Good first boat?

[MjMarti85]

Whats up guys? I am beginning to start looking for a first boat. So far i've been looking at Century 22" 2200cc, Sailfish 23', Polar.. I would like to keep it under $40K.. Please give me some recommendations. I will be using the boat to fish, but also to go hang out at the sandbar every once in a while on elliots key down here in Miami.. Im looking forward to hearing some responses!!
-Matt
P.s.- Thanks in Advance!

Also, what are some steps that I should take in preparing to buy a boat. What kind of licenses would I need? I'm 22 years old in case that makes a difference or not?

[MjMarti85]

I just saw that I posted in the wrong part of the forum. Sorry in advance!

[unoyankeefan]

The biggest mistake that I see people make is that they want a boat, go get one, and then find out what it will do for them. I think you need to sit down and ask yourself what you want to do with it and then seek a boat that will do most of it. As far as manufactuers, I have had two McKee Crafts and liked them both. They are a well built boat that rides well at a fair price.

[FinRazr]

This forum is fine .What type of fishing?How far from shore?Give us a little more info and you'll get plenty of good suggestions.

[budddavid]

Someone else's, talk a buddy into buying one, go fishing with him and don't subject yourself to the misery of keeping your own craft seaworthy by consistently draining your bank accounts.

Aside from that I would suggest deciding on whether you want new or used are you going to perform all of the maintenance yourself or have a shop keep it running for you. Sounds like you are definitely headed for an outboard rig, if you buy used, check the engine out thoroughly or have someone who knows them do it for you and make recommendations. If you are buying new than this will be less of an issue but it will still require care. My best advice would be stay well within your budget so that you can afford the unforeseen costs and aren't stretched too thin. I don't know the Florida recreational boating licensing requirements but plenty on this board will clue you in. There are usually classes that you can take through your local west marine, boater's world or coast guard auxiliary (none of which I particularly admire but that is neither here not there). Seriously if you have a friend in the area that owns a boat then boating and fishing with them will give you a better idea of what you need to know and features you want in a boat. Please don't be offended if I assume you new to all of this. Have fun and good luck.

[mrfishy]

Don't get the polar

[hubris 1]

relax, take your time, and buy a quality boat.dont buy a boat that in one year your going to want to get out of.really think about it. dont buy more boat for the money, buy the boat that in 5 years you want. if i was you for 40,000 i would buy a used regulator. you will still love it next year and the year after. and when you do sell, it will be a shower.......not a bath!

[hrdcor32]

BOAT=Break Out Another Thousand

Take a look at your budget again and try to get a good figure on all the extras you will be buying when you first get the boat. Rods, reels, tackle, gaffs, nets, bait, anchor, gas, oil, seatow or other subscription tow company, life vests, flares and other safety equipment, etc, etc, it is a never ending list. Look at all of this plus the cost of maintaining a boat and trailer or slip, then you will get an idea of how much you really want to spend. Boating and fishing are a bottomless pit, but a very fun and rewarding hobby!

I started with a 18ft open bow with a seized motor and trees growing out of it when I was 18, rebuilt it used it for awhile, then moved up to a 1989 wellcraft 250, still wasn't enough to satisfy my love for fishing and boating, now i am 22 and have a 29 center console and it is good for everything I want to do, for now.

Good luck with whatever boat you decide on!

Matt

[MjMarti85]

This forum is fine .What type of fishing?How far from shore?Give us a little more info and you'll get plenty of good suggestions.

As far as fishing goes, maybe a couple miles off-shore of Miami-Ft. lauderdale.. Nothing as far as bahamas, lol.. Just far enough to catch some fish and have some fun and enjoy the boat

relax, take your time, and buy a quality boat.dont buy a boat that in one year your going to want to get out of.really think about it. dont buy more boat for the money, buy the boat that in 5 years you want. if i was you for 40,000 i would buy a used regulator. you will still love it next year and the year after. and when you do sell, it will be a shower.......not a bath!

I'm not in a huge rush to buy a boat. My uncle has owned quite a few boats, and I have been talkign with him alot about this, and he has been giving me pointers here and there about do's and dont's. I just want a good solid boat that I can use for fishing and also just leisure days out on the water.

BOAT=Break Out Another Thousand

Take a look at your budget again and try to get a good figure on all the extras you will be buying when you first get the boat. Rods, reels, tackle, gaffs, nets, bait, anchor, gas, oil, seatow or other subscription tow company, life vests, flares and other safety equipment, etc, etc, it is a never ending list. Look at all of this plus the cost of maintaining a boat and trailer or slip, then you will get an idea of how much you really want to spend. Boating and fishing are a bottomless pit, but a very fun and rewarding hobby!

I started with a 18ft open bow with a seized motor and trees growing out of it when I was 18, rebuilt it used it for awhile, then moved up to a 1989 wellcraft 250, still wasn't enough to satisfy my love for fishing and boating, now i am 22 and have a 29 center console and it is good for everything I want to do, for now.

Good luck with whatever boat you decide on!

Matt

Thank you for the good advice Matt, I don't neccessarily need to buy a brand new boat, as I have also been looking at quite a few used ones. I just want something that has been taken care of and not abused. I have a friend that is going to school now for Marine Mechanics, and My g/fs cousin has a guy that maintains his boat each month, does maintenance on the motor and makes sure the electronics are ok, and everything. I plan to have him do the same for my boat. I opened up a savings account for the Boat alone, more of an "incase crap happens" type of account. And that is all the account will be used for. So hopefully that will be there to cover any unexpected suprises that may arise.

[FinRazr]

I had a seahunt 232 a few years back.You should be able to get a couple of year old one with a 225 yamaha in the mid 20's.Very good boat overall efficient and easy to run it would serve you well.