What 25' Center Console

I need some advice as I cant find any reviews on the net. I am looking at 4 different used center console, open fishermen boats but I am not familiar with the brands in this size. The 4 boats are all used 2001 25', Dusky, Angler, Cobia and Century. I would appreciate any advice as to which of the four is a better boat. I will be using offshore and it's usually 3 feet upwards.

Thanks in advance

Re: What 25' Center Console

they are all good boats. what are the power plants of each.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old.

Re: What 25' Center Console

May i also add sir: fresh water used is always better than salt water used.

A fresh water used 10 year old boat is better then a 3 year saltwater used boat any day, any way.

Just my inexpert opinion of course.

Re: What 25' Center Console

Chief, i can agree with that in most cases. but just because a motor is fresh water, does not mean it has had the proper maintainance, the salt water had.

Re: What 25' Center Console

tashasdaddy said:

Chief, i can agree with that in most cases. but just because a motor is fresh water, does not mean it has had the proper maintainance, the salt water had.

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Thanks guys for all your advice, however, I was eluding to the quality, ride, etc of these boats. They are all the same configuration and all outboards, just wanted to know if there was any that I should stay away from based on past experiences with the brand? Poor design, structure, ride, etc.

Thanks

Re: What 25' Center Console

All were probably good boats when new. The important thing now is which received the better care/maintenance. The care that the previous owner gave is much more important than the builders reputation. I would much rather have a well-maintained "entry level" or "second tier" boat than a boat that was top quality when new, but has been beat and abused by the previous owner. That said, you will need to sea-trial the boats to see which one rides and handles the way you want it to. Ride and handling is very subjective, what may seem great to me may be totally unacceptable to you. Outboard size and installation will also be a factor. A boat that rides and handles great with twin 200's may be unacceptable (to you)with a single 350 or vice-versa. Don't put too much faith in "boat tests". First, all boats test great, and second, how will the boat perform under the way that I use it, not the way some Yahoo tests it. Go for a sea trial and pick the boat that suits you best!