If you Were to Buy a Center Console for Offshore Use...

[Marlin1805]

I want to hear from you center console boat owners.

My father is looking to purchase a used center console for use offshore in South Florida and the Bahamas. The boat needs to be a good fit for a simple day on the reef as well as Marlin fishing the out islands. 27-32 feet, 2004 or newer, twin engine outboards, and less than $125K.

After hours of researching all the center console makes/models online I am leaning towards the following manufacturers based on the models available, boat layouts for fishing needs and storage, and word-of-mouth:

Regulator
Jupiter
Sea Vee
Pursuit
Hydra-Sports

We would prefer a heavier riding boat over speed to help combat against larger seas. Now I know you are going to get wet and thrown around a bit in a center console, but if one of these brands or another that I have not listed should be considered I would like to hear more about it.

Also, outboard engine preferences. We are considering twin 225 or 250 four-stroke Yahamas. The Evirude E-Tec engines are interesting, but I have never been on a boat that has them.

So if you had up to $125K to spend on a used Center Console what would you buy and why?

Matt

[teddyp]

I've always like Contenders. I've fished on a couple down in FLA. and they were set up well for live baiting. You might be able to get one cheap.

Name your boat Immigration and write it very large on both sides of the hull. Hopefully that will keep the thieves from stealing it down there.
Good luck.

[nautiduck]

Are you looking for at least twins or just twins? If your open to triples, check out Aquasitions Triton in the for sale section. It fits your year and price range.

[Logan9581]

Throw Conch and Ocean Master in there as well.

http://www.randrboatworks.com/
http://www.oceanmasterboats.com/

Hundreds of S. Florida guides can't be wrong.

[Deep C]

We're a multi Contender family... Right now there are a lot of cream puffs on the market that can be had very right... In our fleet we have a 31 walk around. The cabin is nice for storage on long trips but really is ineffective as a sleeping quarter though. The 27 our friend has is the rocket of the bunch. Eats heavy seas very well. In true Contender fashion the faster you go the better the ride to a certain point. The 27 we run just under 40 kts... At real high speed (on that boat above 41kts) they start to get unstable again but 32 or 33 knots is comfortable in all of em.
Then you get to the "T" series... These ones seem to stay glued better to the water than their predacessors. 31T with T 250 four stroke yamahas really is as sweet as it gets...

[hobie2]

i would spend a little more (or finance some of it) and go with a large sportfish like the one i am selling...

[marlineer]

Consider a 28 or 32 INTREPID. They are very well built, have a solid ride and good re-sale. The 32 is killer! However, of the boats You have mentioned I like Jupiters for the job.

[bvette]

I own a 32 Regulator I like the boat it seems to be a good ride for it size. I owned a 31 Ocean Master I like that boat as well total different feel. The 31 Jupiter I did not care for and the 31 Sea Vee I did not care for. The 31 contender is narrow. All seem to have a good reputation. Nothing seems to beat a twin diesel boat in the end if your making long trips the extra wieght does help. Buy what you think suits your needs.

[Marlin1805]

To answer a few questions listed to far...

We are looking for twin outboards only. The extra engine seems extremely unnecessary for our needs.

There are a couple reasons for going with a center console over an inboard diesel sportfisher. About 2 years ago we sold our 1999 35' Cabo Flybridge and said unless we live in the area we are using it we will never again own a big boat with inboards. Too many engine problems to mention when you only get out of Dallas to use it for a week every 2 months. Also, the boat will need to be racked in Ft. Lauderdale so a big CC just makes sense for our needs.

Keep the recommendations coming...

[cdail28590]

For the price you are talking about you can buy a new 28 bluewater which is equal to 31' total length. As far as weight its not the heaviest but it does have a good ride with its 24 degree deadrise and it really has a pretty good amount of storage. Some people don't like the step up going to the bow but I've heard from 2 different people that they thought it rode better than a 31 contender. I can't compare the 2 because I have never ridden on a 31 contender. The Ocean master is heavier but doesn't have as much deadrise and might beat you a little more. Plus Bluewater is made in Florida.