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I am in the market for a new center console boat. I can't afford the 27' that I want, so I am looking alittle smaller, but it must have twin engines (for me) and bow seating (for the boss). I have done a ton of research, but nothing beats honest opinions from experiences. Anyone have any opinions out there on a good offshore boat with some family friendly thought? Thanks for your help.
There are some nice 31 fountains for sale close to this range used. I know you asked for 24-26 but the 31 fountain is a small 31. The ride and durability is great. Get the open bow and you have alot more fishing room than a 26.
Sorry, I didnt read you wanted something new. Maybe one of those 26 foot sea chasers. I have heard pretty good stuff about them. A 26 sailfish is on the lower end, but not decked out.
I've found Angler, Sea Chaser, and Cobia in that range, but not too many more. I might have to start looking at a newer used boat (2003 or 2004). I wouldn't want to go any older than that. I have been burned before. Am I missing any?
Just bought a new 266 Sailfish with twin 150 Yamaha Four strokes and an 8,000lb trailer for $61K. The Sea Chaser was a bit less and something to look at.
If you must have that size boat, and that is all your budget will allow, find a late model, premium quality, used boat. In the long run you may be better off. No huge depreciation hit as in new and if you buy a "premium" brand name, the retained value will be better later on. More bang for your buck AND better resale value. "such a deal"
Best foward seating used would be jupiter or regulator but your talking a 1997-1999 for that price. New, the seachaser is a great boat for the price....
I own a Seachaser. I love it. You can get a 2400 with four strokes, electronics, etc.. and still have money left over. The 2600 is a great choice if you want something a little bigger. Its beam is over 9'. Still should be able to get it around your price.
Cape Horn and Seapro are also good boats for the money.
Stump...do you have any pics of your boat you wouldn't mind emailing me? The website is terrible in terms of showing good pics of the layout of the boats. I was pretty disappointed with the bow seating of the 2600. I can't believe they just didn't wrap the seats down the side...or at least make it a removable option (like the bluewater). I might be interested in the 2400. How do you like it? Any problems? Comments? Thanks for your input.
Have you looked at the Trophy 2503? It looks like it would be in your price range. Some may argue that they don't have the best fit and finish, but if you want to buy new and stay in your price range, I would give it a look. You can email me if you have any specific questions about them. I've had a trophy for five years now.
Send me your email address and I will get you more pics tomm. I have twin 115 yamaha fourstrokes. WOT 44 (with 4 people) and cruise @ 32mph getting 3 mpg in 2' of less seas. Ride great until seas get over 4' or spaced together closely. Does not have large fish boxes. You need to add a tuna bag if you are after 100lb+ tuna. Boxes (4) will hold all of the snapper, ajs, and grouper you want. I had (4) 30lb. Ajs, (8) 8-20lb. grouper, and a few misc. small fish in the floor box a couple of weeks ago with 100lbs. of ice (it was full). Still had the other (3) smaller boxes left, but (1) 100lb. tuna will not fit in the box. A 40" X 80" tuna bag fits perfect in bow. I would rather have 150's. Boat will not plane on one engine. This is alot of boat for the money. I paid $37,000 for boat w/trailer before electronics.
Mine is a 2003 bought in March 2004. I heard the prices went up this year.
Best 24-26' CC twin engine < $55K 
