First Saltwater Boat Advice - Page 2

Alec Thigpen · 10-12-2009, 09:54 PM

I have an Edgewater 175CC that works fine for the bay and out 8-10 miles on good days. If I were going to spend more time in the Gulf, I would choose a 22-24 CC. Edgewater 225/228, 245, Regulator 23, Maybe a Cape Horn 21-24. Everglades also makes some interesting and innovative hulls in 22-24' both offshore and somewhat deep-V bay boats. All different types of boats, but that is the trouble with this kind of advice. I find that most people are less likely to use the boat a lot if it is too big, and a small boat limits your days and choices. Choose a boat with a dealer in the area that can help you on any issues.

I find that I am willing to take my 17' out when I only have an hour or two, but if I had a 24' boat, I would be more likely to wait for days when I can take it out for at least half a day or longer. It just takes more time to get the bigger boat ready to go, and cleaned up when you get back, so some days it's easier to do something else if time is short. You also have to get to a better ramp than if you are just launching a light shallow draft boat. Find how you will use the boat and then make your decision. I have had big boats and small, and I think the Fun Factor is higher in the small boats.

beenie · 10-13-2009, 10:10 AM

Check out the new Cape Bay line from Cape Horn. I'm impressed!
Mike

flogger · 10-15-2009, 07:08 AM

Thanks for all the info guys it has been very helpful. One other thing that I have considered is a cat. Any thoughts on this. I have found a 2006 26' Twin Vee twin 115 4 stroke Suzukis with trailer 21K. No electronics!! This is another subject what electronics are a must have and what would be "nice to have?"
Thanx

Oh Yeah BJ · 10-15-2009, 04:50 PM

I would go with a 21 Foot seahunt myself - can do up to 30 miles safely and anything inshore except real skinny water - great prices

bill

flogger · 10-27-2009, 02:33 PM

Again guys thanx for all the info. the more I look the more confused I get. Like some of you said the first boat will not be perfect but it will give me more of an idea of what I do need.

MSdeckhand72 · 10-28-2009, 09:12 AM

i think the twin vee would be your best bet... you can still fish shallow since it doesnt draft much water and it can handle anything offshore that you throw at it

Capt Lindsay · 10-28-2009, 07:56 PM

After reading all the posts, my revised suggestion is to join a local fishing club. Most club members are looking for people to fish with and you can get to check out a number of boats, plus get nice days out on the water, for your share of expenses. Everyone has an opinion but none is as important as your own after you have actually fished a boat for a day or so.

eddy2419 · 10-30-2009, 08:57 AM

$21,000?? Seems pretty low for that boat.

You will need VHF, color fish finder and chart plotter/GPS. Garmin is a good choice. I've had bad luck with Lowrance/Eagle.

PM me with your email and I will send you a file to download into your plotter that has about 800 of the Alabama public spots.

plugmeister · 10-30-2009, 05:23 PM

That's not enough power for that boat in my opinion. Twin 200's would be better. What year are the engines?

Jon_Neblett · 10-30-2009, 05:54 PM

I have 17ft cape horn that I use in the chesapeake bay in VA. I drove 18hrs to Mobile to buy this boat used and ive never regretted it! There are many new and used for sale right it your area...I would definitely check one out before I bought anything else I have had plenty of boats but this is the best no frills basic fishing pleasure boat I have ever used. I

weatherman · 10-30-2009, 06:39 PM

My bay boat is a 1195 22' rolled-edge model; the newer bay boats are really nice, and yes, I'd appreciate a deeper hull when offshore, but I can't complain about the conditions the boat has safely handled over the years. The simple rolled-edge style bay boat is in my opinion a nice compromise for lots of conditions, although not as popular as in years past, but they are really easy to clean! The key features I appreciate are a good bow-mounted trolling motor, a decent livewell, a pedestal seat in the rear for fishing partners, and built-in tackle storage. My "dry storage" isn't, but have figured out storage solutions over the years. If you observe folks at the ramps, and fish with a few others, you'll get a good idea of what you really like.

Mike Shaler · 11-02-2009, 06:01 AM

I joined a boat club before I purchased a boat. Club had about 15 different models and sizes. I used each one and it gave me a great idea of what I liked.

flogger · 11-02-2009, 02:03 PM

Boat Club ?? It does sound like the way to go. any in the Gulf shores Area? As far as the Twin V I think I let it slip away. I did check on the power plant and the 115's were to small he offered to put 140's on it after I brought it to his attention.
Thanx

jtms · 11-02-2009, 02:43 PM

I would book a charter or two and see what kind of fishing you like. Some people can't stand inshore fishing and some can't stand offshore. Boats with sharp deadrise are better for offshore but don't work as well for inshore b/c they draw a good bit of water. On the other hand, flatter bottom boats are great for inshore but not so great for offshore. See where I am going.

There are some good "do anything" boats like the Everglades 246, but you will prob. do yourself a favor by hopping on a buddy boat or taking a charter to see what kind of fishing you enjoy. The 25 Aquasport is prob. a bit much for inshore fishing, but would be the kind of set-up you would want for offshore. As with anything it is all about what you want to spend. Also, some of these hard core fishing boats lack a lot of the creature comforts(ie. comfy seating and a head). The Everglades 246 is a great do everything boat but they are very $$$.

eddy2419 · 11-02-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flogger

Boat Club ?? It does sound like the way to go. any in the Gulf shores Area? As far as the Twin V I think I let it slip away. I did check on the power plant and the 115's were to small he offered to put 140's on it after I brought it to his attention.
Thanx

Sportsman Marina.

lazy.dennis · 11-02-2009, 09:48 PM

I would have to agree with latrout, the 21 contender is a great boat, you can run far offshore with it on nice days and close to shore on ugly days. its also very economical to run. theres plenty of 21's for sale right now on THT also.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LATROUT

21 contender, got all the fuel, storage you will ever need. Draft ain't bad. Economical to run. You'll never have to buy another hull. Bayboat at the close rigs are a joke. They aren't set up for that type of fishing and are usually not a real safe bet coming in and out of passes in less than ideal conditions.
And after fishing mobile bay for alot of years you are gonna find yourself at the close rigs a nd wrecks a lot more than trout fishing if you really wanna catch fish anyway. Good boat to run out to the islands in too. And when you feel like it run down over to Venice and do some fishing too.
I fished bay boats for a while and will never own one again. The Schaeffer's and Gause bulit boats are in a league of their own, not really what I would consider a bay boat. Awesome boats.
Either get a skiff and fish close to shore or get a real boat. No need for a bay boat around there.