I am retiring from offshore fishing, and now in the market for a CC in the 17-19 ft. range; so I’d appreciate comments on brand, size and particulars.
We figure to do equal amounts of inshore, cobia/tarpon type fishing, going out 10-15 miles when weather is really good and cruising intercoastal with family. I realize no one boat is perfectly suited for all these, but a good 17-19’ CC will work.
At this point, I am open to the usual brands, Scout, Whaler, Pioneer, Sea Hunt, Key West and so forth, but hope to find a good buy in a late-model used rig.
Im in the same boat, so to speak. I like the Key West 196 and 186 bay reefs, sea hunt 186 triton, and pioneer 197… unfortunately so does everyone else. A 4 stroke on a 5-8 year old of any of these seem to run high in Charleston if they are in good shape… even higher for the pioneer (which is arguably more boat). Have seen some real beaters for cheaper, and some real beaters for more money as well!
I have been looking further up in North Carolina - less expensive but you have to drive all the way up there to see them. Would rather make a deal locally if I can
Depending on what your looking for you have to be patient. I have a pioneer 197 and love it. It took me 6 months to find what I wanted. I at one point put an offer on a key west 2020 cc but I am happy that did not work out.Mine is an 06 had 120 hrs on a Yamaha 150 4 stroke motor when I purchased in July 2011. I am very pleased with ride, fuel economy and overall finish of the boat.
There are a ton of nice boats from the brands listed above and would not hesitate to purchase if the price was right. I found my pioneer from a private owner on the pioneerownersforum.com
I bought the Pioneer 222SF and love it so far. Granted I haven’t used it too much yet but the little I have has been impressive.
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
I did the same search last year, many good brands out there - hard to find one for a good price thats in good shape. Found a 08’ Sea Pro with a Merc 115 that had 40 hours on it, and was 100% spotless. Boat is a step down from Key West or some of the others, but the condition and price were perfect.
Put 150 hours on it since… from the upper upper Ashley, to Capers to the 60’ - no problems.
There are deals to be had…I got mine for an amazing price. I must have looked at 500+ boats before found the pioneer.
Cliff
2006 pioneer 197 SF 150 4s
I looked for almost 2 years. I knew that what I wanted would show up if I was patient. Like you, I looked at hundreds of boats on every website out there. Finally got mine on January 8 this year. It is 95% of what I wanted in a boat. Ona Mission, if you are willing to travel you may save yourself a lot of money. I live in Lexington but I got mine in Florida. I searched within a 500 mile radius of here. I was more than willing to drive to get the right deal and I did.
Ranger Bay 2000
Yamaha F150
Molon Labe!
Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. - Anatole France (paraphrased)
Riley, you will always be in my heart, I will always love and remember you. Thank you Lord for the 8 years.
RIP my Puppy Dog 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013