I need some help choosing a boat

[qzilla]

Like there isn't enough of these on here already!

Here is my deal. I fish out of TX on the GOM. We will go a minimum of 30 NM for a regular fishing trip. We like to run 60-100 NM quite often to get to the good fishing.

I am not going to knowingly run in over 4fters and most likely I will be in the bay if they are over 3 ft. We have a nasty, soupy chop and anything short of a 60' Viking is not comfortable enough for me and I can't pay cash for one of those!

What I thought I originally wanted was a big, fast center console with big fuel capacity. The cost of fuel does not bother me so leave that out of the equations. Trip 300 or Trip 350's is what I was looking at for the most part. Of course I want a nice boat and a boat that will ride as nicely as possible but, I am not nit picky about fish boxes or how much ice they hold. I like good livewell, good storage etc but, most of the top tier boats all have plent of the above.

I would like to be able to pull it out on a trailer and not have to leave it on a lift or in a slip if possible. I have plenyt of truck to handle the big boats.

I was pretty dead set on a 36 yellowfin until my Wife, kids and Dad started in on me. So that is the style boat I am looking for.

I would like a boat that will run 40-45kts pretty easy in 2 or 2-3 fters or less. We like to go a long ways and come home as we are not fans of overnighting.

What killed it is the seemingly lack of a head in the Yellowfin boats. Go figure, I want a fishing machine and Dad and wife tell me they aren't going without a crapper!

They would really like to have some sort of A/C and some better/more comfortable seating. They will ride in bean bags but, they are not fans of them.

So, help me out. What is a good, fast, dry, good riding fishing boat that has some of the comforts my family is wanting?

Seems like most that have the comforts are slow or are not made to fish out of?

I have looked at the Fountain 38 LX and it looks super nice but, not much like a fishing boat. I have looked at Hydra Sports 3300VX and the ProLines which do not appear to be top tier. Everglades 350cc seems to solve the crapper problem and shower problem but, I am not found of all the moving parts and gadgets in a saltwater environment in a boat that will be fished hard!

Both wife and Dad think they like the 42 yellowfin but, that is a little overkill for a center console and I have to lift it or put it in a slip.

I am not willing to go to a sport fisher or a true express or ANY cat boat. Been there, done that. Sportfishers require to much time and maintenance and the smaller ones are slow and ride like crap for the most part or they bang too bad.

It would be nice to find something that is servicable via dealer here in TX should I have warranty issues as well.

Not sure where that leaves me other than disappointed because I pretty much had a boat picked out and was ready to roll until they started in on me. I do like to fish with both of them a lot so it is important I get something they have fun in.

Any and all suggestions are welcome.

If I left something out or missed something important please let me know.


Oh and this in not an open checkbook but, I would like a slightly used boat in the 200K range give or take 50K. Like anyone else the cheaper it can be done the better.

Thanks in advance!

[UaVaj]

Like all boat - it is a compromise of certain features. What you are describing above is - a 60' Viking. I got the same problem. Wife wants a floating hotel and I want a cc with a extra large cockpit. We are now considering the ideal of a convertible. Maybe not a 60' but definitely 40 something.

Back to your question. Looks like you already have everthing figure out. YF 42 is probably your best bet. Just do it.



Here is the real question.
How often is the wife/dad gonna be coming alone?

If once in a blue moon like my wife. Get yourself what you reallie want - the YF 36.
If they are your normal crew. Get the accomodation - YF 42.

[kerno]

The head issue is a real one to me because my wife dives with me and she wants a head - period. But since it also lets me have pretty well free reign in choosing the boat, as long as it has a decent head, she's happy and I'm happy. We went (yeah, she and I) to Yellowfin and I was very impressed with the boats. There grid system is superb and they'll do about anything you want - excet they did not have a way to create a Dianne approved head. We currently have Venture 34, which I like a lot and have found the ride to be well beyond my expectations.

It sounds like 34 is going to be a minimum for your requirements, so with that size range in mind, the other boats that looked we looked at and were suitable in creature comfort were the Intrepids, the SeaHunter 35 and 40, The Bahama 41, the Jupiter 34 and 38, and the Invincible. There are others out there, for sure. The 150 to 250K budget will probably eliminate most of the newer stuff over 36 feet.

[jbg108]

36 Contender Fish Around fits the bill pretty well. It's a great compromise. Also check out Intrepids.



This is one cool New England boat. http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=1832512&ybw=&u nits=Feet&currency=USD&access=Public&l isting_id=74868&url=

[gf]

jbg108 - 1/7/2009 3:58 PM

This is one cool New England boat.

Awesome boat!