[masterp]

I'm currently trying to decide on a make and modle for a family fishing/pleasure craft. We're not heavey water sports people but enjoy and occasional tow behind a boat. I'm the fisherman in the family, my son enjoys it but is not as addicted as I. We live in Maine and am looking for something that will give me a little protection from the weather so I can stay fishing longer. We live along the coast, we're a family of three but may like to bring friends on occasion. This boat will primarily be used for ocean fishing 2-3 miles out with occasional jaunts up to 20 miles out and on our large fresh water lakes like Sabago and Moosehead. My vehicle is rated for towing up to 5200lbs. I'd like to be able to tow it but may end up putting it on a mooring or slip. Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!

[Bob in Calif.]

One of my boats is an older Campion Cutty Cabin, with a removable soft Bimini top. It has been excellent in all kinds of weather. I use it in San Francisco Bay, the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. The top has worked out great by keeping the rain or sun off of me, depending where I am. The Cutty Cabin is nice, as I have a porta potty inside. That alone can be worth it's weight in gold. ...Bob in Calif...

[masterp]

Thanks Bob! I've been looking at cuddy cabins for the same reason you mentioned...the porta potty. I good get my wife out more often if I had one available. There are so many different models that it's confusing. I've seen many boats I like, but seeing them with out the Bimini on, they look a little exposed.

[Mumblerone]

Keep in mind...those Center Console boats have 'heads' too.

[Bond-o]

5200lbs. should get you into a real nice 21' to 23' cuddycabin, V8, I/O, etc.... if you "slip" it, Hell, the Sky is the Limit....It comes down to $$$$$$$$bayliners are inexpensive...?....Grady-Whites Cost abit More....Boston Whalers are to be Dreamed about.....That said;Remember, you get what you Pay for.....

[masterp]

Remember that the 5200lb limit means boat, motor and trailer. I haven't priced any of these yet but I'm afraid of sticker shock.k.k.k.k. What type of price range is the Bayliner line. I also noticed some nice boats called Trophy. I assume they are made by Bayliner. Are they any good. One Dealer in New Hampshire is offering some nice deals on the trophy line, but not knowing much about it....how do I know it's really a deal.

[Bob in Calif.]

MASTERP.......One thing you might want to consider is...how DRY will the ride be in rough water? If you are in water that gets "close chop", (when the swells are close together and caping from the wind), like we get on S.F. Bay on a windy day, that could be a factor in your choice. Butttt rain coats are fairly inexpensive. ...Bob in Calif...

[masterp]

I'd like a boat that has some kind of cabin structure with an open back. That doesn't seen to be a very popular design. But there may be times when it close to freezing that I want to get out on the water and my body is starting to feel it's age at a ripe old 43. I've been known to take my small aluminum out when we had to chip ice off the seats on opening day (April 1st-for fresh open water here in Maine). I know binimi tops are quite popular but do they really hold up that well. I'll just keep popping around the internet until I see something I like. Has anyone heard of Scout before? There Dorado looks interesting, but than again I'd have to put a Binimi on it for cover. http://www.scoutboats.com/models.asp?id=2

[Fly Rod]

Have you looked at the Parker 25' deep v with a cabin? Ithink the hull is 18 degrees, comes with a thru hull toilet,v shape bunks. Grady Whites in the 22-24' walk around cuddy deep v toilet.Both these boats cost about $40,000.00 new with outboard motor.Eastern boats out of New hampshire.that's a nice boat also.These boats are in the 4000lb class,add about 510lbs for a 2stroke 60-80lbs more for a 4 stroke. When figuring a trailer add the above weight plus another 1000lbs for gas,anchor, etc. I like to go a little bigger with the trailer load capacity. So a trailer rated for 7000lbs will coast you about $3500.00-$4000.00 for an aluminum bunk trailer. a roller trailer up this way will cost about $5000.00 Fishing just 2-3miles off shore, a good GPS with c- charts will get you back in case of fog. Going off shore you need radar, Furuno 16 mile range is good and cost about$1400.00. Caught in the fog off shore you want to see what you may be colliding with.Center console boats, I like the 26' Dusky,excellent sea boat. Cost about $32,000.00 with a 225 2stroke outboard. Add the extras above plus add about$2500.00 for a 5'x7' t-top Slip vs. mooring? Slip is better Mooring is ok. There are other good boats out there. We could be here all nite talking boats.

