My wife and I are moving to Charleston and are planning to buy a boat. This is a broad question, but you guys are obviously the experts. I’m wondering what sort of fishing would be the “best” for us and what sort of boat would be the best fit? I’ve read several relevant posts already, but a few details are below…
I grew up fishing freshwater lakes in Alabama, but not much saltwater. I just want to catch fish for fun and a few to eat (reds / flounder / speckleds work for me). It’d be cool to catch monster grouper/cobia/etc, but I only plan on using the boat on the weekends, so running 50 miles offshore probably isn’t something I’d be comfortable doing.
My wife is open to a boat, but I don’t know how well she’d do on the open ocean. We don’t have kids yet, but probably will in the next year or two, so something too small probably won’t get approval due to safety concerns from the wife. I’m planning to buy used… looking to spend no more than $40k, but would be happy spending $10k.
Also, we’ll be buying a place when we move, so figuring in parking for the boat is a serious consideration. If there are boats that work that fit in the garage – awesome. If I should go with a bigger boat, then I’ll have to figure out how/where to store it (back yard depending on HOA regulations, dry/wet storage?). Call my crazy, but I want to have the boat figured out before we buy the house.
Anyway, I appreciate the help. From what I’ve read, it sounds like a used Scout, Pathfinder, or Ranger bay boat may be the way to go, but I figured I’d ask. It sounds like I could still get to the reds in the flats in one of those boats, and they are more/less the most family friendly option, but I’m not completely certain.
I have the Scout 221 Winyah bay… I love it. My wife and I have two little girls. Plenty of room for a family no reason to feel un easy about safety in any of the brands you mentioned. It will also get pretty skinny. I have had it in 8" of water with just me in it. My boat is equipped with a yamaha 150 4 stroke and its very fuel efficient. Has no trouble pushing the boat fully loaded to max. Also you can’t beat the ride of a bay boat. I have road in a lot of flats boats and they beat you to death in any chop. I can handle the bumpy ride but my wife not so much. She loves our boat… Good luck!
Don’t leave Pioneer out of the equation. Great boats from a local company.
Mark
Pioneer 222 Sportfish Yamaha F300
Yeah, but do you consider a dog to be a filthy animal? I wouldn’t go so far as to call a dog filthy but they’re definitely dirty. But, a dog’s got personality. Personality goes a long way.
“Life’s tough…It’s even tougher if you’re stupid” John Wayne
A walk-around cuddy cabin boat makes a lot of sense if you have (or will have) small children. Otherwise, you’ll have fewer days out, and the days out will be more limited in length (especially with small children). The cuddy can even be used for overnight camping trip that are fun for the kids - and stow a lot of fishing gear. Center consoles are what men generally, but the women will spend more time on something with a head, some protection and a berth where the kids can take a nap when (not if) they get tired. If you still want a fishing boat, buy a Jon boat too.
You’ll find that you can consistently catch fish at the jetties with little experience, and a cuddy works well there.
Yes - many HOAs don’t allow boats (or must be behind home and/or covered) - you’ll know when you drive through a neighborhood. Many garages are too short (length is only 20’ or height of door is 7’ vs 8’) to hold anything more than a 17’ boat.
Tide or War Eagle?
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If you are a subdivision kind of guy, quite a few neighborhoods have an area to park boats. To me, that’s the best of both worlds. The boat is close by, but not in the yard or driveway.
If you’re lucky enough to be fishing, you’re lucky enough.
Thanks everyone, this is a great help. SurfFishLife, thanks for the info on the boat parking areas in some neighborhoods. I have no idea if we’ll end up in a neighborhood, but it’s great to at least know to ask about that (assuming parking at home isn’t a viable option).
T-Topless - I hadn’t considered a walk-around cuddy cabin. I don’t know if the wife / future small children would come out enough to justify it, but something to keep in mind. As for which school, well Roll Tide! I know we won’t be on top forever, but these past few years have been amazing… (hopefully this doesn’t get me banned from the site or sneered out of SC). Nevertheless, lots of respect for USC from my end.
Anyway, we’re still a little while from pulling the trigger on the boat, but I feel like I’m pointed in the right direction. I’ll also be sure to check out Pioneer and Scout as we get closer.
I wouldn’t buy a boat until I’d spent some time, even just a little time, in a few different boats. If you’re willing to pitch in for fuel, I bet you could hitch a ride with a few people on CF to see how different boats treat you.
There are so many considerations, it would be hard to pick a boat based on internet advise. Pick the wrong one and you either get to live with it or eat the depreciation when trading to what you really wanted (but, didn’t know it).
All good advice above, but I’ll add one more. When you go to buy one, take someone with you who knows boats, preferably someone with gray hair
I can’t tell you how many calls I get from people who say “I just bought this boat for a good deal and need to see what it will take to fix it”.
In most cases they should have asked that question before the purchase.
Good luck with your decision. You are starting out right by asking for advice.
Capt. Larry Teuton
Cracker Built Custom Boats
Small craft surveying and repair
thanks again guys. I was planning to hire a couple of different guides for a few different fishing trips to get a feel for the different type of fishing, water, fish, boat, etc – but I hadn’t thought about the potential to hook up with other fisherman on here. I’ll keep that in mind as we get closer.
T-Topless - Good advice. I’ll go with a white Bama flag instead of red
