Cheap boat

[mitown]

I have absoulutley no more than 7k to spend on a boat to go salmon fishing(columbia river)and fishing other big bodies of water. It will be used mainly for fishing. I have been thinking about a 1980's 18-22' cuddy cabin. I know bayliner sucks, what other brands suck, and what are the good brands. If you don't think a cuddy cabin is good what other kind of boats in my price range might be a good fit, thanks

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Cheap boat

Why would you want a cuddy?

I'd go for a nice 18' center console Boston whaler.

You'll have room all the way around for fishing.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Cheap boat

I have absoulutley no more than 7k to spend on a boat to go salmon fishing(columbia river)and fishing other big bodies of water. It will be used mainly for fishing. I have been thinking about a 1980's 18-22' cuddy cabin. I know bayliner sucks, what other brands suck, and what are the good brands. If you don't think a cuddy cabin is good what other kind of boats in my price range might be a good fit, thanks

A cuddy is probably not the best boat for you if fishing is your main intent. A dual console, open bow, or walkaround would better suit your needs.

As far as a good boat... well that depends on alot of factors. Even the best built boat can have a bad owner destroy it. Whereas an inexpensive boat may have a really good owner and still be worth investing in.

Do your research on the specific boat you are interested in. Creating a generalization on all boats based upon brand alone may isolate you from alot of good opprotunities.

 

[mitown]

Re: Cheap boat

Why would you want a cuddy?

I'd go for a nice 18' center console Boston whaler.

You'll have room all the way around for fishing.

I looked but i couldn't find one for 7k

 

[mitown]

Re: Cheap boat

Could someone find me a good boat for 7k,thanks

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Cheap boat

I looked but i couldn't find one for 7k

Keep looking......
You're not gonna find one of those baby's cheap in one day...or 2.
Just keep an eye out on Craig's list

 

[mitown]

Re: Cheap boat

yeah i know but could you find me a pic of the boat you think i should buy.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Cheap boat

isn't the area you want to fish, a usually rough area. seems like i heard the Columbia was rough water.

 

[mitown]

Re: Cheap boat

It can get rough at times

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Cheap boat

I agree with KW..a Center Console or a walkaround would both be better to fish from than a cuddy. Also, you seem to have your mind made up about Bayliner. And for your price range you will be looking at those years that Bayliner had problems. That Boston Whaler mentioned has a stellar reputation. I will throw out a few names of boats that I have owned or friends and family owned that were made well and aged well. All of these had conscientious owners that performed regular maintenance. Mako, Pro Line, Hydra Sports and I own a fifteen year old Renken that I recently purchased off of Craigslist. They started making boats in 1958 and were in business for a long time. I guess if you are new at this, find someone who is knowledgeable to go with you. There are marine surveyors whose work is to assess the condition of a boat.

 

[mitown]

Re: Cheap boat

What do you guys think is so bad about cuddy cabin?

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Cheap boat

What do you guys think is so bad about cuddy cabin?

There is nothing wrong with cuddys, you had hinted to the fact that fishing was your main objective and a cuddy ie not ideal for that. Cuddys are excellent day or weekend boats, there is enough room for friends and gear and a place to crash for short overnights. However, for fishing they provide little cockpit room to move in and the bow is usless as a vantage point and is generally hard to access.

Also the draft is deeper on most cuddys whereas a dedicated fishing boat is shallow for shore access. A walk around would provide the best of both worlds if you want to fish and camp on a single boat.

If yout are unsure, check a few out and go through the motions onboard. If you feel you have to compromise to make it work then it is not the boat for you. There are hundreds of configurations out there from dozens of great companies, one of em will fit your needs.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Cheap boat

isn't the area you want to fish, a usually rough area. seems like i heard the Columbia was rough water.

Where's your moniker on buying a boat?
Just asking!

 

[Dakota47]

Re: Cheap boat

look around,, take your time.. lots of good deals to be had..

 

[Mr.Stuart]

Re: Cheap boat

I go out on the clumbia quite a bit, it can be ruff at times, a 17 to 20 foot should be fine, I wouldn't go for an I/O if this is your first boat, get an outboard, Evinrude motors seem to be pretty simple to work on, I'd stay away from a cuddy simply because if this is your first boat, and you have no previous experence, your going to be looking at more boat, more up-keep, the possibilty of more problems.

for a first boat, keep it simple, enjoy your time out on the water instead of in the driveway trying to figure out what's wrong with the boat.

I just did a search on the local craigslist and put a price range in from 5,000 to 7,000 and got 151 hits, there's a lot out there, I saw some nice looking stuff in the couple of minutes I spent looking, for the money you have to spend, you should be able to come up with something pretty nice

 

[mitown]

Re: Cheap boat

Ok let me rephrase my question. What is a good walkaround for 7k

 

[jaxnjil]

Re: Cheap boat

http://westslope.craigslist.org/boa/753591512.htm
bummer the link dosnt work. its a searay just like the one in my sig. for 8300 asking price

a tad higher than you wanted but i'v been sailing on the columbia and coulee and whe the wind whips it up i'd want a good boat under me
these might not have the walk around room of the center counsels but you do have a large **** pit and good swim platform for landing.
also if your trolling they are great and are sturdy enough to mount down riggers on

 

[mitown]

Re: Cheap boat

I know its out of my price range (maybe,hopfoley not) and its a bayliner but what do you think of this

http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/boa/754721275.html

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Cheap boat

Ok let me rephrase my question. What is a good walkaround for 7k

Many manufacturers offer a walkaround layout. Some of the more reputable builds are: Robalo, Back Cove, Grady White & Wellcraft. Intrepid, Pro Line, and Sea Fox also build a walkaround although I dont know much about them. Im sure there are many other companies who offer a walkaround but those listed seem to be the most popular (in the size you are looking for).

Remember, used is used, and even the best boat new doesnt necessarily make the best boat used. Do some thorough research before diving into anything.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Cheap boat

....heres a thought, instead of looking for a brand, look for a suitable boat in very good condition. Any brand can be crap if it wasn't maintained.
Good Luck, you might need it.
BP