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Random Quote: Boatowner's prayer. Please dont let my widow sell my gear for what I said I paid for it.
I know you guys have been asked this very same question a thousand times, but let's go over it one more time.
I want your opinions on which boat represents the best value for a price of $30,000 or less. This price needs to include hull, motor, trailer, basic safety gear, and basic electronics.
The intended use for the boat is inshore and offshore fishing in North Carolina. I want enough hull/power to safely get me out and back. I have fished out of Bogue Inlet a number of times on an 18 footer, but I want at least 21 feet. I would say my size range is 21-23 feet. I place an upper limit of 23 feet simply because any larger is very likely out of my budget range.
I realize that my price constraint will prevent me from considering many of the upper tier brands, like Grady White, for example. I don't mind buying a second tier boat, as long as it is safe and not cheaply constructed.
I am very early in my decision making process. I have only looked at one boat, which was the Sea Hunt Triton 186. In the Fall of 2004, I was quoted $20,500 for a 2004 186 with 2004 Yammy 115 4-stroke, aluminum trailer, T-top without the electronics box, etc. I liked this boat, but I need more hull than 18 feet.
Last week I met a guy with a new 2005 Sea Hunt Triton 232 with Yammy 225 4-stroke. This boat would meet all my requirements, but would likely run between $40,000 and $45,000, I am guessing. I didn't ask the man what he paid. He did say it was only $1000 more than the Triton 220.
OK, there you go. You know what I want, where I intend to use it, and what I am currently considering paying for it. I'd like your opinions please. If you state a brand, please tell me why. If it'll help, compare it to the Sea Hunt, which is all I have to go on at this time. If you need more info, let me know.
Thanks for your input. I've been sitting on the dock for far too long, I need to buy a boat. But I really want to do it right.
RE: Best Center Console Fishing boat under $30,000
A used twin vee 22 CC can pretty much do it all. (twin engine, can handle chop and weather way more comfortably than 99% of boats out there and also capable of fishing in shallow water around 12 inches deep. Probably the best riding boat and most capable boat on the used market.
Re: Best Center Console Fishing boat under $30,000
21 ft. cape horn with 250 hp. ETEC,,If you can"t strech your $$$ to get a new one, buy 2001 or newer with new design step hull,, dry ride, 42 gal. live well, plenty of room, big gas tank , needs at least 200 hp.
Re: Best Center Console Fishing boat under $30,000
That 2005 232 Triton with an F225, T-top, and tandem aluminum trailer runs about $37K.* I think with some judicious shopping, you should be able to find a Triton 212 with an F150 for pretty close to $30K, trailer included.* You may have to forego the T-top, but you can get there.
Re: Best Center Console Fishing boat under $30,000
That deal Stretch linked is awesome. THAT would be my pick at 30K or under. Its nice that the guy through the Edgewater name out but you would be hard pressed to find a used one much less a new one at $30K.
Re: Best Center Console Fishing boat under $30,000
I agree that the best value would be used. Maybe 2-3 years old. To go high end would probably have to be 4 or more years old I suspect.
21 Bluewater....at least 2-3 years old. The 21 Bluewaters loaded are probably pushing 50K (I said loaded, big motor, lots of options....I suppose one could be had for low 40's but nowhere near 30K).
Best Center Console Fishing boat under $30,000 