[Bond-o]

Trophy seems to be the Best boat, that ever wore the bayliner name....No matter What boat you decide on, You DO Want a bimini for it..... Mine's been on 24/7 for over 5yrs. i see at least another year or two left in it....that Scout doesn't look Anything like a Trophy..??... it's a little short for 20 mile runs out, isn't it ?? i've found that once you get over 21' the boat rides Much better... Coarse, 23' rides even Better.......

[Boatist]

MasterpTrophy is the best boat Bayliner ever made. To be honest I like the first year or two they came out best. Trophy rides very nice off shore and would be fine for that 20 mile trip off shore. Made a few fishing trips in a 22 with friends with seas 8 feet every 8 seconds. Ruff ride but dry except very back from spray. Main thing I did not like about that boat is when the wind picks up into the 30 MPH range Trophy does catch a lot of wind and has a fast drift, will have to run a kicker and back into the wind and swell or go in if fishing over about 100 feet. Even with 2 lb wieghts at 350 feet and 33 MPH wind could only drop to bottom bounce about 3 times then reel up. Ladies will like it.Another boat I like for a light wieght offshore boat is Crestliner Eagle. http://www.crestliner.com/boat_info/...del.asp?BID=26 Both boat better for offshore than pulling a tube. The crestliner is Aluminum all welded with a 20 year hull warranty and gets better fuel mileage.

[masterp]

Hey Boatist, thanks for that Crestliner link. I really likes the looks of it. I'm guessing that the inboard will give it more stability due to the weight being forward versus an outboard. I had a freind with an aluminum that he used in Saco Bay and traded because it was "too bouncey". It was too light and he really felt the wakes from other boats. I like the Trophy line. I don't see us sleeping over night. My main objective is a head. Crestliner looks good too!

[Boatist]

MasterpThe Trophy does ride better, it wieghts more than the Crestliner. I have a old 1980 20.5 foot Crestliner Nordic. We do a lot of offshore fishing and go out as far as 26 miles to Cordell Banks fishing area. We just have to check forcast and pick a nice day. My boat rides ruffer than the Eagle as they made a hull change in latter years. The change made it ride better and dryer. Still it is aluminum and weight is less so will tend to go over waves instead of thru waves. When sea get real big you have to slow down. Over is better than under. We love our Crestliner and it should last forever as no stringer to rot. We been looking for a bigger boat for years but it has to be exactly what we want or will stay with our boat. Worst condition we been in is 9 foot swells every 6 seconds. Very ruff but dry and safe. We will not launch boat if swells over 8 feet or less than 8 sec, instead the wife does the site seeing thing or we go to the beach. The 22 foot Trophy is a nice boat. My friends does use more fuel but then his boat is longer wider heavier and has a V8. Mine is just a 4 Cylinder 140 hp but about the same speed.

[Capn Mike]

When I was shopping for a 21-23' WA, it came down to the Trophy and the Seaswirl Striper. Both are made near here, both about the same price. I preferred the 2300 Striper...better quality, I think... and have never been sorry. It handles some nasty chops much better than the same sized Trophy in the slip next to mine. I don't think I/O vs. OB (I have a 200 Johnson) will make a bit of difference, though; both will be susceptible to "bow blow;" it's in the nature of this style boat.I eschewed the hardtop as did the Trophy guy: the softtop with curtains (standard on the both) is actually more waterproof, and no less weather resistant. I was out on the Columbia River last month (ugly wind, wicked chop, 34 degrees), and was warm and toasty with the heater on. Yesterday, the temp was 55, still windy, but the top/curtains provide a good greenhouse effect and we were actually taking off clothes.I see in Boat Trader that an outfit in Ontario (McDonalds) has new/old 21' & 23' Stripers for a pretty good price. Don't know how close they are to you, but I would take the Striper first.Of course, I'm biased!

