[Jamie M]

Now that the financing is settled on the house, my wife has given me permission to seriously start looking for a boat. We'll do our boating out of Groton, CT. Most of the time, I'll be slinging eels into the rocky shores around Fishers Island and the Niantic area. Occasionally, my wife and golden retriever will be out with me for sunbathing and lunch. Also some scuba-diving.

I'm looking for a center console in the 21-23 foot range. Preferably from a mid-tier manufacturer (I'm looking for the "Honda" of boats - I don't want a KIA, and I can't afford a Lexus). A clean, used boat would be ideal, but a new boat is a slight possibility.

There are 2 features I'm looking for that will eliminate most models. First, the hull must be set up in such a way that my wife and sister can comfortably lay out and sunbathe. This could be accomplished with a huge casting deck, or molded bench seats, in front of the console.

Second, I'd like the engine mounted on a platform that runs the width of the transom, with easy access to the platform. This will accomplish 2 things - it'll give me a spot where I can sit at the water's edge and put my dive gear on, and it gives my golden retriever an easy place to get in and out of the water. This will eliminate most center consoles in that size range, as many mount the engine in a tiny notch cut into the transom.

I found this 1998 Sport-craft center console. It also has a nice vee berth (like Maritime Skiff's new 23-footer). The boat looks extremely clean, but I've heard mixed reviews about Sportcrafts. But I really like the added bonus of a small cabin. Asking price is $21,000.

I plan on looking at the Sea Hunt 23, the Pacific Skiff 23, and I believe Key West makes a 22 or 23 foot center console that fits the bill. Any other models I should look at?

Thanks,

Jamie M