Ji00346

I would like to hear some suggestions. I'd like to stay under $200K. Prefer 28-30ft range with dual 300's or 350's. My struggle has been finding the right mix of family functionality, combined with fishing functionality. I'm lookIng for something with good seating options that rides good. I have test driven a Regulator and loved how it rode. Didn't love the price!...but understand because they are great boats. I've done quite a bit of fishing on a 32 Contender and it's to much of a pure fishing boat.

I've been looking at the Sportsman 312 Open. I think it's a well made boat. Name recognition, not so much. From a design and functionality point of view, I like it more and more the more I look around. I'd like to hear some options on that boat, as well as any other suggestions I should take a look at!

Muggin Mullet

I own a Masters 247, would def buy it again. Ive been extremely tempted by their new 282 Open TE ( no forward seating )... Just waiting on them to release to see what the pricing will be like and reviews. Im sure it will be solid as its not a major change to their model.

Im also in love with Contenders but have been pleasantly surprised with Sportsman and how well they build their boats for the price.

jtav2002

Smaller end of the size range but Onslow Bay 27XS would be my pick. Or a Contender 28S if that would fit the budget.

Avid 24

Small end of your range but Everglades 273

cman55

Cobia 296 will check all your boxes. My needs seem to be identical to yours. Great fishing platform, great bow wave entry, smooth ride, wide beam, lots of seating options for family and friends, and a cool retractable table in bow. Fit and finish are very nice as well. Loaded 2017 model with $ 7000 trailer $180-190k.

Additionally lots of guys on this site like the sea hunt gamefish 30. I've never been on one myself, but they look nice and seem to have all the bells and whistles.

The cape horn 31 is also a great boat for around 200k

Good luck

TCBDawg

Keep an eye out for a Southport 292 demo. 10'6 beam and a sweet ride with strong mix of fishability and creature comfort (yes I'm one of those guys plugging for the builder I own). I also second the Cobia 296 and Onslow Bay.

sammythetuna

Ill 3rd the Cobia recommendation... Sweet boats.

The regulators, by the way, hold value incredibly well despite being expensive. My co-worker bought a 2015 last year and just sold it for more than be bought it for...just something to consider.

rippinlips0148

From what ive seen in the market is the mid tier manufactures seem to have the best bang for buck when it comes to family/fishing functionality. Seafox, Sportsman, Cobia, Tidewater, and Sea Hunt.. The Cape Horn 31 has an amazing ride but leaves you with a lot to be desired like storage, and seating. Live well access in the leaning post is not the best. I think Cobia has the best quality and options out the above manufactures.

sugarloaf

might want to look at a calcutta 263?

seatec

Nautic Star 28XS. Dual 300's under $140K

DocHoliday

Are you talking about a traditional T Contender? I have to assume so, because a 32ST with forward seating is not even in the same conversation as the others mentioned. Doesn't matter I suppose because you cant one for $200k anyways....

If u are serious about the budget brands then you are not serious about Contender or Regulator. Buy a 30 Gamefish and save us the suspense

Ji00346

I'm talking about a traditional T with zero front seating. What makes Contender such a great boat, as opposed to these "budget brands"...other than the name? Regulator...I can see the quality and it's a great boat. Maybe I haven't spent enough time in multiple Contenders, but I don't think they ride good. They're fast.

I'm not opposed to a used 14-15 28 Regulator...or other brand. That's why I'm here asking for opinions.

MattGoose

Would you be willing to go a little older on the used boats you are looking at?

I'm not sure where you are but, to me, these are some great options:

http://www.boats.com/power-boats/201...re-cc-6093414/

http://www.boats.com/power-boats/201...ender-5048884/

http://www.boats.com/power-boats/201...30-fs-6230011/

http://www.boats.com/power-boats/201...nsole-6063785/

mikebrls

How about a 29 foot Worldcat.
Link : http://worldcat.com/models/295dc-dual-console/

dmatz23

been on almost everything, go with a Regulator 28FS and you will give it to your kids! Just as nice as they come and the ride is fantastic. Came off of a 35ST Contender that was an excellent boat as well just more fishing oriented and quite a few dollars more

sydngoose

Either an Onslow Bay 27xs or Cape Horn 31 XS : both superbad boats.

inpursuit

I was in the same situation. I wanted a fishing boat that would also make the wife and kids happy. Bought a 29 yellowfin with foward seating, which is acutally a 31ft boat. Bought it used, with motors under warranty till 2020. So under 200k. Wife and kids love it. Great for crusing around with the family or for fishing. Took the wife and kids out yesterday about 25 miles and did some fishing. Super dry ride and solid.

CapeFearRVandMarine

http://www.capefearmarine.com/defaul...=xAllInventory

DEBTICATED

2016 312 Open new

http://www.familyboatingcenters.com/...313&in-stock=1

cajflynn

You haven't mentioned where you live. Northern guys tend to prefer Regulators and Southern guys Contenders, Sea Vees and YF's.

The regulator is going to be the heaviest of the boats and will get less mileage than the others. The stepped boats will be much faster. Whichever factors appeal to you and your family will lead you in the direction you need to go.