[masterp]

Thanks Capn Mike. It's funny you should mention the Sea Swirl. I came across one in the local ads for $18,500.00. It's a 1998 21' with a 1997 Ocean Runner Ob and 1997 loadrite Trailer. I checked out the discriptions and photographs on the net and the Striper and Trophy look very similar to me. Do you know what the hull warranty is on a Striper and is it transferable? Trouble is I never purchacsed a boat of this size and I'm a little reluctant to buy one used.

[iwhitevt]

flyrod mentioned the parker pilothouse boats- maycraft also makes an almost identical boat with a slightly lower price tag. i have one of their center consoles and have been very happy with mine. one thing to consider- they don't come as well equiped as some of the other boats- but that also leaves you more freedom to customize.

[DJ]

masterp,There have been several boat brands mentioned here.In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a Scout.The Trophy is an entry level fishing rig.Crestliners are fine boats. They are aluminum and thus lighter. You can get more boat and stay well within your 5K tow limit.

[Capn Mike]

My Seaswirl came with a 10-year hull warranty, and it is transferable. Why don't you contact them direct? (see http://www.seaswirl.com/inside/boats.html) I found the factory people to be very helpful. I liked the Striper better than the Trophy because it was finished off better, handled ugly water better and seemed more of a "quality" boat. I have no experience with Scout, which appears to be an east-coast only brand. We see a few Crestliners here, but mostly in the smaller boats; in longer boats, Crestliner hulls are thinner (.125 hull)vs. most other brands made in the PacNW (most are .25- 1/4" hulls). On the other hand, I presume Crestliners are not as expensive.

[Bobby Powell]

Dont forget to take into consideration fuel, gear, ICE, Beer,and fish to your tow limit!!!!!

[masterp]

Boats. Boats. Boats. There are just to many choices! But thanks too Bob, Mumblerone, Flyrod, Bondo, Boatist, Captn Mike, Iwhitevt, djihns19 and Mike Powell I should be able to come to some conclusions. First, I now have more faith in a bimini top. They seem to hold out the weather and provide warmth while being able to be rolled back when the weather is good. As far as a head is concern they're available in both center consoles and cuddies. I feel my weight should max out about 1000lbs less that towing capacity to allow for gear, water, bait and accessories. And as far as lines go.....I seem to be leaning towards Scout, Trophy or Seaswirl. I'm still undecided as far as I/O or OB, but am leaning towards a fiberglass hull. Thanks for all the help and I'll be checking the post for any last minute comments! God Bless and Happy New Year to all!

[magster65]

I had an 83 Sea Ray weekender (merc. V8) that would've met your criteria. 22.5', large cabin, kitchenette, heat, soft top, trailer / brakes and it cruised nicely. It sold for $19k Can. (about $12k. USD I think) I would recommend one... I like those Sea Swirl's that Mike mentioned too, a friend has one and they have a good ride and nice lines to 'em.

[Fly Rod]

Boats today cost more then my first house back in 1972. Boats depreciate---Houses apreciate. Why would anyone want a boat? Avery good friend of mine who used his boat a couple of times and paid for dockage and storage fiqured he would be ahead of the game if he sold his boat and just charted one 4or5 times asummer. Keep in mind that in alot of States trailers rated over 3000 lbs. must have brakes.

[masterp]

Thanks Flyrod. My state is one of those. And it's really a good idea. My Savana is 8000 lbs when it's loaded with gear and most likely could stop a boat in the 5000lb range; but my Sonoma weights much less. I really don't know much about trailer brakes but agree with the laws. One of my friends was seriously injured when a trailer being towed by a WWII Wiley jeep flipped over when they started to head down a steep grade. Brakes on a trailer are as important as brakes on your car when pulling a heavey load!

[11 footer]

A 17' boston whaler montauk would be great for you.11

[masterp]

What type of seating Does it have. Can you get one with a head? And I'm a little afraid to ask of the price. I've always thought a Boston Whaler cut through the water better than any other boat but I'm afraid of the price tag. Of course you get what you pay for!