What size boat?

[Hooper]

Guess I'll chime in here though I doubt I can offer anything new.

I think the key is to spend some time really thinking out what your needs and priorities are. Is it a family boat most of the time with some fishing thrown in, or is it a fishing boat with some family thrown in? Trailering is a real plus, if you like trailering and become confident with it and don't mind the ramps, it is a very economical way to own a boat. Families tend to want or need more creature comforts, like bunks, shelter, a head, etc. For me, I got the perfect boat when I bought my SeaCraft. My wife calls it "Extreme Boating" so there you go....but then again, she wasn't my wife when I bought it!

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by tide hunter

Look into a used 23' Sea Craft (if you can find one). Best 23' hull ever. Like one of the earlier posts, I agree, Used boat, new power. If you can get hold of a nice hull and repower with a Suzuki 250 4 stroke, you will have a SWEEEET boat. 25K should be doable. I also like the idea of taking a few charters for the reasons mentioned. Here's a link to a finishd one Saw this at the boat show last year. AWSOME http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1671905/0 Also Check Out http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...=Stern&photo=2

60K for a SC rebuild - ouch! Cheaper to have one done over by Wildfire Marine in Florida, shipping both ways, than Metan .... But 25-30K is doable for a used 23 SC with new power. Better to stay younger than 86 if you do. Hard towing this boat fully loaded with a Trailblazer.