 30ft Grady White center console with twins I spent close to 15k this year alone on maintenance. No real big issues just on “stuff” the bigger the boat the larger the expense will be of course. Lets not even get into gas prices! btw they say the older Mercs were only good for anchors I have no experience with mercs only Yamahas which I swear by just my 2 cents.
Skip on top of what CHSHooker said think about the yearly tax bill. My tax bill is around $700.00 every January.
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
Well it’s all about what you can afford. You could probably do newer and single or old and dual. I have an old with twin motors. Works for me. as long as you can do most of the repairs yourself, usually the maintenance won’t eat you alive, but your faith will be tested at times when something big breaks and you need to pony up for it. Expect to spend a lot on fixing stuff. Also, with a boat that size, I’d probably plan on not using it in the icw and creeks, I mean you could, but it’d just be kind of a pain… Draws more water, two motors, burns more gas, hard to get in small places when looking for bait, and so forth
Also check with your insurance person. I believe boats longer than 25 feet have a much higher insurance cost.
ZX
Skiptyler! Welcome to CF.
And I’m sure this will not go over well with some but might want to check out
GovDeals.com
They just posted a bunch of SC government boats - lots of hours but appears to have regular maintenance. Just a thought!
2006 36 Contender Fisharound
Betcha’ I can make it go faster!
Are we there yet?
You’ll be cussing yourself when your one and only engine goes out! Also, we had a name for Mercurys back in the day… but I wont share.
Lets just say they’re big, black, and they dont work!
We have had a 21’ Pioneer CC for 9 years now with a Yamaha 150 and have been very impressed to say the very least. Now, we only took that boat out to blackfish banks and as far as Comanche reef once. I would not take that boat any further. Now, we have a 38’ boat and billfish in water as deep as 1,400 feet.
Its really not worth risking your and your passengers lives. The ocean can be a very scary place to be in a squall, and I say from experience. Just do what you’re capable/comfortable/financially sound to do.
Check your PM’s…
Thank you all, for the comments and input. I did end up buying the 23 Proline, pick it up on Weds. Couple latches and a new GPS and ready to go. It is amazing the amount and variations of boats and hulls out there, even with the same manufacturer. Will have to hook up with some of you and go out. Thank you very much , Bryan
175 Scout SportFish
Did you buy that boat from Mountain Top?